Coming of the frost will see theft claims rise, says BIBA

As millions of motorists start to spend mornings defrosting their vehicles at this time of year, the number of theft claims rise as cars are left unattended, according to the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA).

Technical and corporate affairs executive at BIBA, Graeme Trudgill, has advised car owners to stay with their vehicles while defrosting them.

He pointed out that any theft claims made following such an incident could be contentious as it could be argued by insurers that due car was not taken.

"People are doing the sensible thing by defrosting – they don’t want to drive away with a small gap in the windscreen.

"But, of course, by then going back in the house and leaving the car, don’t expect it to be insured.

"Insurers will be quite unlikely to pay because there will be an argument that you haven’t taken reasonable care. It could be contentious when it comes to claim time."

Sainsbury’s Bank estimated that a possible 121,730 households could have become victims of ‘frosting’ between 2000 and 2005.