Motorists are being warned they may not be covered if their vehicle is stolen if left unattended to defrost with the keys in the ignition.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said motor insurance policies may exclude theft where keys are left in the ignition, and all will expect policyholders to take reasonable care. The association said people should not leave their vehicle unattended, even for just a minute, with the keys in the ignition while it defrosts.
Jonathan Fong, manager, general insurance policy at the ABI said: "While it might be very tempting to stay in the warm while your vehicle defrosts, leaving your vehicle unattended is an open opportunity for thieves looking for easy targets in freezing temperatures. "It is always safer to brave the cold for a short while, than risk your vehicle being stolen."
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Sefton Police issued a statement on Facebook last month warning of a similar practice happening locally. They called the crime "frost-jacking"
At the time, they said: "Never leave car engines running and cars unattended when de-icing. Make sure you have de-icer and a scraper the night before a frost, or use the warm water in a bag trick and defrost your car before starting the engine and getting into your car. Give yourself the extra time in the morning and avoid the risk of having your car 'frost-jacked'."
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