As the cold snap takes hold and temperatures plummet, motorists are being urged not to leave their keys in the ignition of their cars and engines running while they defrost the windscreen. Those who do risk having their car stolen from under their nose and insurance invalidated.
The warning comes from leading vehicle history check and valuation specialists HPI. ‘Frost jacking’ occurs when thieves spot an unlocked car with keys in the ignition, as drivers leave vehicles running to warm up and clear icy windows.
Opportunistic car crime poses a dual threat to car owners: the potential loss of their vehicle and the risk of invalidating their insurance. HPI warns that despite the strong temptation to leave engines running unattended on chilly mornings, the theft risk is too great to overlook.
Leaving a vehicle with its engine running is especially risky, whether cars are left on private driveways or public streets, as thieves are specifically on the lookout for unsuspecting and often rushed vehicle owners during the winter months. The combination of dark mornings and freezing temperatures provides ideal conditions for opportunistic car thieves seeking easy targets.
In addition to theft risks, motorists may face legal repercussions for leaving their vehicles running unattended to defrost. Leaving a car unattended could have their insurance invalidated as most policies have a ‘keys in car’ exclusion clause, meaning that if the engine is left running whilst unattended, the insurance does not cover the vehicle.
This risky practice also contravenes regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and rule 123 of the Highway Code.
‘Engine idling’ can lead to fines between £20 and £80. Furthermore, drivers who fail to adequately clear their windscreen of ice before setting off risk incurring three penalty points on their license and a financial penalty.
Stacey Ward, senior data director at HPI, commented: “It is very tempting to leave your car’s engine running with the heaters blowing on icy, wintry mornings, but the broader risk of theft is highly likely.
“Leaving a car ticking over to warm up and defrost a windscreen in the freezing winter months can have serious financial implications. Not only is it illegal, but it also invalidates the insurance policy. Motorists could see their car stolen within minutes if they head back inside their house and leave their car, even only for a minute. That’s all it takes for a thief to spot it, jump in and drive off. And if this does happen, the owner would not have a leg to stand on legally.”
HPI identifies 109 stolen cars every day. To help motorists avoid adding to these statistics, HPI has compiled the following tips to follow on frosty mornings the next time the car needs de-icing:
-
Use de-icer: Apply it generously to the windscreen and other icy areas, allowing it to penetrate the ice before scraping.
-
Cover the windscreen the night before: If you don’t have a de-icer, another method to prevent the windscreen from freezing up is to cover it with cardboard or a dry blanket/sheet. Simply remove the covering before driving and scrape away any surrounding ice.
-
Scrape while you wait: After applying de-icer, use an ice scraper to remove the frost. This can be done while you stay with the car, ensuring it remains attended at all times.
-
Warm air method: Start the engine and turn on the heater directed at the windscreen. This can help melt the ice from the inside while you scrape from the outside. Ensure you stay with the vehicle during this process.
-
Check wipers: Before starting the car, ensure your wipers are not frozen to the windscreen. If they are, gently lift them to avoid damaging the wiper motor when turning them on.
-
Clear snow and ice: Remove any snow or ice from the roof and other surfaces of the car to prevent it from sliding onto the windscreen while driving.
Added Stacey Ward: “It is vital to not take any unnecessary, costly risks during the winter months. Taking necessary precautions limits the chance of theft or breaking the law. Always avoid leaving keys in the ignition; stay attentive and keep an eye on the vehicle while defrosting to prevent opportunistic thieves from stealing the car whilst unattended. Also, be aware that leaving the engine running on public roads can lead to fines and is considered a traffic offence, regardless of if it is icy outside or not. Following this guidance makes it easy to effectively defrost your vehicle without risking theft or breaking the law.”
Visit https://www.hpi.co.uk/