Motorists Are Leaving Cars Unattended While Defrosting – 2023 Study Shows
Worse still, it’s winter and temperatures are often near freezing.
Despite that, it appears drivers are cutting corners to keep warm. A January 2023 survey by B2B comparison site iCompario shows 1,000s of motorists leave their cars unattended while the vehicle defrosts.
The study UK Motorists Leave Their Car Unattended to Defrost involved 1,400 motorists from the UK. Five of the key findings are:
1. 25–35-year-olds are the age group most likely to leave their car unattended.
2. 30% of Londoners leave their vehicles unattended (alarming, given the city’s high crime rate).
3. One-in-three drivers in Wales do.
4. In Belfast, some 51% of drivers do.
5. Over 55s are the most cautious and stay with their vehicles.
Obviously, this is not something you want to be doing. It could lead to your car getting stolen. We have a guide to car theft hotspots you can read to learn where car theft is at its highest in the UK.
But another risk is you could also invalidate your car insurance.
Make sure your insurance isn’t invalidated
Remember, there’s often a clause in insurance policies making it clear you shouldn’t leave the vehicle alone with the engine running and keys in the ignition.
Check your policy and you’ll likely see it in there.
Simply put, to avoid invalidating your insurance... stay with your vehicle while it defrosts! Wear some gloves, a woolly hat, and a scarf to keep you warm while you wait. Maybe have a cup of tea ready for when you wait to keep you extra warm.
But if you need any further help with costs during these difficult times, remember to use MotorEasy’s free online account to take the hassle out of car ownership. In there, you can keep track of insurance policies, taxes, and any upcoming MOTs.
How to stay safe on winter roads
It’s often icy out on the roads, too, so it’s important you keep safe even after you’ve defrosted your car.
We have a full guide on how to check your car if safe for winter roads. But let’s break down its key elements. And remember, many of these points are direct instructions from the UK police forces:
· Remove ice and snow off your car’s lights, mirrors, and windows. It could lead to a £60 fine if you don’t.
· Regularly check defrosters and window wipers.
· Top up anti-freeze in your radiators.
· Add winter additive to windscreen washer bottles.
· Don’t drive during red weather warnings (such as snowstorms).
· Regularly check your brakes to make sure they’re working properly.
· If there’s heavy fog, drive slowly.
You should also remain vigilant about ice at all times. If it’s a cold and frosty morning, be prepared for it. Drive slowly, cautiously, and always be alert.
And if you want to step up your coverage, now’s the time to get a quote on a better car insurance deal. We make it easy for you, saving you up to £319 with the potential to also receive a free MOT.
How to stay safe on winter roads
It’s often icy out on the roads, too, so it’s important you keep safe even after you’ve defrosted your car.
We have a full guide on how to check your car if safe for winter roads. But let’s break down its key elements. And remember, many of these points are direct instructions from the UK police forces:
· Remove ice and snow off your car’s lights, mirrors, and windows. It could lead to a £60 fine if you don’t.
· Regularly check defrosters and window wipers.
· Top up anti-freeze in your radiators.
· Add winter additive to windscreen washer bottles.
· Don’t drive during red weather warnings (such as snowstorms).
· Regularly check your brakes to make sure they’re working properly.
· If there’s heavy fog, drive slowly.
You should also remain vigilant about ice at all times. If it’s a cold and frosty morning, be prepared for it. Drive slowly, cautiously, and always be alert.
And if you want to step up your coverage, now’s the time to get a quote on a better car insurance deal. We make it easy for you, saving you up to £319 with the potential to also receive a free MOT.
