Drivers risk invalidating insurance by leaving cars running unattended this winter 

The crime known as ‘frost-jacking’ is usually an opportunist crime when thieves see an unattended unlocked car, typically with the keys in the ignition, as drivers wait elsewhere to thaw out frosted windows and warm up cars on cold winter days.  

Alicia Hempsted, a car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Car owners need to be aware that leaving their vehicle unattended on frosty mornings can not only make them an easy target for thieves, but they also run the risk of their insurance company not covering the theft. 

“Most car insurance policies include a ‘keys in car’ exclusion clause. This means if your car is stolen while the engine is running and unattended, you won’t be covered.

"It’s a costly mistake, so always stay with your vehicle when defrosting and preparing it for driving. If time is an issue, you may want to invest in a good ice scraper and de-icer, or get yourself a windscreen cover to protect your car windows overnight and keep them frost-free . 

“Remember, a few extra minutes in the morning can save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.” 

This warning comes as the UK faces a significant cold snap this week. The Met Office has issued multiple warnings for snow and ice, with temperatures expected to drop well below average across the country 

Northern Scotland is particularly affected, with snow and ice warnings in place. Meanwhile, southern England, the Midlands, and eastern Wales are also experiencing icy conditions. 

Commuters are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions and to ensure their vehicles are fully de-iced before setting off. 

The law: 

It is crucial for drivers to properly de-ice and demist all windows before setting off. 

Rushing through this process can lead to partially defrosted windscreens, which is not only dangerous but also against the law.  

Rule 229 of the Highway Code mandates that all snow and ice must be cleared from windows before driving. Failure to comply can result in a £60 fine and poses a significant risk to other road users. 

What to do if your car is stolen  

Car theft has remains at a 15-year high, as figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show almost 130,000 vehicles are stolen in the UK every year. This equates to 350 vehicles stolen every day. 

If your car is stolen, you should report it to the police by calling 101.   

Remember to have your registration number and the make, model and colour of your car to hand. Ask the operator to transfer you to your local station.  

The police will inform the DVLA and give you a crime reference number which you’ll need to provide to your insurance provider.  

Armed with your car insurance policy number and crime reference number, call your insurer to start the insurance claim process.  

Once your claim is finalised and your insurance provider has paid out, you’ll have to contact the DVLA. At this point, you no longer own the car because it belongs to the insurance company.  

The DVLA will update their records and refund any remaining vehicle tax.  

Does car insurance cover stolen vehicles?  

The average fully comprehensive car insurance policy in November 2024 is £578.84 a year, according to MoneySuperMarket Car Insurance data. 

Whether car theft is covered by your insurance will depend on the type of cover you have.  

If you have the most basic insurance, third party only, you won’t be covered. However, you will be covered with a fully comprehensive and third-party fire and theft (TPFT) policy.  

Even with fully comprehensive insurance and TPFT, there are certain circumstances where your insurance might not pay out.

For example, if you leave your car unattended on the street with the engine running to de-ice your car and it gets stolen, you won’t be covered.