A “frostjacking” alert has been issued for drivers as they attempt to de-ice their cars this weekend.
An insurance expert has warned that people who leave the keys in the ignition as they run their heaters to clear the ice from the front and wind screens could lose their cover.
And, in extreme cases, these same drivers could find themselves at risk of being fined for running their engines if they pop inside rather than sitting at the wheel.
Insurance experts at Tempcover say frostjacking targets unsuspecting motorists warming up their cars, “making a common winter routine a potential safety and insurance nightmare”.
The firm’s Claire Wills-Mckissick said: “Many drivers faced with an icy windscreen might feel it’s more convenient to start their engines and leave their cars running while they dash back inside to get ready.
“However, this practice not only increases the risk of your car being stolen, but it could also leave you without insurance coverage.”
She also noted that leaving a vehicle unattended while the engine is running can break the law.
“The Highway Code requires that drivers maintain control of their vehicle at all times while the engine is running. If a vehicle is left running on a public road unattended, it may constitute a legal violation, potentially leading to fines,” she said.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 bans drivers from leaving an engine on when not needed. Rule 123 of the Highway Code states “you must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road”.
Drivers breaking this rule could face a fine upwards or £20, or £80 in areas of London, the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations of 2002 say.
Ms Wills-McKissing said: “Leaving a vehicle unattended, even for a few minutes, can result in invalidated insurance claims if the car is stolen. Most insurance policies contain a ‘keys exclusion’ clause, meaning you won’t be covered if your vehicle is taken while the keys are in the ignition.”
She added: “During the cold winter months, opportunistic car thieves take advantage of drivers who leave their cars idling to defrost.
“It’s crucial to stay inside your vehicle while it warms up to ensure you are in control and to deter would-be thieves from committing frost-jacking.”
To stay safe and legally compliant while defrosting your car, she recommends planning ahead and never leaving the car unattended.
