COLD SNAP: One in four motorists admit to leaving their vehicle unattended whilst it defrosts, sparks vehicle theft fears

One in four UK motorists admit to leaving their cars unattended.

Age groups 25-34-year-olds (36%) are most likely to leave cars unattended.

30% of Londoners leave their cars unattended.

Over half of Belfast drivers leave their cars unattended.

One in three motorists in Wales leave their cars unattended.

Over 55s are the most security conscious.

A January 2023 survey of 1,400 motorists revealed alarming statistics for leaving cars unattended while defrosting. 

Motorists across the UK were quizzed about defrosting habits in freezing temperatures, with many admitting they leave their vehicle unattended. Our stats showed:

• 25-34-year-olds are the most at risk, with 36% admitting they leave their vehicle unattended. 
• Conversely, with over 55s only 16% say they would do the same.

Worse still, many motorists do this in cities with noted high crime rates. 30% of responders in London said they leave their vehicle unattended. This can have serious consequences beyond vehicle theft.

Dangers of invalidating insurance

Motorists can invalidate their car insurance if they leave the vehicle unattended. That’s even if they can clearly see the vehicle. If they can’t control what happens to it, then it’s a risk.

In many insurance contracts, a clause states you cannot leave a vehicle alone with the engine running and keys in the ignition.

Police forces across the UK have issued warnings to avoid doing this. Staffordshire police force stated: “We are appealing to motorists not to leave their keys in the ignition and engines running while they defrost their windscreens following recent vehicle thefts in the county. It comes following three recent incidents on frosty mornings where people have left their car unattended, with the keys in the ignition.”

Motorists looking to defrost their vehicles safely should remain with the vehicle while it defrosts.

City	% who would leave car unattended
Belfast	53%
Birmingham	21%
Brighton	22%
Bristol	28%
Cardiff	33%
Edinburgh	23%
Glasgow	23%
Leeds	22%
Liverpool	34%
London	30%
Manchester	23%
Newcastle	27%
Norwich	36%
Nottingham	30%
Plymouth	29%
Sheffield	19%
Southampton	34%

You should also be vigilant of ice and allow extra time for journeys so you can drive at a safer (lower) speed than normal.

Kerry Fawcett, Digital Director at iCompario, commented: “The results of our survey could be seen as worrying as they show the high number of motorists choosing to leave their vehicles unattended whilst waiting for windscreens to defrost. Whilst it might be seen as a way to stay warm yourself by staying in your home whilst you wait, it’s important to recognise the risks involved. 

“During the cold snap in December, police forces warned of the dangers of leaving your car running and staying indoors and with more cold weather on the way; motorists should be cautious around continuing to do this. We all know that the few minutes waiting in the car first thing in the morning isn’t the ideal start to the day when temperatures are low, but it could be worthwhile rather than possibly becoming a victim of car theft.”

Tips for vehicle safety in winter

To defrost vehicles in freezing temperatures, and to drive safely, motorists should:

• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean from ice or snow. 
• Ensure wipers and defrosters work. 
• Add anti-freeze to radiators and winter additive to windscreen washer bottles.
• If visibility is poor, drive slowly with low beam headlights.
• Perform regular brake tests.
• Avoid driving in extreme snowfall.