Beware ‘frost-jackers’ when de-icing your car

Motorists have been warned to beware ‘frost-jackers’ when de-icing their car.

New research from uSwitch.com suggests that 42% of drivers leave their car unattended with the engine running when de-icing, with one in ten (11%) blissfully unaware of the fact that their car could be targeted by thieves while de-icing. Leaving a car in this way leaves car thieves or ‘frost-jackers’ with the perfect opportunity to jump in the vehicle and drive off the moment the car owner is out of sight.

In addition, 41% think that keeping their eye on their car from the inside of their home would be enough to prevent an opportunist thief from striking, while 16% of motorists are concerned about their car being stolen while de-icing, but leave it unattended anyway.

Furthermore, an impatient 45% of motorists admit to setting off in the morning without having 100% visibility.

According to uSwitch.com, motorists who do fall victim to ‘frost-jacking’ could find the consequences to be severe. Insurers are likely to be unsympathetic to a car owner who has abandoned their vehicle with the engine running (whatever the circumstances). If they refuse to pay the claim the driver could potentially be left without a car and with no means of recouping the cash for the loss. In addition, drivers who keep the engine running while the vehicle is stationary for an unacceptable period of time could even face an on-the-spot ‘idling’ fine of up to £40 under anti-pollution laws.

Mark Monteiro, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, said:

“Leaving your car unlocked with the engine running is an open invitation to opportunist thieves. The icy weather provides the perfect climate for car thieves to target unattended cars and motorists must take every precaution to avoid becoming a victim of ‘frost-jacking’. It may be tempting to stay inside in the warm while leaving your car alone to de-ice, but insurers are likely to take a dim view on a claimant who has left themselves vulnerable to crime in this way. If your insurer refuses to pay out you could be left footing the bill for a new car on your own.”

“Using a proper windscreen scraper and de-icer spray is the most sensible way of clearing an icy windscreen. It is vital that you have complete visibility before setting off on a journey. Getting up that little bit earlier on a frosty morning to adequately prepare the car is a small price to pay for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users.”