- 06
- Nov
While many Britons may be feeling the pinch at the moment, one car insurer has warned that failing to keep their possessions secure could end up putting their finances under further strain.
According to LV=, approximately a quarter of UK motorists have had their car broken into in recent months, with the group insisting that motorists may be driving this proportion higher due to a failure to make sure that valuables are kept out of sight or are removed from the vehicle. Research from the group indicated that as many as 80 per cent of UK motorists have left possessions for all to see in their car, with CDs being the most commonly displayed item. Some 55 per cent of respondents to the LV= study said they had left music on display while they were away from their car. However, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) may be putting themselves at greater risk by leaving expensive devices such as mobile phones on show.
The car insurance provider went on to claim that men are particularly negligent when it comes to removing valuable items, with a typical 380 pounds worth of possessions left inside vehicles owned by males. The national average was said to stand at 283 pounds.
For those who lack a robust car insurance policy, it is possible that they will have to dip into savings or apply for a personal loan in order to replace such items. This in turn could have a negative impact on their ability to make other payments such as mortgage contributions or electricity bills.
To avoid such a scenario, LV= warned that drivers should be particularly vigilant when leaving their car unattended in a residential area as this was found to be the most likely spot for a break-in to take place. Indeed, it noted that 40 per cent of such thefts occur when a vehicle is parked outside the owners home. Meanwhile, the group claimed that while many people perceive car parks as being crime hotspots, less than a tenth (nine per cent) of break-ins occur on this type of premises.
Emma Holyer, spokesperson for LV= Car Insurance, said: “These figures show a casual attitude amongst motorists when it comes to leaving their belongings in their car. The fact is that most car break-ins are by opportunist thieves who would probably not bother to break into the car if it looked as though it didnt contain anything to steal. Some car insurance policies will cover contents so motorists should ensure they have this cover so that if the worst happens they are not out of pocket. However, to avoid the hassle of having your car broken into, wed advise people not to leave any visible valuables in their car in the first place.”
For those who are looking for a new vehicle, taking out a car loan may prove an effective way to meet the cost. Indeed, this type of loan may also be useful in purchasing additional extras such as steering locks, immobilisers and alarms to act as a deterrent to intruders. Investing in such devices may be particularly important for those who are heading off to university after LV= last month warned that cities such as Manchester and London have the highest levels of car crime in the UK.
All About Loans providing you with breaking car loans news.
