Motorists could be at risk of losing their cars and not being able to make a valid insurance claim as temperatures plummet across the country. It comes as current predictions from the Met Office predict that some parts of the UK could drop as low as -7C this week, alongside a yellow warning for ice and snow in some parts of the country.
Furthermore, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow and amber cold health alert for many parts of the country, including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and the South West. With temperatures expected to drop significantly across the country, many drivers will start their morning de-icing their car.
While many will choose to use an ice scraper or a de-icing spray, others may choose to switch on their engines and turn their heating on to allow ice and condensation to clear. However, it's important to note that ignoring some basic safety steps could lead to you not only losing your car, but also having your insurance invalidated.
If your car's windscreen and rear view window is covered in ice or condensation, especially on a particularly cold morning, you will not be able to drive with an appropriate and clear view of the road ahead. This, in turn, means that you will be at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident, as it will be harder to see any potential hazards.
Rule 229 of the Highway Code highlights that motorists must be able to see before setting off in icy or snowy weather, and thus must be clear all snow and ice from all windows. Furthermore, it notes that drivers should ensure that all mirror are clear and "windows are demisted thoroughly".
While it is perfectly fine to switch on your engine and turn on your heating to de-ice and de-mist your car, you should always remain either within or in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle while the engine is turned on. If you decide to turn on the engine, then walk away to do something else, you could become a victim of car theft.
Often referred to as 'frost jacking', car thieves can steal a person's vehicle with extreme ease when someone walks away while its defrosting, since the engine is already switched on, the doors are unlocked, and the keys are in the ignition. However, even if drivers have theft cover on their car from their insurance, they may find that they're unable to make a valid claim in this situation.
This is because most insurers will include a 'keys in car' clause in the small print of their policy, which will not allow people to make a claim for a stolen vehicle if it was left unattended while the engine is still running. It's important to note that the Road Vehicles (construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and Rule 123 of the Highway Code makes it illegal for motorists to leave their vvehicles unattended with the engine runing.
As a result, some drivers could also be fined up to £80.
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