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Keep your shopping under wraps from car thieves this Christmas

19th November 2014 Print

M&S Bank is urging motorists to check their car insurance policy before they hit the shops this festive period.

Research from M&S Bank reveals that the average Christmas shopper is expecting to spend £439 this year (£257 on presents and £182 on food and drink), which could be put at risk if left in an underinsured car.

On average, festive shoppers will make at least two trips to buy seasonal gifts this year. The main shopping trip for Christmas presents alone is expected to put the vehicle’s contents at approximately £164, with the average main food and drink shop likely to reach £150.

Over a quarter (27%) will put their shopping at risk by leaving it in the car. This includes taking presents back to the vehicle in between shops to reduce the amount they have to carry (18%), taking presents back to the car before going out for dinner, to the cinema or Christmas markets (5%), or keeping presents hidden in the car when they get home (3%).

Paul Stokes, Head of Products at M&S Bank, said: “It’s an exciting time of year and shopping for the festive season will be well underway for many. However, unfortunately the car can become a target for opportunistic thieves during this period and so it's important that shoppers make sure they’ve got adequate vehicle content cover in place to insure their Christmas shopping, should the worst happen."

In addition to £200 cover for personal belongings, M&S Car Insurance includes an extra £300 cover for shopping purchased in M&S stores within 24 hours of the incident occurring. This provides extra reassurance, particularly over the festive period.

Paul’s top tips for keeping shopping safe this Christmas:

Keep shopping bags covered and locked in the car boot - they could be tempting for opportunistic thieves if left visible

Don't leave expensive electrical items in view - make sure mobile phones and GPS devices are safely locked away or removed from the vehicle

Don't make it easy for thieves - be sure to fully close all windows and roof panels and always lock the vehicle, even if you're just getting a ticket for the car park

Don't leave receipts in shopping bags - so you've got them to hand should the worst happen

Check your car insurance policy - make sure you know what your policy covers