Christmas gifts left at risk of theft from cars

Thousands of Christmas shoppers risk losing up to £2 billion by leaving presents they have purchased in their car whilst out shopping, according to research by SAGA insurance. Storing expensive gifts, groceries and other Christmas goodies in the car, or leaving laden vehicles unattended on seasonal journeys could increase the potential loss if the car is broken into.

SAGA’s research also shows that two in three shoppers (68%) leave receipts in the bags with the goods, making it more difficult for themselves should they need to make a claim if the items were stolen. More worryingly, thieves could simply return the purchases and profit from the refund.

Over half (63%) of people take the car to do their Christmas shopping, and 59% of these drivers are guilty of storing purchases in their cars whilst they browse, to save carrying heavily laden bags around. According to SAGA’s research, the average spend on gifts in a single trip is £150, meaning that over £2 billion of gifts are at risk each journey. Furthermore, half of all shoppers say they make up to five trips to complete their Christmas shopping.

Aside from the cost of the gifts themselves, SAGA’s data shows that the overall cost of Christmas soars once groceries and decorations have been accounted for. The average shopper spends almost £100 on groceries (excluding alcohol) on their Christmas shop, and over one in three (42%) confess to stopping off on the way home and leaving their shopping unattended in the car.

Almost half of people (45%) who spend Christmas away from home and drive to their destination also risk their gifts being stolen by leaving their vehicles unattended during their journey.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga, warns “Leaving shopping in your car may seem like a good idea at the time, but if the car is broken into or stolen many people could find the personal belongings cover on their policy woefully inadequate.”

Saga Motor Insurance offers personal belongings cover of up to £1,000 as standard, this figure is increased to £2000 throughout the festive season to ensure those travelling at Christmas are covered should their gifts be stolen.