No claims discount protection for vandalism victims

Direct Line, UK car insurer is preserving no claims discount for customers who fall victim to vandals. New and existing customers with comprehensive cover will have this extra peace of mind from January 2008 at no extra cost.

This enhanced benefit will help to put drivers minds at ease in the event that they become a victim of vandalism. Last year, 7% of car owners experienced some form of deliberate damage to their car. Car owners who live in terraced houses (10%) and flats (9%) are more likely to experience vehicle vandalism, as they often do not have the luxury of a garage or a secure driveway to park their car.

Direct Line customers will be safe in the knowledge that there will be no impact on their no claims discount if they become a victim of car vandalism. The added benefit covers against common damage such as cars being keyed and more substantial crimes such as slashed tyres and car graffiti.

Tony Chilcott, a spokesperson for Direct Line, commented, “Unprovoked damage to your car is frustrating and distressing enough, without having the added worry of paying for the damage. Direct Line’s enhanced benefit gives customers added protection at no extra cost and at no risk to their no claims discount.”

Just under a third of incidents of vandalism have been reported to the police (32%) as victims felt authorities would not take action. However, now people with a comprehensive Direct Line policy have a solution. Anyone experiencing the wilful or malicious destruction or defacement of their car must report the crime to the police and be assigned a crime reference number to make a claim.

Chilcott continued, “The likelihood of your car being vandalised rises significantly if it is left unattended for five hours or more. However, for the majority of people this is unavoidable due to long days in the office or being away from home. Direct Line customers will now get a good deal better and peace of mind if they’re unlucky enough to experience acts of vandalism to their car.”