De-icing your car – beware of ‘frost-jackers’
With the big freeze set to continue, waking up to a frozen car looks set to become an all too familiar experience for British motorists this winter. But while de-icing a vehicle may seem like nothing more than an inconvenient addition to the morning routine, the careless habits of car owners could mean that they become a victim of a crime known as ‘frost-jacking'.
According to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, 42% of UK motorists leave their vehicle unattended with the engine running, while they return indoors to wait for the windscreen to clear. This leaves car thieves or ‘frost-jackers' with the perfect opportunity to jump in the vehicle and drive off the moment the car owner is out of sight.
Worryingly, motorists are either unaware of the risks or simply believe that it couldn't happen to them. One in ten (11%) admit that the threat of car theft never even crosses their mind when they leave their car de-icing. A further 8% dismiss the risk due to the fact that they only leave the car for a short space of time, while an over-confident 41% think that their car will be safe because they keep an eye on it from inside their home.
However, many are absolutely aware of the risks, but are still prepared to take the chance just to save time. In fact, 16% of motorists have left their car alone de-icing despite knowing the risks and admitting to being concerned about the safety of their car.
Motorists who do fall victim to ‘frost-jacking' could find the consequences to be severe. Insurers are likely to be unsympathetic to a car owner who has abandoned their vehicle with the engine running (whatever the circumstances). If they refuse to pay the claim the driver could potentially be left without a car and with no means of recouping the cash for the loss. In addition, drivers who keep the engine running while the vehicle is stationary for an unacceptable period of time could even face an on-the-spot ‘idling' fine of up to £40 under anti-pollution laws.
However the threat of car theft isn't the only concern. Other careless de-icing habits could result in a serious financial headache or could even cause the driver or other road users serious harm. A whopping 45% of motorists admit that they have set off on a frosty morning without having 100% visibility. Aside from being a potential hazard to other road users, if a motorist's vision is obscured through ice or snow they could also face a hefty fine of up to £1,000 for driving with restricted vision
Using makeshift ice-scrapers can also be a shortcut too far. The research reveals credit/debit cards and CD cases to be the tools of choice for clearing an icy windscreen for 20% and 8% of motorists respectively, although some drivers even resort to cardboard, kitchen utensils, a glasses case and even an umbrella! Using makeshift scrapers can cause damage to the windscreen and paintwork. Again this can result in the driver having to foot the bill for repairs so it is always advisable to use a proper scraper and/or de-icer product.
Mark Monteiro, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, comments: "Leaving your car unlocked with the engine running is an open invitation to opportunist thieves. The icy weather provides the perfect climate for car thieves to target unattended cars and motorists must take every precaution to avoid becoming a victim of ‘frost-jacking'. It may be tempting to stay inside in the warm while leaving your car alone to de-ice, but insurers are likely to take a dim view on a claimant who has left themselves vulnerable to crime in this way. If your insurer refuses to pay out you could be left footing the bill for a new car on your own.
"Using a proper windscreen scraper and de-icer spray is the most sensible way of clearing an icy windscreen. It is vital that you have complete visibility before setting off on a journey. Getting up that little bit earlier on a frosty morning to adequately prepare the car is a small price to pay for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users."