'Improve security' says car insurance provider

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Britons need to increase their security habits regarding their motor vehicles, according to new research from car insurance provider AA Insurance.

The AA Insurance Under Lock and Key research, carried out by the car insurance and breakdown specialists, shows that nine per cent of Britons regularly keep their car keys in their cars, a worrying statistic for all car insurance providers.

"Thieves are turning to more ingenious ways to steal keys such as hooking them off a hall table or key rack by 'fishing' through the letterbox, so keep keys well away from the front door," said Kevin Sinclair, AA Insurance's managing director.

"And, what's even more amazing, is the large number of people who literally offer an open invitation to thieves by leaving their cars unlocked, unattended and with the keys in the ignition – and even with the engine running on frosty mornings!"

The alarming approach to security that the car insurance survey mentions was most apparent in Scotland, where 38 per cent store their car keys in their cars and 65 per cent saying they leave their keys in the car whilst it heats up on a frosty morning.

Mr Sinclair also mentions that many people do not realise that car insurance companies will look upon claims from people with lax security unfavourably, as they contribute to the nationwide statistic of one car stolen every 60 seconds.