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The over-50s insurance company Saga has urged drivers to never leave their car running whilst unattended in a bid to warm it up.<\/p>\n
As the temperatures remain low, many drivers are sharing the frustration of spending valuable minutes scraping and demisting their cars windscreen each morning.<\/p>\n
However, Ali Ingram-Seal, motoring expert at Saga, has warned motorists that leaving the engine to run while the car is unattended could see their insurance invalidated.<\/p>\n
He explained: \u201cThe majority of car insurance policies have a \u2018keys in car\u2019 exclusion clause which means that you would not be covered for theft if you left your engine running whilst your car was unattended.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could be a very costly mistake so always make sure you stay with your vehicle when defrosting the windscreen and preparing it for driving and never leave it unattended.\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE:\u00a0<\/b>UK vehicle production rises over 31 percent but more support is needed, expert warns<\/p>\n
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According to a survey published by Saga, 52 percent of UK motorists have admitted to leaving their car to warm up whilst the engine is running.<\/p>\n
Whilst this does give drivers extra time to get ready in the morning, it puts their vehicle at serious risk of being stolen.<\/p>\n
Most insurance policies will not give compensation for a stolen vehicle when the driver knowingly left the keys inside.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> However, Ali also highlighted that motorists must take the time to properly deice and demist all of their car windows before setting off.<\/p>\n He continued: \u201cPeople are often in a rush and will half defrost their windscreen and remove just enough snow to see, but rule 229 of the Highway Code says, \u2018Before you set off you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cAside from being liable for a \u00a360 fine from the police if they find your view is obstructed, it can also be very dangerous for other road users if your windscreen is still frosty, and you don\u2019t have full vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
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