Driving expert warns of defrosting mistake that could cost your insurance

17 January 2023 , 06:00

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A driving expert has claimed that the simple habit could be costly (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Once again, Brits are preparing to face flurries of snow as temperatures begin to plummet across the country. Unfortunately, these icy temperatures can have a big impact on your driving.

While there are no rules against driving in wintry weather, drivers might make simple mistakes that could invalidate their insurance. Specialist Insurance manager Matthew Stokes from Motorcycle Insurance has detailed vital mistakes that could compromise your insurance and important ways to stay safe while driving in freezing conditions.

He warns leaving your motor unattended while it defrosts - a popular method among drivers - could invalidate your insurance should something happen to your vehicle.

They warned people not to leave their car unattended while it defrosts (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He explains: "Driving in winter is challenging for many, and it's unsurprising it can knock someone's confidence when even a little ice or snow surfaces.

"Whilst it is not illegal to drive in bad weather, drivers can have their policies suspended due to a number of reasons, including leaving a car unattended whilst switched on or forgetting to clean the snow off the windscreen, number plate and roof.

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"With cold weather and snow predicted this winter, people should be very careful if they have to venture out in bad weather and should only do so if absolutely necessary.

"Drivers should pay close attention to the advice given to their local area and see how the emergency services are affected by the snow, particularly when there is a red warning.

"A red warning does not mean that your insurance will be invalid if you drive, but it could be if you are not driving within the law."

Ensuring drivers how to stay safe on the road, Matthew encourages motorists not to leave their cars unattended.

Although it may seem like a quick method to warm your car up without you having to freeze inside it, it's known as 'frost jacking'.

This means that criminals have a better chance of stealing your car.

Matthew explains : "If you have not taken 'reasonable car' to prevent your car from being stolen then your insurance might not cover you".

Rule 123 of the Highway Code states: "You must not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road."

Therefore, defrosting your frosted windscreen by leaving the engine and heating on is actually against the law.

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