Temperatures across the UK have plummeted as many drivers will have woken up to ice-covered cars this morning.
Leaving your car running to thaw ice is a popular method for motorists, but a car expert has warned this might not be wise. While there are now laws against defrosting your car in certain ways, drivers might make simple mistakes that could cost them money.
Specialist Insurance manager Matthew Stokes from Motorcycle Insurance has warned leaving your motor unattended while it defrosts could invalidate your insurance should something happen to your vehicle.
This is known as 'frost jacking', meaning criminals have a better chance of stealing your car, The Mirror reports.
He explained: "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.
"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."
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.
Matthew added: "If you have not taken 'reasonable car' to prevent your car from being stolen then your insurance might not cover you".
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
