Recent research has found that compared to people over the age of 45, drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 were more likely to leave valuables in their car while they were unattended. The place that 50% of the age group is more likely stash their valuables is in the glove box of their vehicle.
As well as leaving their valuables in the car, 70% were unaware of whether their car insurance covered the items hidden out of sight when the car is not occupied and is left unattended. It is advisable to check the details of your car insurance policy if you are one of those people who tend to leave goods behind and don’t know whether your belongings are covered.
The most common valuables that were left included wallets, purses, mobile phones and sat navs. According to online poll specialist One poll, who conducted the survey, £112 worth of valuables were left in the glove boxes and an average of £165 worth of goods left in the boots by car owners.
Expensive items like golf clubs, laptops and sporting equipment worth much more than the average amount get left in the boots of cars. 10% of mobiles phones and sat navs are also left in the boot where as 11% of wallets and purses are frequently left inside glove boxes.
33% of drivers admitted leaving sat navs in the glove box while 22% admitted leaving there mobile phones behind, and 18% said they left their wallets and purses.
The survey revealed that more and more motorists are leaving more valuables in their cars than they are aware and One Poll advises motorists to be more cautious when leaving their cars unattended, even in shopping malls, as opportunist thieves could still strike.