Telematics car insurance news - Fuel and catalytic converter theft on the rise

Car insurance news - Even telematics insurance can't prevent fuel thieves

Amid rising prices of fuel and car insurance quotes, many motorists are switching to telematics car insurance which gives a quote based on the safety of the policy holder's driving habits. However, according to reports, thieves may be costing car owners more money over the winter months.

The AA, as well as other insurance providers and car rescue services, has reported an increase in thefts of fuel and catalytic converters. Although thieves have been mainly targeting commercial vehicles, increasing numbers of domestic cars are also being affected.

Officers from the AA are reportedly being called out about once a week to deal with cars which have been damaged due to fuel theft – methods of stealing fuel include cutting through fuel lines, removing petrol tanks, smashing open fuel caps, and sometimes, drilling into tanks and pumping out the contents.

Catalytic converters have also been targeted as they contain valuable metals which thieves can then sell on to scrap dealers.

Insurance company representatives are advising motorists to use garages wherever possible, or, alternatively, to park their cars in well-lit areas where thieves are less likely to tamper with vehicles.

Drivers who have chosen to take out a telematics car insurance policy benefit from a tracking system fitted within their vehicle which means that the car is more likely to be recovered in the event that it is stolen.