Insurers and brokers are being alerted to the growing number of car and key thefts in the UK as it highlights the need for insurance cover.
Key recovery and assistance specialist Keycare said the number of claims made for lost or stolen keys has increased by 3% in a year. The company said a recent study by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) attributed the rise to the carelessness of key owners.
Keycare said the SMMT survey discovered that 43% of UK drivers in the past month had left their car keys with someone they did not know.
At home, many drivers also admitted leaving their car keys in clear view or close to the front door, leaving them at risk of being stolen.
“The findings by the SMMT supports our own claims experience with the number of claims we have received for key theft continuing to rise,” said Keycare chief executive David Robertson.
“These findings highlight the need for brokers and insurers to offer customers key insurance,” he added.
Robertson said they have seen a “big increase” in the number of providers, including leading insurers, brokers and retailers, which are now providing key insurance as part of their customer loyalty and retention strategies.
“With thefts on the up and the high cost of replacing and re-coding motor keys, it’s not surprising that consumers see key insurance as a valuable add-on,” Robertson said.
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