Do You Carry Your Closet In Your Car?

Do You Carry Your Closet In Your Car?
by Alex Gregory

Female motorists are putting themselves at risk by carrying an excessive amount of personal items in their vehicles.

Research by Sheila's Wheels shows an average of £129 worth of personal items are left in cars on a daily basis by female motorists - with 38 per cent of women drivers admitting to leaving four personal items in their car and 18 per cent leaving seven or more.

Leaving personal belongings unattended in a car increases the chances of a break-in by opportunist thieves who could force a lock or smash a window. This in turn could lead to an expensive auto insurance claim that could wipe-out or reduce a no-claims bonus and increase annual premiums.

It's not just the increased risk of theft that female motorists should be aware of, however. More than 189,000 women have been injured in a crash as a result of being hit by a loose object.

The items most commonly carried in cars range from clothing (27 per cent) to shoes (35 per cent) and books (39 per cent). However, female drivers should be especially wary of clearing up their clutter as ten per cent have had an accident or 'near-miss' due to stray items rolling beneath their pedals. The most common include empty drink bottles, deodorant cans, food packaging, lipstick and hairbrushes.

Consequently, female drivers should regularly clear out their vehicles and be careful to leave any personal possessions out of sight to discourage thieves.

Women should check their auto insurance too, to see how much personal possessions cover is included in their policy. Most insurers will offer cover for around £200 worth of items.