Drivers are being urged not to leave their cars unattended during the current cold snap.
Norwich Union has warned that drivers may find they are not covered by their insurance if their cars are stolen after leaving their keys in the ignition when heating up their vehicles.
Norwich Union motor product development manager Richard Alger said: "It's very tempting in these awful freezing conditions to leave your car engine running to warm it up and defrost while you nip back indoors to finish your cup of tea.
"Although the thought of sitting in a freezing car while it warms up may seem like the worst in the world, it's a lot better than emerging from your front door to find your car gone.
"And there is likely to be even worse news when you find out that your insurer will not cover your loss, because you left the car unattended with the keys in the ignition."
