Car owners at risk of identity theft

24 April 2008

Research highlights risk of leaving sensitive documents in vehicles

Car owners could be exposing themselves to a higher risk of identity fraud by leaving sensitive documents in their car, and in full view, according to research by Direct Line Car Insurance.

In a survey conducted by the insurance provider, ten per cent of those questioned admitted to forgetting to remove sensitive documents such as statements and bills from view. These documents could prove to be ideal pickings for identity thieves.

Additionally, 12 per cent estimated that the value of possessions they left on their front or rear seats amounted to more than £350.

Six per cent of respondents admitted to sometimes forgetting to lock their car altogether.

Jennifer Culley, spokesperson for Direct Line Car Insurance, gave this advice: “Car owners need to think twice before they lock up and walk away from their vehicles to ensure they are not leaving valuables or sensitive documents on display.”