Worst postcodes for car vandalism revealed

• Worst UK postcodes for car vandalism include streets in Edinburgh, Bristol and Nottingham
• More than a quarter (27 per cent) of UK drivers’ cars have been intentionally vandalised
• Katie Hopkins and Piers Morgan are the celebrities Brits would most like to see have their cars vandalised
• Churchill has launched vandalism cover as standard on comprehensive policies, which preserves customers’ no claim discount if they wish to claim for repairs to their vehicle 
   

A new study¹ by Churchill car insurance has found that more than a quarter (27 per cent) of UK drivers’ cars have been intentionally vandalised.

To highlight the prevalence of car vandalism crime in the UK, Churchill surprised residents in the worst affected streets, in some of the postcodes that suffer the highest levels of recurring car vandalism, by installing bespoke car covers, featuring its famous nodding bulldog mascot.

Edinburgh, Nottingham and Bristol were named as some of the worst areas in the UK for car vandalism and, shockingly, despite upmarket reputations, postcodes in Aberdeen, Basingstoke and Canary Wharf, London were among the worst affected areas of the UK.

Churchill car insurance highlights ten postcodes for the most repeated car vandalism in the UK²

One in six (16 per cent) Brits admit to wanting to vandalise someone else’s car. Of those, one in three Brits would choose their neighbour’s vehicle first (33 per cent) and ex-partner’s vehicle second (28 per cent).

While most respondents would not wish car vandalism upon anyone, one in five (19 per cent) Brits voted for the celebrities they would most want to see have their car vandalised, with Katie Hopkins, with Piers Morgan (15 per cent), Jeremy Corbyn (12 per cent), Jeremy Clarkson (11 per cent) and Theresa May (11 per cent) making up the top five. Lily Allen (five per cent), Gemma Collins (four per cent) and Jose Mourinho (three per cent) also featured in the list of chosen celebrities.

As well as using car covers, three in five (60 per cent) Brits believe that keeping their vehicle in their garage is the best way to avoid vehicle vandalism. Other effective solutions include installing CCTV cameras and avoiding on-street parking (both 41 per cent), and more than a quarter suggest installing dash cameras (27 per cent) and better street lighting (26 per cent).
 

Steve Barrett, head of Churchill car insurance said: “This research proves that there isn’t a stereotypical area for vehicle vandalism and that it could happen anywhere. We want to highlight the top ten areas in order to raise awareness of the issue and to urge local law enforcement agencies to take further action to clamp down on vehicle vandalism. Ex-partner or unpopular celebrity, we want to be clear that there is never a good excuse to vandalise anyone’s property.

Barrett continues: “Whilst some may view vehicle vandalism as petty crime, the impact on victims can be considerable. This is why Churchill introduced its vandalism promise, so that if customers do need to make a claim, it won’t affect their no claim discount.”

When asked about professions, the study exposed how Brits would be least sympathetic towards footballers if their cars were vandalised, with one in three (33 per cent) feeling this way. Other professions which could be deemed as least favourable include bankers (25 per cent), journalists (18 per cent) and taxi drivers (4 per cent).
 

Churchill’s tips to help deter vehicle vandals

• Park smart – if you have a driveway or garage then make use of them and if these aren’t available, be sure to park in a well-lit place
• Good neighbours – investing time in getting to know those around you has many benefits, including having people who can keep an eye out on your property if you’re away and who can alert you if they see anything suspicious
• Perhaps an extreme measure, but anyone who is really concerned or has been a repeat victim of vehicle vandalism should consider CCTV. This works as a deterrent and could assist in identifying and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
   

Churchill’s vandalism cover³ comes as standard on comprehensive policies. Policyholders that claim for damage caused by a malicious and deliberate act won’t lose their no claim discount. The insurer won't just repair the damage; if policyholders go to one of Churchill’s recommended garages they'll clean the car inside and out too.
 

Find out more at www.churchill.com/car-insurance/vandalism
 

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Notes to Editors

1. Research conducted by Opinium in February 2018 with 2,002 respondents
2. Postcodes derived from Direct Line Group car insurance claims data and research.
3. Subject to policy terms and conditions - Vandalism Promise - If your car is vandalised, Churchill will let you keep your no claim discount. Comprehensive cover only, excess applies, crime reference number required. The damage can’t have been caused by another vehicle.
    

For further information please contact:

Churchill@frankpr.it / 0207 693 6999
 

Chloe French 

PR Manager 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715

Email: Chloe.French@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   
 

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com