Motorists 'would lie for pay-out'
Updated on 11 May 2008
Only a third of motorists would definitely tell insurers the truth if their vehicle was stolen after they failed to secure it properly, it was revealed.
A total of 1,404 adult drivers were asked by moneysupermarket.com if they would come clean with their insurer about the circumstances of a car theft.
Only 36% said they would tell their insurer that they had not secured their car properly.
As many as 33% would keep the truth from their insurance company, while 31% were unsure how they would act.
The survey found that men were more likely to cover up, with 39% reluctant to own up to their carelessness compared with only 28% of women.
Scots were the most honest, with 42% telling insurers the truth compared to just 33% of those from northern England.
Moneysupermarket.com insurance director Richard Mason said: "It seems many British motorists are ready to cover up their own carelessness, which could have led to the claim for the stolen car in the first place.
"You may think telling a little white lie, or holding back the whole truth is no cause for concern, but if your claim is as a result of your own wrong-doing, then insurers are likely to see it as fraudulent. If claims are regularly being paid out to drivers who don't deserve it, the honest motorist loses out and could see future premiums increase."
He went on: "It appears men are more concerned about retaining their status symbol, and ensuring a payout for their motor, as they are more likely to be economical with the truth compared with women. Insurers are often seen as the bad guys, but there are two sides to any relationship and drivers need to come clean about their mistakes."
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