Expert warns that hiding Christmas gifts in the car risks theft and insurance invalidation

With Christmas shopping well underway, thousands of Brits will be faced with the same conundrum - where to hide the gifts from hawk-eyed family members. While some opt for a hiding place inside their home, many will be using their car as their stashing location, without realising the potential risks. 

According to new research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, over half of motorists (51%) have hidden Christmas presents in their vehicle for an extended time period, with a third (32%) admitting they have done so several times.

Crucially, what motorists may consider ‘hidden’ - such as gifts simply covered by a coat or blanket - could be considered ‘visible’ or ‘on display’ in the eyes of a thief, and critically, an insurer.

Whether they are left for a few hours, or the entire Christmas period, leaving presents visible in a car can cost heavily in the event of theft or if the entire car is targeted.  An insurer may legally rule that the visible gifts meant there was a failure to take ‘reasonable care’ of the vehicle’s security, and this could invalidate the entire claim.  In the worst-case scenario, the person would not only lose the gifts but would also have to cover the full financial cost of the car. 

Temporary car insurance expert Jake Lambert at Tempcover explains why hiding presents in your vehicle could lead to an even costlier price tag and the risk of invalidated insurance. 

The gift that keeps on giving… to thieves

While it may seem like a harmless act, leaving even one present accessible in a car could lead to you being wrapped up in financial and emotional stress if it gets stolen.  The new research reveals that those who’ve hidden presents in their car, usually leave it there for 2-3 days (2.9) - providing an extended window for potential theft. 

Jake says: “What might seem like a clever way to avoid family members sneaking a peek at their gifts can actually lead to disaster.  Insurance is a great safety net, but it relies on you taking ‘reasonable care’ of your vehicle and its contents.  By understanding this rule, you can make choices that ensure your safety net stays intact.”  

“In the event of a car theft, your insurer will check whether your vehicle was locked, items were in a closed compartment, and you exercised reasonable precautions. As such, hiding presents anywhere that could be construed as ‘on display’, even if you have attempted to hide an item by covering it with a coat or blanket, could be deemed as not taking the correct steps. This doesn’t necessarily mean a full loss, but it could drastically reduce the amount your insurer will cover if the vehicle is stolen, and in extreme cases, invalidate the claim entirely.”

A costly oversight 

Despite the potential fallout from hiding gifts in a vehicle, the majority of Brits are unaware that leaving a gift hidden in their vehicle could invalidate their insurance (66%) because it violates the ‘reasonable care’ clause.

One in ten Brits (11%) have had a gift stolen from their vehicle in the past, with the average value of the Christmas gifts stolen being £200.80.  For some of these drivers, they have missed out on full reimbursement for items stolen. In fact, 10% of those who have had gifts stolen from their car said that their gifts were worth more than £500. This value often exceeds the average personal belongings cover provided, which typically can start from £100-£200 so it’s important for motorists to check their policy cover.  

To help avoid this common holiday habit backfiring, Jake shares his top tips:

• Safely stored - The simplest rule is: keep your gifts out of the car entirely but if you must use the car, ensure all items are out of sight, securely locked in the boot or a safe compartment and remove all receipts, branded bags, or packaging.
• Check your policy - Insurance policies differ, so take ownership of knowing your contract. Review your insurer’s wording around reasonable care, items on display, and vehicle security to avoid accidental breaches.  If you’re unsure, contact your insurer to confirm your personal belongings limit - this will help you decide whether your car is the right place to store your festive gifts.
• Keep it locked - Always double check your car’s security, whether it’s public, on a driveway or in a locked garage. And ensure all windows are fully closed, as even a small crack can make the vehicle vulnerable to thieves and challenge a claim. 
• Stay one step ahead - If you’re heading out for holiday shopping, plan your route and timings so you’re not leaving bags in the car for long periods. The less time gifts spend unattended, the lower the risk of opportunistic theft will be.