The recent snow fall and freezing conditions has led to several motorists leaving their vehicles on the road.

The treacherous conditions including black ice and freezing fog that motorists faced on the roads have been described as 'resembling an ice rink'.

Because of this, many of the drivers who had been forced to abandon their vehicles, are now having to make a claim on their car insurance due to the damage done to their vehicles by other drivers.

One car insurance provider reported that there has been a 40 per cent rise in the level of insurance claims made, than for normal December days. Drivers returning to cars that they had to abandon are finding that they have been damaged by other vehicles or even broken into by thieves.

In some instances, on returning to pick up their cars, unfortunate motorists have found their vehicles have been wrecked or scratched by other drivers, or in the worst case scenario, some motors have been stolen by opportunistic thieves.

The firm spoke about a driver who had returned to pick up his car, only to find that it had been destroyed by another much larger vehicle which had crashed into it. However no note was left by the offending driver, which could have been used for car insurance purposes.

Leave a note

Commenting on recent the events, Simon Douglas, the director of the group said: "There's no worse Christmas gift than finding someone has left a dent or scrape on your car and not left a note to admit it."

Mr Douglas added: "I would appeal to the conscience of drivers who do accidentally collide with a parked or abandoned vehicle to leave the best Christmas card possible - a note with your contact details so that insurers can sort out the claims."

The company has experienced a wide range of claims this winter .For instance - cars have been left to warm up with the engine running, only for the owner to return hoping to find a defrosted car, but instead finding that it has been stolen.

Mr Douglas went on to say: "Every winter we have to deal with a spate of such thefts. There is evidence that organised criminals wait for just this kind of opportunity to steal cars, especially upmarket ones, which are otherwise almost impossible to take without the keys."

Mr Douglas therefore warned drivers about leaving their vehicles unattended, because a car insurance company will 'almost always' reject such a claim on the grounds that they are specifically excluded from policies.

"Never, ever let your car warm up on your drive without being present. Far better to use de-icer and scrapers. It also uses much less fuel," Mr Douglas added.

Drink-driving still an issue

However damage to cars left abandoned is not the only cause for claims being made around this time of year.

Motorists are being reminded of the dangers of drink-driving. Drivers who have been convicted of the offence will find it harder to get cover for their vehicles. However for those who do find cover, this will come at a steeper price.

Steve Sweeney, the head of car insurance at an insurance website, said: "Driving under the influence of alcohol is simply not an option and anyone planning on doing so will have serious consequences to face. It is not only the risk to your own safety that needs consideration, but a second thought must be paid to others around you, pedestrians and road users alike."

He added: "Driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit can lead to a fine, a driving ban, or even a prison sentence so it is simply not worth taking the risk."

Mr Sweeney also said: "Even drinking under the legal limit is a tricky game to play. Motorists need to be aware of the affects that drinking alcohol has on your body; reaction times can be considerably slower, and coordination and judgement skewed.

" It is also important to remember that each person is different - gender, age, weight, and metabolism are also factors when considering alcohol consumption. My advice to anyone planning on driving over the festive period is to stick to the soft drinks."