Small cars top targets for vandals

Small cars such as Smart cars and Minis are most at risk from vandalism, new research has suggested.

More than one in every 100 Smart cars falls victim to vandalism every year. Mini owners are the second highest atrisk group, with one claim for every thousand each year.

Alfa Romeos, BMWS and Mazdas round out the top five vehicles targeted by vandals.

The analysis carried out by Churchill Car Insurance on claims from 2013-17 also revealed the most frequent type of vehicle vandalism at 15 per cent is cosmetic damage such as scratches.

This is followed by front bumper damage (12 per cent) and front door (12 per cent) damage.

Motorists have also been warned to take extra care of their vehicles during October when the most claims for vandalism are made, with Halloween pranks being a potential factor for the increase.

Car insurance claims for vandalism in October rise by 8 per cent compared with the annual average. December is the quietest month for claims when they fall by 12 per cent.

Steve Barrett, head of car insurance at Churchill, said: “A moment of anger or mindlessness on the part of a vandal can cause victims long-lasting stress and, as our research shows,alargeamountofmoney.

“It’s extremely unfair... we strongly advise victims report vandalism to the police.”