Do you leave Gifts hidden in a car? Here's why you could be excluded from pocket

MILLIONS of Brits will leave bags filled with Christmas presents in their car overnight this year.

But they're running the risk of being left out of pocket if thieves steal their gifts – with car insurance polices unlikely to pay out.

An paid survey by Consumer Intelligence revealed festive shoppers will spend an average of 700 each day on presents, drink and food.

With 46 per cent admitting to leaving new purchases or hiding surprise gifts in their motor.

And analysis by Which? Moneyrevealed very few insurers covers you for pricey presents.

Personal belongings in many cases are contained in cover as part of your conditions and terms.

But the limit is not likely to achieve the 700 that Brits are spending money within the festive period and leaving in cars boots and gloveboxes.

The Which? research revealed it had been only Saga which has cover of 1,000 – also it even doubles to 2,000 during December as it says "you'll probably have additional components of your vehicle at Christmas".

Major insurers like Direct Line, Aviva, More Than and AXA maximize their coverage between 100 and 300.

And the private belongings exemption doesn't cover you formoney, debit or credit cards, tickets or vouchers which are stolen.

Plus if you've not locked them from sight you might not be covered at all, experts say.

If you have to make claims it'll also void your no claims bonus so you'll be struck again when you arrived at renew.

Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers' Association, said: "Most motor policies will also have limits around the value of personal possessions including presents – this can probably be restricted to around 150, which is apt to be much like your excess also it might affect your NCD (unless protected).

"The insurers could have a condition regarding taking reasonable care, therefore if the presents aren't from sight in a locked boot or compartment there might be no cover if they are stolen whenever you aren't in or close to the car."

An Association of British Insurers (ABI) spokeswoman added: "Insurance is there to spend when things fail, and anybody who may be the victim of crime within the run-up to Christmas should talk to their insurer as soon as possible.

"Prevent getting your vehicle burgled by keeping belongings from sight, and do your very best to depart your car somewhere secure and well-lit."