Insurance claims rising due to fuel theft

In Bristol it has been a difficult few weeks for drivers and most particularly for a charity. The charity supports children with cancer, but for the past couple of weeks they have been a target for fuel theft. The thieves have drilled holes in the bottom of their fuel tanks in order to steal at least 100 pounds of fuel from the vehicles. The charity has had to replace the tanks which cost 400 pounds each. It is a busy time for the charity and they have not been able to make deliveries as they should, which means they are losing on money for the children they support. Repairs and stolen fuel has amounted to 1500 pounds due to the issue. The charity stated they deal with thousands of children and these heartless people are undoing their hard work. It is disappointing for those who are a part of the charity or get help from the charity.

The vans which are targeted are clearly marked as a charity for children with cancer, so the charity individuals cannot imagine why these thieves can still target them. There are more being targeted than just the charity. Many drivers have had to deal with losses by hiring cars or even losing their jobs. A man in Cornwall was unable to get to work after his tank was drilled because he was out of fuel.

Lorry drivers are also being targeted which can affect their HGV insurance claims. Drivers in a business have to shell out for the repairs and they have attempted to file claims for the fix on the many vehicles targeted. There is no national figure for how much fuel has been stolen, but it is up 100 per cent in just one year.

The situation is made worse because fuel and diesel are so expensive right now. Five years ago it was 30 pounds less to fill up and thus it becomes even harder. For those who need to file claims it may also mean a new van insurance comparison is needed in order to lower costs once too many claims have been filed. Companies have to make up for the loss and damage, but this doesn’t mean the insurance companies will always pay out. There are also deductibles that have to be met, which could mean the fuel and damage has to be replaced out of one’s own pocket.