Scratch the surface and you might know who vandalised your car

• Nearly two out of three vandals know the owner of the car they damaged
• One in seven vandals have damaged their ex’s car
• Eight million drivers have been a victim of car vandalism
   

Car vandalism is less random than many people may think, as nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of vandals admit to knowing their victim, according to research* from Direct Line.

Eight million** people have admitted to being the victim of car vandals at some time in their lives, however, many may find it hard to believe that the likely perpetrators could be exes, neighbours, and work colleagues.

The research revealed former boyfriends or girlfriends have been the favoured target of around one in seven vandals (14 per cent). However, even the vehicle of a new partner of an ex is a viable target.

The second most popular victim is the vandal’s boss, as the research found that work colleagues are also favoured targets. As for that neighbour who says ‘hello’ everyday, they could also be the person who broke your wing mirror or keyed your car. Former teachers, parents at the vandal’s child’s school or even a sporting opponent are unsuspecting victims.

Vandals top ten targets

1. An ex boyfriend/girlfriend
2. Their current boss
3. Some who lives in the same street
4. A former boss
5. Their ex’s new partner
6. Their next door neighbour
7. A former teacher
8. Someone that works at the same company
9. A sporting opponent
10. A parent at their child’s school
     

Nearly half of victims (46 per cent) say their cars were vandalised outside their home, with the most likely damage being scratched paintwork (45 per cent). Damages wing mirrors (27 per cent), Smashed windows (25 per cent) and snapped aerials (14 per cent) also figure highly and even one in twenty victims’ cars (five per cent) have ended up with graffiti on them.

Top ten types of vandalism damage to cars

1. Keyed/scratched paintwork
2. Wing mirrors damaged
3. Smashed window
4. Snapped aerial
5. Snapped windscreen wipers
6. Tyres slashed
7. Badge theft
8. Smashed lights
9. Dents from ‘car surfing’
10. Graffiti
     

Simon Henrick, spokesperson for Direct Line Car Insurance, said: “We tend to perceive those who vandalise our cars as strangers. We rarely believe that it could be a neighbour or much less a work colleague. The impact of vandalism is huge, as eight million drivers surveyed have suffered from the distress and inconvenience of someone damaging their car, not to mention the cost to repair their vehicle.”

Whilst car vandalism rarely causes irreparable damage to the car, it can still cost hundreds of pounds to repair the damage to the car’s exterior. The research also found that the damage caused by vandals costs an average of £350 to repair.

For further information please contact

Simon Henrick 
Direct Line PR Manager 
Tel: 0208 313 5965 
Email: simon.henrick@directlinegroup.co.uk

Notes to editors

Direct Line’s comprehensive policy holders benefit from its Vandalism Promise. For more information: 

*Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,011 UK adults aged 18+ from 10th-12th July 2012. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

**23 per cent of motorists have been the victim of car vandals. 23 per cent of 35.3 million full car driving licences nationwide (source: Department of Transport), is 8,119,000 motorists.

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting