Drivers have been warned of the dangers of abandoning their vehicles in the snow this winter as Storm Goretti sweeps across the UK.
It comes after experts issued a serious warning to motorists who abandoned their cars on the road in the event of heavy snowfall.
During Storm Goretti, some drivers may be forced to abandon their vehicles on the roads temporarily, but experts have urged them to carefully consider the consequences of doing so.
The Storm has already resulted in red warnings being issued across the UK, with the Met Office forecasting gusts of 100mph or more this week alone.
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Experts have highlighted the unexpected consequences of severe weather, leading to abandoned vehicles due to towing costs, vehicle damage, and complications with insurance claims.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket , said: "It's understandable that in extreme conditions, some drivers may have no choice but to leave their cars on the road.
"But it's important to know that in some cases, especially if the vehicle causes an obstruction or hazard, it could be towed away by local authorities, and that comes at a cost to the driver."
Under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, leaving a vehicle intentionally or permanently without permission on a public road or land can be classed as vehicle abandonment.
Drivers could face car insurance troubles for abandoning vehicles due to extreme cold weather
|GETTY
While this is more typical for dumped vehicles, or those deemed unroadworthy, councils can issue fines to drivers if the vehicle obstructs or poses a danger to other road users.
The expert shared that while abandoning a car may not result in an automatically invalidated insurance policy, many motor insurance policies do require drivers to take reasonable steps to protect their vehicle and prevent damage.
More importantly, if a car is left unattended in a dangerous or unsuitable location and is damaged, stolen, or causes an incident, insurers could take this into account when assessing a claim.
Ms Hempsted also warned that some drivers may find their breakdown cover provider unable to send a recovery vehicle if a car is abandoned on a restricted road or left in an obstructive or dangerous position.
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Red and amber warnings have been in place for snow across the UK this year
| GETTYIf a vehicle is stuck in the snow, drivers should stay in their car and turn on hazard warning lights to alert other motorists and emergency services.
Drivers should also call for roadside assistance or emergency help and wait for further guidance or rescue, the expert suggested.
Motorists must avoid leaving their car in a dangerous or obstructive location like a bend, hill or junction, as other road users may not be able to see the vehicle clearly.
Ms Hempsted added: "Comprehensive car insurance typically remains valid in snowy weather, but you should always double check whether your policy covers damage caused by severe conditions such as snow, frost or ice."
Drivers have been warned of the dangers of abandoning vehicles in the snow this winter
| PARAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson explained that on top of during colder days, weather warnings for snow must be heeded by drivers.
"These aren't conditions anyone wants to be caught out in, so those who have to drive need to be confident on potentially slippery surfaces, have ensured their vehicles are up to the task, and are carrying an emergency breakdown kit so they can stay warm and communicate easily should they get stuck or break down," she said.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said the severe weather warning for wind is expected to increase rapidly this week which will impact travel conditions.
He warned: "This is a complex spell of severe weather and I'd advise people in the warning areas to keep up to date with the forecast and messages from local authorities."