Insurance claims numbers have gone up recently, according to the motorists' group.
Car burglars and petrol thieves are causing large numbers of car insurance claims, the AA has reported.
The association said that the rising costs of fuel, along with the precious metals found in catalytic converters, are making cars a tempting target for many money-savvy criminals. Accordingly, the AA's car insurance records have shown a marked rise in the number of claims made over recent months.
Typical pump prices are currently well above the £1 mark across the UK - with no immediate respite for motorists predicted by analysts.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: "This is a new crime resulting from high fuel and scrap metal values. It causes considerable inconvenience and expense for innocent motorists. Thieves work quickly and carelessly, sometimes causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
"A catalytic converter costs between £600 and £1,500 to replace, including labour cost, quite apart from repair of damage to bodywork that could cost several hundred pounds more to repair."
In response to these findings the AA has issued advice for car insurance customers hoping to avoid the attentions of the motor thieves. Having catalytic converters "marked" so that they can be traced back if stolen, fitting electronic tracking devices to vehicles and keeping cars in a garage whenever possible all came highly recommended by the firm.
Compare car insurance via money.co.uk
