Almost 3,000 cars have been destroyed by fire in the first nine months of this year, according to insurance company figures.

Most were deliberately set on fire and the total is the highest in five years, insurers say. Seven in 10 motorists have insurance against car fires.

Most fires take place in the provinces of Zuid-Holland, Noord-Brabant and Noord-Holland but the biggest proportional rise – 34% – was booked in Groningen.

In an effort to stop arsonists, insurers are recommending drivers park as close to street lamps as possible. Very few fires are caused by technical failures.

A spokesman for the insurers association told DutchNews.nl that most fires appear to be set by lone wolves at night.

The regional differences reflect reporting about active pyromaniacs, he said. ‘There is no evidence that car owners are increasingly committing fraud.’