Car insurance 'more important than ever' in winter weather
Personal insurance
20th January 2010
The recent snow and ice has highlighted the importance of having good, comprehensive motor cover, as the risk of accident or breakdown increases in such conditions. According to Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd, it is "more important than ever" to have effective car insurance when road conditions are dangerous, as the risk of an accident is higher.
Several weeks of wintry weather swept across the UK and the Highways Agency issued a series of warnings to drivers, urging them to only take to the roads if their journeys were absolutely necessary. However, a recent survey by ICM discovered that male motorists are twice as likely to take unnecessary risks and get behind the wheel despite official guidance urging them not to do so. One in four (23 per cent) men polled would ignore such warnings, compared with 13 per cent of women.
In addition to the increased risk of accidents on slippery roads, breakdown cover is also an important consideration in winter, as motorists could find themselves paying out large sums for repair and recovery - in addition to waiting in the cold for a long time - without it. Other benefits that can be offered by insurance policies while vehicles are being fixed can include a replacement car, alternative travel and overnight accommodation.
Drivers have also been warned this year to be vigilant and remain with their cars when deicing them following a spate of thefts of vehicles left unattended with the engines running as their owners heated them up to thaw them out. The Association of British Insurers following warned that cars taken in this way may not be covered by insurance policies as it may be viewed as failure to take reasonable care. As such, drivers should remain with them while warming them up rather than sheltering indoors from the cold as Greater Manchester Police recorded four vehicles taken in this way in a single morning.
"The cold weather can result in a significant rise in car insurance claims and drivers should take all possible precautions to protect themselves, their passengers and their vehicles in wintry conditions," Susan Young Giles Insurance head of personal lines cautioned.
"All motorists should check travel news before setting off, only take to the roads if their journey is absolutely necessary and drive with greater care when they do. It is advisable to ensure that a breakdown kit including a shovel, warm clothes, food and water is carried as long as the cold spell continues and remember not to leave cars unattended to deice them in order to avoid making a claim against a policy this season."
Even in the wake of the Big Freeze, drivers should take extra care on the roads to avoid damage to their vehicles, as experts have been warning of the increased risk of potholes as a result of sub-zero temperatures this winter. Potholes are a leading contributor to axle and suspension failure in Britain and cost drivers millions of pounds per year in repairs.
Founded in 1967 and with offices across the UK, Giles Insurance Brokers provides customers with access to expert advice and information about the best insurance products to suit their requirements from many of the UK's leading cover specialists.
