100 per cent increase in car insurance claims this winter

The adverse weather conditions have prompted a 100 per cent increase in car insurance claims, compared to this time last year, reports NewsInsurance.com.

The AA has reported that 70 per cent of all car accident compensation claims are related to snow and ice, and is urging the public to listen to police advice and only drive when absolutely necessary.

“The morning commute saw many people struggling to work with some icy roads resembling fairground dodgems as cars collide with each other and with kerbs, lamp posts and bollards,” claims the director of AA Insurance, Simon Douglas, who added that ”with heavy snow in many areas this evening we’re expecting a similar pattern to develop.”

“Call volumes are at unprecedented levels and we are prioritising the most urgent cases. Thankfully, the number of personal injury claims is about 10 per cent lower than on normal December days despite the high volume of claims, thanks to the low speed nature of most accidents.”

The AA reports on eRentals that the most common claim is for accidents where one car rear-ends another, usually at a road junction or roundabout. To help mitigate the risk of this happening, the AA recommends fitting snow tyres or snow socks, which help reduce the risk of skidding on icy roads.

Douglas adds: “During the run-up to Christmas, plan your journey to take account of the latest local forecasts and try to stick to main roads, which are more likely to be gritted. If the road surface is icy, our advice is to try to keep a gap of ten seconds between yourself and the vehicle in front to minimise the risk of you sliding into the car in front.”