Winter weather 'sees motor insurance claims snowball'

Date: 20/12/2010

As temperatures plummet across the UK and with many parts of the country experiencing snow and ice in recent weeks, more drivers are claiming on their insurance, it has been found.

Research by the AA has revealed that as of last Friday (December 17th), the organisation had already received 331 claims.

It was also discovered that 21 per cent of these claims were recorded as a result of the hazardous weather, when compared to a Friday in December that is snow-free.

In Scotland and Wales, meanwhile, where the weather has been at its worse, the results have been "much more dramatic," the AA explains.

Of all claimants in these areas, 51 per cent in Scotland and 34 per cent in Wales revealed that a collision they had been involved in was a result of ice or snow.

With more weather on the way that could make driving conditions hazardous, the organisation has predicted claims will increase further still.

Simon Douglas, Director of Insurance, said: "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 in to the car in front."

Last week, Gavin Hill-Smith of the AA said that snow and ice in Aberdeenshire had made for the "worst driving conditions imaginable" for motorists.

Posted by Mary Treen