Motorists Urged to Drive Safely to Limit Car Insurance Claims

If you are a motorist with little experience of driving in adverse weather conditions you could be putting yourself at risk of making a car insurance claim, recent research indicates. Trade bodies recently stepped forward to offer tips on safer driving for those who venture out during bad weather, due to an increase in collisions.

An investigation by Sainsbury's Bank has shown that the number of drivers who made a claim soared by 45 per cent during the cold snap. Experts from the firm stated that motorists were involved in more accidents; despite being inexperienced, regarding driving in snow and ice, they ventured out into the adverse weather. Drivers with only Third Party Fire and Theft are urged to take extra care as they are financially affected the most by a collision as they would have to cover the cost of the damage to their vehicle.

In addition, claims may have affected drivers' no claims bonus which allows motorists to make a claim without an increase in the cost of the premium. To help you save money, some insurance companies put measures in place which protect your bonus, meaning you can make a limited number of claims.

If you only have Third Party cover, you have the option of increasing this by buying a Fully Comprehensive policy. This would pay funds towards repairing other vehicles that you collide with, in addition to funding bills to fix damage caused to your car by the accident. It is also advised to follow recently released guidelines which have been published by the Institute of Advanced Motorists to help you manoeuvre more safely through adverse weather.

Rochelle Martinez, Freelance Web Content Article Writer for three years.


Following fresh snowfall, you should ensure that you drive without enough speed to maintain the momentum of the vehicle, but not too much that you lose control. It is imperative to give objects and other road users enough space that if the car begins to slide you have room to attempt to get it steered into the correct position. The institute warns that ice may lie under snow so even when it has cleared-up you should drive with care.

Maintaining a safe distance is crucial to avoid collision in treacherous weather conditions, including heavy rain. Be alert in regard to standing water which can conceal deep potholes that can cause damage to your car. When driving through standing water and areas that are flooding, try and keep to the driest part of the road to avoid skidding and colliding with other vehicles. For deeper water control the car by driving in a lower gear and using the clutch to moderate speed. Keeping revs high while doing this can help to keep water from entering your exhaust.

Tags: bad weather, car insurance claim, claims bonus, extra care, fire and theft, insurance companies, other vehicles, party fire, road users, snow and ice