Esure car insurance warns against winter driving conditions

Tuesday, 20 January 2009 12:54

January is the worst month for driving accidents according to a new survey, with 18th January the worst day of the year altogether.

Research by Esure Car Insurance shows 18th January sees a 68 per cent increase from average claims, based on claim statistics for the last five years.

With accidents more likely, esure is offering 'protection for life' - the option to pay a small additional premium to protect your no claims discount, regardless of any claims during the life of their policy with the company.

Of the 1,000 people interviewed it was found that 58 per cent had been late for work in January due to weather-related motoring issues.

Various factors make winter driving more hazardous - bad light, poor weather and more traffic and esure has offered this additional advice for drivers:

• Adjust your driving style for icy conditions - leave a bigger gap, and don't brake too suddenly
• Beware of opportunistic thieves - don't leave your car unattended while defrosting the windscreen as this could leave you uninsured due to negligence.
• Consider the experience and confidence of your other named drivers. An accident by them will affect your no claim discount.

Mike Pickard, head of underwriting at esure, said winter is a notoriously bad time for motorists.

He added: "Motorists should take extra care, adapt their driving style according to the road and weather conditions and allow extra time for each journey."

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