Motor insurance providers are on alert for a potential rise in claims as the UK prepares for the winter season.
New research conducted by Covéa Insurance revealed that British drivers are more at risk of having to make claim on their car insurance during the winter months.
The insurer analysed more than 140,000 motor claims made over a three-year period, which showed that drivers are on average 25% more likely to make a claim between the months of November and February.
During bouts of bad winter weather, the figure increased to 33% over the same period, Covéa said.
“A harsh winter will mean that roads are more treacherous than usual, which could lead to more incidents resulting in insurance claims,” said Barry Street, head of engineers at Covéa Insurance.
“With longer periods of darkness, fog, rain and even ice and snow, winter can be a demanding time to be driving, so it’s important to spend a little time preparing,” he added.
Earlier this month, major news agencies published alarmist reports claiming that the UK could be facing one of the worst winters in five years with prolonged periods of snow and ice.
The Met Office said on its website that the chance of the UK experiencing temperatures in the “cold” category is 30% – one-and-a-half times the usual risk.
“The risk of a cold start to winter has increased to 30% this year,” explained Adam Scaife, head of long-range prediction at the Met Office Hadley Centre.
“Statistically, however, it is still more likely that the UK will experience a normal start to winter, but there is an increased risk of cold snaps between now and Christmas.”
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