More snow means rise in car insurance claims - AA

The latest round of snow and ice sweeping Britain is expected cause a massive spike in the number of car insurance claims, says AA Insurance.

The current blizzards blanketing parts of the UK have resulted in 331 claims as of mid-day today (17th December) at AA Insurance: a 10% per cent increase overall, and 21% are snow and ice related compared with a snow free December Friday.

However, the pattern differs in Scotland and Wales, AA said. Of all claimants, 51% in Scotland and 34% in Wales say their collision was because of snow or ice.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, issued a warning to drivers. “If the police in your area are advising drivers not to travel then it is sensible to heed that advice and monitor the situation locally," he said.

“If the road surface is icy, our advice is to try to keep a gap of 10 seconds between yourself and the vehicle in front to minimise the risk of you sliding in to the car in front.”

He added that cars fitted with winter tyres are less likely to lose traction on snow and ice.

Divers fitting winter tyres has led to confusion about whether insurers consider this to be a ‘modification’ that attracts an additional premium.

“Provided you are fitting wheels and tyres that meet the car manufacturer’s specification – you can confirm this by checking your car handbook or with your local main dealer – and they are professionally fitted, AA Insurance doesn’t consider this to be a modification and it shouldn’t be an issue for other insurers," said Douglas.