Winter Months are Worst For Car Insurance Claims

As the nights get darker and the clocks go back, more people are claiming on their car insurance. It seems that September, October and November are the worst months for any crime-related motor insurance claims.

Apparently, a whopping 10.4% of all car insurance claims occur in October as drivers get used to driving in the dark. It seems that the last few months in the year prove to be the most expensive for car insurance companies and are proving stressful for drivers - 30 % of all claims are made during this time.

Grant Bather, spokesman at Virgin Money, echoes this point ""With the seasons changing, nights drawing in and driving conditions becoming hazardous, motorists should pay extra attention when driving and should make sure that they are equipped should they have an accident or breakdown."

And if coping with driving in the dark isnt enough, drivers need to be aware of more stolen vehicles, theft of possessions within the car and even vandalism of your motor. It looks like these longer nights have increased opportunity for criminal activity under the cover of darkness.

Of a poll of 1000 customers conducted by car insurance company Swinton, 28% said they are more worried about their cars during the autumn months but only 7% said they take extra precautions during this time.

For those who do wish to take further precautions here is the following advice:

* Never leave valuables on display in a car when left unattended
* Store your car in a secure garage where possible
* Fit a certified alarm and immobiliser to your car
* Try to park in a well lit area and always lock the door

Steve Chelton, insurer development manager at Swinton car insurance said: "Motorists must take extra precautions during the long nights of the autumn months. Being a victim of car crime can be very distressing and by following simple precautions it may deter thieves from identifying your car as their next target."

Source: Winter Months are Worst For Car Insurance Claims