Five Festive Facts…
Welcome to Week 2. Each one is ‘insurance’ related to the Season. With one fact for each week in the run up to Christmas, we will give some practical advice on how to protect your home, business and family to minimise the risk of any insurance misery.
This week… ‘Is your vehicle in good condition for winter? Be prepared …’
Again, very apt given the change in weather conditions with icy roads already and snow forecast across the country!
As tempting as it is to stay in bed in these cold, dark ans icy mornings, the reality is that we do have to get up and go out… often in our car to work or for other unavoidable purposes. The AA reports however, that breakdowns are more common at this time of year – nearly doubling during particularly cold spells. Unfortunately snow and ice, or fog or rain can make road conditions challenging and accidents involving vehicles more common.
Although it may seem a good idea to put the key in the ignition and let ‘the car run’ whilst you nip inside to grab a coffee, (after all who wants to stand in freezing temperatures’ de-icing the car and then get into a freezing cold vehicle?!), BE AWARE, many Policies have an ‘Exclusion’ clause for theft if the keys are left ‘on or in the vehicle’ or if the vehicle was ‘unlocked or unattended’.
Did you know…that stopping distances are increased 10 times in snow and ice? Make sure that you are concentrating at all times and keep a realistic distance between you and the car in front.
Car batteries on average last for no longer than five years. It’s worth replacing batteries therefore as soon as there are signs it is failing. This will save potential ‘roadside’ inconvenience.
Poor visibility is a particular problem in winder whether from heavy rain, snow, icy screens or even low sun. Obvious precautions are to keep the window screen and windows clear and clean. Ensure that windows are de-iced and demisted before driving and ensure that any snow is cleared from the roof of the vehicle before driving. (These can prove dangerous to other road users as well as you.) Improve vision by making sure that the windscreen is clean both inside and out. Improve visibility by making sure that car lights are clean and use when visibility is impaired.
What can I do? Follow the below so that you are better prepared for driving in snow and ice….
- Ensure that you give yourself enough time to prepare the car, i.e. to de-ice and de-mist.
- Plan your route in advance and try to keep to major roads which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted. Check road reports on the internet before you set off and keep informed on your journey with local radio.
- Make sure that fuel and anti-freeze are topped up and that you have screen wash and de-icer.
- Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared and remain calm should you encounter unexpected delays.
- Be prepared – you’ll be thankful of appropriate clothing (coat/hat/scarf) and blankets, wellingtons, torch, a shovel and any snacks or a warm drink if you get stuck or delayed. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CHARGED MOBILE PHONE.
- Remember that although all the above may seem time consuming and inconvenient, taking appropriate precautions to ensure that you have a SAFE journey is the most important factor and may prevent any potential accidents and claims on motor insurance!
Sources: Financial Ombudsman Service AA RAC
Visit http://www.rac.co.uk/advice/winter-driving/ or http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/winter_motoring.html for further winter driving advice.
