Weather related motor claims saw a significant increase in 2023 in the wake of Storm Agnes and Storm Gerrit.
Data from Tesco Bank shows that 2023 was the worst year for weather related insurance claims in the last 5 years.
2023 saw a total of 541 weather-related claims which equates to a 33 percent increase year-on-year.
This is also more than double the claims than 2018 which totalled 240.
Due to the impacts of Storms Agnes and Gerrit the number of claims shot up, with flood-related claims making up 394 of the total claims in the year.
The average claim value for motorists was over £8,000, a rise on previous years. In 2022, these weather-related claims averaged just over £4,500.
Dave Thompson, claims director at Tesco Bank, said: “The UK is well known for its wet weather conditions, and as the nation experiences more extreme weather events, it’s important that motorists are vigilant on the roads and ensure their vehicle is safe to drive.
“Checking over your vehicle before a journey, including tyres, brakes, and lights, as well as checking weather forecasts before you travel, is important to help reduce the chances of travel incidents happening and make sure you and your passengers are safe.”
Mr Thompson’s top tips for avoiding falling prey to bad weather on the roads include:
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Look after your battery: If the weather is cold or your car is going to be unused for a longer period of time – this will affect the battery, but if you are finding the car is slow to start, it may be a sign you need to invest in a new battery.
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Check your tyres:. Make sure you check your tyres when they’re cold though to give you a more accurate sense of their pressure.In the winter period you could also change out your usual tyres for winter ones to be as safe as possible on the road.
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Look for higher ground: In the event of extreme weather events you may need to think about where you’re parking your car. If you don’t have access to a garage then finding a location on higher ground or away from trees is worth doing If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding. Using a car ramp in your drive is one such way to keep your vehicle above water level.
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Keep the rain out: Sometimes water can get into your car through openings such as windows, exhaust pipes, or even your car bonnet and can cause damage. You can seal openings with waterproof tape or plastic sheets to prevent this. You may also want to disconnect your car battery as this will minimise any water getting in and making it short circuit.
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Invest in an emergency kit: It’s worth investing in a car emergency kit, and keeping it in your car at all times, in case any accident or breakdown were to occur. They usually contain a number of items such as warning triangles, a first aid kit, a fuse & bulb kit, and headlamp beam deflectors.
- Check that your car insurance covers your needs and is up to date: While car insurance is a legal requirement, different levels of cover are available so it’s important you make sure you have the right level of protection that suits your needs.
