Snow more money: blizzards cost car insurers £63m

by David Masters

Story link: Snow more money: blizzards cost car insurers £63m

The UK’s heaviest snowfall in 20 years left car insurance firms with 45,000 claims worth £63 million, according to estimates by Sainsbury’s Car Insurance.

The week of the snowfall saw 45% more car insurance claims compared to the same week in 2008, the supermarket insurer said.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance manager, said: “Last week was one of the busiest weeks we can remember for car insurance claims.

“Drivers in this country aren’t particularly familiar with driving in snow and ice and the conditions in many parts of the country were probably the worst many have experienced.”

Echoing advice given by AA and esure last week, Mallon added: “If more severe weather arrives, we would advise people to only make essential journeys.

“Apart from the danger to themselves and other road users, drivers could be putting themselves at extra risk of losing their no-claims bonus should they have an icy prang.”