Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Category:
Secured Loans
According to esure, car accidents are most common during the month of January.
This fact, combined with currently freezing conditions and minimal hours of daylight, have prompted esure to advise motorists to be cautious.
Interestingly, esure’s in-house claim statistics reveal that motorists are virtually twice as likely to be involved in an accident in January, and three times more likely on the 18th of the month. Indeed January 18th ranks first in the top five worst dates for accidents, with a 68 percent increase from average claims. In addition, January 28th also ranks in the top five with a 30 percent increase from average claims.
The three remaining dates within the top five include: December 12th with a 60 percent increase from average claims, December 19th with a 30 percent increase, and March 3rd also with a 30 percent increase.
In addition to January being a seemingly accident-prone month, it would also appear that poor weather conditions and increased traffic are causing delays. 58 percent of commuters questioned claimed to have been late for work at least twice a week, with 38 percent due to accidents along the way.
Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance, commented:
"Winter is a notoriously bad time for motorists with January the most treacherous month for drivers. Motorists should take extra care, adapt their driving style according to the road and weather conditions, and allow extra time for each journey.
Any claim - whether you're at fault or not - will affect your car insurance premium, so at a time when purse-strings are tight, safeguarding your precious no claim discount is crucial."
In a bid to assist motorists in enjoying an accident-free winter, esure has offered some straightforward advice. Firstly, pay to protect your no claim discount as accidents can occur at any moment, regardless of the competency of the driver. Secondly, when faced with icy conditions, adapt your driving to suit. In excess of 6 million UK drivers (20 percent) have found themselves in an accident as a result of freezing temperatures. It is advised to use the braking power of the car’s engine as opposed to sudden braking. A wider space should also be left between cars and, in the event of a skid, rather than hitting the brakes the car should be turned into the skid. Thirdly, do not become a victim of an opportunistic theft by leaving your vehicle unattended when defrosting it. Not only could you find yourself minus a motor but you could also be left uninsured on the grounds of negligence. Fourthly, ensure that all named drivers are confident enough to drive in icy conditions as it your no claims discount that will be affected, not theirs. If necessary, drive them yourself or accompany them on their journey. Finally, if indeed you yourself are a little apprehensive about driving, utilise public transport so as to be on the safe side. It is also worth considering the appropriateness of your vehicle as it may not be ideal for negotiating hazardous roads. A rear-wheel sports car for example is not the safest choice for such trips, regardless of experience.
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Freezing temperatures pose a multitude of challenges, both on the roads and at home. In an effort to avoid some of these potential problems, a secured loan could be utilised to purchase a sturdier car. Available to homeowners, this option could be used to finance that much desired 4x4 for example, which could make winter journeys that bit safer. Alternatively, some home owners may wish to carry out
home improvements could be embarked upon in order to protect properties from plummeting temperatures. These improvements could also be financed with a secured loan. Such action could also result in energy savings, which could in turn reduce energy bills. Secured loans are usually repayable over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years.
