A leading insurance comparison firm reveals the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, which runs one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison services, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes and the car warms up. However, many insurance companies will not cover the loss if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’ and is terrible for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t Use Boiling Water on Windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden temperature change, and a standard car insurance policy doesn’t always cover windscreen damage.
Simply use a frost guard, a defogger or even a homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear Your Windscreen Before You Set Off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So, any leaves, snow, ice, mud or condensation must be fully cleared before setting out.
Check Tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points, resulting in losing a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers whose employer owns the car or van – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the number plate isn’t visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads and may expressly exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid Puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk comments: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums yearly until the points are spent after four years. Six points push premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”