There has been a considerable increase in the number of disputes between car owners and insurance companies recently, due to the snowy weather. These disputes are mostly over the car’s value, after it has been written off in an ice-related accident. Motorists become extremely frustrated when their vehicle is written off after another person has collided with it while it was parked. The poor visibility and icy road conditions are causing numerous accidents, with resulting insurance claims.
According to editor, Matt Tumbridge, the gritting policy of the Government means that many side streets are extremely slippery even at low speeds, and when drivers lose control in an urban area, they generally hit another vehicle. This is exceedingly annoying for car owners who were away from their vehicle at the time, and often the responsible driver doesn’t leave any contact details. This means that victims not only have to dispute the car’s valuation, they also lose their no claims bonus and face the possibility of increased premiums.
Tumbridge also commented that the majority of insurance companies refer to trade publications to work out the value of a car, and offer as little compensation as possible. This is unrealistic and unfair, he claims, as car owners should receive a pay out that will buy a vehicle in similar condition. It’s not possible to be sure that the vehicle they buy will be reliable, and therefore people whose car has been written off in a snow-related accident should be able to purchase a replacement vehicle from a reputable dealership that will give them a warranty.
Experts warn that stopping distances, even on gritted roads, are as much as ten times longer in icy weather, and even if another car loses control and you hit them, you’re still liable because you also lost control.
Related: Post Office Car Insurance
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