Insurers luke warm to weather change

esure saw an instant effect of the overnight snowfall with double the number of claims calls registered between 8am and 11am as motorists struggled with frozen, snow-caked roads.

esure car insurance is advising anybody who has to drive in this weather to completely clear all their car windows of snow before setting off. They should also take warm clothes, waterproofs, a mobile phone, a hot flask of tea or coffee and food with them - just in case they get stuck and need to await rescue.

Adrian Webb, Head of Communications at esure, said: "This is a major weather incident and despite the warnings some people have clearly had to try to drive to work. Unfortunately, many of these have hit trouble early on.

"The situation has been made much worse because garages and rescue services are also overwhelmed too and they are having to make their way to broken-down cars in exactly the same terrible conditions."

The company is also urging motorists crossing on narrow hills in these conditions to give priority to those coming up hills as many problems have been caused by cars stopping on hills and finding themselves unable to re-start.

Despite headlines reporting on the biggest snow event in the last 18 years and the travel problems it is causing, Saga Motor Insurance reported that there has been no deluge of calls to it's motor claims contact centre.

Roger Ramsden, Chief Executive, Saga Insurance, said, "Given the string of reports on the news this morning about the number of accidents and travel problems caused by the snow, most motor insurers will be expecting to see a huge increase in the number of people reporting claims today. However we have seen no such increase in claims calls this morning, this is because the over 50s tend to use their experience in bad weather and either stay at home or adjust their driving according to the conditions, making them safer than younger drivers."

Saga Motor Insurance offers the following tips to stay safe in the snow

·         Allow extra time before your journey to prepare.

·         Plan your route to use as many main roads as possible as these are more likely to have been gritted.

·         Remove all snow and ice from the vehicle to ensure maximum visibility and not cause a hazard to other drivers.

·         Give your vehicle a quick once over before you leave to check tyre tread and pressure, water and anti freeze levels.

·         Ensure headlights and number plates are clear of snow.

·         Its also a good idea to have the following in your car should you encounter any trouble, an ice scraper and de-icer, mobile phone with fully charged battery, torch, first-aid kit, tow rope, blankets, warm coat and boots, jump leads, snow shovel, warning triangle, an old sack or rug (to put under the wheels if you do get stuck).

·        But most importantly, put safety before punctuality!

More vehicles will breakdown in the next few days.
We know this from previous years statistics at Car Parts Direct. When the temperature falls below -2 degrees for more than three days in any one week online orders for Car Parts increase by around 25pc. The main parts to fail are Glow Plugs, Alternators, Wiper Blades, Starter Motors, Radiators and Water Pumps. Brakes are also affected by the freezing weather, as Brake Calipers seize-on causing brake pads and discs to wear out.

You may find the following advice helpful:

·         Try not to leave your vehicle stood for several days without starting your engine. Start the engine and move the vehicle even if it's just for a short distance. Avoid leaving your handbrake on for more than 48 hours.

·         Make sure your antifreeze is topped up to avoid cooling system damage.

·         If you own a diesel vehicle and the glow plugs are in poor condition your vehicle may struggle to start tomorrow morning. The symptoms are your engine turns over but fails to fire up. Don't keep trying to start the engine or you will kill your battery and risk burning your Starter Motor out.

·         Replacing Diesel Glow plugs is really easy. There is an online video on the Car Parts Direct website to show you how to replace your Glow Plugs. There's a full catalogue online for discounted, long life Glow Plugs too.

CPD has beefed up our stock on Alternators, Starter motors, Glow plugs and Wiper and pulled extra help in to ensure the parts you require are delivered to fast.