Road Safety and Car Insurance

Road Safety and Car Insurance 

A new road safety pack has been launched with its manufacturer claiming that it can save lives and reduce car insurance claims. The firm has also asked car insurance companies to recommend drivers carry high-visibility jackets – but what else do drivers need to keep themselves safe on the road? With car insurance claims continuing to mount and forcing premiums skywards, motorists taking all the steps they can to reduce the risk of making a claim takes on added importance. However, by embracing road safety measures they can not only keep premiums in check, but also reduce the risk of personal injury.

Fabrics specialist Vispack has launched a new road safety pack which it claims can save lives and help to lower the number of car insurance claims. Known as "The Driver’s Hub" it includes five high visibility reflective vests that should be worn in the event of an accident, as well as essential information such as emergency contact numbers.

However, whether you go out and buy a road safety pack or not, how can you protect yourself on the road?

How to boost road safety and lower car insurance premiums

Vispack has urged car insurance firms to recommend policyholders carry high visibility jackets in their vehicles because those who are stuck at the side of the road following a breakdown or accident are highly vulnerable. It estimates that 80 per cent of the UK’s road users don’t carry the vests despite the fact that there are 100 fatalities a year on hard shoulders.

If an accident occurs, carrying a high visibility vest you can put on, certainly makes sense. However, there are many further steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
  It helps to prepare for trouble by always staying aware of where you are. Looking for street names or at least the name of the nearest town can help a breakdown company to reach you faster. Carry a road map too so you can explain exactly where you are and keep coins with you so you can call someone if your mobile phone can’t get service.

There are several pieces of equipment you should carry in a car in case of an accident or breakdown. These include a red warning triangle, which will alert traffic if the car breaks down. Make sure you carry a torch; and also a warm blanket, clothes, some chocolate and water – just in case you get stuck in cold conditions.

Should you suffer a breakdown, pull off the road and park in a safe position, before turning on the hazard lights. If the car stops suddenly, then turn on the hazard lights immediately and ideally place the warning triangle about 50 paces behind the vehicle to warn the other traffic.

If an accident occurs, then stay calm, and alert other traffic to steer clear of the incident so the situation does not get any worse. Deal with any injuries and ensure the police are informed. Keep a notebook and pen in the car so you can note down the details of any other drivers involved in the incident including their name, address and registration. Ideally carry a camera too so you can take pictures at the scene, or alternatively draw a road map showing the positions of the vehicle while the memory is still fresh. Taking these steps should help a car insurance claim run smoothly.

The good news is that taking steps to boost road safety should earn rewards from your car insurance provider. Keep it informed about all the steps you take to keep your vehicle in good condition and well equipped, and you may even earn a discount on your premiums.

How car insurance can help you stay safe

Depending on the options you choose on a car insurance policy, your provider could even help you stay safe on the road.
  For example, many insurers now offer breakdown assistance as part of their coverage. With most insurers this is basic and consists of just roadside assistance – but you may be able to find features such as onward travel, emergency accommodation and even home starts if you shop around. Most insurers will also offer a courtesy car or replacement vehicles if your vehicle is temporarily sidelined or even written off.

Several insurers offer priority breakdown assistance for female drivers so they don’t feel vulnerable while stranded on the side of the road. Other companies even offer mobile phone locator services so that if you use a mobile phone to contact the provider and tell it you are stranded it can find your location even if you don’t know where you are.

If you want additional car insurance cover to ensure you have peace of mind in an accident or breakdown, use a comparison website to compare the deals available and ensure you don’t pay over the odds.
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