Car Insurance and the Risks of Dark Nights

Most of us celebrate the clocks turning back – after all, it means an extra hour in bed. However, it seems that for many UK motorists it is also a daunting affair.

Research by Saga car insurance shows that driving at night is a worry for more than a fifth of motorists aged over 50 and for more than five million drivers overall. What’s more is that the risks are actually making many of us adjust our approach to driving with a fifth of motorists driving less during the winter months to avoid the darkness, while another one in five said they would prefer to take public transport to avoid being on the road.

Yet despite this obvious concern, many of the UK’s motorists are not taking basic safety precautions to ensure they have a smooth journey - which could prove costly for their car insurance.

How night-time driving affects car insurance

According to statistics from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 40 per cent of all collisions occur during the night-time hours. Yet despite this, nearly eight million UK motorists are not preparing properly for the conditions according to over 50s insurer, RIAS.

This could be costly, not only because it could lead to a dangerous or deadly accident, but because of the impact it could have on your car insurance premiums. Making a claim on car insurance will instantly wipe out a no-claims discount forcing premiums to rise. What’s more is that if you have an accident caused by vehicle negligence, you could be held liable and even face prosecution.

So the message is to take simple steps to keep your car in good condition and well-prepared for the darkness.

How to avoid car insurance claims and prepare for night-time driving

Keeping your vehicle in good condition should be a top priority as the winter months approach. Ideally, get your car serviced to ensure there are no long standing problems. If that’s too expensive then at least keep on top of some regular maintenance tasks.

For example, check your brakes – make sure they are in good condition and that there is sufficient brake fluid. Ensure that both tyre condition and tread depths are correct, and take the time to check the standard of wiper blades as well as water and oil levels on a weekly basis.

Always make sure your windscreen is clear and use plenty of screen-wash. Allow extra time for journeys so you can avoid rushing, and be particularly conscious of the weather conditions. For example, if the weather is foggy then watch your speed and don’t get too close to the car in front – always leave a two second gap, and double this in icy or foggy conditions. Indeed if there is snow or ice on the road then use high gears to reduce the need for sudden acceleration or deceleration.

Take a mobile phone with you just in case, and look into a car insurance policy that offers breakdown cover as an add-on so you are not left stranded if something goes wrong. Make sure you’re well prepared for night-time driving too – don’t drive if you feel sleepy, for example. Be prepared to take breaks as you need them.

Another car insurance risk

It’s not just while you’re driving that the dark nights can prove an added danger. Traditionally, car theft also increases during this period with opportunist thieves preferring to act under a shroud of darkness to shelter their actions.

To avoid car theft, make sure you lock your vehicle securely every time you leave the car and take any valuables with you – or at least store them out of sight. Don’t leave car keys near to a door or window in your home as thieves are known to break-in to homes to steal cars or even fish car keys through a letterbox.

Keeping your vehicle safe could pay off with car insurance savings too. Most insurers will offer discounts to drivers that install car alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices – consult your insurer about which systems offer the largest savings. There are further discounts available if you park in a garage overnight and in a secure car park during the day.

To find an appropriate level of car insurance cover, use a comparison website to shop around. These sites compare not only car insurance quotes but also the level of cover available so you can be sure you’re getting value for money.