Driving Bullies Bump Up Car Insurance Claims

We’re always taught to stick to the speed limit, drive courteously and abide by the rules of the road – however, it seems that law-abiding motorists may actually be to ‘blame’ for a rise in car insurance claims, at least in the eyes of an angry few.

According to research by a leading car insurance provider commissioned by the Transport Research Laboratory, motorists adhering to the Highway Code are effectively bullied into speeding by other motorists who will tailgate and attempt to make them travel faster.

The study found that 93 per cent of motorists under observation were tailgated by other road users when driving in accordance with the Highway Code compared to just 47 per cent who were tailgated when driving in their normal style.

Indeed it’s not just tailgating that proves to be an outlet for frustrated drivers. Over the 15 hours of monitored drives there were six instances of road rage resulting in direct conflict with other road users. This included confronting another driver, car vandalism and aggressive acts such as cutting in and brake testing.

The effects of road rage on car insurance

Research conducted in April 2008 found that nearly 300,000 cars had been damaged in road rage incidents in the UK with one in six drivers claiming to have fallen victim to aggressive behavior in the previous six months.

It is estimated that more than 7.4million drivers have been involved in confrontations with other motorists and that young drivers are the most likely to be targeted. This upsurge in incidents is being blamed as a partial cause of the overall rise in car insurance premiums, which have leaped by more than £50 on average in the first nine months of 2008.

As a consequence, many car insurance providers have begun to offer specialist cover options to insure drivers against the effects of a road rage incident. Sainsbury’s Bank for example, will now offer payouts up to £1,000 if a driver is assaulted by another motorist, while Sheila’s Wheels now offers counseling services as part of its extended cover.

Half of all road rage incidents reported by motorists result in verbal confrontation, while four per cent lead to cars being damaged. The consequence is that more drivers are making avoidable car insurance claims which are wiping out no-claims discounts and bumping up premiums.

How can you avoid making a car insurance claim due to road rage?

While you can’t control the actions of other road users, you can at least ensure you reduce the risk of becoming a road rage victim yourself.

In an effort to ward off road rage incidents, remember to use your indicators when switching lanes and be careful not to cut someone off when you move across the road. Keep to the speed limits but if you are traveling slower than the general flow of traffic, stick to the slow lane and don’t be a road hog. It’s worth sticking to the same lane as much as possible as changing lanes frequently and erratically is likely to cause disharmony with other motorists.

Leave a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front – generally this is known as the two-second rule although this should be doubled in hazardous conditions such as icy or wet weather. It can be tempting to tailgate other motorists to avoid other drivers cutting in front of you – but always leave safe distances just in case.

Keeping your eyes on the road and your focus firmly on driving is also important. If another driver sees you swerving on the road while applying make-up or answering a phone call it will only serve to heighten their anger.

If you do encounter an angry driver then avoid making eye contact and let them pass you while you continue on your way. Be polite and courteous – though it may be frustrating at times you will be the better person and be setting a good example to any youngsters you have on board. Try and stay calm and under control, avoid honking your horn and don’t be tempted to play their game.

Should an accident occur involving an angry motorist, try and keep a cool head. Keep to the point – exchange details and contact the police as soon as possible to obtain an incident number. Attempt to gather as much evidence as possible and get in touch with your car insurance provider to begin the claims procedure.