New research by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has revealed that insurers have been forced to pay out more than 650 million pounds over the winter in accident claims due to the extreme winter weather conditions.
According to the BBC website, between 18 December 2009 and 13 January 2010, British insurance companies have paid a multi-million pound sum to UK residents for damage caused to their cars, homes and businesses due to the ice and snow that affected large parts of the country.
The most common form of accident claims that resulted in payment were caused by road traffic accident cases in which vehicles were damaged and personal injuries occurred from crashes on icy roads. This damage bill, which currently stands at around 395 million pounds, continues to rise even after the snowy weather has eased, as an increasing number of potholes in the roads are causing trouble for motorists.
Although most motorists have attributed their accidents to the extreme weather conditions, many drivers have also criticised local authorities for failing to properly grit roads in slippery conditions.
The ABI also revealed that double the normal number of compensation claims were made for property related damage to homes and businesses, with over 66 thousand cases submitted during the winter months. Common claims included roof damage, and insurers paid out around 255 million pounds in total.
The statistics follow a recent announcement by the Scottish government that is has extended the period in which those affected by snow damage can make compensation claims to a dedicated fund.
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