Car insurance claims doubled on ‘White Monday’

The number of car insurance claims doubled during the busiest day of 2009, also called “White Monday” on December 21 as blizzard conditions sweep many parts of the country, AA insurance said.

And the AA said they expect the figure to rise further as their staff compiles all the data.

According to the AA, their Cardiff office has processed over 500 road accident claims, almost twice as many claims as would be expected on the whole of a normal winter Monday.

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AA staff manning the phones said, the “phone hasn’t stopped ringing and we’re going absolutely flat-out, claim volumes increasing as the evening sets in as customers come to grief in the arctic conditions.” The busiest day of 2009 previously was on 2nd February when the last widespread snow fell. Then, just over 800 claims were taken. Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said, “Fortunately, most accidents are at a relatively slow speed so we’re not getting reports of injuries. But an accident is always distressing and on ice can be very frightening.”

“Our role first and foremost is to offer help, advice and a sympathetic ear – and help them decide on the next best course of action. “Our roadside patrols are also reporting their busiest day for years, with over 16,000 calls taken by 3pm on Monday.”