Heavy rain causes claims to "soar"

Claims made by motorists on their car insurance have increased due to the recent wet weather, a report has asserted.

July saw an 18 per cent rise in claims compared to the same time last year, according to insurance company Swinton.

The Met office has issued a number of severe weather warnings in recent weeks and Swinton suggested the increased number of road incidents is down to difficult driving conditions.

An insurer development manager for Swinton Steve Chelton warned: "Aquaplaning is particularly dangerous because the driver loses total control of their vehicle, putting themselves and other road users at risk."

Drivers often misjudge braking distances in wet weather, Swinton continued, adding this is just one factor contributing to an increased number of accidents and claims on drivers' car insurance.

It also notes that low visibility is a primary cause of accidents.

Recently, personal finance blog Spending Smart reminded motorists purchasing rental cars that they should buy insurance to cover themselves from financial disaster rather than smaller "nuisance" expenses.

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