Insurer predicts ‘sharp increase’ in accidents when UK lockdown ends

Based on claims trends following previous UK lockdowns, insurer NFU Mutual is expecting a sharp increase in accidents from next week. This is when self-contained holiday accommodation lets, non-essential retail, personal care, outdoor hospitality and indoor leisure venues are scheduled to open to the public on 12 April.

Claims to NFU Mutual for car accidents increased sharply by 22 per cent over the late May Bank Holiday last year, shortly after lockdown was eased on May 11. Car accident claims also increased by 12 per cent over the Christmas period compared with previous weeks, prompting the insurer to advise caution on the roads.

The prediction comes alongside 1 in 4 drivers admitting they are feeling nervous about making long journeys once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Of 2,000 drivers surveyed by NFU Mutual in March, 37 per cent said they are planning to drive somewhere to go on holiday in the UK once lockdown restrictions allow it, equating to more than 12 million drivers taking to the roads.

The most nervous driving groups are also those taking to the UK’s roads to holiday in the highest numbers. Post-lockdown nervousness is most pronounced amongst younger or less experienced drivers and out-of-practice Londoners, and the majority have either already booked their holidays or are planning to.

Nearly two thirds of drivers aged 18-34 (63 per cent) and more than half of Londoners who drive (53 per cent) will be taking to the roads for a UK getaway this year.

NFU Mutual motor insurance specialist, Jade Devlin, said: “While uncertainty remains on whether European holidays are on the cards, our research shows that millions will be taking to the UK’s roads for holidays from next week when lockdown eases. Where easing has happened in 2020 we’ve received sharp surges in reported car accidents with roads getting busier very quickly and drivers taking their first long distance drives for a while. We’re sadly expecting the same from 12th April when many venues and holiday lets start opening up, so would urge drivers to take care on the roads.”

A previous study by NFU Mutual during November 2020 also found that  42 per cent of UK drivers have suffered a collision and 36 per cent have had a near miss. Of these, over half (55 per cent) said it has affected their confidence.

In response to the findings, NFU Mutual is providing 1,000 car and light goods vehicle insurance customers with free two-hour personalised driving confidence sessions worth £150 each. The sessions are delivered by advanced driving instructors from Drive Doctors and are tailored to the specific needs of the driver.

NFU Mutual has been successfully providing driving confidence sessions as part of its Young Drivers’ Scheme for seven years, helping over 3,000 young drivers. If the sessions are in demand from other driver groups, NFU Mutual will consider providing them to all car and van customer groups as an optional add-on service as part of its insurance product offering in the future.

Jade Devlin continued: “Unfortunately there can be some degree of stigma attached to being a less confident driver which means for many it is a hidden problem. Our research shows a motorist’s confidence can be knocked for a whole host of reasons from past collisions to less frequent driving and the type of roads used, and with lockdown easing drivers are facing unique concerns. We hope the 1,000 free Drive Doctors sessions will go some way to boost confidence and help prevent accidents. We’re expecting high demand and if so, we’ll be looking at what more we can do to help make roads safer for everyone.”