Nov 2011: Fitting Winter Tyres can Help Reduce Insurance Premium

Motor insurance brokers eQuoteDirect are urging vehicle owners to switch to winter tyres, as it can help them reduce their insurance premium. As economic conditions around the world remain uncertain, there is no doubt that every single pound saved is a pound earned.

As the temperature begins to dip and winter sets in, the road conditions become extremely challenging for drivers. Road surfaces that are covered by snow or ice tend to be slippery and increase the chances of accidents occurring and consequently push up the insurance renewal quotes.

Poor Grip on Snow and Ice

The rubber compound used in the regular tyres loses its flexibility and resilience at temperatures below 8 degrees. As a result, they fail to provide adequate grip on surfaces covered with snow and ice.

This compromises braking efficiency, leading to greater stopping distance on the roads. In many cases the vehicles stop as much as 10 times further on wet and snow covered roads, as compared to the dry roads. You can imagine the extent to which this would increase the chances of accidents occurring.

Road Using Businesses are Particularly Vulnerable

Officials from EQuoteDirect specifically mentioned that businesses that use road travel as part of their regular operations are particularly vulnerable to the pitfalls of winter driving, as they are constantly on the roads in spite of the rough winter weather conditions.

And typically such businesses have multiple vehicles on the road. Switching to winter tyres will benefit such organizations to a considerable extent. First and foremost, winter tyres would ensure the safety of the employees as they continue their work, uninterrupted, even in the harshest of winter weather conditions. And the reduced risk of accidents occurring helps keep the insurance premium from climbing up.

Need for Winter Tyres

In the last couple of years, the UK has seen three severe winter spells. Moreover, weather bureau has predicted winter this year too will tend to be on the severe side. These are indications that motorists need to act now.

There is no reason to expose themselves to risky winter driving when the solution is as simple as to fit winter tyres.

The winter tyres incorporate a special silicon compound which retains its flexibility under low temperatures and thereby offers good grip, enhancing safety.

eQuoteDirect predicts that if everyone looked at the benefits of winter tyres seriously and switched over at the onset of winter, there would be a major drop in accident figures and an associated drop in the insurance premiums across the country.

All leading brands of tyres offer their own range of winter tyres. Switch to winter tyres today, if you have not done so already.

Other Winter Precautions

While switching to winter tyres is an important task, eQuoteDirect also recommends other practices like winter proofing the windscreens to enhance safety while driving in winter.

The window washer needs to contain anti-freeze compounds, which ensure that the windows don’t get frosted over, impairing visibility while driving. It is also necessary to constantly check the headlights to ensure they are working properly to powerfully illuminate the way ahead.

Winter driving is tough. But if you are well prepared, there is no need to worry.