Research by the UK's largest insurer, Norwich Union, has shown that new cars have almost twice as many claims for accidental damage as older cars: most commonly for incidents that don't involve another vehicle.
Research by the UK's largest insurer, Norwich Union, has shown that new cars have almost twice as many claims for accidental damage as older cars: most commonly for incidents that don't involve another vehicle.
The insurer, which provides motor insurance for around one in five cars on Britain's roads, found that vehicles less than 12 months old are nearly twice as likely to suffer damage while parked, as those more than a year old.
Accidents involving other vehicles are almost a quarter higher for vehicles that have been registered for less than a year.
New cars are 40 per cent more likely to be vandalised than older cars.
Richard Alger, Norwich Union's motor development manager, said: "Our investigations highlight the fact that owners of new cars take some time to get used to their vehicles. The number of claims for damage caused specifically by drivers of new cars bumping into things suggests that, initially, drivers are unfamiliar with their new vehicle's controls or with the size of their car, when it comes to manoeuvring.
"Interestingly there is little difference in the number of theft claims. This could be explained by the improvements to physical security, but is more likely to be a result of new car owners being extra vigilant and taking precautions to deter would-be thieves from taking their prized new possession.
"From an insurance perspective new car owners should ensure that they have taken out cover with a company that will provide a replacement vehicle if the car is 'written off' or stolen. Insurers such as Norwich Union will typically provide such cover up to 12 months after first registration, but it is worth checking that your policy provides such protection."
For media enquires, please contact David Ross at Norwich Union on 08703 666865 (07786 526350)
Notes to editors
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer. In general insurance it is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest competitor, and has a 19 per cent share of the market.
- It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on the Aviva plc website at www.aviva.com
- A selection of images is available from the Norwich Union Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
- An ISDN facility is available for studio quality interviews. Call the press office on 08703 66 68 68
For all life and pension media enquiries 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries 08703 66 68 68