Brits' £100m winter claims warning

• Cost of winter claims 24 per cent higher than average
• Greatest proportion of travel claims made during winter months
• Winter sun holiday destinations dominate the list of most claimed-for countries
   

New analysis¹ by Direct Line Travel Insurance highlights the danger British holidaymakers face if travelling without comprehensive insurance over the winter months, as those with insurance make more claims in this period than at any other time of year.

Detailed analysis of the insurer’s claims data reveals a fifth (20 per cent) of all travel insurance claims are made during the winter months, despite only 15 per cent (seven million) of all holidays taking place in this period. This is approximately one claim for every 57 trips Brits made during the period², compared to the annual average is one travel insurance claim for every 67 trips made by Brits overseas. This amounts to around £45,000 worth of travel claims every hour during winter.

Not only are travel insurance claims during the winter months more frequent, but the value of claims is also higher. The average claim value for last winter was more than £800, 24 per cent higher than the average annual claim value. Furthermore, over half (56 per cent) of all winter claims exceeded £1,000. This amounts to over £97 million in travel insurance claims over the three-month winter period. The most common claims Direct Line sees during the winter are for cancellation, followed by out-patient medical procedure and accidental loss of baggage.

Spain dominates the list of most claimed for countries, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of all travel insurance claims last winter. This is followed by winter claims from France (nine per cent) and the United States (eight per cent), many of which arise from skiing and snowboarding.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, commented: “It’s unsurprising that we want to escape the gloomy British winter. However, with winter claims not only more common but also more expensive, anyone looking to enjoy a winter break should ensure they take out comprehensive travel insurance at the point of booking their holiday, so in the event something derails their trip, they won’t be left out of pocket.
 

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Notes to Editors

• ¹Direct Line analysis of travel claims data for the period December 2016 – November 2017. Analysis conducted in December 2017. Winter period covers December 2016 to February 2017. Total figures calculated based on Direct Line Group’s market share.
• ²Direct Line analysis of monthly ONS travel data on overseas travel and tourism, published 17th November 2017. Period covers March 2016 – February 2017. Analysis focuses on overseas holidays made by UK residents every month.
   

For further information please contact:
 

Claire Jarrett 

Media Relations Executive

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832 411

Email: claire.jarrett@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Antonia Green

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Antonia.green@citigatedewerogerson.co.uk

0207 282 2967
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting