For millions of Britons driving is an integral part of everyday life, with many using their cars as part of their jobs too.
For millions of Britons driving is an integral part of everyday life, with many using their cars as part of their jobs too. Yet getting back behind the wheel after a motoring accident can be a traumatic event and it’s no surprise that many drivers find it very difficult.
Over 30,000 people were seriously injured in car accidents in 2004 and extensive studies have shown that motoring accidents can cause anxiety, for lengthy periods following the crash, as well as fears and phobias about driving or being a passenger in a car.*
“Motor insurance does a great job of looking after the car,” says Stephen Dullenty, product development manager at Norwich Union. “But we believe there should be something available to also look after the driver.”
PhysioFast is an optional cover that Norwich Union Direct comprehensive motor insurance customers can add to their policies which can help drivers recover both physically and emotionally from car accidents. The cover includes physiotherapy support for both the insured driver and passengers** involved, and a two-hour driver confidence session with a professional driving instructor from Norwich Union sister company BSM is also included as part of the package.
During the driver confidence consultations drivers are taken back to the scene of the accident – or somewhere similar - to assess the factors and risks that may have contributed to the accident. Tailored specifically to the driver’s individual needs, the session also includes a review of basic driving skills to improve overall driving safety.
Stephen Dullenty continued: “We recognise that some drivers may lose confidence following an accident. That’s why we have arranged for BSM to provide support to our customers who believe they will benefit from a professional refresher driving session.”
Personal injury claims are increasing year-on-year by 5% – 80% of small claims involve a whiplash element.*** PhysioFast is an opportunity to help injured parties get better, faster.
“Delays in diagnosis can result in even more serious complications and reduce the chances of a full and speedy recovery, so making sure you have the right cover is key as it allows you to receive the right treatment for physical or emotional injuries,” said Mr Dullenty.
PhysioFast can be added to the Norwich Union comprehensive motor policy for Ł15 a year and entitles the insured driver and his or her passengers to:
- Speedy referral to a fully qualified chartered physiotherapist
- An initial consultation to determine the suitability and level of treatment required
- Up to eight treatment sessions for each injured person and immediate access to expert clinician
- Full report sent to your GP on completion of your treatment.
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*Research by RAC Foundation, 2005
**Not third party passengers
*** 80% of claims below Ł5000 contain a whiplash element - Norwich Union claims data 2006
For further information, please contact:
Sophie Lam, Lexis PR, on 020 7908 6482 or slam@lexispr.com
Erik Nelson, Norwich Union press office, 01603 682264/07989 427086
Notes to editors:
PhysioFast covers:
- Physiotherapy treatment from a Norwich Union appointed chartered physiotherapist who is of the opinion that treatment will help recovery. The most paid for each injured person is Ł400
- Fast track applications – customers are usually contacted within 48 hours of the request
- Customers are covered even if the accident was their fault, there is no impact on no-claims discount (NCD) (claims including your vehicle still affect your NCD), and your passengers also benefit from this fast track service
Think! Road Safety Website, Department for Transport: There were 277,619 injuries as a result of car accidents in 2004, of these, 31,130 were seriously injured and 246,489 were slightly injured.
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre: Whiplash is the most frequently reported minor injury in motor vehicle crashes, with 250,000 cases per year in the UK. 10% of whiplash injuries sustained are long-term (last more than one month). 1% of whiplash injuries are permanent, affecting 2,000 people every year.
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre: Statistics show females are two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer whiplash injury than males.
About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 14%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media