Go.Compare urges drivers to stay safe and informed amid red weather warnings

With red, amber and yellow weather warnings in place throughout the UK this weekend,* Go.Compare car insurance is encouraging all motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicle for hazardous weather – or even avoid driving at all unless absolutely necessary.

The comparison site is also advising anyone with a car to carry out essential maintenance and get prepared for the adverse weather now. It is important that they ensure their vehicles are ready for any unpredictable driving conditions. This is following a recent survey from Go.Compare which revealed that as many as 39% of motorists aren’t currently planning on doing any preparation to make sure their car is fit for the winter.**

Tom Banks, Go.Compare car insurance spokesperson, commented: “Driving when there’s a red weather warning in force can be especially hazardous, and we would always recommend to avoid using in the car, unless absolutely necessary.

“While your car insurance policy will not be invalidated if you do drive in adverse weather – provided you’re driving legally - there will be exceptions. Your car insurance will cover you as normal but if your insurer thinks you were driving irresponsibly or recklessly during a red weather warning, and you had an accident, it might not pay out your claim. For example, if you drive in an area that has been closed by the police because of flooding and your car got damaged, your claim could be refused.

“With this in mind, if you are having to drive this weekend, it’s worth spending a bit of time to make sure your tyres, windscreen wipers, bulbs and oil levels are all in a good state of repair – and also check that your breakdown cover is still valid and up to date – just in case.”

• Go.Compare has compiled a guide for driving in a red weather warning, which includes:
• Be mindful to slow down during bad weather - roads will be more slippery when wet and icy, and flooded roads can also be greasy due to mud. Take your time as it doesn’t matter if it takes a bit longer to get somewhere.
• Always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. Stopping distances can be more than double in wet weather and ten times greater in snowy/icy conditions than on dry roads according to The Highway Code.
• Never drive through flood water. According to the Met Office, just 30cm of moving water can float your car, which could carry you to deeper water from which you might need rescuing.
• In strong winds, give high-sided vehicles like lorries and vans, plus vulnerable road users like motorbike riders, plenty of space as they’re more likely to be blown off-course. And grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands, so you’re more in control if your vehicle is buffeted by strong gusts of wind.
• Use dipped headlights when it’s raining or there’s poor visibility.

For more information and tips for driving in extreme weather conditions, please visit: https://www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/winter-driving-guide/