Check insurance, drivers warned

DRIVERS have been warned to check their insurance policies before setting out on the roads amid this week’s blizzard conditions.

Insurance experts say some policies may not cover motorists if their vehicle is damaged in an accident caused by snow or ice.

Experts say drivers with third party insurance policies are most likely to be affected if their cars are damaged in the wintry conditions, but urged those with comprehensive policies to check their terms and conditions before setting out.

A spokesman for insurance comparison website comparethemarket.com said: ‘If your area is likely to be hit with the brunt of this week’s snow and icy weather conditions, it would be wise to double check exactly what your car insurance policy covers.

‘It’s also important that you take sufficient measures to protect your car during bad weather.

‘While many comprehensive insurance policies include damage caused by bad weather and storms, this isn’t guaranteed.’ But a spokesman for the AA said insurers are unlikely to refuse payouts for damage caused in the snow unless the driver was driving recklessly.

He said: ‘It’s total nonsense to say you would not be covered during a red weather warning. If you were caught up in the red warning on the road, are you supposed to pull over and freeze?’