DRIVING IN A STORM? Here’s how you could damage your car and invalidate your insurance – and how to avoid it
As we’ve seen in recent weeks, thunderstorms and heavy rain can be hazardous as not only do they impact your visibility, they can also damage your brakes and engine during and after driving. This could not only cost you a lot of money in repairs but could also increase your insurance premium if you are involved in an accident.
Car insurance expert, Florence Codjoe, says: “With adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, extreme rain and flooding coming our way, it's worth checking whether your insurance covers you.
“Driving through flooded areas can affect your brakes and obscure your visibility when driving which means your premium could be impacted if you drive against weather warning advice, and you’re involved in an accident.”
How to stay safe driving a storm
- Check your brakes before and after driving
- Drive slowly through puddles
- Ensure your front and rear windshield wipers work
- Check your front and rear headlights before setting off
- Be mindful of pedestrians or cyclists
- Double the distance between you the vehicle ahead
To avoid hitting a pothole or damaging your car, try to drive slowly through puddles and avoid slamming on your brakes. After you clear a deep puddle of water, test your brakes by applying gentle pressure, allowing them to air and dry off.
Heavy rain is also likely to restrict your visibility, meaning your windshield wipers and headlights are a necessity when driving. If these are damaged or in need of repair, your insurance may not cover you if you need to make a claim.
If you do happen to get caught in a storm, take it slow, not only for your safety but for pedestrians and cyclists, too. At anything above a slow crawl, you’ll throw water onto pavements, soaking those passing by. You could be fined up to £5,000 and get points on your licence for this.
As the UK weather is so unpredictable, we’ve also covered heatwaves, fog, and snow. Take a look at the full piece here: https://www.uswitch.com/guides/car-insurance/does-your-car-insurance-cover-unpredictable-weather/
