Based on claims trends following previous UK lockdowns, insurer NFU Mutual is expecting a sharp increase in accidents from next week when England lifts travel restrictions.
This is when self-contained holiday accommodation lets, non-essential retail, personal care, outdoor hospitality and indoor leisure venues are scheduled to open to the public on Monday 12 April. Wales opened for limited holiday business before Easter.
Claims to NFU Mutual for car accidents increased sharply by 22% over the late May Bank Holiday last year, shortly after lockdown was eased on May 11. Car accident claims also increased by 12% over the Christmas period compared with previous weeks, prompting the insurer to advise caution on the roads. The prediction comes alongside 1 in 4 drivers admitting they are feeling nervous about making long journeys once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Of 2,000 drivers surveyed by NFU Mutual in March, 37% said they are planning to drive somewhere to go on holiday in the UK once lockdown restrictions allow it, equating to more than 12 million drivers taking to the roads. |
Some 15% of people who live in Wales are feeling nervous about long drives when restrictions ease which is much less than the national average of 25%, and 24% of drivers surveyed from Wales are planning to drive somewhere to go on holiday in the UK.
People from Wales are the most confident drivers in general compared with all other UK countries and regions, with just 41% saying they feel nervous or tense while driving compared with a UK average of 57%. People in Wales are more concerned about breaking down than other UK countries/regions – with 36% saying this concerned them compared with 25% UK average. |
The most nervous driving groups are also those taking to the UK’s roads to holiday in the highest numbers. Post-lockdown nervousness is most pronounced amongst younger or less experienced drivers and out-of-practice Londoners, and the majority have either already booked their holidays or are planning to.
Nearly two thirds of drivers aged 18-34 (63%) and more than half of Londoners who drive (53%) will be taking to the roads for a UK getaway this year.
NFU Mutual motor insurance specialist, Jade Devlin, said, “While uncertainty remains on whether European holidays are on the cards, our research shows that millions will be taking to the UK’s roads for holidays from next week when lockdown eases.
“Where easing has happened in 2020 we’ve received sharp surges in reported car accidents with roads getting busier very quickly and drivers taking their first long distance drives for a while. We’re sadly expecting the same from 12th April when many venues and holiday lets start opening up, so would urge drivers to take care on the roads.”
A previous study by NFU Mutual during November 2020 also found that an astounding 42% of UK drivers suffered a collision and 36% had a near miss. Of these, over half (55%) said it has affected their confidence.
In response to the findings, NFU Mutual is providing 1,000 car and light goods vehicle insurance customers with free two-hour personalised driving confidence sessions worth £150 each. The sessions are delivered by advanced driving instructors from Drive Doctors and are tailored to the specific needs of the driver.
NFU Mutual has been successfully providing driving confidence sessions as part of its Young Drivers’ Scheme for seven years, helping over 3,000 young drivers. If the sessions are in demand from other driver groups, NFU Mutual will consider providing them to all car and van customer groups as an optional add-on service as part of its insurance product offering in the future.