Drivers face £3,000 charge this weekend over mistake 17 per cent plan to make
Drivers face a £3,000 charge this weekend over a mistake 17 per cent plan to make. GoCompare is warning over the risk associated with venturing out onto UK roads and motorways as Storm Eowyn pummels the country with up to 100mph winds.
The comparison site says the median claim for storm and flood-related car damage in 2023 was £3,000, meaning there are large costs involved in this risky behaviour. Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, has led the calls to take caution.
Mr Banks said: “The potential costs of driving through floodwater go beyond immediate repair bills. Floodwaters as shallow as 10 to 15cm can severely damage a car’s engine and electrical systems. When the water gets deeper, the risks increase significantly – vehicles can lose traction, start floating, or, in extreme cases, be swept away by the current.
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“If you’re ever faced with floodwater on the road, the safest option is to turn around and find an alternative route. Driving through water might seem like a shortcut, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. If it’s unavoidable, assess the depth carefully – water should ideally be no deeper than 10cm.
“Keep your speed low and steady to avoid creating waves that could damage your car or surrounding property, and never attempt crossing fast-moving water, as the current could sweep you away. Having the right insurance can also provide a safety net for drivers, covering the often steep costs of flood-related damage. But it’s important to remember that not all policies include protection against floods or storms as standard.
“Drivers need to read their policy carefully to make sure they understand what is covered, especially if they’re willing to risk driving through floodwater. If their car is damaged as a result, they might have to cover the costs themselves.”
A Met Office forecast explains: "Storm Éowyn will bring dangerous winds to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland throughout today with heavy rain at times. After a wet and windy start further south, winds easing and becoming largely dry."