'Monsoon' Weather in UK on the Increase Say Leading Insurance Broker Swinton

• Monday, 13 November 2006

Please find below a press release regarding Swinton insurance broker’s warning to drivers about increasing ‘monsoon’ weather conditions affecting the UK. Swinton have seen an 8% increase in accidents that have occurred during sudden torrential downpours more commonly associated with very hot, humid climates.

Last week the association of British insurers issued a separate warning about increased flood risk attributed to possible climate change – and in September the University of Newcastle published research that suggested we are seeing an increase in occurrences of extreme rainfall in the UK compared based on historical meteorological records. Further, PA issued a story just yesterday about the threat of torrential rains and gales this autumn.

SWINTON GROUP - PRESS RELEASE
13 November 2006

“MONSOON” WEATHER LEADS TO FLOOD OF MOTOR INSURANCE CLAIMS

Insurance Broker Swinton Reports 8% Increase In Motoring Claims Due To Torrential Rains

The increasing frequency of freak weather conditions in Britain has led to a rash of motor accidents caused by drivers failing to respond quickly to sudden downpours.

Leading high street insurance broker, Swinton, is advising UK drivers, most of whom are not used to extreme weather conditions, to take extra care. The move comes as Swinton reports an 8 per cent rise in motor accident claims during the recent round of tropical-like deluges.

Monsoon-type rain is a particular problem, with sudden torrential downpours causing localised flooding and with it, a flood of claims. Gusting winds are also a problem at this time of year, bringing down trees and power lines.

Swinton believes that the increase in claims is caused by motorists driving too quickly, and responding too slowly, to the sudden loss of visibility and the rapid build-up of road water during tropical downpours.

The Swinton warning echoes a similar call from researchers at Newcastle University in September, who said that extreme rainfall events have become more frequent and intense over a 40-year period in Britain. They said the examination of weather records from 1961-2000 proved further evidence of climate change occurring.

Swinton Marketing Director, Nick Bowyer, warned: “Monsoon rain conditions are now a reality in the UK. They can occur with frightening immediacy. Drivers must take more care when extreme weather conditions are forecast or occurring.

“We have seen a significant rise in minor accidents where we believe that the rain impaired stopping speeds and reaction times. The problem is that British drivers are not used to travelling in these sub-tropical conditions which unfortunately appear to be happening more frequently.”

Swinton has now produced a ”Monsoon Motoring Mantra”, which it is advising drivers to adhere to:

· Switch on headlights

· Check wipers are effective front and back

· Avoid overtaking

· Slow down, using a lower gear if appropriate

· Keep wing mirrors clean so that rain water drips clear

· Keep your mobile phone to hand

· Listen to weather updates

· Pack water-proof clothes in case of breakdown

· Ensure inside windscreens are grease-free and so they don’t steam up

· Plan unfamiliar routes and identify places to pull over such as service stations

· Make sure tyres are regularly checked for tread and pressure

· Stop vehicle in very poor visibility and apply hazard lights

In recent months torrential rain and heavy thunderstorms have raged across the UK. Extensive flash flooding was reported across the regions, with Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Wales and the north west particularly badly hit. Two women had to be rescued from their cars after they became trapped in their vehicles because of flooding in east Devon.

www.swinton.co.uk

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About Swinton:

· With 442 branches nationwide Swinton is the largest high street insurance broker.

· Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community.

· Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

· With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

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For further information please contact Daniel Kennedy, Richard Bond or Pete Wrathmell at SKV PR on Tel: 0161 236 9909 or email: Daniel.kennedy@skvpr.co.uk

This press release was distributed via Response Source, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of Spinoza Kennedy Vesey PR (Spin Media). For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires