Insurers to be hit with £21 million of claims over Bank Holiday weekend

Bank holiday motorists are heading toward the worst day of the year for accidents, costing insurers an estimated £21 million in claims.

Statistics produced by Accident Exchange indicate that the same Bank Holiday in 2016 (Friday 29 April) recorded a rise in accidents of more than 75% compared to the average daily rate. The company estimates that there will be over 10,500 accidents on the 28 April this year, compared to 6,000 on an average day, as motorists take to the road for their long weekends. It says that a combination of spring showers, possible snow and Northern Rail strike action will contribute to the rise in accident numbers as well. The Friday before the Bank Holiday sees nearly eight times the number of accidents than 25 December, the least accident-prone day of the year.

With the average repair costing motorists around £2,050, the charge toward the first May bank holiday weekend could end up costing insurers more than £21 million. The Friday before the Bank Holiday also sees nearly

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, director of operations at Accident Exchange, said: “A high volume of motorists rushing onto the roads to take advantage of the long weekend and traditionally poor weather conditions means that a spike in accidents comes as little surprise.

“While the sector will be familiar with the pattern of accidents, our analysis should serve as a useful reminder of the likely increase in accidents this weekend.”

Mark Dugdale