By: 28 October 2022
Sedgwick and AXA issue theft and collision warnings as clocks go back

Sedgwick and AXA UK have issued separate warnings about potential thefts and collisions in the days following this weekend, when the clocks go back.

British Summer Time (BST) ends this weekend, with clocks rolling back one hour on 30 October. Both Sedgwick, the claims management company, and insurer AXA analysed historical claims data to understand the potential impact of a shift in daylight hours.

Sedgwick anticipates theft claim volumes to increase following the end of daylight-saving time based on a trend over the last three years whereby daily theft claim volumes went up by 15.4% on average.

There is also a clear cost implication for insurers, according to Sedgwick. During the winter period in Greenwich Mean Time, the daily incurred cost increased by an average of 18% when compared to BST.

Sedgwick also identified the cost-of-living crisis as another factor driving theft claims volumes this year. Against the previous two years, monthly claims volumes have increased at 22% on average regardless of changes in the time cycle.

Commenting on the findings, Susan Sansom, director of project managed adjusting at Sedgwick, said: “As we approach the 30th of October and the clocks go back, aside the extra hour this gives us, we generally don’t think much of it. However, this shift in daylight hours has a considerable effect on theft claims.

“Given the extended cover of darkness after working hours, based on our analysis from previous years, we expect to see a significant increase in theft claims.

“It’s important for people to be more vigilant during this period, ensuring their home looks occupied, all outside doors and windows are locked, bicycles are kept secure and that all valuables are hidden away”.

AXA, meanwhile, found that motor insurance claims increase by an average of 7% over the three days following the clocks going back at the end of October, with a cost of around £2,230 per claim.

The insurer analysed claims data from the past three years, which also showed there is an increase in minor collisions during morning and evening rush hours as drivers get used to driving in the dark.

Dean Witherington, retail claims director at AXA UK, said: “Every year, during the darker autumn and winter months, we see an increase in motor claims related to driving in these more challenging conditions. It is essential for drivers to be prepared for the change, especially as visibility is reduced and there is a greater chance of unpredictable and adverse weather conditions.

“It helps to take simple precautions such as checking if the windscreen is clean before setting off and ensuring the vehicle has been well maintained. These are easy ways to reduce the risk of needing to make an insurance claim but, if the worst does happen, AXA is on hand to support.”

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