Car insurance claims highest in December, says Post Office

December is the month with the highest number of claims on car insurance, the Post Office has said.

10:29 03 December 2004

December is the month with the highest number of claims on car insurance, the Post Office has said.

There were 5,558 car accident claims recorded last December, with a peak of 258 in a single day, Post Office car insurance has revealed.

"December has always been a dangerous month to drive in - the days are shorter and darker, plus dangerous weather conditions such as fog, ice and storms make driving particularly hazardous," said Mike Smith, head of marketing at the Post Office.

The safest month to drive is August, when there are fewer people on the roads and driving conditions are safer.

To try and protect yourself, and your no claims bonus, the Post Office has released some safe driving tips for the winter months.

Tips to stay safe on the winter roads
-Defrost your car thoroughly before driving,
-Ensure your car is serviced regularly,
-Not to drive if you are tired,
-Avoid driving the morning after drinking as you may feel ok but still be over the limit,
-Take care on icy roads
-Beware windscreen glare from the winter sun.