• 1,000 people a day are involved in a car accident which leaves their car unfit to drive1
• One in eight stranded drivers (12 per cent) were forced to wait for assistance on a dangerous stretch of road
• Over a quarter (27 per cent) of those involved in accidents had to call a  friend or family member to rescue them
• West Midlands is home to the highest number of stranded drivers – 38 per cent of local drivers have been left unable to drive
   

New analysis by Direct Line reveals 475,000 people are involved in accidents on UK roads every year1 that leave their cars undriveable, forcing nearly 1,000 drivers and passengers a day to find an alternative way home, or to their onward destination, at a time when they are likely to be distressed.

The research2 highlights the safety concerns of drivers who need assistance when an accident leaves their car undriveable. One in eight (12 per cent) stranded drivers are forced to wait for assistance on a dangerous stretch of road and 33 per cent claimed they felt vulnerable by the roadside. Younger drivers felt the most in danger when stranded, with 52 per cent of those under the age of 35 reporting they felt vulnerable after an accident.

When it comes to seeking roadside assistance, it’s unsurprising that over a quarter of stranded drivers relied on a family member or friend to come to their rescue. Women are more likely to call a partner (45 per cent), whilst men prefer to pick up the phone to their insurer (27 per cent).  However, being rescued by friends or family is not always an option as nearly one in five (18 per cent) unlucky drivers, find themselves stranded more than 20 miles away from home each year. This is even more concerning as the majority of insurance policies don’t include onward travel after an accident, so stranded motorists often have to organise their own transport home or to their onward destination.

As a result, 16 per cent of stranded drivers and passengers never reach their destination and seven per cent even resort to finishing their journey by foot after an accident.

The research shows that accidents are most likely to happen on the daily commute, with over a third (37 per cent) happening whilst drivers are on their way to (20 per cent) or from (17 per cent) work or school.

Gus Park, head of motor insurance, Direct Line Car Insurance, commented: “Being stranded by the roadside can be extremely distressing for the driver and passengers involved, especially after a collision that leaves the vehicle unroadworthy. With a thousand people involved in car accidents every day, the last thing they need is to be left stranded in a vulnerable, or inconvenient location with no means to get to their destination.

“Motorists involved in a car accident should try to pull over on the hard shoulder if possible, or find a safe part of road to stop to avoid causing further collisions or blocking the road for other drivers. It’s important to take note of the location of the accident and ensure they have their insurer’s contact details saved on their phone, not only to help speed up the claims process, but it also to make it easier to get roadside assistance quickly in the event something goes wrong.”

Park continues; “Being left stranded after an accident is often not something motorists consider until they are stood at the side of the road with no way home. When comparing insurance policies, motorists should not just focus on price, but do their research and ensure the policy suits their needs - whether that’s onward travel after an accident or a guaranteed hire car until their vehicle is back on the road.”

According to the research, motorists in the West Midlands have had the worst luck, with 38 per cent of drivers in the region having been left stranded without assistance. Other hotspots include London (37 per cent) and the East Midlands and the East of England (both 35 per cent).

To reduce the stress for customers and to ensure they aren’t left stranded after an accident, Direct Line will arrange a taxi to make sure they get to their onward destination safely, at no additional cost. Customers can take advantage of the new cover if their car is undriveable as a result of a road traffic accident and requires immediate recovery.

Direct Line is the only insurer in the UK to offer this service to customers.  Onward Travel cover not only takes customers to their chosen destination, but also transports any passengers, whether that’s noisy children or their furry friends. The insurer will also take the customers’ undriveable vehicle to the nearest suitable repairer and returning the vehicle to the registered address once it has been fixed. 
 

ENDS
 

Notes to editors

1 Direct Line analysis of motor insurance claims data for 2016, carried out in March 2017. All overall UK market data is based on Direct Line Group figures extrapolated based on the company’s market share.

2   Research conducted by Opinium amongst 2,006 UK adults between 3rd March and 7th March 2017. The 4.4 million figure has been calculated based on 12 per cent of the total number of full licence holders in Great Britain (38,558,731).
 

Terms and conditions

• Onward Travel service offered with Comprehensive Cover, if you can't drive your car after an accident. Taxi booked to one destination within the UK. Underwritten by U K Insurance Limited.

• The cover is available to all new and existing customers with a comprehensive policy at no additional cost.
   

For further information, please contact:

Claire Jarrett 

Media relations execuitve 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832 411

Email: [email protected]
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com