• 1,000 people a day are involved in a car accident which leaves their car unfit to drive
• Direct Line is the first insurer in the UK to launch Onward Travel cover to anywhere in the UK, with no additional cost
• If their car is undriveable after an accident Direct Line will organise a taxi to take customers to their onward destination
   

New analysis by Direct Line reveals 475,000 people are involved in accidents on UK roads every year1 that leave their cars undriveable, forcing near 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.

To reduce the stress for customers and 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.

The launch follows a successful trial in key cities across the UK, including; Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Bristol, Leicester and London.  Customers taking advantage of the free taxi service during the trial travelled 43 miles on average to their onward destination, with Direct Line picking up the taxi fare for all journeys. 

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 will organise a taxi from an approved and accredited national supplier to pick up the customer and take them to their onward destination, which could be anywhere in mainland Great Britain, at no additional cost.  All taxi drivers are vetted by a licensed taxi supplier and Direct Line’s customer service agents are available to speak to customers if they have any questions.

Gus Park, managing director of motor at Direct Line Car Insurance, commented:  “We are always looking for new ways to make life easier for our customers and provide a high performance service that protects them should the worst happen.  The last thing people need if they have been involved in an accident is to be left stranded in a vulnerable, or inconvenient location with no means to get to their destination.  No matter where the customer is or where they are going, we will ensure a taxi gets them there safely.” 

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

The new proposition sits alongside existing innovative policyholder benefits, such as Guaranteed Hire Car, that comes as standard with all comprehensive motor insurance policies and Direct Line’s 7 day repair, which sees customers paid £10 a day if their damaged car isn’t fixed within 7 days.
 

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.
 

Notes

• 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:

Chloe French 

PR Manager 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 715

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