Kwik Fit Insurance: Breakdown Calls From Motorists Increase In Cold Weather

GLASGOW, Scotland--Kwik Fit Insurance has reported a 57% spike in calls from customers who have broken down as a result of the ongoing cold snap affecting the British Isles.

“This is a very difficult time for motorists. Our advice is, if you do have to venture out, make sure you are prepared and keep your breakdown contact details in your glove compartment so you can get help if you do get in to trouble.”

Over the last month, the intermediary has received record levels of enquiries from people who have either been unable to start their cars or who have had accidents due to the icy conditions.

Kwik Fit Insurance’s breakdown cover, provided by Call Assist, has a network of over 5000 trained mechanics who respond to emergency breakdown calls from customers. The number of jobs they have been called out to has also risen - by 41 per cent.

Of those call-outs, more than a third (36 per cent) were related to flat batteries. The intermediary also cited flat tyres caused skidding and hitting pavements amongst reasons for requiring call outs.

With the cold snap predicted to continue, KFI sent out winter weather driving guides to 300,000 motoring customers this week as they seek to ensure Britain’s drivers exercise caution in these difficult conditions.

Brendan Devine, Group Managing Director of Kwik Fit Financial Services said:” Even if you are not using your car in this weather you should start it up regularly so the battery doesn’t go flat. ”

According to KFI’s winter weather driving guide you should also have the following in your car if you do have to drive:

- Scraper and de-icer

- Warm blanket

- Torch and spare batteries

- High energy food and drinks

- A shovel and a bit of old carpet to put under your wheels, plus a tow rope

- Spare can of fuel

- First aid kit

- Jump leads

- Warning triangle

Brendan Devine added: “ This is a very difficult time for motorists. Our advice is, if you do have to venture out, make sure you are prepared and keep your breakdown contact details in your glove compartment so you can get help if you do get in to trouble.”

Note To Editors

Kwik Fit Financial Services was launched in 1995 and has grown to become one of the UK's leading motor insurance distributors, as well as a major presence in home insurance and other insurance markets.

Kwik Fit Financial Services comprises Kwik Fit Insurance, The Green Insurance Company and Express Insurance.

The company’s award-winning call centre in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, now employs almost 1000 people, and was named top insurer (17th overall) in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2009.

Since its launch in 1995, Kwik Fit Financial Services has grown and developed into one of Scotland's most dynamic contact centres providing general and car insurance. For more information visit http://www.kwik-fitinsurance.com.

Kwik Fit Financial Services is part of the Kwik Fit Group owned by private equity firm PAI Partners.

The philosophy of the business is to provide the best possible service to customers.