Jeremy and Richard give driving a bad name
MoneySuperMarket’s ‘Names with claims’ analysis of 11.3 million car insurance quotes run on the site, reveals the top 20 male and female names who make the most claims on their car insurance policies.
Ex Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and former co-host Richard Hammond are famed for their car expertise, but their reputations for antics behind the wheel may be down to their first names. ‘Jeremy’ and ‘Richard’ feature fifth and thirteenth respectfully in the top 20 male names to have claimed on their car insurance policies.
Charlie crowned top of female names for car insurance claims
Princess Charlotte may have been born into royalty, but short-for-Charlotte ‘Charlie’ is also crowned top of the female ‘Names with claims’ list – almost a quarter (23 per cent) of female drivers named Charlie have made a claim in the last five years.
The royal theme continues with Dame Helen Mirren, who famously played Queen Elizabeth II, in second spot, with 20 per cent of drivers called Helen making a car insurance claim.
Duncan’s a driving force in male names
Duncan, Timothy, Nicholas, and Julian (respectively) make up the top of the list of male drivers most likely to have a car insurance claim. Whilst Simon Cowell may drive some people crazy, he is also likely to drive his car insurance premiums up, as almost a fifth (18 per cent) of motorists named Simon have made a claim.
Kevin Pratt, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “So what’s in a name? When it comes to driving, it seems insurance claims are very much in a name.
“Being involved in an accident, no matter how minor, or whether you’re at fault or not, can be a traumatic and costly experience. Our research shows the average claim value for an ‘at fault’ accident is nearly £3,000, and claiming for either ‘not at fault’ or ‘at fault’ accidents will drive up annual premiums, typically adding around £33 on average.
“And while Jeremy Clarkson and Simon Cowell can probably afford the premium increase, it may drive some motorists off the roads. We urge all motorists, be their names Tom, Dick or Harry, to take care on the roads – to avoid making claims, and risking the safety of themselves and drivers around them.
“Even if your name doesn’t feature in the top 20 Name Claims list, if you’ve had to make a claim on your insurance, it makes it even more vital to shop around for the best deal on your cover at renewal. Insurers all have different ways of pricing based on risk and some might be more lenient than others, especially to win your business.
“With so much choice available it pays to spend a small amount of time comparing insurance quotes and getting the best deal for your changed circumstances.”