Drivers come a cropper as claims crest during November

As the evenings draw in and the change in weather affects driving conditions, it may be no surprise that November is the highest claim month for car accidents. Yet many motorists aren't prepared in the event of an accident and act incorrectly with over three quarters of drivers admitting that they would say 'sorry' at the scene of an accident which can be perceived as admitting fault, according to research commissioned by esure car insurance.

In November 2006, esure's claims statistics reveal that the number of car insurance claims soared by 130,000 compared to the previous month. So with the increased likelihood of being involved in a collision, esure has compiled tips on what to do at the scene of an accident:

Ensure the driver of the other vehicle is OK - if they are in need of medical attention, call the police and an ambulance. Make sure your mobile is fully charged or keep a hand-held, manual charger in the car so that you can top up without needing to plug it in.

Exchange insurance details - one in 14 drivers (7%) don't remember to do this crucial task. Always keep a pen and paper in your glove box and consider writing all of your contact details and insurance particulars on a piece of paper to give to the third party. Any severity of accident can send a person into shock so the more preparations made ahead of time, the better.

Don't say sorry - as a rule, never say sorry or admit fault or liability at the scene of an accident. Of those motorists polled by esure, a staggering 75% admitted they would say sorry if they were involved in a collision.

Take photographs of damage on your mobile phone or a camera - just 30% of motorists would record the scene of the accident by taking photos of the cars involved, the road and any skid-marks. Keep a disposable camera in your glove box to ensure that you always have access to a camera.

Don't become angry - it's important to stay calm and keep your temper in check at the scene of an accident yet over a fifth of motorists (21%) admitted they would be unlikely to suppress their emotions.

Don't continue driving - shock induced by any type of car accident can often be delayed. Don't continue on a long journey even if your car is drivable - take time to relax and calm down.

Call your insurer - call your insurance company immediately to ensure that the claim and subsequent repairs are handled as speedily as possible.

Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure, said: "As more wintry weather affects driving conditions and daylight hours shrink this month, the likelihood of being involved in a car accident is at its peak. Being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. Knowing what to do and what not to in the event of an accident will help making an insurance claim as hassle-free as possible."

Of course, the best way to keep down the cost of car insurance is to drive claim free and avoid an accident altogether. esure has identified five driving pitfalls for November:

Wet surfaces - November has high average rainfall and there is the chance of snowfall. Cars on a wet surface can take up to four times the normal distance to stop after braking. Adjust your speed and leave a longer distance between you and the car in front. Be careful of road-surfaces that are waterlogged, have snow-cover or are strewn with wet and slippery leaves, especially at junctions and bends.

Poor visibility - November sees its fair share of foggy mornings and in these conditions it's vital that other road users can see you easily. Remember to use dipped headlights, reduce your speed and drive a safe distance from the car in front of you whenever visibility is poor.

Low autumn sun - The sun can be very strong in November and throughout autumn so it is advisable to keep a pair of sunglasses in your car, so as not to be dazzled by its brightness.

Lights - With darker evenings it is vital that your lights are working, clean and undamaged. Check them regularly for cracks and chips and keep some spare bulbs in the car plus a cleaning cloth. Only use fog lights in extreme conditions and always remember to switch them off when visibility improves.

Car check - To ensure your car is in tip-top condition, check your tyres, brakes, wipers, heater and de-misters before setting out. Anti-freeze screen wash levels should be higher, so add more if required, and replace your windscreen wiper's rubber blades if they have perished.