Don’t let winter weather spoil your festive getaway

As the UK experiences the coldest start to winter in more than 30 years, M&S Money is urging motorists to make sure they are prepared before travelling during the festive period.

According to the Met Office the UK average temperature for the first third of December was only 1.7 °C compared to the long-term average of 4.7 °C.

The last time the UK average temperatures gave such a cold start to December was in 1976 when the average temperature was a chilly 0.8 °C.

Motorists heading out to the shops or visiting family and friends in the run-up to Christmas Day should make sure they are well prepared for frosty driving conditions.

Judith Roberts, M&S Money Insurance Manager, said: ‘The darker evenings and colder weather during the winter months create tricky driving conditions and lead to an increased number of car insurance claims.

‘Motorists can take simple steps, both in their driving methods and pre-journey preparations, to make sure the festive season is not ruined by an accident or breakdown'.

M&S Money offers five simple winter driving tips:

- Keep your vehicle serviced and make sure the battery is fully charged;
- Make sure the windscreen is clean and you have full vision before setting-off;
- Check tyres for pressure, tread depth and general condition;
- Ensure all bulbs are working and that headlights are clean;
- Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including an ice scraper, torch, blanket and first aid kit.

Top five causes of claims by M&S car insurance policyholders during December 2007:

1. Drove into third party
2. Hit in rear while stationary
3. Hit animal or object
4. Third party emerged from side road into vehicle
5. Third party collided with unattended vehicle

M&S Car Insurance features include:

UK and European Breakdown Cover included, covering you not just your car;
Guaranteed car hire for up to 14 days after an accident, fire or theft;
Keycare, giving you up to £1,000 towards new keys, locks and locksmith services;
£100,000 Motor Legal Protection to help you claim for any uninsured losses;
M&S Car Insurance has been Five-Star Rated for features and benefits by Defaqto, an independent research company;
M&S Cardholders will receive 1000 M&S points, when they take out a new policy.

For more information about M&S Car Insurance or to apply, visit marksandspencer.com/carinsurance