Autumn Warning

The arrival of Autumn brings specific weather challenges that many motorists may feel unprepared for. To help motorists feel more confident on the roads, temporary car insurance expert Claire Wills-McKissick from Tempcover is issuing vital warnings and advice about common autumn hazards that can lead to expensive vehicle damage, unexpected fines and even invalidated insurance.

Road Surface Threats: Skidding and Hidden Dangers 

Leaves on the road pose a dual risk to driving control and a vehicle's mechanics:

• Mulch Menace from Wet Leaves: While many motorists are aware of the risk ice poses to roads in winter, few may realise that wet leaves create a slippery film on the road that can reduce tyre grip. This effect can cause skids and loss of control, particularly on bends or in rural areas where leaves collect.
• Pothole Concealment: Piles of fallen leaves can completely camouflage existing road defects, like potholes, which are a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns [1]. If a motorist fails to spot this, hitting a pothole could lead to blown tyres, damaged wheels, and a huge repair bill.

Claire says: “Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping times on leaf-covered roads, and stay focused - keeping your eye out for unique hazards like leaf-concealed potholes.” 

The Cost of Cleaning and Clogging 

Watch out for these two major financial consequences caused by leaves accumulating on the vehicle:

• The Fine Trap: You could face a fine for doing the right thing incorrectly.  If you leave your engine running while wiping leaves off your windscreen, you could be cited for the offence of leaving a ‘vehicle unattended’.   If you are caught by an enforcement officer, this could lead to a fine of up to £80.
• Vehicle Deterioration: If leaves find their way into a vehicle’s drainage points, they pose another risk. A blockage could lead to a build up of water that can rot the bodywork and damage electrical systems, which can be expensive to repair.

Claire warns: “Don't let a moment of convenience cost you £80 or a massive repair bill. Always switch off your engine before clearing leaves, and check your car's drains now to prevent expensive water damage to your electrics.”

The Risk of Sunglare 

In Autumn, the sun’s position in the sky is lower, which often creates a blinding glare during the early mornings and late afternoons. This can make it difficult to identify hazards quickly with research showing that the seasonal shift results in a 23% rise in crashes compared to the summer months [2]. 

If an accident were to occur while your vision was obscured, the driver may be considered to be driving negligently, which could lead to an invalidated insurance policy and a claim either reduced or refused.

Claire advises: “Always keep the inside of your windscreen clean. Smears and dirt on the inner glass magnify the low autumn sun, making the glare far worse.”

[1] https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/rac-pothole-index-statistics-data-and-projections/

[2] https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/insurance-news/crashes-rise-a-quarter-when-clocks-go-back