SmartDriverClub Insurance has revealed that the nation’s average trips per day has risen by more than 100%. Comparing data from w/c 23rd March and w/c 27th April, the results have shown that Britain appears to be waning of the current restrictions and gearing itself up for the next phase of lockdown.
Ross Hallifax, Director at SmartDriverClub Insurance, comments: “When the lockdown was first announced, we saw an immediate 82% drop in the average number of daily customer journeys. The government has always allowed necessary trips for food, medicine and when people can’t work from home, however since 21st April we’ve seen a steady increase with last week showing a real spike in the number of trips.”
“With more drivers on the roads, the value of telematics will continue to play a key role in the industry. Thanks to our self-install black box capability, with no need to rely on an engineer, we are seeing demand for our services increase to help ensure policy levels continue.”
SmartDriverClub Insurance utilises the telematics capabilities of Tracker to deliver its self-install black box solution. Mark Rose, Managing Director of Tracker commented: “The current unpredictable climate means that now, more than ever, insurers need to protect loss ratios. The provision of telematics and usage-based insurance (UBI) enables insurers to remain competitive, increasing their book of business whilst building customer loyalty.”
Already used by market leading insurers and MGA’s, SmartDriverClub Insurance offers a range of telematics advantages including connected car benefits such as theft tracking, no curfews and Find my Car functionality.
RAC RESEARCH ALSO FINDS LOCKDOWN OVER FOR MANY UK DRIVERS
Ahead of this weekend’s announcement on how the UK might begin to ease the current lockdown restrictions, an RAC study confirms drivers are already using their cars more than they were earlier in the coronavirus lockdown.
The study analysed RAC ‘black box’ driving data, breakdown numbers and route planning figures since the lockdown began. Comparing the second week of lockdown with last week, 11% more cars were on the road and 23% more daily miles were driven, based on analysis of hundreds of thousands of trips taken by RAC Black Box Insurance customers with telematics units fitted. Vehicle breakdowns are also up, with those attended by RAC patrols up by nearly a fifth (18%) across the same period.
The number of routes planned via the RAC Routeplanner is also increasing, suggesting a rise in trips being taken by drivers. More routes were planned on Monday 5 May 2020 than on any other day during the lockdown, with 16% more planned on this day than just a week earlier.
The data is supported by the findings of a new survey by the RAC which suggests that four-in-10 drivers (41%) admit they are now using their vehicles more frequently than earlier in the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
The survey of 1,500 drivers found that the top reason for using a car more was for food and grocery shopping (almost a quarter, 23% of drivers), while 9% said that they were doing so to pick up essential supplies or for trips to a pharmacy. But worryingly, a small but appreciable 5% said they were using their vehicle more now to specifically purchase alcohol, while the same proportion (5%) said they were going out in the car specifically to visit DIY stores as Britons look to make home improvements while spending more time at home.
A slightly smaller proportion of drivers (4%) said they were using their car more to drive somewhere to do exercise, and the same percentage said they were using their vehicle more for work purposes. A fraction of drivers (1%) said they were taking their car solely to give it a run, with the same proportion citing the reason as driving to a beauty spot. The same percentage (1%) said they driving to see relatives or friends though it is unclear whether these relatives are vulnerable and require assistance.
IE Comment; Incidentally I walked past a pub in Horwich yesterday and they were selling cans of beer through a side window for drinkers to enjoy in the beer garden.
Be the first to comment