Will red weather warnings affect your car insurance? – Irish Sun

MET Eireann issued a rare red weather warning ahead of Typhoon Eunice, one of the worst storms in 30 years.

A red alert has been issued for Cork and Kerry tomorrow when Storm Eunice is set to “come out of nowhere and hit hard”.

first

Motorists concerned about how red weather warnings could affect their insurance – here’s what you need to know.

Will red weather warnings affect your car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance will still cover any damage caused by inclement weather.

However, if you drive irresponsibly in bad weather and lead to a collision, your insurance company may not pay.

MoneySuperMarket say that if your insurance company can prove contribution negligence on your part, your claim could be questioned.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, says Scottish sun : “Your insurance will still be valid in any weather, but don’t take it as a green flag to drive without heeding the red snow warning.

“Simply knowing you’ll get paid doesn’t mean you’re taking undue risk.

“If your insurance company can prove contribution negligence on your part, your claim could be questioned and any payouts reduced.

“For example, if you drive into a swollen junction where a warning is in place and your vehicle stalls and is damaged by water, your claim may not be paid.

“You may not even be entitled to recovery by your roadside rescue policy because you have reckless get in trouble yourself.

“The same applies if you go down the street against the official no-road sign and then get involved in an accident.”

Direct Line spokesman Simon Hendrick added: “We would advise all customers for their personal safety to listen to local news and local authorities about venturing out in severe weather. harsh.

“But it doesn’t make your insurance void.”

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers added: “We urge all motorists to heed advice from local authorities and emergency services in affected areas. by snow – especially places with red warnings.

“People’s safety is paramount. However, the rumor on social media that motorbike insurance will be worthless if people drive on red warnings is not true.

“Motorcycle insurance will cover you normally, as long as you’re driving within the law.”

What is the red weather warning?

Having trouble Eireann warn against severe or dangerous weather has the potential to cause “massive damage, disruption, and/or danger to life.”

The alerts are colored to reflect the severity and likelihood of an impact, ranging from yellow, orange and red.

Red is the most severe weather warning, it means “rare and very dangerous weather conditions due to intense meteorological phenomena”.

It means “inclement weather” is expected.

Met Eireann said: “Weather conditions are rare and very dangerous from intense meteorological events.

“Take action to protect yourself and your property.

“Follow the instructions and advice of the competent authorities in all cases and prepare for special measures”