Does a red weather warning affect your car insurance?
THE Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning ahead of Storm Eunice, one of the worst storms in 30 years.
Motorists are concerned about how a red weather alert may affect their insurance - here's what you need to know.
Does a red weather warning affect your car insurance?
A comprehensive car insurance should still cover you for any damage caused by treacherous weather.
However, if you’re driving irresponsibly in bad weather and this has led to a collision, your insurer may not pay out.
says that if your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part then your claim may be questioned.
Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, told : "Your insurance cover should remain valid whatever the weather, but don’t take that as a green flag to drive without giving heed to the red alert for snow.
"Simply knowing you’re going to get a pay-out shouldn’t mean you take undue risks.
“If your insurance company can prove contributory negligence on your part, your claim might be questioned, and any pay-out reduced.
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"For example, if you drove into a swollen ford where there was a warning in place and your car stalled and was ruined by water, your claim might not be paid.
"You might not even be entitled to recovery by your roadside rescue policy because you had recklessly got yourself into trouble.
“Same would apply if you went down a road in contravention of official road closure signs and were subsequently involved in an accident."
Spokesman for Direct Line Simon Hendrick added: "We will advise all customers for their own personal safety to listen to local news and local authorities about venturing out in extreme weather.
"But it doesn't make your insurance null and void."
A spokesman for The Association of British Insurers added: "We would urge all drivers to pay close attention to advice from local authorities and the emergency services in areas affected by snow – particularly where there is a red warning.
"People’s safety is paramount. However social media rumours that motor insurance will be invalid if people drive during a red warning are not true.
"Motor insurance will cover you in the usual way, providing you are driving within the law."
What is a red weather warning?
The Met Office issues warnings ahead of severe or hazardous weather which has the potential to cause "damage, widespread disruption and/or danger to life."
The warnings are given a colour to reflect the seriousness and likelihood of the impact, ranging from yellow, amber and red.
Red is the most serious of the weather warnings.
It means "extreme weather" is expected.
The Met Office says: "Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather.
"Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.
"You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities."