DRIVE FOR SAVINGS; Don't risk chance of wrong cover on the road.

Byline: ALEX MORGAN

THERE are more car accidents happen in October than any other month, which means it is also when you are most likely to claim on your motor insurance.

You might think roads would be most hazardous in deep winter, but it is actually more risky to drive in autumn.

Claims are 25 per cent above the annual average this month and next Tuesday - October 20 - is the most dangerous day of all, by sheer volume of crashes.

That makes this the perfect time to review your cover.

Whether you are looking for a new policy or still have months to run on your existing one, it is vital to check you have the right insurance for your needs.

One in five drivers has an accident in any given year, with the average cost a steep pounds 1800.

If you don't check your documents until you claim, you could be in for a very nasty and expensive surprise.

Grant Bather, of Virgin Money car cover, said: "Traditionally, Christmas time has been seen as the most dangerous time for drivers, but our research shows that autumn into winter is treacherous for motorists.

"With the seasons changing PIC: and driving conditions getting hazardous, motorists should pay extra attention and make sure they are equipped for an accident or breakdown."

It is all too easy to forget what you agreed to when applying for insurance, especially if you were trying to keep the price down.

It is vital to to reread your policy documents so you are clear on exactly what is covered - and what isn't.

Check the annual mileage you are allowed. And if it isn't going to be enough, ask your provider to increase it.

Look at the uses covered. If you paid for "social, domestic and pleasure", for instance, and now use the car to commute or for work-related travel, you must tell your insurer.

If you don't and have an accident on a work journey, you won't be covered.

Also think about the type of insurance you have. If money is tight, you may have opted for third-party alone or third-party fire and theft.This means you will have to pay your own repair costs after an accident.

If you would have trouble affording this, paying the extra for comprehensive cover will be a lot cheaper than a huge repair bill or, if it is a write-off, funding a new car.

Check the excess too. A high amount reduces your premium, but if it is more than you can comfortably pay, you might want to change it.

Your insurer will charge for any alterations to an existing policy, but it could be well worth the money if you have to claim over the coming months.

If you are taking out a new policy, you can offset the additional expense, and could even reduce the overall cost, by making other changes.

Shop around for cover on price comparison sites, such as Moneysupermarket.com, Comparethemarket.com or Confused.com. Also check other big providers not on comparison sites.

Don't pay for features you don't need, such as cover to drive abroad if you have no plans to travel, or a courtesy car if you could use public transport.

If you have a garage, use it, as keeping your car under cover at night will reduce your premium, as will adding approved security devices.

Consider having your partner as a named driver if they have a clean record, as this could also cut your costs.

Buy online, as most insurers give a discount for this, and if possible, pay the entire price up front, as most charge extra for instalments.

Finally, always drive within the speed limit. According to Aviva, two or more speeding convictions can increase your premium by a fifth.

Policy to commit insurance fraud

A WORRYING number of motorists would consider making a false insurance claim to get extra cash.

Motor accident fraud falls into three categories - "staged", where two vehicles crash deliberately, "contrived", where the incident is invented, and "induced", where the policyholder drives badly so an innocent motorist hits them.

Research by Money-supermarket.com found as many as a million drivers would stage, make up or induce an accident for the money.

Twentysomethings are most dishonest, with three per cent admitting a fraudulent claim and a further six per cent willing to make one if needed.

Steve Sweeney, of Moneysupermarket. com, said: "Crashing for cash isn't only illegal but endangers others."

Insurance industry body ABI estimate more than 22,500 fraudulent accident claims between 1999 and 2005.

It adds nearly pounds 40 to the average annual premium honest drivers pay, as insurers strive to recoup their losses.

Steve added that: "An official fraud mark could be added to your licence. This will prompt your insurer to void existing cover and probably refuse you in future."

And if it involves a large sum of money, or injury to others, you could end up in court.

Stay safe at night

TO reduce the chance of accidents, breakdowns or falling victim to thieves during dark nights:

Drive carefully, take weather conditions and light into account.

Regularly check brake fluid, oil, coolant , as well as screen wash.

If your car needs repairs, make them before the damage gets any worse.

Fit a steering lock, approved alarm or immobiliser.

Park in a well lit space or secure garage.

CASE STUDY

Cheapest option is not always best

WHEN administrator Alex Price renewed the insurance on her Ford Focus she decided not to go with the cheapest option.

The 35-year-old from Edinburgh said: "When I got my renewal quote of pounds 239, I thought I'd check Confused.com to see if I could do better.

"I was really pleased when they said I could pay as little as pounds 132.

"Then I realised I'd have a pounds 295 excess, when my existing one is just pounds 50, and they wouldn't protect my no-claims bonus.

"Once I tried to match my existing excess and get no-claims protection, the costs started to rise."

Alex decided to check what Aviva, which is not listed by Confused.com, would charge her.

She added:"I'd been with them before and knew I could get the excess and protection I wanted. Their quote was pounds 216, including breakdown cover. I was happy to go with that."

CAPTION(S):

CAR COSTS: Assessing price of damge after an accident