Car Insurance
"Sorry" a costly word for motorists
Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Not saying sorry after an accident is costing British motorists millions of pounds a year, according to a survey by Norwich Union.
A lack of contributions by drivers involved in crashes is leading to exaggerated car insurance claims at an estimated cost of at least £28 million a year.
Almost a third of motorists surveyed said that they would be likely to exaggerate minor injuries or vehicle damage when claiming insurance if the other party involved had acted abusively or accused them of initiating the crash.
Around 40 per cent said they would be less likely to make embellished insurance claims however, if the other driver acted in a friendly manner or said sorry.
"Not saying sorry has two effects, it encourages some people to exaggerate minor damage or injuries and prevents others from correctly identifying the extent of their injuries," said Dominic Clayden from Norwich Union.
"Both have an escalatory affect on the cost of claims that are passed on to motorists in the form of increased premiums and excesses."
In the tense situation that is likely directly after a crash, the natural human instinct is to apologise and act in a friendly way.
According to this survey however, a large percentage of drivers don't feel able to say sorry in many accident situations because they are concerned that apologising might imply liability for the crash.
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