Shocking figures from Scotland have highlighted the importance of obtaining comprehensive motor insurance, as well as sufficient UK breakdown cover.  Information obtained under the freedom of information act has revealed that council vehicles are responsible for an average of an extra-ordinary 15 crashes a day around the country, with the tax-payer meeting the cost of their massive insurance excesses, some of which are over £25,000.

In the last three years, 16,268 road crashes occurred as a result of local council vehicles, and settling these claims and disputes cost the councils a combined £10,284,529.61, which is worrying in itself.  What’ll be more of a concern for residents of Fife is that £1.9 million’s worth of those claims were made by their Council alone.

Even more staggering is the potential £110,000 cost that could be run up as a result of ONE incident, with a third party making the claim following serious injury.  Sales of UK breakdown cover and comprehensive insurance are likely to increase following these worrying statistics.

Further enhancing the risk on the roads as a result of council vehicles is the knowledge that whilst these figures are shocking enough in themselves, they do not yet paint the complete picture:  eight of Scotland’s thirty two local councils did not even provide the information, meaning that the total figures will be even higher.

In response to these shocking statistics, Chief Executive of the Taxpayer’s Alliance Matthew Elliot, stated that this use of the taxpayer’s money was ‘extremely worrying’ and that ‘with money tight following the recession, it is vital that public bodies do all they can to minimise their compensation bill.’

To find out just how cheap UK breakdown cover can be, contact our team on 0800 0199519