Car insurance for women and personal safety tips
It's a well publicised fact that car insurance for women is cheaper than for men because females are safer drivers and take fewer risks on the road. Motor insurance statistics consistently show that women have fewer accidents than men in their corresponding age groups and that the insurance payouts after a claim by a female driver are on average lower than for claims made by males.
However, women remain at greater risk of attack while driving.
As the UK's economic situation worsens, reports in the media have already shown that crime figures are up for burglary; and fears of increased muggings and car thefts are at the forefront of many people's minds.
CoverGirl specialise in car
insurance for women that will protect them financially in the event
of a car accident, however, we also feel it is good sense to reiterate
age-old safety messages, so that lone female
drivers can stay safe at the wheel. Follow these simple guidelines
and you will help protect yourself at all times.
- Check inside your car before you get in - particularly when your car has been in a public place while you have been away from it.
- Once you have got into your car, drive off immediately. As a lone female you may be being watched – sitting in your vehicle making a phone call or eating can leave you vulnerable to attack.
- Lock your doors and shut windows. Some may argue that this advice is dangerous as it could hamper rescue work or quick exiting in the event of an accident, but if you feel at all threatened, locked doors will ensure no-one can get in freely.
- Never stop the car unless you have to. If someone tries to flag you down or tell you that you have a faulty wheel, exhaust etc, drive on until you can stop at a garage or busy public place to check your vehicle.
- If you break down, call for assistance as soon as possible – so having a charged mobile phone in the car is always a great idea and having adequate breakdown cover (often available to buy in conjunction with your car insurance for women) is well recommended. Then wait in the vehicle with the doors locked until assistance arrives.
- If you break down on the motorway, get out of the car and wait on the embankment or behind a barrier. However leave the passenger door open so that you can get in quickly if someone unexpectedly approaches.
- When parking your car in an unfamiliar setting, try to think carefully about the time you will be coming back. Choose busy, public spots if possible and when returning to your vehicle always have your keys to hand.
- If you feel there may be someone waiting near your car, either walk away or try to find a group of people to approach and ask for assistance. Usually people are only too willing to help someone who feels threatened.
- Finally, one of the best ways of fending off trouble in your vehicle is to sound your horn loudly; not only will it attract attention of almost everyone nearby, but it will usually send an attacker or opportunist fleeing the scene.
Car insurance for women is not an optional extra. To drive legally it is required at all times. However, female drivers hold the keys to safety in their own hands. Stay alert, act with confidence, remember some basic safety tips, and hopefully you will never be vulnerable to attack.
