Aviva Data Shows 47% More Auto Insurance Claims During Winter Months

First Snowfall Typically Sees Large Spike in Collisions

TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - As parts of the country prepare for their first big blast of winter, Aviva Canada, one of the country's leading insurance providers, is reminding drivers to exercise caution on the roadways.

According to historical data, Aviva Canada sees an average increase of over 47 per cent in customer auto claims during the winter months compared to the rest of the year (a provincial breakdown of the increase is included in the chart below).  Weather-related incidents, slippery roadways and white-out conditions accounted for over $37.8 million in auto-collision claim payments for Aviva Canada between December 2009 and February 2010. The first snowfall of the year historically accounts for the highest instance of collisions.

"Canadians are traditionally very experienced winter drivers, but the first snowfall of the year can be extremely challenging even for the most capable motorist," said Mauro Convertini, Vice President of National Auto Claims at Aviva Canada.  "It sounds very simple, but the biggest key to prevention is to slow down as icy road conditions result in vehicle sliding and skidding." Results also show  that, on an annualized basis, an average of 4.6 per cent of insured drivers make a collision claim in winter months compared to just 3.1 per cent during the rest of the year."

Provincial Winter Auto Claim Frequency*

Province**	Increase in Winter Auto Claim Frequency vs. Rest of Year
Prince Edward Island	66%
Alberta	64%
Nova Scotia	58%
New Brunswick	55%
Quebec	46%
Ontario	43%
Newfoundland and Labrador	41%
Canada Total	47%

Here are some helpful winter driving tips from Aviva Canada:

• Drive slowly and keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
• Don't take any chances. If you don't need to be on the roads, stay at home.
• Invest in snow tires and new windshield wipers.  Snow tires allow drivers to stop up to 40 per cent faster than all-season tires.
• Pack an emergency kit at the start of the season and stow it in your trunk.  Kit should include a flashlight, blanket, snow shovel, extra windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze, hazard flares and booster cables.
• Check the road conditions before getting behind the wheel and allow for more time to reach your destination.
• Program the number for a tow-truck company into your cell phone before the first snow fall, or for Aviva customers, use 1-866-MY AVIVA to access its Roadside Assistance Program.

"No matter the season, Aviva offers a single point of contact to ensure the claims process runs as smoothly as possible," continued Convertini.  "Through our 24/7 toll-free claims line 1-866-MY AVIVA, an Aviva Claims Care Advisor is available to ensure fast, reliable and personal support and service."  

About Aviva Canada
Aviva Canada Inc. is one of the leading Property and Casualty insurance groups in Canada, providing home, automobile, recreational vehicle, group and business insurance to more than three million customers. The group has more than 3,000 employees, 33 locations, 1,700 independent broker partners and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the world's sixth-largest insurance group. For more information visit avivacanada.com.

*Number of claims divided by number of cars insured (risk/exposure). **The provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia all have government run automobile insurance programs and are not included in Aviva data. 

For further information:

Media Contacts:
Glenn Cooper
Senior Manager, Public Relations, Aviva Canada Inc.
Desk: [phone], Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]