Several factors make December the month with the most vehicle crashes. According to data from Allstate Canada, The Canadian Business Journal

TORONTO, Nov. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The last two months of 2022 can be particularly problematic for Canadian car owners involved in crashes. Many auto companies and repair facilities continue to face supply chain challenges that can delay the availability of new vehicles and replacement auto parts. Additionally, according to data from Canada’s Allstate Insurance Company (“Allstate”), November followed by December traditionally being the month with the most crashes leading to claims. Allstate warns Canadians to drive more defensively this holiday season.

“Drivers are coping with a variety of issues, including the end of daylight savings time, the sun setting early on the horizon, blurred vision as they travel west, increased holiday shopping and gatherings, cooler temperatures and first snowfall of the season. We have a mix of November and December challenges,” said Gene Myles, agency manager at Allstate. “So far in 2022, the industry has experienced a 25% increase in the average number of days customers need a rental vehicle compared to the same period last year, with many vehicle repairs taking longer due to supply chain challenges. Drivers should be aware that if they experience a collision, they may lose access to their vehicle, especially at this time of year.”

Allstate data shows that the number of car claims has spiked in the last two months of the year, but Friday was also the day of the week with the highest number of incidents resulting in customers filing claims. I have. Additionally, claims data shows that more than half of all accidents that cause vehicle damage occur between 12:00pm and 6:00pm. The most common reasons for filing a collision-related claim are rear-end collisions, collisions with parked vehicles, and single-vehicle collisions.

Advice for drivers

Miles offers helpful advice for drivers this season.

• Check the policy. If your car insurance includes coverage for rental cars while the vehicle is being repaired, talk to an insurance professional to see if it’s enough. With continued delays in accessing parts for repairs and even shipments of new vehicles from manufacturers, additional rental car coverage may ease the burden of waiting.
  • Between January and September 2022, the average number of days Allstate customers used a rental car after claim increased nearly 25% to just over 20 days compared to the same period in 2021.
• Please check the road service. If you don’t have Roadside Assistance, some insurance companies offer this service to help you if you’re stranded on the side of the road.
• Understand your car’s safety system. Many modern vehicles are equipped with increasingly new driver support and safety technologies, and Allstate encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with these features and learn how to use them properly. The company’s claim data shows that the more driver-assist technology a vehicle has, the lower the frequency of crashes.
• Use winter tires. If you don’t have one, do your research and invest in a set of tires specifically designed for winter driving. If you already have a set, please install it as soon as possible.
• Drive defensively. Plan your route in advance and leave early.
• Avoid distractions. Concentrate on your driving task. Stop if you need to check your phone, change navigation system settings, or browse infotainment system menus.

For advice on safer driving, see infographics or visit the GOOD HANDS® blog at: https://blog.allstate.ca/quiz-test-car-collision-canada

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is a leading home and auto insurer focused on providing customers with preventive and protective products and services for every stage of life. Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate strives to reassure both customers and employees with its “You’re in Good Hands®” promise. Allstate is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates through philanthropic partnerships, employee giving, and volunteerism. For more information, please visit the following URL: www.allstate.caFor safety tips and advice, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca

Footnote: The Allstate Insurance Company of Canada auto claims information above is based on internal analysis of data from January 1, 2017 through August 23, 2022.

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Hoffelt
Agnostic on behalf of Canada’s Allstate Insurance Company
647-269-7438
[email protected]

Travon Smith
public relations specialist
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
437-229-1577
[email protected]

An infographic accompanying this release is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2c1672d-630d-474f-a379-8574784eb445.

CBJ Newsmaker