Insurers face surge in car damage claims after New Year storm

Scotland’s New Year storms sparked an unprecedented surge in car insurance claims this week – with vehicles damaged by flying trampolines and shed roofs.

AA Insurance received 123 claims from Scottish customers between 1 and 5 January, more than double the amount last year and a record for storm-related damage. More than 50 claims were made on 3 January alone, as strong winds wreaked havoc across Scotland.

Much of the damage was caused by trees and tiles landing on cars, while there were also collisions caused by heavy rain. Two claims were attributed to flying trampolines, including one in Dumfries that lifted out of a garden and damaged up to six cars. Vehicles were also hit by flying shed and church roofs, according to the claims.