CMA reports rise in headlight-related claims

Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA), part of the QuestGates Group, has highlighted a worrying rise in headlight-related claims.

These include dazzling incidents and an emerging theft trend known as ‘eye-snatching’.

Philip Swift, technical director at CMA, said: “Every year, at the start of autumn, there is an increase in glare-related claims – collisions caused by drivers being momentarily blinded by the low sun. Such incidents usually occur in the morning, especially if it has been raining overnight, or just before sunset. Those are the times to be extra vigilant but, if you should find yourself dazzled, the best advice is to slow down and focus on the lane markings.

“That said, dazzling is much more of a year-round issue these days, due to the brightness of modern LED headlights. Traditional halogen headlamps typically produced around 1,000 lumens, whereas the latest LED ones can produce up to 4,000. They emit a whiter light too, rather than the yellow of halogens, which seems to exacerbate the dazzling threat.”

“Research by the RAC found that 89% of drivers believe some car headlights are now too bright. In April, the previous government commissioned research into the issue, which we would like to see continue. Like other distraction-related incidents, dazzling can result in serious collisions. Often though, they are relatively minor solo efforts – like scraping a barrier or hitting a big pothole – resulting in little more than inconvenience, embarrassment and the loss of a no-claims bonus.

“Aside from glare, the other main light-related issue is eye-snatching – damage caused by thieves targeting the headlight assemblies of premium cars. These high-tech units can easily be worth hundreds of pounds, even several thousand on luxury cars like the Bentley GT or Porsche Panamera.

“Such attacks are rudimentary but effective – rip out the front lights and leave quickly. While unlikely to result in write-off, due to the expensive profile of the vehicles concerned, these are costly repairs. A bit like catalytic converter thefts, it’s another disturbing automotive crime trend which piles on the pressure to increase insurance premiums. It also presents yet another headache for our already overwhelmed constabularies.”