It’s written in the stars!
Cancerians make most insurance claims - Survey of 2000 motorists asks motorists to check their stars before setting off
Those that take note of what the stars predict for them in money, love and happiness in 2005 may want to consider what the Zodiac has to say about their driving behaviour.
Advanced driver training? Years of experience? Regular eye tests? New tyres? Apparently not! A new survey from Prudential Car Insurance reveals that drivers’ safety and skill on the road is in the stars. And, it would appear that the sensitive, but not so shy and retiring, Cancerian has come out of his or her shell to make the most car insurance claims, with a third of Cancerians having made a claim.
Prudential’s survey of 2000 drivers revealed that people under the same star sign reported amazingly similar claims experiences. It also identified which signs of the Zodiac were the most likely to make claims for theft and which are more prone to accidental damage.
The survey showed that it is Cancerians who make the most car insurance claims overall, however it was drivers born under the sign of Leo that reported the highest number of claims for accidental damage – something perhaps born out of the Lion’s self-confessed ‘fast’ driving style. In fact, Cancer and Leo drivers were found to be twice as likely than their Gemini, Sagittarian or Piscean peers to make a claim.
Gemini drivers were top of the driving class, reporting the lowest level of claims, closely followed by Sagittarius and Pisces. However, despite their good driving record, Geminis appeared to be the least security conscious, reporting the most number of claims for theft.
Those born under the sign of Aries can be proud of an impressive safety record, with the lowest number of claims for theft, but those ‘nervous’ Virgos are a worry, with 25% admitting to being hesitant and easily distracted when driving.
Phil Southgate, Prudential Car Insurance spokesman commented, “Whatever sign we are born under, we should all take a responsible attitude towards safety behind the wheel. A number of simple measures, such as installing a security device in your car and refreshing your memory about the rules of the road, can significantly reduce the risk of theft or an accident – and could take pounds off your insurance premium.”
How do you perform on the road?
Who makes the most insurance claims? (1= the most)
OVERALL
1. Cancer
2. Leo
3. Capricorn
4. Scorpio
5. Aries
6. Virgo
7. Aquarius
8. Taurus
9. Libra
10. Pisces
11. Sagittarius
12. Gemini
FOR ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE
1. Leo
2. Cancer
3. Aries
4. Capricorn
5. Scorpio
6. Aquarius
7. Virgo
8. Taurus
9. Libra
10. Pisces
11. Sagittarius
12. Gemini
FOR THEFT
1. Gemini
2. Pisces
3. Cancer
4. Sagittarius
5. Taurus
6. Capricorn
7. Leo
8. Aquarius
9. Libra
10. Scorpio
11. Virgo
12. Aries
1. Prudential Car Insurance polled 2,000 motorists to investigate these trends in insurance claims.
Prudential General Insurance is all part of 'The Plan from the Pru', which was developed as a simple and straightforward way of helping people through the financial maze they encounter in all phases of life. The Plan consists of 18 free Pocket Planners designed to help customers think more about many of life's key financial decisions and plan for a more secure future. For people uncertain about which Planners are relevant for them, a separate guide, How to Plan Your Money, describes all the Pocket Planners on offer. Prudential General Insurance can help buy peace of mind with car, home and travel insurance policies. Prudential is inviting everyone to take control of their financial future by calling 0800 000 000 (calls may be monitored) or by visiting pru.co.uk.
Mystic driver! Prudential’s zodiac guide to behaviour behind the wheel
‘Sensible’ Gemini (22 May – 21 June)
Drivers born under the star sign of Gemini consider themselves to be ‘safe’, ‘sensible’ and ‘considerate’ behind the wheel, behaving responsibly and patiently towards fellow drivers on the road. It is no surprise to reveal therefore that those under the star sign of Gemini are at the top of the driving class, reporting the lowest level of claims. But while twin one portrays a vision of calm on the road, twin two needs to pay more attention to security because Gemini drivers also report the highest number of claims for theft.
Star driver: Jamie Oliver, Jordan and Celebrity Love Island contestant and ex-footballer Lee Sharpe
‘Carefree’ Cancer (22 June – 23 July)
Drivers born under the star sign of Cancer may believe themselves to be ‘responsible’ and ‘considerate’ on the roads, but not so according to their number of insurance claims. This birth sign reports the highest number of claims overall.
Star driver: Cheryl Tweedy (Girls Aloud)
‘Fiery’ Leo (24 July – 23 August)
Perhaps better suited to the open African plains than the open road, drivers born under the star sign of Leo follow hot on the heels of Cancer drivers, recording one of the highest number of insurance claims amongst the group. Passengers had better buckle up in preparation for the roar of a Leo behind the wheel – drivers born under this star sign were found to be the fastest and most impatient drivers of the group.
Star driver: Geri Halliwell
‘Nervous’ Virgo (24 August – 23 September)
In view of the fact that 2 out of the 3 Virgo drivers admit to a lack of confidence behind the wheel, and a further 25% reveal they are hesitant and easily distracted drivers, it comes as no surprise to find that the Virgo driver tops the class of those reporting an accident for which they were responsible. But overall the Virgo driver should be proud of an average claims record and other drivers could learn from a near perfect security record.
Star driver: Abi Titmuss, Kerry Katona, Hugh Grant
‘Safe’ Libra (24 September – 23 October)
Bearing in mind the balanced, level-headed nature of the Libra driver, it is hardly surprising that this birth sign has an average claims history. Drivers born under this birth sign are a dependable, safe candidate on the road.
Star driver: Gwyneth Paltrow,
‘Impatient’ Scorpio (24 October – 22 November)
The sting in the tail of the Scorpio driver is clear to see from the number of insurance claims made by this group – amongst the highest. The Scorpio driver confesses his/her impatience towards other drivers on the road, evident from an above average number of claims for accidental damage.
Star driver: Kelly Osbourne, Jonathan Ross
‘Calm’ Sagittarius (23 November – 22 December)
The honest characteristic of the Archer shines on the road. Pipped to the post by Gemini as the safest drivers, Sagittarian drivers nevertheless display an almost impeccable safety record. Their passengers can feel completely at ease with a calm and composed Sagittarius at the wheel.
Star driver: Brad Pitt
‘Powerful’ Capricorn (23 December – 20 January)
Beware the Capricorn driver behind the wheel! Describing themselves as ‘powerful’ and ‘impatient’ the goat on the road in not a force to reckon with, particularly in view of the fact that drivers born under this sign report one of the highest number of claims for accidental damage.
Star drivers: Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher, Jay Kay
‘Gentle’ Aquarius (21 January – 19 February)
The gentle qualities associated with Aquarius are reflected in an average claims record on all counts. The Aquarian driver considers himself to be sensible, responsible and family-orientated, with a relaxed, patient attitude to driving.
Star driver: Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton
‘Considerate’ Pisces (20 February – 20 March)
Drivers born under the sign of Pisces modestly consider themselves to be the most ‘sensible’ and ‘responsible’ on the road, boosted by a relatively confident and considerate approach to handling the perils of their fellow drivers. A positive mental attitude that pays off – these drivers record one of the lowest number of claims for accidental damage.
Star driver: Charlotte Church, Pete Doherty
‘Aggressive’ Aries (21 March – 20 April)
Maintaining an even temper for drivers born under the sign of Aries seems to the biggest challenge once they are behind the wheel – a third admit that they frequently become aggressive and impatient with other drivers. Interestingly they also declare themselves to be the smartest and safest drivers, but with one of the highest number of claims records amongst the group they should keep that attitude in check!
Star driver: Elton John, Rachel Stevens
‘Steady’ Taurus (21 April – 21 May)
The bull – solid and steady! Drivers born under the sign of Taurus are a pretty safe bet on the road, reporting an average number of claims across all areas. But hold on to your hats – despite an impressive safety record, Taurus drivers confess to a passion for speed!
Star driver: Tony Blair, Uma Thurman
