Industry News from Yes Insurance

People in the UK driving smaller vehicles may be at a greater risk of being injured in a collision, new research has indicated.

According to a study from Thatcham, city cars give motorists the least amount of protection from debilitating whiplash injuries they can pick up in a crash.

It added that 25 per cent of smaller vehicles have inadequate seat design, which may be good news for people driving larger vehicles such as vans who are looking to preserve their van insurance policies.

This may mean that people in smaller cars are more likely to compromise their car insurance policies as a result of their vehicle choice.

Research manager at Thatcham Matthew Avery remarked that good seat design should not be limited to high-value vehicles.

"This latest set of results will hopefully act as a catalyst for vehicle manufacturers to look at improving seat and head restraints design within this important and growing sector," said the official.

Earlier this year, Thatcham was awarded the Best Safety Initiative prize at the Fleet News Awards for its Body Repair Kitemark scheme.