News Published on : 06-Dec-2021 16:16:33

Got your Christmas tree yet? The debate on when to install your Christmas tree is one that comes up every year. For most people the bigger the better but car insurance experts at Uswitch have found that driving your tree home for Christmas could either invalidate your insurance or land you with a £ 300 fine. A recent survey by the RAC identified that 75% of people don t know the rules around transporting their trees home in their cars. Here s a rule of thumb list to help drivers pick out the most suitable size trees to fit in their cars so that they can stay safe on the road this Christmas. Guide to transporting Christmas trees in the car If the tree overhangs more than a metre then we suggest attaching reflective load markers - or similar - to ensure it s clearly visible in all weathers and lights especially as winter can be dark and misty. If you ve chosen a particularly bushy tree this year then make sure it does not overhang the side of your car by more than 30cm (11.8inches). A good rule of thumb is if it surpasses your wing mirror then it s most likely obscuring the driver s vision on the road and therefore could be illegal. Even using a roof rack can pose danger so generally it s best to avoid this method of transport as any parts of the tree sticking out can obscure the drivers vision. If you really want to bring home the biggest busiest tree then opt for hiring a trailer to attach to the back of your car as this is the safest option.