As with everything in life some days can pass without the slightest blip and sometimes the strangest things can happen. This general principle can be applied to car ownership and travel and if you're a proud car owner in the UK you'll make around 410 trips per year in your four wheeled friend. The rules of probability predict that the more you use your car the more likely you are to encounter an accident of some description, so it pays to be aware of some of the common, and indeed not so common, causes of road traffic accidents.

Some of the more common causes of car accidents in the United Kingdom are centered on driver distractions hence why the use of mobile phones was prohibited quite recently. Use of mobile phones, changing radio station/CD and smoking whilst driving are all routine causes of road accidents, so try to avoid doing these whilst on the road. Hands free kits for mobile phones mean you can still safely chat and drive so if you like to catch up with friends and make arrangements on the move then it's perhaps time to go shopping for one of these clever gadgets.

Failing to look properly when pulling out of a parking space or junction causes numerous accidents in the UK every year, as does failure to judge other drivers speed accurately so always look twice when in these situations.

A final common cause of road traffic bumps is driving too close to the car in front, which is also known as tailgating. It's important to leave enough space between cars when driving so that any unexpected slowing down or braking doesn't result in an unnecessary accident.

No doubt you were probably all too aware of the more common reasons for damage to your car but there is an equal abundance of unconventional causes for bumps, scratches and dents. Some of the more irregular reasons for claims on car insurance policies feature a common theme of animal involvement!

From pheasants flying into windscreens to escaped horses on the road, you can never really be sure of what's going to happen in the outside when you're driving. The inside of your car isn't necessarily safe either as many accidents are caused by the panic drivers experience when wily wasps wreak havoc. As there isn't any preventative action, you can take the best thing to do is keep as calm as possible in the eye of the storm.

If you have chosen your policy carefully then you should hopefully be covered for such eventualities. And, this is always a point worth checking before finalising the documents and signing on the dotted line.

Other benefits to look out for when shopping for car insurance include UK and European breakdown cover, so whether you experience difficulties at home or aboard you'll never be stuck. A courtesy car is another handy feature which will keep you mobile, even if you do encounter an accident along the way.