It has emerged that insurance companies are opting to raise premiums for drivers using winter tyres.

Reports from AA Insurance have said that up to 20% is added to some motorists’ statements. The news comes despite the fact that tyres designed for winter weather are generally safer than their standard counterparts. The Association of British Insurers said that for this reason, such premiums should more appropriately be discounted rather than increased.

According to Ian Crowder of AA Insurance, there have even been reported cases of insurance companies refusing coverage to motorists that have outfitted their vehicle with winter tyres. Experts say the reason for the mistake is likely call centre representatives that are unaware of safety implications associated with snow tyres.

Snow tyre sales have seen an unprecedented spike in recent weeks following some of the most severe winter weather conditions seen in the UK in decades. Tyre retailer Kwik Fit has said that last year it had sold only 2,000 snow tyres, but this year’s conditions have prompted consumers to buy over 50,000 cold-weather tyre models. Other tyre suppliers have said that they’re completely sold out of such tyres in popular sizes.

According to the British Tyre Manufacturers Association, a vehicle travelling at 60mph in winter conditions can break five metres sooner if outfitted with proper winter tyres.