Which scenario might lead to increased automobile claims during certain months?

Severe weather conditions can significantly impact driving safety, leading to increased automobile claims during specific months. For example, regions prone to heavy snowfall, rainstorms, or hurricanes may see more accidents due to hazardous road conditions, such as slippery or flooded streets. When extreme weather events occur, they can result in a higher frequency of accidents, vehicle damage, and thus insurance claims. Additionally, poor visibility and challenging driving conditions during such weather events can contribute to collisions, further amplifying the number of claims reported to insurers.

In contrast, high fuel prices might influence people's driving habits but do not directly correlate with an increase in accident frequency. The ripple effects of economic downturns may impact overall vehicle usage or driving conditions but are less directly tied to increased claims during specific months than weather-related incidents. A decrease in vehicle usage typically leads to fewer accidents and claims, not more, as fewer cars on the road reduce the likelihood of collisions.