Car Insurance « MotorQuoteDirect

Posts Tagged ‘Car Insurance’

Future of cars is changing

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Back in the 1980s Knight Rider, a television show from the USA, starred a black Pontiac Trans called K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand) the car could talk, drive itself and also get its human driver out of any predicament using its onboard computer. At the time, it seemed having a car like this was just fantasy some might say it was even laughable. Yet today in 2010, this once futuristic car is becoming reality or very close to it, anyway. Currently four vehicles are slowly making their way from Italy to China driven by instructions from a satellite. If a car does come out that can drive itself, it will bring a whole new meaning to any driver car insurance when contacting a company for a motor insurance quote.

Some of the technology is already here and ready to use while other advances will need further research to iron out the current flaws. Today, several technologies are competing to eventually replace the current dependence on fossil fuels, accepted now as environmentally unfriendly and the truth is that they will eventually run out. Bio diesel and ethanol, both renewable fuels have made significant steps on the premise that we can always grow more. But both of these are causing controversy. A debate is starting to brew about the ethics and science of using crops to make fuel rather than food.

Everyone should have heard of a hybrid car and some will already be driving one. Hybrid vehicles combine a traditional engine but with an electric motor which delivers increased fuel efficiency and are the first stepping stone of the new technology. Hybrids will be around for some time to come, even when the all electric cars come to dominate the roads. Many of the cars made in the 21^st century last much longer than those of 10 or 20 years ago, and they will continue to need the support of the petrol filling stations. Today, all electric cars are the Holy Grail of clean transportation that all manufacturers are looking for. This is because they produce zero direct emissions. What is even more crucial about electric cars is that they have the potential to be completely none polluting by making it possible to recharge them with emission free solar or even wind energy. A lot of manufacturers are bringing out electric cars in the near future and eventually they will outnumber petrol vehicles.

Tags: Car Insurance, car insurance advice, future of cars
Posted in Car Insurance, Car Types, Cheap Car Insurance | No Comments »

Over 100 years of experience

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Any driver car insurance was not even invented when the Fiat Company was born. Fiat is an acronym for ‘Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino’ and translated to English, reads ‘Italian Automobile Factory of Turin’. F.I.A.T. was founded on July 12, 1899, in the Italian city of Turin, at the time the city was enjoying a good period of industrial growth.

The first Fiat plant started in 1900, had 35 employees and made 24 cars. The Chairman was Mr Ludovico Scarfiotti, with Emanuele Cacherano di Bricherasio having the job as Vice Chairman. It was Giovanni Agnelli, however, whose strategic vision and determination paved the way for FIAT to become a household name. A former cavalry officer in the army, he managed to gain an important position with the original investors and he was made Managing Director in 1902. He came up with the idea of a promotional tour of Italy by car and this was successfully done with the finish line at the Milan Fair. The Fiat oval logo on a blue background was designed by Carlo Biscaretti and this was adopted in 1904, the first car to have the Fiat brand was a Model 4 HP. The Fiat Company focused on a two-pronged strategy for the company to grow. These were 1- diversification of production and 2- concentrate on the most promising markets. This has been the strategy for Fiat throughout over 100 years of history.

A decade after it was founded, Fiat had seen its capital stock increase to a massive 12 million Lire, it now had 2,500 employees and had manufactured a total of 1,215 cars. Even the First World War did not hamper them, as this meant a conversion to military production of army trucks, ambulances and engines for submarines, to name just a few. During this time, Giovanni Agnelli still had a vision of a bright future for Fiat based on car manufacturing. Following fact finding missions to the USA, Fiat then started to plan a new factory based on what they learned from the states. Fiat’s aim was to match the technology of America.

By 1948, mainly thanks to money received from the Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Program, it was the primary program during 1947-51, of the US for rebuilding and creating a stronger economy for Europe) factories had been rebuilt. The number of workers employed by Fiat increased by ten thousand. In 1946 Fiat recorded a loss. But the upward trend resumed two years later. As manufacturing output recovered in the years after the war, Fiat introduced the Fiat 500B, which was available to customers as a sedan or as a station wagon. When the 500C was released it offered for the first time, heating and ventilation installed as standard equipment. The first vehicles that were equipped with a diesel engine were driven off the assembly line in 1953.

Almost 60 years on from that first diesel engine FIAT is still going strong even though it has had its ups and downs.

Tags: Car Insurance, Cheap Car Insurance, FIAT, Italy, Motor, motoring
Posted in Car Insurance, Car Safety, Cheap Car Insurance, FIAT, Italy, Savings | No Comments »

Passing your test does not mean the learning stops

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Anyone who is looking for a way to lower a motor insurance quote can do worse than taking an advanced driving course. One such course is the Pass Plus scheme which is aimed at making new drivers become better drivers. To join the Pass Plus scheme finding an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to do the training will be the first thing needed. An Approved Driving Instructor will help complete all six of the training sections needed to pass the course. The Pass Plus scheme is an established training course aimed at new drivers. It was designed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) with expert input from driving instructors and insurers.

Statistics clearly show that a new driver is much more likely to be involved in an accident during the first two years after passing their test, due in some part to lack of driving experience. This is where Pass Plus comes in; it will build the new driver’s skill and knowledge. It will teach how to anticipate whilst driving, plan for and deal with different hazards, helping the pupil to become a more confident driver. It is possible to take a Pass Plus course at any time, but its main function is firmly aimed at all new drivers in the first 12 months after passing the driving test.

The Pass Plus scheme has six areas where experience will be offered. The six areas are motorways, duel carriageways, driving at night, experience on rural roads, driving in town where traffic is increased and finally driving in different weather conditions. The course will take around six hours but can take a little bit longer if the instructor deems it necessary.

The Pass Plus scheme is a practical course and all six sections should be practical sessions. However, the time of year along with weather conditions could mean that some of the six areas will need to be given as a theory session. For example a theory session may need to be given on motorway driving in some rural areas. More often than not all but 30 minutes should be spent in the car. No test at the end of the course will be required because a continual assessment will be done during each of the six sections. The instructor will have been completing a training report form during each part of the scheme which will need signing and dating when the required standard is reached in each section. To pass the whole course a satisfactory standard will need to be reached in all the course sections.

On successfully completing the training course a Pass Plus certificate is issued which will help the owner claim a discount on a motor insurance quote. Getting a Pass Plus certificate does not mean the learning ends. Consider working towards passing an Advanced Driving Test. Because passing this test would take the driving skills to a much higher level, and also provide further financial benefits. Apart from the obvious benefit of taking the advanced driving test there are other reasons to consider an advanced test. Car insurance companies will often offer a reduced premium to those who have passed this test and it is also possible to reduce the maintenance costs because being a better driver should mean that less wear and tear is caused to the vehicle. Passing the Advanced Driving Test is not easy, but if the right guidance and instruction is given, it is a worthy addition to anyone’s driving CV.

Tags: Car Insurance, driving test
Posted in Car Insurance, Car Safety, Cheap Car Insurance | No Comments »

The birth of the Beetle

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Anyone who has phoned up an insurance company to insure their Volkswagen Beetle may be blissfully unaware of how and when the Beetle was first thought of. And they may also have no idea which infamous leaders vision it was to have an affordable car. The VW Beetle Car was born in Germany and is produced by the company Volkswagen. Translated from German to English, Volkswagen simply means “People’s Car” The VW Beetle has outsold every sort of automobile that has ever been made. Its origins go back to the early 1930’s and its history grew as it continued to be produced. A Volkswagen Beetle called Herbie was a character that was featured in quite a few Disney motion pictures, starting with the 1968 feature film ‘The Love Bug’. Herbie had a mind of its own and was capable of driving itself, and was a serious contender in the racing competitions during the film. Before the 1930’s there had been quite a few attempts at selling simple cars that everyone could afford but none were successful. Almost all cars that were designed to be cheap enough for the average German to afford ended up costing more than the average worker earned in 12 months. Then along came Ferdinand Porsche who designed a prototype of the Beetle Car. It was basically a streamlined Sedan with an engine at the back so that the drive shaft could be shorter. The prototype was built by a motorbike producer called Zundapp and was test driven in 1932. It did not go into production because Zundapp decided it was financially better to keep making motorbikes as they were in still high demand.

Adolf Hitler had a vision of his fellow Germans being able to own a cheap car and also had plans to create a great network of roads to be called ‘autobahns’. Hitler invited Ferdinand Porsche to draw up a design for this people’s car, with the orders that the car had to be cheap, economical, fast, and have the capacity to accommodate two adults and three children. In January 1934, Ferdinand Porsche gave Adolf Hitler his proposal for the vehicle, and within six months work had begun. The German Auto Dealers Association funded some of the cost to help pay the bills. The car was designed to be as simple as possible, so that there was less that could go wrong. Much of the VW Beetle’s design was inspired by the advanced Tatra cars of Hans Ledwinka who sued VW, but the lawsuit had to be stopped when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. However the matter was not forgotten and was in fact re-opened after the Second World War resulting in VW paying Tatra 3,000,000 DM (Deutsche Marks) in 1961. Porsche and Ledwinka knew each other personally, and were known to have exchanged ideas.

Volkswagens were first sold in the USA in 1949 and in its first year sold just two cars. When first on sale to the U.S. market, the VW was for a short period sold as a “Victory Wagon”. Volkswagen of America was formed in April 1955 and production of the Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle increased dramatically over the years and of course is still in production today.

Tags: Car Insurance, Germany, Motor insurance, Volkswagen
Posted in Car Insurance, Germany, Volkswagen | No Comments »

Rise in UK car sales not expected to last

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Britain’s car market was stronger than expected in June, showing a surprise 10.8% rise in registrations, meaning not just a rise in people getting a motor insurance quote for a new car, but also that the car market in the United Kingdom was stronger than expected according to the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). However analysts forecast that demand for new vehicles will go back to a negative number during the last six months of the year, with the £2,000 scrappage incentive, which boosted demand among buyers ending. The new business secretary Vince Cable, last week told one newspaper that the emergency in the car making industry was now over and that the car industry could no longer count on any direct government aid.

Registrations of fleet vehicles were 25% higher than in the same period 12 months ago, which shows a continuing recovery in demand from companies, according to the SMMT and whose chief executive Paul Everitt said “The results indicate improved business confidence and a strengthening economic recovery. The industry still expects challenging economic conditions in the second half of the year and government action to improve access to credit for consumers and businesses will be important in sustaining the momentum of recovery. There is some inventory building going on. During the depths of the recession most companies cut back quite a lot on inventory so we’re seeing some impact there. But also, this time last year there was such a big rush in scrappage scheme vehicles and private vehicles being sold that that crowded out some of the fleet market.”

The SMMT also reported that the Vauxhall Astra was Britain’s best selling car in June, the first time for almost two and a half years that it has been placed in the number one position. The Astra replaced the Ford Fiesta, which had the highest registrations during the first few months of 2010. Registration of AFVs (alternatively fuelled vehicles) equalled their biggest ever market share, at 1.2%, in June. The number of AFVs increased by 157.4% in the month, and has increased by more than 150% in four of the last six months. Diesel sales have also increased which has helped to sustain total market growth with the Nissan Qashqai continuing to be popular and was the best-selling diesel in June.

Tags: Car Insurance, car sales
Posted in Car Insurance, selling a car | No Comments »

Government must make road black spots safer

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

It would be interesting to see in a national survey of motorists how many drivers thought that motorways were the most dangerous roads to drive on. I have met countless numbers of people, mainly, but not all, women who just will not use motorways because they believe them to be death traps. I wonder, then, what they would make of the most recent report by the charity the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).

The report called “Saving lives for less” indentifies the ten most dangerous roads in Britain as well as pinpointing exactly what parts of our roads are the most liable to motoring accidents.

The most startling statistic is that single carriage highways are by far the most dangerous, we are six times more likely to be killed on a single carriageway than on a motorway, and twice as likely to be killed on a single carriageway rather than a dual carriageway. Plenty of food for thought there as one queues to get off the M25. Road junctions, the report confirms, are the most dangerous parts of out road network as over 30% of all serious /fatal accidents occur there.

Once again the “Cat and Fiddle” officially the A357 occupies top spot for the most dangerous road with 34 serious/fatal crashes in the period 2006-2008. The road runs between Macclesfield and Buxton and is a favourite stretch for motor cyclists because of its testing nature. Unsurprisingly motor cycles were involved in the majority of accidents. Other roads featuring in the worst ten were the A684, A621, A5012, A54 and the A18 which was the worst of all when taking motor cyclists out of the equation The A3072 in the West country was the only one of the top ten to be located in the south of the UK.

The report also gave a rundown of the most improved roads with the A40 between Llandovery and Carmarthen winning the accolade for its reduction by 74% in serious/fatal crashes.

The report went on to say that in targeting the 10% of roads that attract 33% of accidents for road improvements, the Government could make massive savings on the cost of road crashes to the nation. Obviously insurance companies would also benefit from this, which would be passed onto to motorists when getting a motor insurance quote.

Tags: Car Insurance, safety
Posted in Car Insurance, Car Safety | No Comments »

What Car, What Noise?

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

The EU has been great in many ways for member countries. A common currency and free movement across borders have been a boon for trade. On the downside, though, are the many stupid regulations that hinder trade. At one stage 26 types of fruit and vegetables, including artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, onions, peas, carrots, plums, and ribbed celery were under shape restrictions, and they also told us that bananas must not bend abnormally. Thankfully they have since relaxed this bizarre ruling but don’t think we are free from more strange rulings as we enter the new generation of zero-emission vehicles. Greener cars will get you a good motor insurance quote and possibly a car that sounds like a spacecraft.

In the not too distant future when more and more of us will have changed our cars over to a greener version, the perceived notion of roads being used by fuel efficient motors that also cut down on noise pollution due to their smaller engines may not be the route we are going down at all. Thanks to a possible new EU ruling not only will you be thinking about the traffic ahead while driving but also what sound you want your car to make as you drive along. Each manufacturer may be allowed to provide its own sounds, with the regulation simply setting a minimum volume to prevent pedestrians, cyclists and especially blind people from stepping into the path of battery-powered cars. Some of the manufacturers are thought to be considering using the same noises used on the spacecraft in Star Wars; the noise will be projected in the direction in which the vehicle is travelling to cut down on unnecessary noise. The manufacturers think that a noise will only be needed when the car is travelling under 20mph as going any faster will create tyre noise which will warn the people who are most at risk.

Professor Paul Jennings at the university where the tests on different sounds are being carried out said: “We will have a week with music and weeks with natural sounds, engine noise and also with science-fiction sounds. “We need to find noises which alert people to the approaching vehicle without causing the annoyance people already feel when they hear the bleeping sounds of reversing trucks .It is possible that pedestrians will learn to look out for silent cars and that the warning sounds could become redundant but, he said, people were far more dependent on detecting noise than they realised when crossing the road. They think they are reacting to the sight of a vehicle but often it is the sound that is triggering their attention and sound also tells you whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating.” The tests are ongoing and the end results could prove very interesting.

Tags: Car Insurance, car noise, motoring
Posted in Car Insurance, Cheap Car Insurance | No Comments »

Motoring Abroad

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

With the winter behind us, we find ourselves on the cusp of summer and the thought of summer holidays enter the thoughts of many households. As with every other year many people will be taking the car with them to Europe and as with any other year many travel with the misconception that they’ve fully covered by their own car insurance. It is very important to get a motor insurance quote that will cover you for driving abroad, because if you think that your policy for driving in the UK will cover you while driving abroad, you will be in for a shock if you are involved in an accident.

If you are driving into Europe, an any driver car insurance policy would be one way to combat the main problems faced by many UK drivers, that of fatigue. Satellite navigation systems can be bought that cover europe’s roads, but the roads will still be very unfamiliar, the different traffic systems, strange road signs and different customs of the motorists all increase the risk of an accident It is vital that you check with your insurance company if you are covered, and if not most if not all insurance companies are more than happy to change your policy for the number of days that you will be driving abroad. Also check if you are covered should your vehicle be stolen, having your insurance papers with you when travelling overseas is essential and you should make sure you keep these with you in your car at all times when driving.

When driving abroad it’s also vital to check the legal requirements of the country/countries you will travel through. Laws about what equipment to have on board varies between different countries, so it’s a good idea to look them up before you leave. Depending on where you intend driving, you will need to make sure you have the right equipment in your car. Most EU countries require a warning triangle, a full set of spare light bulbs, headlight converters and some even require you to have a reflective jacket in the car, and it has to be within reach of the driver, so it will be no good having it in the boot. Something else to remember is that you will need to put a GB sticker on your car, without one a fine is inevitable in many countries. If you have a Euro-symbol on your number plate then you won’t need a GB sticker when driving in member states of the EU, but if you go outside the EU, and that includes Switzerland, you will need a GB sticker as well, so the best policy is to put the sticker on before leaving. Take care not to overload your car as this can get you a fine in some European countries swell.

It is important to prepare for driving abroad. Research is very easy to do, as all the information will be available on the internet. It is very different to driving in the UK.

Tags: Car Insurance, motoring, motoring abroad
Posted in Car Insurance | No Comments »

When an accident is not an accident

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Direct car insurance is vital on today’s roads; people on bikes, erratic drivers, children and animals not under supervision are just some of the everyday problems encountered by the ordinary motorist. Another problem you may not be aware of but is becoming more common is the “staged accident” and we are all paying around £40 on our insurance policies to pay for it. Car insurance fraud is on the increase as gangs of people are driving around in cars actively looking for an accident. A typical scenario would find a motorist on a roundabout, when suddenly the car in front of him slams on its brakes, but he can’t tell, because the brake lights don’t work. He hits the car and has become the latest victim of a scam.
In this scenario, a driver, normally in an old car, will disconnect his brake lights, so the motorist behind can’t tell when he’s braking. When being followed around a roundabout, he slams on his brakes for no obvious reason, and the driver behind then crashes into him, causing damage to the cars involved and usually an injury to the driver and passengers, most commonly whiplash, and because it’s a rear end collision, the second driver, who’s really the victim of this crime, is assumed to be at fault. The first driver, and the passengers in the car (if any, but there nearly always is) - will then claim on the victim’s insurance. Witnesses, part of the same gang as the driver, will come forward to verify what happened. The gangs in question are forcing insurance companies to pay out for illegal claims for what they describe as…staged accidents, induced road traffic accidents, phantom passengers claims, fraudulent injury and special damage claims. And it does not matter if you have cheap car insurance or comprehensive, you can still be a victim.

It is hard to avoid this scam, but some advice would be to follow the rules of the road, and not follow the vehicle in front too closely. On roundabouts, that is not always feasible, so remain very alert; keep an eye on the vehicle in front. The occupants may turn to look at you or may even make a gesture just before the trap is sprung. This is a large, organised crime ring, and usually very professionally executed. If you suspect that the accident you are involved in is not genuine, leave it to your insurance company to investigate - they are eager to crack down on this particular type of fraud.

Tags: Accidents, Car Insurance, Insurance fraud
Posted in Car Insurance | No Comments »

Just how ‘much safer’ are women drivers?

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

It has been statistically proven in recent years that women are considerably less likely to be in a driving accident than men. A leading Insurance company has just released figures showing that women are also 150% less likely to have a driving conviction.

It has also been revealed that 18% of all British motorists have incurred at least one driving conviction. 4% were found to have been hit with more than one. The proportion of drivers breaking the law has reportedly risen 4% over the last decade.

However, it is debatable whether British drivers have become more unsafe. CCTV has given the police significantly greater powers of surveillance and those law breaking drivers who may once have slipped through the net are now being caught. There are thought to be more of these cameras per person in Britain than in any other nation in the world.

85% of total convictions are for speeding offences. This is far in excess of the 9% that are for jumping traffic lights. Drink driving offences account for a further 2%. Men are twice as likely as women to take the risk of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Young drivers are the most likely group to act irresponsibly on Britain’s roads. Nearly 25% of men aged 25-34 have incurred at least one motoring conviction. Men in the 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 age brackets are equally likely to have two or more convictions.

There are significant regional differences in the likelihood of drivers incurring a conviction. Just 9% of men and 6% of women in Northern Ireland had a driving conviction against their name. Drivers in the Midlands are apparently far more likely to break the law. The figures are 31.5% of men and 16.6% of women in this area.

Women have, however, grown increasingly likely to have committed a motoring offence in recent years. 15% of all British women currently have a conviction against their name. This figure has risen 4% over the last decade. This still puts them 5% behind the total amount of men who have a conviction.

One potential reason that men are convicted more often than women is that men drive 20% further than their female counterparts, according to the latest Department for Transport statistics. It seems almost as likely that women will be found breaking the law as men.

The closing gap between men and women committing motoring offences is reflected in the costs of motor insurance premiums. Although young male drivers have to pay out about twice as much as young females, premiums are still becoming increasingly expensive for women.

Simon Douglas, Director of the insurance group, said, ‘in 2003, the point at which premiums for both sexes became similar was at about age 60, now it’s between 45 and 50. This is because more women are becoming car owners, they are driving more often and further and are thus more likely to be involved in accidents - as well as commit driving offences’.

‘But whatever your age or sex, insurers take notice of driving offences, especially multiple offenders and this is reflected in premiums. That’s because regular offenders are much more likely to make an insurance claim than those who have a clean license’. ‘Keeping the right side of the law is one of the best ways to keep your insurance premiums in check’.

Tags: Car Insurance
Posted in Car Insurance, Women's Car Insurance | No Comments »

Posts Tagged ‘Car Insurance’

Future of cars is changing

Over 100 years of experience

Passing your test does not mean the learning stops

The birth of the Beetle

Rise in UK car sales not expected to last

Government must make road black spots safer

What Car, What Noise?

Motoring Abroad

When an accident is not an accident

Just how ‘much safer’ are women drivers?

Pages

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Meta

MotorQuoteDirect Products