Motoring body warns the stars

The bosses of Formula 1 racing are attempting to extend their power of influence even further, with some controversial ideas that will affect professional drivers when driving on the open road. The results of which could see famous names such as Jensen Button getting a motor insurance quote just like any other member of the public.

Federation Internationale de L’automobile (FIA), the governing body of motor sport, is proposing to change its sporting code in such a way that the rulers of the sport can penalise professional motor sport drivers for motoring offences committed on public roads. It is thought the high profile arrest of Louis Hamilton in Australia earlier this year for a motoring offence could have precipitated the decision.

The proposals will include the requirement of all super licence holders to have a road driving licence and offences on the public highway could result in the loss of the super licence.

A statement issued by the FIA said “Competitors at FIA events must act as ambassadors for the sport, be aware their conduct on the road must be exemplary and respect road safety rules. A proposal to amend the international sporting code will be submitted to the FIA General Assembly to clarify that any holder of an International Super Licence must also be in possession of a current road driving licence. Additionally, the Code will be amended to clarify that if an International Super Licence holder is involved in a serious road traffic offence recognised by a national police authority, the FIA, depending on the severity of the case, may issue a warning or refer the matter to the International Disciplinary Tribunal, which may temporarily or indefinitely withdraw the competitor’s International Super Licence.”

How to make a car insurance claim.

If you need to make a claim then this simple guide can help you. Millions of pounds are paid out each year for drivers in accidents or who have had their car damaged or stolen.

  1. Inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
  2. Write down an account of what happened which you can later refer back to when writing up your claim.
  3. If your claim is in relation to a crime such as theft or arson, inform the police as well. Your car insurance company will need to know an incident number if you are reporting a crime as well.
  4. Make sure you ask your insurer what you need to do next so you can provide evidence about your claim. Make sure your story is consistent – you don’t want to risk the insurance company thinking you’re lying.
  5. Keep all your documents relevant to the claim in a safe place and make sure you are available to be contacted by your insurance company.
  6. Keep copies of receipts for damages and any correspondence which affects your claim. When you speak to someone on the phone make sure you get their name and telephone extension for your records.
  7. Don’t take your car in for repairs until you have sorted everything out. Your car insurance company is likely to recommend a garage to you and it is safer for you if you take it there. Don’t make any repairs to your car until your car insurance company has agreed to pay for it.

A Guide to Car Insurance Cover

Which type of car insurance do you require?

There are three levels of car insurance cover – third party; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive. When purchasing car insurance it’s important to choose the option which will afford you the cover that you need.

The three levels of motor insurance cover are described below – take the time to read and understand the difference between them to make sure you select the right type of cover.

Third Party

This option offers only minimum coverage. It covers you for:

  1. Injury to other people
  2. Damage to another person’s property or car
  3. Accidents caused by passengers

It does not cover you:

  1. If your car is stolen
  2. If your car is damaged in a fire
  3. If you damage your own car
  4. For medical expenses
  5. Loss or damage to personal possessions (which are in the car)

As this type of insurance offers only very limited cover, it is really only suitable for people who cannot afford more comprehensive cover.

Third Party, Fire & Theft

This offers the same coverage as third party, plus you are also covered in the event of a fire, or if your vehicle is stolen.

However it does not cover you

  1. If you damage your own car
  2. For medical expenses
  3. Loss or damage to personal possessions (which are in the car)

This type of cover offers a happy medium for those who cannot afford fully comprehensive cover.

Fully Comprehensive (‘Fully Comp’)

As the name suggests this type of insurance offers the same cover as third party, fire & theft; plus you are also covered if you damage your own car.

In addition to this you will also be covered for medical expenses, and loss or damage to personal possessions which are in your car.

Please note, not all fully comp insurance policies offer precisely the same benefits. For example, in addition to the coverage outlined above, some insurers also offer fully comp customers additional benefits like courtesy cars in the event of an accident or theft. Many also offer protected no-claims bonuses.

Before taking out any policy it’s really important to thoroughly check that the policy offers exactly the cover which you require.

Summary of Coverage

Third Party

Third Party, Fire & Theft

Fully Comprehensive

Injury to others Yes Yes Yes
Damage to other’s property or car Yes Yes Yes
Accidents caused by passengers Yes Yes Yes
Fire No Yes Yes
Theft No Yes Yes
Damage to your own car No No Yes
Medical expenses No No Yes
Loss or damage to personal possessions No No Yes