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Operating a Fleet of Taxis? You Need to Take Out Insurance!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:41:00 +0000

The busy Christmas and New Year period are over for another and many taxi companies all over the UK will be counting the revenues from a surge in customer footfall over the festivities.

For those of you that are in the position to be owning a fleet of taxis, you will no doubt be laying out your company projections for the coming year. While many people will be cutting back on their nights out over January there will always be the need for taxis and this is where your operations will come into play. However, while it may not to be at the top of your list of priorities, making sure you have the right type of taxi insurance in place is integral. It will help to provide peace of mind not just to yourself but also the customers you take on.

So you will no doubt be asking what type of cover policy is right for your certain needs? Well, firstly you need to do your research and look at what aspects of your business will need insurance. The most obvious thing to take will be breakdown cover which will help you to avoid having to fork out large sums of money should one of your vehicles break down on you.

Due to the nature of the business, having a taxi out of action for a long period of time can mean you lose revenue and even new custom, so it is imperative that you make sure the cab is back on the road as quickly as possible. Having an adequate breakdown cover policy in place means you can have the vehicle serviced and back on the road within a matter of days without the burden of costly garage bills.

Another you should consider is public liability cover, as this will protect any legal implications that may arise if one of your cabs is involved in an accident with a passenger in the back. Not all insurers will include a policy like this within their offering, so you need to be looking for a provider that will be able to include this in the overall package.

While you may be keeping your fingers crossed that no such incident would ever occur, due to the negligence of some drivers on the UK's highways, it could be an unavoidable event at some point. Remember, the last thing you want is to be faced with a huge bill after an accident that may lead to a customer sustaining an injury.

You need to also be aware of your surroundings, as this could become a factor in what type of insurance policy you take out. If you are operating within a small town, then you may not need the same level of cover that you may require if you picking up passengers in a big city. There are obviously more hazards within larger areas so you should look to take out a more comprehensive package to safeguard you against other events that may happen.

Taxi fleet insurance is key to running any successful taxi firm so don't delay and look for the policy that is right for you today.

Own a Vehicle Livery Firm? You Need Motor Traders Insurance.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:55:00 +0000

Having the right vehicle sign can be a key component to get a business' advertising campaign off to the right footing.

While many company owners will be worried about what slogan they should have emblazoned on the side of their vehicles, for those of you who run a vehicle livery business you need to make sure you are fully covered. Motor trader insurance may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you are running operations but it is important that you pick out a protection policy which is right for you helping to avoid the risk posed by being uninsured.

Motor trade insurance is imperative for a whole of range automotive professions and essentially is needed if you are dealing with vehicles in any shape or form but there are a number of things you need to consider before making the final decision on a policy. Firstly, you should research exactly what it is that your business needs to be protected against and this again can cover a wide range of things.

This type of insurance can safeguard you against as much or as little as you like and many companies will be keen to get you on a comprehensive package which covers you in the event of pretty much anything.

The first thing you need to take out though is third party only cover as this is a requirement by law. This is required, essentially, if you deal with vehicles in any way. However it is only the most basic form and cover a motor trader for third party injury, third party property damage and third party death. The latter is in effect when the fatality is caused by any vehicle which is connected to the policyholder.

While you may want to look into having a stringent road risk insurance package in place one thing that may be right up your street is a liability motor trade insurance deal. This is designed specifically for those of you that are allowing members of the public onto their place of work and will also help cover the employees that you should take on.

It is important to have this option in place as this could come in handy in the unlikely event that someone is injured while at your place of work. It can also be expanded to include public, sales and service indemnity which includes the likes of defective workmanship, public liability and employers liability.

Working within a profession that deals in customising a van or car for a customer's preferences and so you will be tending to their vehicle for a specific amount of time. You can not afford to run the risk of being uninsured should something happen while the vehicle is in your possession so it is important that you think about getting yourself sufficiently covered and seek out a quote for a motor trade insurance policy as soon as possible.

Being sufficiently prepared for any eventuality is imperative for running a successful business and can put both yourself and a customer at ease.

Motor Trade Insurance Key For Repair Companies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:24:00 +0000

The UK experienced a fairly mild Christmas and New Year with very few parts of the country being blanketed by snow and ice, but this may all be about to change.

Weather forecasts are predicting wintry conditions to come flooding into the nation over the coming weeks, and this is no doubt going to have a major effect on the highways across the country. Motorists will be making their preparations for coping with the possibly treacherous conditions and it may lead to an increase in the number of breakdowns leading to people having to contact repair companies to fix their vehicles on the side of the road.

For those of you that are operating within this profession, you may be expecting a surge in call-outs as the temperatures begin to drop as more and more either become stuck or are involved in an accident. While the customer will be delighted to see your van pull up at the side of the road to give them a helping hand, you need to be thinking about the right type of insurance you require to make sure that you are not caught short should the worst happen while tending to a customer.

Every type of breakdown recovery company will require a different type of protection policy and you need to assess which elements of your business will need to be covered. While some insurance firms will look to get you on a comprehensive plan which will safeguard you against practically any circumstance that comes your way, it is not necessarily wise you jump at the first package you are offered.

Essentially, you need to do your research on what needs covering; the one thing that you will need in terms of motor traders insurance is third party protection. This is a requirement by law and will safeguard you in the event of third party injury, third party property damage and third party damage with any vehicle that can be linked back to workings.

Other aspects you should look into is whether you want to take out a combined motor trade insurance which is a far-more complete package and will include a number of other aspects of your business.

If you are looking for a deal which accounts for a wide range of your company's needs then this could be helpful. Not only will it give you the third party cover as stated, but it will also provide cover for money, vehicles, liabilities, premises and contents. The latter could be extremely beneficial if you want to have your place of business covered in the event that something goes wrong.

While it may not be the first that springs to mind when a motorist is sitting on the side of the road stranded and waiting for your breakdown van to show up, motor trade insurance is a vital cog within operating a successful company.

To ensure that you are sufficiently covered, assess what your business requires and look to see out a quote for a policy as soon as possible.

Charity Calls For Zero-tolerance on Drink and Drug Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Brake Wants to Cut Down the Amount of Road Deaths Caused by Drink and Drug Driving.

Driving on the UK's roads can present motorists with a plethora of dangers that are out of their control, children and animals possibly running into the path of a car without any notice potentially causing stress for anyone that gets behind the wheel.

However, the last thing you want is to be cut-up or put in danger from a fellow driver that is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Although it is an illegal offence to be intoxicated on any form of substance while behind the wheel a number of motorists still take that risk and it is causing untold misery for fellow road users. Now, an automotive charity is ready to step in to call on fleet owners to impose tougher penalties for those that are prepared to flout the rules of the road.

Recent results from the Association of Chief Police Officers' summer crackdown on drink and drug driving has shown that 5.8 per cent of 83,000 people stopped on the UK's either tested positive, refused or failed a breathalyser test. This has prompted Brake to call on fleet owners across the country to take a hard line with those choosing to flout the law and continuing to risk having a drink or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel.

While the 5.8 per cent figure may seem small in terms of the amount of drivers on the road but anyone of these motorists under the influence are increasing their chances of being involved in a road accident.

The charity highlighted the fact that figures revealed in its latest 'Measuring the Risk' research, sponsored by the Licensing Bureau, that 17 per cent of drivers killed on the roads had traces of illegal drugs within their systems. Officials also noted that motorists with a small amount of alcohol within their bloodstream were three times as likely to have a crash.

Ultimately, Brake wants a change of attitude in fleet managers and is urging them to become stricter with their employees. Members of the charity want organisations to carry out regular tests for any substances within their system before they are sent out on a job.

Current statistics show that 57 per cent of firms still do not check for alcohol in the blood and a further 63 per cent fail to test for illegal, Brake wants this all to be changed and for fleet owners to clamp down on this increasingly dangerous problem.

The consequences of a company failing to check an employee and they then decide to flout the law could be devastating. Not only could lives be lost through reckless driving, the company could also stand have a severely damaged reputation and face the financial and legal repercussions following a tragic incident.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, says: "Drink and drug driving continue to be a menace on our roads, leading to catastrophic crashes every day. It is crucial fleet professionals understand the risks and best practice in tackling these, and are taking all possible steps to eradicate drink and drug driving within their workforce."

Mobiles Driving Motorists To Distraction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Mobile Devices Have Been Deemed More Distracting While Driving Than Young Children.

Driving long distances with the kids screaming in the back seat can be increasingly stressful if any of you have experienced this, however new research has shown that there is something even more distracting than misbehaving children, mobile phones.

With phones now essentially becoming mini computers nearly everyone is on one of them all the time with people attempting to complete the latest level on Angry Birds, asking their device what the weather is like in Paris using the iPhone's Siri function and even ordering their shopping. All of these combined are driving motorists to distraction and can slow reaction times down dramatically as a result, creating yet another hazard on the UK's roads.

A study commissioned by esure insurance saw volunteers take part in a driving simulator to see how just having a mobile phone in your car can potentially distract you from what's ahead of you for long periods. The company noted that during these tests, a simple phone ring meant that 20 per cent of the participants diverted their eyes away from the road for over seven seconds, and this was with the device being in a hands-free situation.

This figure means that if you're travelling at 70mph on the motorway, you will have driven 8.5 metres blind as you have taken your eyes off the road exposing the car and those in it to a potential accident. Mobile devices were highlighted as more of a distraction than screaming children which only 13 per cent cited as a reason for taking their eyes off the road. The trend of using a mobile device behind was staggering as well with 84 per cent of motorists to fiddling with some form of electronic tool while driving, whether it be a sat-nav, phone, MP3 or another type of gadget.

Stuart Vann, chief executive officer at esure, said: "These findings are a real concern - so many drivers are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk by simply having a ringing, beeping, flashing mobile in the car - even if they don't answer it. The figures were high but I would not be surprised if they're even higher in real on-road situations than in our simulator."

With the holiday season coming to a close and a final bank holiday to enjoy over the coming weekend many of you will be deciding to get in the car and head to one of the various holiday resorts the UK has to offer while hopping over the Channel to France or Spain or may also be on the cards.

The overriding feeling is that if you are going to get behind the wheel in the near future make sure that you take every step to make your journey distraction free. Maybe turn your phone off completely to avoid any incoming texts or calls taking your focus away from the road, give the kids something to do in the back of the car like a book or let them listen to music.

Remember, keep focused on the road or run the risk of having an accident.

For the #1 motor trade insurance - visit ChoiceQuote

Take Care On The School Run

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:18:00 +0000

The IAM Has Offered Some Advice Ahead Of The Kids Returning To School.

September is just around the corner and for many of you it signals the end of a long summer holiday with the kids at home. With this in mind, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has given some helpful tips for keeping safe on the school run.

Getting your children up and ready for school in the mornings can be tasking, and it is important to make sure that you don't carry this stress over to your driving when you leave the house, as it could make you distracted and not check where you are going on the road. The IAM suggests maybe thinking about setting off five minutes earlier as you will not only miss the morning rush but you will also feel more relaxed, as you're not racing to get your children through the school gates in time for their first lesson of a new term.

Concentration is a major factor when driving your kids to their first class, and you need to be aware that some children, unlike yourself, will not be paying full attention to the road and can be liable to walking in front of moving vehicles, especially when you get closer to the school. The IAM notes that you should leave sensible stopping distances to allow for the unpredictability of children running about.

While there have been calls by Liberal Democrat politicians to enforce a 20mph zone around a number of major cities, which was subsequently slammed by the Association of British Drivers for being "useless", roads around schools fully implement these lower speed limits. That being said it is very important to check your speed around centres as previously mentioned, you don't want to be slamming the brakes on should a child run in front of your vehicle.

You see on a regular basis mums in their large 4x4 gas guzzlers pulling right up to the gate to drop their little darlings off, while this can seem tempting to follow, don't do it as it will cause congestion for other drivers and endanger children who are making their way into the gates. The IAM advocates this and also states that you should refrain from parking on the yellow zig-zag lines at all times. If you are going to drop your kids by the entrance, make sure you let them out on the pavement side meaning they can safely get to school.

Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner, said: "The school run brings with it a 20 per cent growth in rush hour traffic. A little preparation can go a long way to making the school run easier, so take the extra time and plan ahead."

With your preparations for the school year almost complete, you've got them kitted out with the latest uniform, picked them up some new shoes as well as all the stationery they'll need, it is highly important that you get them to school safely and soundly. Above all, wellbeing is a number one priority and also for your sake it ensures peace of mind when you return home or head to work later in the day.

Motorists Want to Clamp Down on Drink Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:36:00 +0000

A new survey shows that drivers are unanimously in favour of tougher penalties

Drink driving is a problem across the UK that many people want to stamp out but a lot of motorists believe that the penalties that come with this crime are not stringent enough, according to a new survey.

While the majority of us wouldn't even dream of getting behind the wheel after having a drink some people do and the consequences can be severe. Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) revealed that in 2009 alone there were 380 people killed on the road due to being involved in an accident with a drink driver adding to the 1,480 that were seriously injured over the same time frame. While causing death by drink driving can carry a prison sentence many people believe that the punishments surrounding this crime do not go far enough.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) recently conducted a survey to determine what people thought around the topic of drink driving and the results were fairly clear cut. The bold message from respondents was that the country needed to get tougher on those that chance their arm and decide to go out driving after having a few alcoholic beverages. IAM officials revealed that 80 per cent of respondents said that convicted drink drivers, who have been charged on numerous occasions, should have their cars seized, sold or scrapped.

While this may sound extreme the motorists asked in this survey believe it would act as a deterrent and help to reduce the amount of deaths that occur on the UK's road network every year. However, it was not just repeat offenders that would feel the wrath should the government impose new regulation on the basis of this survey as half of the respondents said that this scrapping idea should be implemented to drivers that are found to be several times over the limit.

It was not just the penalties that the survey targeted as many respondents highlighted the need for reducing the legal limit of alcohol in the bloodstream. The UK's current figure stands at 80mg per 100ml of blood but 66 per cent advocated dropping this level to 50mg per 100ml which would make the country more inline with the laws in European nations. A further 28 per cent wanted a total ban on drink driving with them calling for a zero-tolerance approach on the issue.

Simon Best, IAM chief executive, said: "The support is there for tougher treatment of drink drivers.

"Not only do the majority want a lower limit – they also want tougher punishment for those that break the law, especially the worst offenders who present the greatest danger to other road users, their passengers and themselves."

There was little sympathy for those that received a conviction with 57 per cent of people deeming the current penalties of an average fine of £240 and a year-long driving ban as "too weak". A further 38 per cent wanted the punishments to be even harsher which they believed would act as a real deterrent.

The overriding feeling from the survey was that if you're thinking of a having a drink before getting behind the wheel, be prepared to face the consequences.

Tyres Key to Staying Safe on The Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:31:00 +0000

TyreSafe issues advice ahead of the summer holidays

The school holidays are fast approaching and an entire summer of the kids with nothing to do lies ahead.

Like a lot of others in the UK, you may yourself be getting in the car with your children and heading for a summer holiday in one of the many sights the UK has to offer or even heading abroad to the likes of France, Spain or Italy. However, while you may be concerned you've got everything in place, sun tan cream, passport, foreign currency etcetera, if you are taking the car with you then remember to check your tyres before setting off.

While it might not be at the top of your list of things to do before going on holiday it is one of the most important if you'll be driving for long periods, especially if you're heading to one of the many ports across Britain and going abroad. Campaign group TyreSafe has advised all motorists, whether on holiday or not, to make sure they check the tread on their tyres to ensure they are not endangering the lives of their loved ones in the car, themselves and other roads users.

The organisation recognised that with many people tightening their belts some families will be choosing to have 'staycations' in the UK as opposed to going abroad and officials believe that checking your car before you go is imperative.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: "A lot of people make a checklist before they go on holiday, such as to remind themselves to pack a toothbrush, sun cream and other everyday essentials.

"However, we'd suggest that they put tyre checks at the top of the list so they can enjoy their holiday and arrive safely at their destination, whether it's just for a day trip or further afield for a longer stay."

TyreSafe outlined a process that you should undergo before loading the car up and heading out to one of the many sights the UK has to offer. All drivers should just say to themselves air, condition and tread, or ACT for short. These simple checks will ensure that your car is fully prepared for a long journey.

Firstly, have a look at your air pressure which is key if you are carrying extra luggage loads; this can be done by popping down to your local petrol station and using the facilities on hand there.

Next, the condition of your tyres will also play a major part in making sure that your vehicle is safe for road use. Inspect each wheel, looking for objects that could become embedded within the grooves and have the potential to cause damage and even lead to a puncture.

Finally, one of the simplest tests is checking the tread of your tyres, which can be carried out just by using a 20p piece. The legal amount of tread in the UK currently stands 1.6 millimetres and checking for it is relatively easy. Put the coin into the grooves of the wheel and if the outer rim is showing then there is sufficient tread however, should the circumference be showing there isn't enough tread and you should notify a tyre specialist.

ChoiceQuote Personal Insurance are specialists in car insurance. Get a quote online now.

Bear in Mind The Colour When Buying Your Next Car

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Steer Clear of Greens and Maroons.

When buying a car, not many people are thinking of how much it will be worth when selling it on. However, making the wrong colour choice could send the value of your motor tumbling in years to come.

Purchasing a used car can be a minefield at the best of times, but picking out a vehicle in the wrong colour could have adverse effects when you come to sell it on further down the line. New research by car pricing experts CAP has shown that certain colours will continue to perform well in the future while others can be a disaster for the value of the vehicle. The company stated that while the likes of white, black and grey are traditional stalwarts in terms of popularity, shades such as pink, purple, yellow and indigo are becoming surprise contenders within these stakes.

However, experts did warn that these brighter colours are seemingly only favourites within the more niche market of sportier numbers, and that drivers should still be wary of these shades when purchasing. The organisation highlighted the likes of green, maroon and blue as big no-no's when picking out a car. It noted that these motors are liable to see value drop by four to six per cent over the space of three to five years, and it has led many to dub the likes of turquoise and others shades of this ilk as "doom blue" on account of its depreciation record.

Chris Crow, CAP chief editor, said: "The lesson for motorists is, when you're choosing the colour of your new car consider how it will look to prospective buyers when you come to sell it as a used car.

"Of course, it works the other way too - for the used car buyer there are real bargains to be had if you pick a less popular colour because most of the depreciation has already occurred and you could save serious cash."

With the colour white managing to retain five per cent of its market value, those of you looking to buy a used car, go plain and choose white.

Visit ChoiceQuote - for the #1 motor trade insurance

Beware of the Insurance Consequences of Drink-driving

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:12:00 +0000

You're not just running the risk of a fine if you drink and drive

Having a little tipple while with friends at a gathering or casual night out might be acceptable when the car is left at home but some people will have a glass while needing their vehicle to get back.

Even though many people just regard it as "just one little drink" you could run the risk of not just a fine but a serious hike in car insurance. Like with driving while on your mobile phone many companies take a dim view of a drink driving conviction and it can result in premiums shooting up by a huge 150 per cent. It is an eye watering increase for those that just thought "one drink can't hurt" and hammers home the point that you should simply not risk having alcohol if you intend to drive home.

Research by price comparison site MoneySupermarket.com found that a typical 30-year-old male with a drink driving conviction could see their premiums jump from an average of £472 a year to a staggering £1,175. If that isn't enough to put you off risking a drink before getting behind the wheel then nothing will. Women also don't get off lightly with prices shooting up by 133 per cent for a conviction.

Peter Harrison, car insurance expert at MoneySupermarket, said: "Taking the risk by drink driving can have dire consequences; it could lead to a hefty points conviction, a fine of up to £5,000, a 12 month driving ban and even a prison sentence.

"This will not only make it difficult for you to find an insurance provider willing to cover you in the future, but as our research has showed, the cost of your premium will increase substantially."

A current drink driving offence, known as a DR10 penalty, comes with six points, which will be added to your licence, a £1,000 fine and a 12-month ban. With the likes of Euro 2012, the Olympics and warmer nights on the way, more and more people will be tempted to get behind the wheel after a tipple.

However, the overriding consensus is that if you fancy a drink, leave your car at home.

Government Looking to Fight Back Over Whiplash Claims

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Whiplash Claims are Costing the Insurance Industry £2bn a Year.

Fraudulent whiplash claims are costing the country billions every year but it is not just the insurance companies that are bearing the brunt of this trend, it's the average motorists as well.

The government has highlighted this problem and earlier in the month transport secretary Justine Greening MP and justice secretary Kenneth Clarke MP looked to put a stop to this worrying culture by introducing new reforms to the regulation.

Research by the AA has revealed that whiplash claims cost the insurance industry £2 billion in the past year and if that wasn't bad enough it meant that the average premium was pushed up by £90.

At a time when motorists are looking to save money on the upkeep of their vehicle this revelation is yet another burden on the already stretched purse strings of the average driver.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: "I hope that tight timescale applied to reform of the civil litigation which at present, encourages people to make a claim regardless of how serious their injury is or even if they have not suffered injury at all."

While prime minister David Cameron had vowed to end the "damaging compensation culture" that has engulfed the country, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has proposed the introduction of a number of more stringent measures that aim to weed out those claimants which do not have sufficient grounds to ensure that they would receive a pay out for whiplash.

The ABI wants to impose rulings where claimants will not receive any money for injuries unless they can provide medical evidence, as well as capping the amount of compensation that is given to anyone that claims. It may sound extreme but the ABI believes these measures need to be implemented to stop rising car insurance costs.

James Dalton, ABI's head of motor and liability said: "If whiplash was an Olympic sport, the UK would be gold medallists. The fact that whiplash is virtually impossible to disprove means that for too many it has become the fraud of choice, often aided and abetted by ambulance-chasing lawyers and claims management firms".

It's Not Smart To Use Your Smartphone While Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Smartphones are all the rage nowadays and nearly everywhere you look someone is playing about with the latest gadget that is brought into the public domain.

It is all well and good updating your Facebook or Twitter while in the comfort of your own home or while walking, doing this behind the wheel is a big no-no. A survey by campaign group RoadSafe has found that 58 per cent of young drivers admitted to using their smartphone while driving and this can lead to a potential collision all caused by someone attempting read a text or beat their latest high score on Angry Birds.

Despite it being a criminal offence to talk on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit, a staggering 40 per cent of drivers still admitted to answering calls while behind the wheel.

A further 44 per cent said that they had sent a text and 17 per cent even played the highly-addictive Angry Birds game while driving. The repercussions of these attitudes could be severe as one in six male motorists under the age of 25 admitted to being in an accident due to being on their phone.

Richard King, chief executive of RoadSafe, said: "We're in the middle of a perfect storm, where the rapid growth of social media and mobile is creating a new breed of in-car distraction. We're increasingly using smartphones to occupy ourselves during down time, but driving is an active pursuit and it really does need our full attention."

It's not just a case of staying safe on the roads; insurers also take a dim view of convictions for using a mobile phone while driving. Research by the AA found that insurance companies will punish these types of convictions by hiking up premiums by up to 20 per cent. This dwarfs the same punishment dished out for speeding fines which would only see a 9.3 per cent increase.

So when you're getting behind the wheel make sure you put your phone away.

Looking For a Car? It Pays to Buy New.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:10:00 +0000

New vehicles are 18% more fuel efficient than used cars.

Looking to buy a vehicle? You may be tempted to nip to your local dealership and drive away in a used car but buying new has many more benefits.

While some second hand vehicles may be slightly cheaper you will be likely to spend more on petrol and road tax alone. However, by purchasing a new vehicle you will save a packet on fuel as research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that brand new cars are 18 per cent more fuel efficient than their used counterparts.

The organisation's New Car CO2 Report found that not only are fresh cars more conscious of the amount of fuel consumed, but they are better for the environment than a car that has been clocking up miles on the UK's roads for years.

Thanks to new cars on the road CO2 emissions have fallen by 4.2 per cent from 2011 and 23 per cent since 2000 and with Brits becoming more aware of how the atmosphere is affected by carbon emissions there is no better time than to pick up a new vehicle.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: "The UK motor industry recognises its responsibilities and the industrial opportunities from the transition to ultra-low carbon vehicles. Future environmental and economic success will be determined by sustained investment in new technology, infrastructure and consumer incentives."

Ministers have even gone as far as rewarding those driving electric, hybrid and low emission vehicles by introducing the Plug-In Car Van Grant which allows drivers to buy a low CO2 vehicle for a discounted figure.

It means that if you want to buy a vehicle of this ilk the government will stump up 20 per cent of the value, that's up to £8,000. If that isn't an incentive to "go green" then nothing is.

Check out ChoiceQuote Insurance Services for a motor trade insurance quote online.

Speeding? Prepare for your insurance to soar.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Speeding fines can be quadrupled due to rising insurance costs.

Recently received a fixed penalty notice for speeding? If so, you're more than likely to see an increase in insurance which could effectively quadruple the original fine.

Research by the AA has found that many insurers are punishing those caught breaking the speed limit with premium costs that could see the charge pale into insignificance when compared to the rising price of a renewal. The average £60 could increase four fold over the next three years due to the rise of insurance policies, should the company take a hard line with the driver.

If you thought speeding was the only thing punishable by insurance firms, think again, because companies are also clamping down on people using their mobile phone while behind the wheel. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Leeds found that reaction times increased dramatically when a motorist only has one hand on the wheel and that they can become distracted through eating and drinking let alone sending a text.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: "Insurers rightly treat drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone very seriously. The point is, it is a deliberate act. Many drivers may accidentally drift over a 30mph limit without immediately realising it. But no-one accidentally makes or answers a call or text. It's completely unacceptable."

While this could spell disaster for some motorists, there might be light at the end of the tunnel as some companies will go easy on drivers that have taken the time to attend a speed awareness course.

The course, priced at £90, can seem like a bargain compared to the possible £200 rise in insurance should drivers not take up this option. Insurers look at those on this course as taking responsible action with the overwhelming message being, if you are caught speeding take up the option of righting the wrongs.

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Affordable Motor Insurance For The Over 50’s

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:57:00 +0000

With the recession causing economic headaches for almost everyone in the UK, many Brits have admitted to having problems paying the cost of their car insurance.

Recent research has revealed that more and more drivers are struggling to afford the excess on their vehicle. This could be due to the fact that either car premiums have suddenly soared or that they haven't put enough savings away because of the increased cost of living. There have also been calls for the elderly and retired to re-take driving tests, which could cause a rise in the cost of their protection plans. However, help is on hand as ChoiceQuote Personal Insurance now has a new car insurance scheme tailored for drivers aged 50 plus.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) recently produced a study stating that the aging population of drivers are becoming a safety concern for the road association. There has been a surge in older people holding driving licences and there have been suggestions for the grey-haired one's amongst us to take another test to check they still have the same knack for the Highway Code.

Robert Gifford, executive director of PACTS, said: "Over the next decade the balance of the population in this country will change. Older people need to be kept mobile and safe. We need to move beyond seeing older people as a problem to viewing them as contributing to a mixed society."

Whilst this could certainly impact on drivers in the future, ChoiceQuote now offers a range of competitive and affordable schemes for people heading to retirement and do not want to give up the joy of owning and driving their own vehicle. This stage of life is one that everyone should treasure and being forced off the road due to increasing car insurance prices is something that no-one wants.

So, if you’re aged 50 or over, visit www.choicequote.co.uk now and see if you could save on your car insurance.

http://www.pacts.org.uk/news.php?id=620

ChoiceQuote Insurance Services Appoints Attic Design Consultancy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Following a competitive 3 way tender process, ChoiceQuote Insurance Services has appointed Attic Design Consultancy, Liverpool, to re-design the ChoiceQuote website for 2010.

Peter Wilson, ChoiceQuote’s E-commerce Manager explains:

“Our objective behind the website redesign and build is to enhance the needs of our customers and the experience of customers and prospects visiting our website. The new look and feel of the site will reflect our brand profile and the wants and needs of our customers. It was a unanimous decision to appoint Attic Design which counts Health and Safety Executive and Hatfields Automotive Group amongst its clients, based on their interpretation of the brief, creative concepts and technical abilities.”

Attic Design’s Managing Director, Andy Nolan commented “We are delighted to have been selected by ChoiceQuote Insurance Services and we look forward to working with the team to develop a website that will provide an outstanding visitor experience and support the company with its strategic business goals.”

CQ

Top Tips to Reduce Your Motor Trade Insurance Premiums

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Insurance premiums are on the rise but there are still savings to be had. Here's the ChoiceQuote Top Tips on how to keep your motor trade insurance premiums as low as possible.

No Claims Bonus - No Claims Bonus - You can generally earn up to 60% discount if you have a lengthy claim-free insurance record. You may even be able to use no claims history from a different insurance policy to get a 'mirrored bonus' discount.

If you're starting up on your own and you've spent a number of years in the motor trade but have only been covered under an employer's policy, it is possible to get discounts if you can prove you have a claim free record with your employer's insurer.

Your Motor Trade Activity - what you do in the motor trade will have a bearing on your insurance premium. Trades such as MOTs, body work and servicing can attract discounts whereas trades such as breakdown recovery, dismantling or vehicle salvage will often carry higher premiums as these are deemed more hazardous.

If you deal in high performance vehicles or prestige marques you're premiums are likely to be higher, too.

Remember, don't hide any of your motor trade activities to keep your premium down as this will result in incorrect cover which may result in a claim being rejected.

Restricted Driving - the number of named drivers on your motor trade insurance policy will have a bearing on how much you end up paying. Generally speaking, the more drivers, the higher the risk and the higher the premium.

Voluntary Excess - you will receive a discount for choosing a higher voluntary excess on your motor trade insurance policy however this represents the amount, including any compulsory excess, that you will be expected to pay in the event of a claim.

What to watch out for

Do you actually need a motor trade insurance policy? You must have a genuine business requirement in order to qualify for a motor traders policy. Insurers will usually ask for evidence of this. Motor trade insurance is not to be used in order to insure someone to drive any vehicle.

Vehicle Exclusions - certain vehicle types will be excluded from your policy. Be sure to explain to your insurance advisor exactly what vehicles you're dealing with.

Trading From Premises - motor trade road risk insurance will not cover for damage to or loss of vehicles which are kept at a business premises. You will need additional cover for your premises or a motor trade combined policy to ensure you have the correct protection.

Vehicle Values - motor trade insurance claims are usually paid at the trade value of the vehicle. There is likely to be a shortfall in payout if you have paid over the trade price for the vehicle.

Additional Occupations - you may not be covered to use vehicles in connection with part-time occupations outside of the motor trade. You may require an extension to your cover in these circumstances.

Cover and Benefits - cover usually associated with private motor insurance, such as windscreen cover, protected no claims bonus and courtesy vehicles are not normally included on motor trade insurance policies.

For further information and to get a motor trade insurance quote, visit http://www.choicequote.co.uk/ or telephone free on 0800 440 2179.

CQ

More ChoiceQuote Branding on the Streets of Glasgow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:02:00 +0000

Following the appearance of the ChoiceQuote taxis on the streets of Liverpool, Stockport and Glasgow, and ChoiceQuote popping up on other places around the country, including the back of a bus, the branding work has continued apace with a new billboard on Glasgow's Dumbarton Road.

The poster focuses on attracting the attention of Glasgow's many taxi drivers and is specifically taxi insurance themed.

Situated on Dumbarton Road in the centre of Glasgow, the billboard will be seen by a large number of the City's public hire and private hire taxi drivers, as well as the good people of Glasgow, ensuring that the name of ChoiceQuote Insurance Services becomes a familiar sight.

Further branding of this nature is to appear across the country, particularly in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, where ChoiceQuote's other branches are located.

Search online for ChoiceQuote Taxi or get a taxi insurance quote online now!

CQ

More ChoiceQuote Branded Taxis Take To The Streets

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:01:00 +0000

Following on from the success of our ChoiceQuote branded hackney carriages on the streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, you can now see our taxis on the streets of Liverpool and Stockport, too.

There are now two cabs in Liverpool and one operating in the Stockport area which, along with our Scottish taxis, will be promoting our taxi insurance offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow.

Our ChoiceQuote branded taxi cabs should become a familiar site on the streets of Scotland and England and our distinctive branding, logo and the name ChoiceQuote Insurance the number one choice for public hire and private hire taxi insurance for taxi drivers throughout the UK.

ChoiceQuote Insurance become a member of CallNorthWest

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:34:00 +0000

ChoiceQuote Insurance Services, who have their Head Office in Liverpool, recently became members of CallNorthWest, a not for profit organisation funded by the North West Development Agency.

CallNorthWest which has over 150 members including O2, Co-Operative Bank and AXA, promotes North West Call Centre achievements and awards customer service excellence in Call Centre environments.

Managing Director for ChoiceQuote, Cathie Bruce, said: “We are very proud to have joined CallNorthWest; as a customer focused organisation with several Call Centre teams, it is vital that we learn and share information on new Call Centre developments and technology.

Taxi Base Insurance Cover And Employers' Liability Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:44:00 +0000

Taxi Base Insurance Cover And Employers' Liability Insurance

ChoiceQuote Insurance Play Santa For a Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:41:00 +0000

Staff at Liverpool insurance broker ChoiceQuote Insurance Services turned Santa in December by providing presents for a local children’s home. Each day staff bought in varying items for the children aged between 6 – 18 years including a DVD player, Board Games, CD’s, football memorabilia, toiletries, books, art sets and selection boxes. With over 100 items, there were 4 large sacks delivered to the home, ready to be opened on Christmas Day by a local children's charity.

Marketing Manager for ChoiceQuote, Lindsay Brown, said: “We discussed doing something different at Christmas and the staff decided that rather than buying presents for colleagues, that they would instead buy toys, games and goodies for a childrens home nearby. We are extremely proud that our staff helped to give thought to those less fortunate than themselves at Christmas”.

Pictured are Marie Fearnehough, Carol Bray and Sue Rayment from ChoiceQuote with the sacks of presents collected throughout December.

ChoiceQuote provides specialist insurance services to the taxi industry as well as offering motor trade insurance, van insurance, car insurance, commercial risk cover and home insurance. ChoiceQuote’s business has grown strongly in recent years and employs over 80 staff at 4 key locations in the UK; Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

ChoiceQuote Support New Office With Marketing Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:32:00 +0000

It seems as though you can't move on the streets of Glasgow lately without seeing the name ChoiceQuote!

Following the launch of our new Glasgow office last month, we have been busy making sure that the good people of Glasgow know where we are and what we do.

In addition to the six branded taxis currently hitting the streets and taxi ranks of Glasgow, billboards have now started springing up in prime locations around the city.

Eye-catching posters in Carntyne Road and Pollokshaws Road have gone up with others to follow in the coming weeks.

These will soon be joined by an advert that covers the entire back of a bus on a busy route.

Similar initiatives are due to take place across the country in support of our other regional offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham as the name of ChoiceQuote Insurance Services continues to gain exposure throughout the country.

ChoiceQuote Insurance Services is a specialist insurance intermediary providing taxi insurance, car insurance, motor trade insurance and commercial insurance throughout the UK.

UPDATE: A picture of the bus as promised.

ChoiceQuote Insurance Turns Itself On It's Head!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:09:00 +0000

Our Liverpool Head Office has been turned upside down!

All of our specialist taxi insurance, car insurance, van insurance, commercial risks, motor trade insurance and administration teams have been moved upstairs to create a "Super Team" on the first floor of the building.

This meant moving 30 people, telephones and computers in one day with as little interruption to business as possible.

Managing Director, Cathie Bruce said: "As part of our strategic plans for 2009/2010, we took the decision to merge our insurance teams onto one floor to help create a multi-skilled team and an energizing sales environment. This then allows our support departments to move closer together, creating a better synergy for our IT and web development teams."

This move has meant that our customer area downstairs is quieter and has created a more personal atmosphere for visitors to ChoiceQuote who call in for a 'face-to-face' insurance quote.
ChoiceQuote is a specialist insurance intermediary, employing more than 60 people in Liverpool, with a further 22 staff in regional offices in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham.

ChoiceQuote Team Complete's 5k Team Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:25:00 +0000

Last Sunday saw this year's Liverpool Chamber of Commerce 5k Team Challenge take place along Liverpool's historic waterfront.

Twelve representatives from ChoiceQuote Insurance Services' Liverpool office took part to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Claire House and The Walton Centre.

The team, made up of staff from our Liverpool taxi insurance, car insurance, customer service, IT and compliance teams ran the 5k race which was started by former Liverpool FC player and coach, Phil Thompson at the world famous Liver Buildings.

From there, the race continued along the route around the historic docklands before finishing back at the Pier Head.

All members of the ChoiceQuote team made it safely around the 5 kilometre course without sustaining any injuries!

Details off the amounts raised will appear here once the money has been collected and counted.