Iquoteinsurance Blog

UK motorists support tougher penalties for driving with no insurance

iquoteinsurance — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:51:53 +0000

In a recent survey a cross section of UK motorists were asked if they supported tougher fines (and sentences) for drivers convicted for driving without insurance. The overwhelming majority supported increased fines and penalties for such offences. According to industry statistics each legally insured driver pays £30 on their premium to support the cost of claims from uninsured drivers.

The cost in the pocket to all drivers explains why many motorists support the viewpoint for tougher penalties for uninsured drivers. Currently if convicted of this offence with an ‘IN10′ conviction code you will receive between 6 and 8 penalty points and a fine. These penalty points will also remain on your driving license for four years from the date of the offence.

If you need Convicted Car insurance and are paying too much for your insurance, we can help. Apply for your Convicted Driver Quote, with iQuote insurance and save up to 40% of your car insurance policy. We compare quotes for convicted drivers to save you money, if you are over 21 years old with a current UK driving license, applying online with iQuote could reduce your insurance premium.

DSA unsure on HGV Driver numbers for CPC

iquoteinsurance — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:46:07 +0000

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) introduced the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) approximately one year ago, as part of a directive from the European Parliament. This requires drivers of HGV’s and PCV’s (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) to complete 35 driver training hours – unless drivers have completed the scheme, by the 2014 deadline any current Lorry Insurance Policy will be deemed null and void.

Although the scheme is underway and 2 million hours have been completed so-far, the DSA has admitted that they have no accurate figures on the split of hours between HGV and PCV drivers. The DSA is currently speaking to training providers to discuss the information they have acquired and whether an estimate can be generated.

Within the new rules on Driver CPC all existing HGV drivers (who passed their test prior to September 2010) will need to complete 35 hours of approved training, to continue driving HGV vehicles in excess of 3.5 tonnes. There are 900 centres around the country which can provide the required driver training in the CPC scheme.

iQuote Insurance aim to save you money on your HGV Insurance policy. If you are a qualified HGV driver, apply online for your HGV Insurance Quote – and find out how much you can save today.

Gazza charged with drink driving

iquoteinsurance — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:03:23 +0000

Paul Gascoigne has been charged with drink driving following a disturbance outside a take-away in North Yorkshire. Gazza, the 42 year old ex-England star was arrested with a 40 year old man. Both men were charged with offences including drink driving and driving without a license. The charges are due to be heard in Northallerton magistrates court on 16th April.

For Paul Gascoigne the current news story is part of a public battle with booze across many years. In a footballing career spanning 20 years – Gazza has been as notorious for his off the field antics, as his undoubted talents on it.

If you have recently had your license returned following a drink driving conviction, or have other motoring convictions, we can find a convicted drivers policy for you. You can save up to 40% off Drink Driver Insurance with iQuote Insurance, contact us today for your Convicted Driver Quote »

Tear-Drop Trailers reduce Lorry CO2 emissions

iquoteinsurance — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:40:03 +0000

Several large corporate haulage customers such as UKMail, M&S, DHL and TK Maxx are investing in new tear drop trailers from UK firm Don-Bur. These innovative trailers achieve a larger load capacity and improved drag co-efficients. For UK businesses this means a two-fold decrease in CO2, due to the increased loads that can be delivered by each HGV – and the increase in fuel economy; due to the revolutionary shape of the trailer.

The firm and their work on the trailer have been highlighted by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown as an example of the UK leading the way as a low carbon economy. This product is good news within the hard pressed haulage industry as it pulls of the tricky balancing act of lower costs and being beneficial to the green economy and reduced CO2 output.

Whatever type of trailer you use on your vehicle, we can save you money on your HGV insurance. iQuote insurance provide policies for your Lorry with unlimited mileage, EU cover and policies for travel to hazardous locations. To save up to 40% off your Lorry Insurance – get a quote with us.

HGV blind spot camera in development

iquoteinsurance — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:08:42 +0000

A new system is currently being developed by a UK firm designed to remove blind spots on HGV’s. According to figures from the Department for Transport there are over 1,000 accidents involving Lorries who fail to see other vehicles, when changing lanes. About two thirds of the accidents involve traffic moving into the right hand lane when overtaking.

The system comprises of four cameras, one at each corner of the vehicle. The system has no confirmed pricing as yet, but removes blind spots fro lorries, whether the vehicles are left or right hand drive. The cameras feed information back to the colour screen of the lorries navigation system and is currently being trailed. However it is expected to be a further 3 years before the system is available for retail.

If your HGV driving record has either no insurance claims or a small number of claims, we can beat your existing HGV Insurance Quote. Visit our website and we will save you money on your Lorry Insurance policy.

Legal profession have the highest rates of convicted drivers

iquoteinsurance — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:54:40 +0000

A recent study of motoring convictions in the UK and the professions of those drivers, has delivered surprising results. Those in the legal profession including solicitors, judges and magistrates have the highest rates of points on their licence. The actual rate of conviction for any offence that carries penalty points is 1 in 5.

The other professions with high rates of convicted drivers were the Medical Profession, Clergymen and women, Police officers and Teachers. All of this contradicts the conventional wisdom and assessment of risk – the lowest incidents of convicted drivers were for hairdressers and beauticians, also bar and restaurant staff had a very low ratio of convictions.

The national average for drivers with motoring convictions of any kind is 12.6%. At iQuote Insurance if you need Convicted Car Insurance, we can save you money. So whatever your driving history even if you have been banned from driving or are looking for Drink Drive Insurance, contact us for a quote.

Prices of used HGV’s begin to rise

iquoteinsurance — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:23:20 +0000

During the second quarter of 2009, the average prices of used lorries increased by over 5%. Although prices are still down by nearly 20% on the same period in 2008 – this modest increase is the first signs of recovery in the market.

Because of the current tough economic conditions there are varying patterns in the market. Any specialist vehicles such as those with cranes fitted are seeing strong residual values, however the smaller end of the market – 7.5 tonne and upwards is suffering. This is due to operators switching to smaller vehicles to avoid licensing and driver regulation constraints on business operation. Also many operators are choosing vehicles with lesser power where possible to save on fuel costs.

If your haulage business is looking to save money, get an online quote for lorry insurance with iQuote. Get a generous introductory discount and cover for driving within the EU as standard, with an HGV insurance policy from our commercial team – call us on: 0845 437 9334 to find out more.

Fuel price rises could spell disaster for HGV drivers

iquoteinsurance — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:18:51 +0000

The haulage industry is experiencing tough trading conditions in August, several haulage firms have been forced into liquidation. To compound the misery the government’s fuel duty escalator will see prices rise with an additional 2p per litre on fuel. This couldn’t come at a worst time for the industry, with falling revenues and the whole sector under pressure. The controversial fuel duty escalator has been a bone of contention for HGV drivers, as this has been linked to the fuel prices paid by car drivers.

The industry has long campaigned for removing the link between the haulage industry fuel prices and the forecourt costs for car drivers. Increased costs to haulage are felt across the entire commercial sector and passed onto consumers. This results in not only increased prices at the pump, but higher costs for goods and services across the country. The introduction of the fuel duty could bring an already weakened industry to it’s knees.

However there is some positive news, if you get an HGV insurance quote in August you can receive up to 40% off your HGV quote. Apply online and for any commercial vehicle from 7.5 to 44 tonnes you will save money on your existing Lorry Insurance quote.

Innocent drivers forced to pay for court cases

iquoteinsurance — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:14:53 +0000

In proposed changes to the current system for defendants who challenge motoring convictions, drivers will see a dramatic reduction for costs being reimbursed for defending the case. Currently drivers who successfully defend their connection often see over 80 per cent of their costs recovered. However under the new revised system, which will assess your ability to pay many drivers will recover less than 20 per cent – even if successful.

This is predicted to result in a substantial increase in the number of convicted drivers, as motorists charged with an offence plead guilty – rather than risk the cost of defending their case. Currently in the UK one in four drivers who attend court successfully challenge their conviction. However thousands of innocent motorists simply will not be able to afford to challenge their cases.

Defending even a simple speeding case can cost as much as £4,000 without the benefit of legal aid. This is often out of the reach of most individuals to challenge the conviction, even if there is a valid dispute. Convicted drivers often experience higher insurance costs and limitations on vehicle hire and jobs which require a driving licence.

However there is some relief for drivers who have been convicted of an offence, iQuote Insurance have the cheapest convicted car insurance. We can beat your car insurance quote, so if you have points on your licence or been banned from driving, save money on insurance for convicted drivers with us.

Premiership footballer banned from driving

iquoteinsurance — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:14:49 +0000

Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda was caught traveling at 90mph in a 70mph limit by officers in Yorkshire. Pascal already has driving convictions and currently has nine points on his licence. Officers stopped the premiership footballer during a roadside speed trap in his Porsche Cayenne on 11th January.

The Solicitor representing Mr Chimbonda presented the magistrates with evidence relating to the accuracy of the equipment used on the day in question. Firstly in breach of guidance the in-car radio was switched on which could have effected the accuracy of the equipment, secondly the traffic officer had not personally calibrated the speed gun. However the magistrates disregarded both of these factors and sentencing is due to take place on 10th September.

For anyone who requires Convicted Car Insurance or has previously been banned from driving, iQuote Insurance have schemes tailored to Convicted Drivers and can save you money. If you have previous driving convictions and are paying too much for insurance – Get a Convicted Driver Quote »