The RAC attended 7,904 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to bad road surfaces, up 53% on the last three months of 2023, a clear sign that the UK is suffering a pothole epidemic as roads continue to crumble. Analysis from the driving services company shows it’s been far from a smooth start to the year for the nation’s drivers, with pothole-related breakdown numbers up by 10% in the last … [Read more...]
Insurance Features
Used cars with hidden hit histories
UK drivers are at risk of making a huge mistake when buying used cars, as seven in 10 admit to not knowing what it means when a car has a category S or N insurance classification against it. This means the vehicle was ‘written off’ after being involved in an incident that resulted in an insurance claim. Being unable to identify these categories could mean many used car buyers are purchasing … [Read more...]
Zero Servicing suggestion is non-starter, says FleetCheck
Working towards towards “zero servicing” – with vehicles never having to visit workshops unless a fault was detected – presents huge dangers for vehicle operators, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding, managing director, was responding to recent news that Tesla is recruiting staff for a project called “Zero Service” under the banner, “At Tesla, we believe that the best service is no service.” He went … [Read more...]
Pollen count rising, so’s danger for drivers
Air conditioning may be bad for your health in a car or van. This week the Met Office reveals that pollen levels will be high across all of England from until Saturday 13 as temperatures creep up to 20c in some areas. According to the Met Office, tree pollen affects around 1 in 4 people, and is most common from late March to mid-May. This is followed by the more commonly known grass pollen, … [Read more...]
Service to avoid costly unexpected bills
Over half of UK drivers are unaware of when their next car service is due, meaning they could be driving around with minor defects which could become major problems in the future. To help prevent this, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, has outlined the importance of regular services and when they’re required. Costly Repairs “Skipping your car’s servicing can lead to costly … [Read more...]
Dazzled drivers straining to see
Bright headlights may have to be dimmed to prevent dazzling drivers. The RAC has welcomed a commitment from the Government to commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare, after research showed an overwhelming majority of drivers affected – as many as eight-in-10 – believe the problem is getting worse. Responding to a petition set up by a member of the public following … [Read more...]
The legal and smart way to cut your motoring costs
There's a legal and smart way to cut your motoring costs at a keystroke and it's not an April Fool joke. Motoring experts at Scrap Car Comparison found the number of cars with a SORN in 2023 was up almost 5% on the same figures for 2022, with more than two million cars put under the notification between January and September last year. But could more drivers be taking advantage of SORNs to … [Read more...]
Premiums jump 46% year to date for drivers
The cost of car insurance has increased by 46% year on year, according to new Premium Drivers research from Compare the Market, and young drivers are seeing the biggest jump. The typical premium stands at £892 in February 2024, after rising by £279 over the previous 12 months. The substantial increase in the cost of car insurance may in part be due to a rise in the cost of claims for … [Read more...]
New Government challenged over fuel and roads
Fairer petrol and diesel pricing (68%) and fewer potholes (66%) are the two areas where motorists most want to see action from 2024’s new government, according to the latest research. Also, 45% would like to see moves made to reduce insurance premiums and 32% want to see traffic congestion tackled, shows March’s new monthly Used Car Tracker from Startline Motor Finance. Paul Burgess, CEO at … [Read more...]
Pothole problems deepen as funds dry up
Road safety and breakdown recovery specialist GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers to be on the look-out for increasingly dangerous potholes. The GEM message comes as council budgets for compensation fall by more than a half, with potholes across the country remaining unrepaired for months at a time. The latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance report suggests 18 per cent of local roads … [Read more...]