The future of Wales Rally GB and Circuit of Wales are unexpectedly under threat from a controversial ruling by a European Court. In future, both might have to pay enormous comprehensive public protection insurance premiums and see any competitors’ accidents reported to police as if they happened on public roads. Off-road rallies, grass-track, trials and other forms of two or four wheeled … [Read more...]
Insurance Features
Bit-sized bits of better driving
UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has today announced the pilot of a range of bite-size safer driving modules for private drivers. They have been created as one-off one-to-one sessions which last between one and two hours, enabling drivers to brush up on a particular area of concern. All of these modules are conducted by IAM RoadSmart’s advanced driving experts in the driver’s own … [Read more...]
Insurers want to access technology in autonomous cars
One of the key challenges for the future of automated driving will be determining where liability rests in the event of an accident with an automated car. A crucial part of making sure claims are settled fairly will be to understand who was in control of the vehicle at the time – the driver or the car? According to Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, “Future legislation needs … [Read more...]
New law to tighten up whiplash claims
A Government U-turn on legislation which will outlaw whiplash claims has been welcomed by motoring groups. In October, the Government said it did not see any need to change the law which has seen a dramatic escalation in false injury claims, but now there will be another look at the problem. The AA has welcomed the change of heart by the Ministry of Justice in setting new plans for further … [Read more...]
Clock the classics from the ’80s and reap rewards
Hot hatches are future classics and highly collectable, says one insurer. Who can forget the incredible 80s, well except Gen Ys and millennials perhaps? The era of vintage Madonna, neon bodysuits, E.T. and of course amazing hatchbacks, thanks to the popularity of KITT, the almost-human like companion of Michael Knight in the iconic hit hit Knight Rider. No doubt, the 1980s was the decade of … [Read more...]
Welsh mountain roads popular with holiday drivers
Wales is going to be one of the most popular driving destinations this weekend. A “staycation” survey for Wales-based Confused.com found the Welsh Route 66 along the A470 through Snowdonia from Cardiff to Llandudno will be driven by 11% of those questioned. A similar number plan to explore the Black Mountains range in the sourthern part of Mid-Wales and that means 22% or nearly a quarter of … [Read more...]
Younger drivers lack ability to do basic tasks
Gocompare.com Car Insurance found that millions of British motorists lack the confidence to perform basic car maintenance tasks such as changing a flat tyre or jump starting a car battery. What's more, simple car maintenance skills look set to disappear with the Baby Boomers as the research revealed that young drivers are far less likely to be able to carry out straightforward tasks such as … [Read more...]
Brits admit to getting ‘booked’ abroad
Half of drivers in a recent survey admitted they had been penalised for at least one traffic offence whilst travelling abroad. Many are also unaware of the valid registration documents needed to take a company or leased car across the channel. Not only are there the standard rules and regulations on driving abroad, but drivers of leased vehicles must notify their leasing company, as the … [Read more...]
Buyers put safety in the back seat
Co-op Insurance revealed that the safety is not on the shopping list for the majority of car buyers across the UK, with only 4% placing it at the top of their criteria. However, despite this over three quarters (77%) of drivers are calling on the motor industry to be more proactive when it comes to highlighting both new and used vehicle safety features. The research has revealed that whilst … [Read more...]
Motorists will face uncertainty of Brexit for years, says AA
The AA stresses there are many unanswered Brexit questions and that it will take months, possibly years, to negotiate a complete picture for motoring and the motor industry in the UK. The following is the AA's best understanding of the immediate implications. Fuel Prices In terms of the price of petrol at the pumps, there will be a period of instability as the market begins to … [Read more...]