Around five million drivers believe they have got behind the wheel while over the limit at least once in the past year, according to the RAC. In total 16% of the 1,727 motorists questioned by the RAC say they think they have been guilty of drink-driving, either immediately after consuming alcohol or the morning after a late night drinking session and the result has angered some motorists who … [Read more...]
Insurance News
Fiat Punto fails to score in safety test
The final Euro NCAP test results of 2017 have shown that some carmakers are still choosing not to fit potentially life-saving technologies to new models and some have gone backwards on safety. All 16 cars announced achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings, but December’s release has seen six three-star Euro NCAP ratings and the first zero-star rating since testing began 20 years ago. It was very … [Read more...]
Relay robbery rising
According to the latest figures from TRACKER, 96% of motorists it surveyed are at risk of having their car stolen by criminals using the latest theft technique - a relay attack. In 2016, 66% of TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery customer thefts’ were committed by way of a 'relay attack’, confirming just how prevalent this crime has become. Not only are so many people vulnerable to the risk … [Read more...]
Eight cars get top marks for safety
In a busy November for Euro NCAP’s car safety experts, the month’s second set of crash testing results has been released with eight vehicles achieving 5-star ratings. Crucially, all are on sale with standard-fit Autonomous Emergency Braking systems. The Citroen DS 7 Crossback, Jaguar E-Pace, BMW X3, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Subaru XV, Subaru Impreza and the reassessed Honda … [Read more...]
Drunken drivers “hiding” in Welsh countryside
Wales had some of the highest convictions for drunken driving in 2016, say insurers. Using postcode data, Money Supermarket found Llandrindod Wells, Newport, Swansea, Cardiff and Llandudno were in the UK’s top ten hotspots but not one of them has featured in this year’s table. The countryside is plagued with drunk drivers, as new research reveals rural roads are the most dangerous spot for … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Work on widening and improving the A465 through the Clydach Gorge north of Brynmawr has become more complex than first thought and builder Costain is disputing what it has to pay. Welsh Government say it they will finish the eastern part of the improvement in 12 months time but the main works through the gorge will take another year and the cost has risen by nearly 25% to approximately £270M, … [Read more...]
Insurers set out criteria for covering ‘automated cars’
As the reality of automated vehicles on UK roads draws nearer, insurers are answering a question which continues to challenge the automotive industry; exactly what should a vehicle be capable of doing to deserve the title “Automated”? To meet the Automated and Electric Vehicle Bill’s definition of an automated vehicle, UK insurers are today setting out minimum criteria for a vehicle’s automated … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 November
Britons’ most wanted car brand is not Lamborghini or Bugatti but Audi. Car Parts 4 Less pollsters found 11% of us want an Audi, just ahead of BMW and Jaguar while supercars such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche languished in the lower half of the top ten. Bangers4Ben event 2017 which saw 45 teams in very cheap used cars head to the Swiss Alps has raised over £56,000 for Ben, … [Read more...]
Demands grow to cut insurance premium tax
A report from the Social Market Foundation that puts the spotlight on the unreasonableness of Insurance Premium Tax reflects concerns previously raised by the AA. The study shows that the tax generates £4.8bn per year, or £179 for every household; and over the past two years has risen faster than any other tax. It doubled between October 2015 (6%) and June 2017 (12%). Such an increase on any … [Read more...]
After a crunch, stay calm
Road casualties have risen in the last year according to the latest government statistics but fortunately not all accidents mean someone is hurt. So what do you do when you have a prang with another vehicle and the only damage is to your car? Is it necessary to call the Police? What information do you need to gather for an insurance claim? Smartdriverclub, the connected car and insurance … [Read more...]