Life insurance a truth of life

Insurance is becoming an increasingly critical part of our existence, as we opt to shield our beneficial possessions from destruction, damage or theft. While residences, automobiles, boats and the like are critical to us, so, also, is our potential to earn an revenue. Soon after all, it’s a lot more than likely that standard revenue was behind the accumulation of these possessions. It’s also a lot more than most likely that a lot of or all of these possessions will disappear, ought to revenue dry up via death or disability of the bread winner.

Life insurance protects your family and their life-style against hardship that can result from the unexpected, so it’s critical to evaluate life insurance companies and items to discover the one particular that greatest functions for you. It’s a fact that we are all going to die but the question is when. If death or disability indicates the family members can no longer spend the mortgage, the kids can no longer attend a private college and even the pets have to go, the outcome will be doubly disastrous. That’s where life insurance measures in. It can not change the death or disability status of a loved 1 but it can make certain there is no further hardship the household is forced to face below stressful circumstances.

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Life insurance a truth of life

Be nervous! Breakdowns threaten Xmas drivers

Thousands of Fords, Vauxhalls and Volkswagens will break down on Christmas morning – you have been warned.

The bods at Warranty Direct have been crunching their numbers and have concluded that almost 25,000 Christmas lunches are going to be delayed simply because so many automobiles break down at this time of year.

Not going, cold turkey

Warranty Direct reckons over a single third (36.5%) of vehicles from all tends to make and models break down every single year. Slap a bit of extrapolation on that quantity, and that means around 11 million vehicles break down in the UK each year – or 30,000 each day

Which includes Christmas day! And if there’s an average of 3 folks in every, it amounts to a lot of cold turkey dinners.

Par for the Corsa?

Vauxhall Corsa drivers are the most most likely to be impacted on the massive day, says Warranty Direct. There are 1.1 million of them registered in the UK, which means close to 1,200 could break down.

It does not really feel extremely festive, but WD has compiled a handy table of the vehicles most likely to break down on Christmas morning…

Make and model	Quantity of registered examples	Annual Breakdown rate (%)	Predicted number of breakdowns by model
Ford Focus	1,450,876	24.5	974
Ford Fiesta	1,345,298	16	590
Vauxhall Corsa	1,160,610	36	1,145
Vauxhall Astra	1,099,916	33.6	1,013
Volkswagen Golf	960,418	32.6	858
BMW 3-Series	647,428	38.1	676
Renault Clio	614,082	31	522
Volkswagen Polo	582,473	32.6	520
Ford Mondeo	509,007	33	460
Peugeot 206	470,576	29.5	380

Higher beamers

The numbers don’t appear excellent for BMW 3-Series drivers, as the motor has the highest annual breakdown price at 38.1%.

David Gerrans, Warranty Direct managing director, said: “A large quantity of households count on to travel to see relatives on Christmas day sadly, breakdowns could outcome in thousands of cold turkeys.

“The winter is typically tougher on several electrical and mechanical components, which can enhance the possibilities of a breakdown. The only choice is to be vigilant when it comes to upkeep.”

So there’s yet yet another thing you need to get ready ahead of Christmas. Fortunately, we’ve put with each other a fast video covering the main items you need to check prior to Thursday.

Of course breakdown cover goes a extended way too, as some problems cannot be predicted or prevented.

You’re probably sick to death of online shopping at this point, but our breakdown cover channel will get you sorted in next to no time, and give you the peace of thoughts in realizing that, if the worst does take place, you can nevertheless get where you’re going ahead of the sprouts are all soggy and the plonk has gone flat.

Have a look for your self right here.

Be nervous! Breakdowns threaten Xmas drivers

After Almost a Year, Google Puts Headlights On Its Self-Driving Automobile

Don’t worry about Google’s self-driving car stealing the steering wheel out of your hands just however. The driverless future is nevertheless a long way off, and today’s update from Google only proves that: The firm ultimately decided to place headlights on its autonomous runabout.

In a blog post published nowadays, the Google Self-Driving Auto Project known as this update “the first genuine create of our self-driving vehicle prototype.” That means, in contrast to prior prototypes—the 1st of which we saw in May—this new flivver ultimately has all the requisite technologies packed into 1 car. Y’know, all the tiny stuff, like steering, and brakes, and headlights.

The truth that Google’s project is still in these early stages need to surprise no one. A automobile is an enormously complex collection of myriad systems, every single of which need to be tested and refined individually prior to it can work in concert with the rest. “We’ve been operating on various prototypes-of-prototypes, each and every made to test various systems of a self-driving car—for instance, the common ‘car’ components like steering and braking, as properly as the ‘self-driving’ parts like the pc and sensors,” Google writes.

And all of that iterative pre-research has ultimately led Google to the car you see above: the company’s “first full prototype for fully autonomous driving.” With a smoother housing on its roof-mounted terrain sensors, the aforementioned headlights, and what appears like a more well-appointed interior, today’s updated version appears a bit far more carlike than the hacked-together prototype we saw in Might, shown beneath:

And Google’s original demonstration of the technologies:

[embedded content]

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Google says it will continue testing the updated runabout on its test track by means of the holidays, adding “we hope to see you on the streets of Northern California in the new year”—albeit with security drivers ready to take over by way of manual-override in case of emergency.

In other words, do not go promoting your human-operated vehicle any time quickly. The self-driving future is nonetheless a extended way off.

This story initially appeared on roadandtrack.com through Gizmodo.

After Almost a Year, Google Puts Headlights On Its Self-Driving Automobile

Hyundai’s Work to Fire Up Competitor to BMW M, Mercedes AMG Gets Boost from Former BMW M Chief Engineer

For effectively over a year, Hyundai has contemplated how to tackle the efficiency vehicle segment after announcing its new “N” sport-model series. Every choice was on the table, from adding graphics and a louder exhaust to otherwise regular cars to using bigger engines from higher-positioned models, up to a complete-fledged work that would rival—at least in concept—BMW M GmbH, Audi Quattro GmbH, and Mercedes-AMG. It appears that Hyundai’s efforts are about to get a excellent sturdy kick in the shorts, as the automaker just announced the hiring of BMW M’s chief engineer, Albert Biermann.

To be stationed at Hyundai’s R&D center in Namyang, South Korea, Biermann will be accountable for the improvement of high-efficiency derivatives for the Hyundai and Kia brands he is also tasked with the common improvement of ride and handling, as nicely as safety and comfort, of mainstream Hyundai and Kia models. The Koreans have made fantastic strides in dynamics the past handful of years—look no additional than the newest Genesis sedan—but they still have a techniques to go prior to sporty competitors like Honda and Mazda have something to be concerned about.

That said, we are excited over the prospect of higher-overall performance models for the 2 Korean brands, which we fully count on to rival the offerings of the German competition, as effectively as Cadillac’s V-series and Lexus’s F models. “N,” by the way, is a moniker derived from the Namyang R&D center but it could also stand for “Nürburgring,” exactly where Hyundai operates a new testing center.

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But back to Biermann—clearly, Hyundai-Kia’s gain is BMW’s loss. With Biermann’s departure, BMW loses its second passionate auto guy from prime management ranks this month. Just 2 weeks ago, R&D chief Herbert Diess deserted BMW to head up the Volkswagen brand in Wolfsburg. Biermann, who is 57, apparently figured he wouldn’t have a lot of a profession left at BMW when the company announced that outgoing M GmbH chief Friedrich Nitschke would be replaced by Franciscus van Meel (48 years young) on January 1, 2015 (a move we 1st reported in May possibly 2014). At BMW, senior managers retire at 60, and it is a rule with couple of exceptions.

At Hyundai, Biermann will be the most prominent Western executive to be head-hunted soon after design chief Peter Schreyer abandoned VW for Kia. (Schreyer now heads up style for both Kia and Hyundai.) His hiring at Hyundai is serendipitous, for last year we were told that the automaker’s N models would attempt to emulate BMWs’ dynamics. To that end, Biermann’s crowning achievement at BMW might have been the current M3 and M4 with their downsized, turbocharged straight-6 engine and bespoke manual transmission and steering technique. We’d be okay with a little M3/M4 in some Hyundais. Would you?

Hyundai’s Work to Fire Up Competitor to BMW M, Mercedes AMG Gets Boost from Former BMW M Chief Engineer

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Best Income Moves for Insurance in December

Rereading your insurance coverage policy and servicing your auto aren’t as exciting as writing your Christmas wish list—but they’re just as critical if you want to begin 2015 off appropriate.

“We always encourage shoppers to use the end of the year to review their policies,” says Andrew Franken, president of the Wisconsin Insurance coverage Alliance. “Generally, people are very busy with other items, but it’s a excellent time to make positive that you have the correct coverage.”

Ahead of you string the lights or wrap the presents, make time for these finish-of-the-year insurance tasks.

Winterize your home

Winterizing your property and car helps you save on energy fees and avoid property and possession losses, says Jamie Kimbrough, executive director of the Georgia Insurance Information Service.

Take into account getting a tune-up and replacing your car’s tires and battery, if required. You can also tune up residence appliances, like your furnace, to guarantee efficiency and safety. And keep an eye on your pipes, Kimbrough recommends. “Properly insulating your water pipes… can substantially improve the likelihood that they will not freeze and burst.”

Not only can winterizing assist you stay away from accidents that would demand you to pay your deductible or any uncovered costs, but it also keeps your premium below handle. “If perils are avoided, you don’t file claims against your insurance policy,” Kimbrough adds.

Add more coverage

December is a wonderful time to reflect on how your life has changed more than the previous year—and some of these alterations may possibly influence your insurance coverage demands. Just had your very first infant? Look into a life insurance coverage policy. Became self-employed? Make confident you’ve replaced—if necessary—your old employer-sponsored strategy.

You could also need to alter present policies. Alterations that boost your home’s worth, such as updating fixtures or renovating rooms, will need greater policy limits although, as Franken points out, they may also entitle you to policy discounts.

Give old policies another appear

Whilst you are considering new policies for 2015, make confident your old ones nonetheless meet your wants. A lot of elements of your policy—like your deductible and optional riders—are under your manage.

Kimbrough suggests raising the deductibles on your auto and property owners insurance coverage. “You’d have to spend a larger upfront price for lost or broken property and possessions, but…you’d reduce the amount you pay [for your] insurance premium,” he says. Just make positive you could afford to pay the higher deductible, and that the savings are worth it. Ask your agent how considerably a deductible modify would effect your rate ahead of committing.

You could also have outdated policies, like riders for jewelry you’ve sold or collision and extensive coverage for an old auto. But Kimbrough urges drivers not to drop auto insurance coverage policies just due to the fact of a vehicle’s age. “If you are not in the monetary position to acquire a comparable car in the event yours is damaged…you may possibly take into account maintaining the collision coverage,” he says.

The bottom line

“We constantly encourage buyers to reach out to their insurance coverage agents to get advice and to ask inquiries about their insurance coverage,” Franken says.

Fit in a meeting with your insurance coverage agent about the holidays, if you can. If you do not have an agent, reread your policy documents and appear for adjustments to your current coverage. With just a tiny effort, you can begin 2015 totally protected—and with some added money in your pocket.

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Icy car image via Shutterstock.

Best Income Moves for Insurance in December

Three suspects swiftly arrested and stolen goods recovered within hours after armed robbery of truck

Police at Ematsheni received a report of an armed robbery at B Location, Ematsheni on 21 December 2014 just after midnight. A soft drink delivery truck was travelling through the area when they were stopped by a group of people. The occupants of the truck were threatened with a firearm and one of them was injured when he was assaulted with a bottle. The suspects stole several cases of soft drinks from the truck. Police immediately began their investigation which led them to homes in the surrounding area.

By 10:00 that same morning they had rounded up and have arrested 8 people, recovered a large quantity of the stolen cold drinks and 3 cell phones. A licensed firearm was also seized which is suspected to have been used in the robbery. The suspects aged, 19-35, are set to appear in the Bergville Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 23 December 2014, on charges of armed robbery.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded police for the swift response which led to the arrest of the suspects. “We will not tolerate people who are looting goods from trucks especially during this festive season. We are warning criminals that police are out in numbers and we will make sure that they are brought to book,” she said.

Three suspects swiftly arrested and stolen goods recovered within hours after armed robbery of truck

Cyclone Checklist

If you live in Northern Queensland or Northwest WA, you might well have knowledgeable a cyclone or 2. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australia has just more than a dozen cyclones, on typical, each and every year. And although we cannot handle the weather, there are things that property owners can do to aid decrease the prospective damage to their home. A swift checklist to aid you prepare for a cyclone is as follows:

Before the cyclone season starts:

• Verify your house just before the start off of cyclone season to ensure that the building, fences and outhouses are secure, that there is practically nothing structurally requiring repair (verify for corrosion and termite harm) and that any trees on your home are trimmed. Do not overlook to verify your roof and gutters, your garage door and your window frames and locks.

• Clean up your yard. The more unnecessary “stuff” you leave lying around your property, the much more operate there could be for you to do at quick notice is a cyclone warning is issued. So hold your property as tidy as attainable and make sure that you have a protected and secure location for any outdoor furniture to be stowed if required.

• Place with each other an emergency kit of items that you may well need to have if a cyclone hits and the power goes out. Critical issues to include are torches, a battery-powered radio, further batteries, a very first help kit and any required medicines. You must also include masking tape and scissors (to tape your windows if required), have some bottles of water handy and some food.

• Have a list of emergency numbers and know the frequency of your regional radio station.

If there is a cyclone warning:

• Put petrol in your auto, make certain you have lots of drinking water and make sure your smartphone and iPad are completely charged

• Lock away or secure any outdoor things.

• If your windows are not shuttered, then board up or tape (in a criss-cross pattern) all windows. If you have curtains or blinds, draw them down to safeguard oneself from attainable broken glass.

• Pack an evacuation bag, just in case, with all the usual issues that you would take on a weekend away.

• Make sure that all automobiles, including boats, caravans, bikes and scooters, are safely beneath cover.

If a cyclone is going to hit:

• Turn off the electrical energy, gas and water.

• Put on tough clothing and enclosed footwear. Even if it is hot, thongs and a t-shirt are not appropriate clothes to deal with a cyclone as you run the threat of injury from shattered glass and debris.

• Keep every person indoors (such as your pets) and stay tuned to your local radio station and the BOM site for updates.


• If an evacuation order is issued, make certain you adhere to it. Take your evacuation bag, emergency kit, food and water and your pets. Attempt not to delay evacuating as you risk getting caught in targeted traffic, in floodwater or even in the cyclone.

If you are unlucky enough to suffer harm from a cyclone, make contact with your house and contents insurance coverage provider as quickly as possible, to locate out what actions you need to take to submit a claim. And if you don’t have it yet, you can evaluate residence and contents insurance policies here.

Cyclone Checklist

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Winter Driving Safety Guidelines

Winter is now officially here and regrettably it doesn’t look like it is going anyplace soon! This signifies that more than the next handful of months motorists require to be specifically cautious while on the roads as they will need to have to negate poor visibility, slippery surfaces and other road users who are significantly less than comfortable on cold, dark roads.

1 of the very best techniques to remain secure on the roads this winter is to make positive your vehicle is properly maintained. In the course of the winter months the climate can fall under freezing on a typical basis, which indicates that you may possibly require to reduce the coolant concentration in your vehicle. You need to also make positive that your oil levels are topped up as your radiator and engine will be operating overtime maintaining your automobile warm and running smoothly.

It is also crucial that you hold a keen eye on your tyres in the course of the winter months in order to steer clear of skidding on slippery roads. If the tread on your tyres is significantly less than 1.6mm then you are technically breaking the law as your automobile will no longer be match for the road. If you know that you need to have new tyres it might be an notion to invest in specialist winter tyres that give added grip and will hold you secure. Even if you have adequate tread on your tyres you nevertheless need to have to don’;t forget to verify their pressures each couple of weeks so that they are at optimum levels.

Right after you have ensured that your vehicle is secure you are prepared to hit the road – almost! It is extremely most likely that when you go to your auto in the morning it will be frosted more than or have condensation on the windscreen. It is illegal to drive your car in this state as your visibility will be compromised and being in a rush is no excuse. Police often appear out for automobiles that have not been de-iced correctly in the winter months, so ahead of you head off anywhere make positive your front and back windscreens are entirely clear.

Even though you are on the roads you will need to adapt your driving style in order to remain secure and steer clear of any typical troubles. On cold days it is vital that you reduce your speed so that you steer clear of skidding, specially when going about corners or coming out of a junction. If the sun is specifically low it is also a very good concept to turn on your headlights so that other road customers have a better chance of seeing you.

So far we have not observed any snow, however that does not mean we won’t get some more than the next few weeks. If we do encounter snow you need to have to make confident that you plan ahead as it might be also unsafe for you to drive. Rear-wheel drive vehicles are particularly prone to skidding in the snow, so if you haven’t invested in winter tyres or are nervous about getting behind the wheel it may possibly be much better to wait till it passes.

Each and each year The Highways Agency concerns numerous warnings and guidance to motorists in order to preserve them protected for the duration of winter. If you are ever unsure of what to do make certain you go to their web site for further information, or make contact with your automobile insurance provider who may be in a position to give you some suggestions.

The post Winter Driving Security Suggestions appeared first on 1st Insurance coverage Blog.

Winter Driving Safety Guidelines

The ideal Lexus models of all time

Lexus has defied the early naysayers to turn out to be one particular of the world’s top luxury brands. Motoring journalist Rob Griffin picks out 6 of the ideal.

When Toyota announced back in the 1980s that it was launching a luxury automobile, it is fair to say that the news was treated with a degree of scepticism. Nevertheless, cynics have been largely proved incorrect, as the brand has been responsible for some fantastic machines. Despite there being a comparatively restricted quantity of vehicles to pick from, there have nevertheless been a great number of impressive or innovative cars that have borne the Lexus badge.

Lexus LS 400

It’s difficult to think that 25 years have passed because the LS 400 produced its debut. Getting spent 5 years in improvement, it was noticed as a decent rival to the effectively-established luxury automobile marques that have been dominating the industry. The effect it created was instant with reviewers praising the ride, handling and comfort. Top Gear’s Chris Goffey, for instance, described it as “petrifyingly excellent” and “wonderful value for income” soon after taking it for a road test.

Lexus GS 450h

Keep in mind when so-known as green automobiles have been viewed as sluggish and dull? Effectively, if any of those perceptions still exist then cars like the Lexus GS 450h will surely challenge them. Not only is it fashionable, but its eco-credentials are also up to date. Overall performance comes from what is known as the Lexus Hybrid Drive. This consists of a 3.5 litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine combined with a higher-output electric motor. The finish result is -62mph in 5.9 seconds, with rates upwards of £45,000.

Lexus IS-F

Confirmation might have only recently filtered by means of that the IS-F has reached the end of its production run, but it can surely lay claim to possessing been one particular of the much more impressive machines to have carried the Lexus badge. It was branded a “brilliant vehicle” by Prime Gear, which insisted it was the best-handling Lexus ever produced and deserved its place among the super saloons. Its arrival also helped adjust the perception of Lexus from getting a provider of executive rather than sporty machines.

Lexus RCF

In its broadest terms, this is the replacement for the IS-F. Even though retaining the immediately recognisable hard styling, the RCF boasts the most strong Lexus V8 road vehicle engine ever made – a hand-constructed 5. litre lump. This 2+2 sports automobile feels incredibly properly-crafted inside the cockpit with beautiful seats and a dizzying array of gadgets. With a price tag of about £60,000 it’s clear that Lexus sees the major competition for this beast as the likes of the BMW M4.

Lexus LF-LC

It created a really favourable impression right after appearing as a idea vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and now Lexus has confirmed the LF-LC will be going into production. You can anticipate it to be rolling out of factories in 2016. While particulars are thin on the ground at present, the LF-LC is expected to be a hybrid 2+2 coupé and is seen as a rival to the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo with its potent mixture of energy, efficiency and eye-catching excellent looks.

Lexus LF-C2 Notion

Now for a look into the future. This stunning machine not too long ago made its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and supplies a wonderful insight into the direction that Lexus’s designers are seeking to take the brand. The radical departure, which was unveiled as a 2+2 machine, is totally roofless and sported what was referred to as an “experimental” version of the brand’s spindle grille. All we can do is hope that it sooner or later finds its way into production.

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The ideal Lexus models of all time

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

While a refreshed, more potent Lotus Evora returns to the U.S. late subsequent year, the firm is also planning a crossover variant meant to make the wee British-Malaysian automaker lucrative for the 1st time in practically 2 decades.

Whilst we broke the news back in October that Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales was considering sedans and crossovers, we thought he was referring to new models based on more affordable Protons, the Malaysian automaker tied with Lotus under Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom. But in a new interview with Britain’s Vehicle, Gales stated the crossover would be based on the Evora and compete with a production version of the Audi TT Offroad Notion unveiled at Beijing in April. Plus, Gales said there would be a successor to the 2-Eleven, the mad, track-only Elise without having a windshield that blew us away when we tested one in 2007. He also all but confirmed to Car that there would be an Evora roadster, “which is the easiest factor in the planet to do.”

For months, Lotus will have nothing to peddle in the U.S. but the track-only Elise S Cup R and Exige V-6 Cup. The feds told the Evora, the only street-legal Lotus on sale right here, to promptly GTFO subsequent year due to an expiring sensible-airbag waiver. From Gales himself, the next Evora—which will meet all U.S. security regs when it debuts at Geneva subsequent March—will be a refresh and not a top-to-bottom redo. The supercharged Toyota V-6 will breathe through an intercooler for “substantially much more horsepower” and Lotus will reduce and thin out the door sills to make getting into an Evora simpler than, say, a kayak. It will also grow to be even far more pricey.

“Lotus cars will be sharper than ever prior to,” Gales told Vehicle. “We will tip the balance toward handling. The ride will remain excellent, but the handling will be even greater.”

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Gales, who took more than in May, mentioned he plans to make Lotus profitable by 2016 (the first such occasion in 17 years, he stated) and could break even with 3000 vehicles per year, much more than double the 1263 vehicles sold in 2013. In between 2017 and 2020, when a Lotus sedan may well launch, Gales desires Lotus to strategy 10,000 vehicles. This is all pleasant to hear, but we’re so utilised to Lotus emitting vapor of late—absolutely nothing promised below CEO Dany Bahar’s bizarre 3-year stint hit the pavement—that we remain skeptical. Lotus is in the procedure of firing a couple hundred employees, and until that dust settles, a lifted, mid-engine Lotus 4×4 will not drive off a PowerPoint slide.

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

Driving @ Xmas – keep-safe checklist

Connected: Christmas travel update

Christmas is coming, and the targeted traffic jam is getting fat.

Millions of us take to the roads to check out pals and family more than Christmas and the New Year – and the last issue we want is a breakdown or mechanical strife, or to be unprepared for one of the numerous difficulties the weather or the roads can throw at us.

With that in thoughts, here’s a checklist to assist make certain hassle-cost-free motoring more than the festive season.

Verify, mate…

If you’ve any long journeys planned, make positive your vehicle is prepared:

• verify the pressure and tread of your tyres


• top up your screenwash.


• verify your battery – if it is a lot more than 5 years old, you need to most likely replace it


• top up your engine oil


• verify your wiper blades.

Carry a kit

Make positive you’re prepared for each eventuality by carrying an emergency kit. Consist of:

• warm blankets


• hot drinks and snacks


• high visibility


• charged mobile telephone


• shovel


• torch


• wellingtons


• policy documents and emergency make contact with numbers.

Take out breakdown cover

Christmas is expensive sufficient with no having to be concerned about steep garage get in touch with-out fees if anything goes incorrect with your car. Complete breakdown cover begins from around £30 a year so is effectively worth contemplating.

Plan your route

Check for any road operates or delays Ahead of you leave house. Here’s our Christmas travel update.

Check the weather

Check weather reports prior to you leave property. If the weather is bad and the guidance is not to travel, delay your journey until it is safe.

Fill up just before you go

Make certain you have got a full tank of fuel just before you set off. Filling up at a local garage is most likely to be less expensive than stocking up on the motorway.

Take entertainment

A long journey can seem a complete lot longer if you’ve got modest young children clambering for your interest in the back. Take lots of factors to maintain them entertained – magazines, audio-books, iPads and transportable DVD players must all buy you a few hours of peace.

Rest when you want to

If your journey is going to take you many hours, keep in mind to take regular breaks. If you can, share the driving with an additional loved ones member, so you can each take it in turns to rest.

By no means drink and drive

Never ever ever get behind the wheel of your car if you have had a drink. Even just 1 drink can impair your judgement, so book a taxi for your journey house prior to you go on any nights out. And do not assume you’re protected to drive the morning right after if you have had a huge one the night ahead of – probabilities are you’ll still be more than the limit.

Driving @ Xmas – keep-safe checklist

Three suspects swiftly arrested and stolen goods recovered within hours after armed robbery of truck

Police at Ematsheni received a report of an armed robbery at B Location, Ematsheni on 21 December 2014 just after midnight. A soft drink delivery truck was travelling through the area when they were stopped by a group of people. The occupants of the truck were threatened with a firearm and one of them was injured when he was assaulted with a bottle. The suspects stole several cases of soft drinks from the truck. Police immediately began their investigation which led them to homes in the surrounding area.

By 10:00 that same morning they had rounded up and have arrested 8 people, recovered a large quantity of the stolen cold drinks and 3 cell phones. A licensed firearm was also seized which is suspected to have been used in the robbery. The suspects aged, 19-35, are set to appear in the Bergville Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 23 December 2014, on charges of armed robbery.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded police for the swift response which led to the arrest of the suspects. “We will not tolerate people who are looting goods from trucks especially during this festive season. We are warning criminals that police are out in numbers and we will make sure that they are brought to book,” she said.

Three suspects swiftly arrested and stolen goods recovered within hours after armed robbery of truck

This Week in Trucks

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Driving @ Xmas – stay-safe checklist

Associated: Christmas travel update

Christmas is coming, and the traffic jam is obtaining fat.

Millions of us take to the roads to check out close friends and family more than Christmas and the New Year – and the last issue we want is a breakdown or mechanical strife, or to be unprepared for a single of the several troubles the climate or the roads can throw at us.

With that in thoughts, here’s a checklist to assist make certain hassle-free of charge motoring over the festive season.

Verify, mate…

If you have any extended journeys planned, make positive your car is prepared:

• verify the pressure and tread of your tyres


• leading up your screenwash.


• verify your battery – if it’s far more than 5 years old, you must possibly replace it


• best up your engine oil


• verify your wiper blades.

Carry a kit

Make positive you’re prepared for every single eventuality by carrying an emergency kit. Consist of:

• warm blankets


• hot drinks and snacks


• higher visibility


• charged mobile telephone


• shovel


• torch


• wellingtons


• policy documents and emergency contact numbers.

Take out breakdown cover

Christmas is expensive enough with no getting to worry about steep garage contact-out charges if some thing goes incorrect with your auto. Comprehensive breakdown cover begins from around £30 a year so is nicely worth considering.

Program your route

Verify for any road performs or delays Before you leave property. Here’s our Christmas travel update.

Check the weather

Check weather reports before you leave house. If the climate is negative and the suggestions is not to travel, delay your journey until it is safe.

Fill up prior to you go

Make sure you’ve got a complete tank of fuel prior to you set off. Filling up at a local garage is likely to be cheaper than stocking up on the motorway.

Take entertainment

A long journey can seem a whole lot longer if you have got small kids clambering for your interest in the back. Take lots of issues to keep them entertained – magazines, audio-books, iPads and transportable DVD players need to all acquire you a handful of hours of peace.

Rest when you need to

If your journey is going to take you many hours, keep in mind to take standard breaks. If you can, share the driving with yet another household member, so you can each and every take it in turns to rest.

Never ever drink and drive

In no way ever get behind the wheel of your automobile if you’ve had a drink. Even just one drink can impair your judgement, so book a taxi for your journey home ahead of you go on any nights out. And don’t assume you’re safe to drive the morning following if you have had a big 1 the night just before – probabilities are you will nonetheless be over the limit.

Driving @ Xmas – stay-safe checklist

Selling Your Car? Try Non-Owner Automobile Insurance coverage

Creating the move to a vehicle-cost-free life implies a welcome end to costly gas, repairs and maintenance.

But when it comes to vehicle insurance, you shouldn’t rush to drop your coverage totally. In several scenarios, it is wise to stay insured with a non-owner auto policy.

Find out the basics details about non-owner’s insurance to discover out if this coverage is appropriate for you.

What is non-owner insurance coverage?

Even although most owners insure their autos, this does not mean you are covered if you borrow a automobile. Non-owner auto insurance protects these who drive vehicles they do not own by providing liability coverage in case they’re at fault in an accident. These policies are written per individual, rather than per auto, and cover the policyholder in borrowed automobiles. In addition to liability insurance coverage, some non-owner policies also cover catastrophic car harm, theft and fire.

Be aware that non-owner policies have some limitations. They don’t contain collision coverage, and particular operate-use situations are excluded. Additionally, this type of policy will not cover you if you’re driving a vehicle owned by you or a member of your household.

Why obtain non-owner coverage?

Non-owner insurance coverage makes sense if you haven’t provided up driving completely even though you don’t own a car. Whether or not you have to drive your boss’s truck to run errands, or just sometimes borrow a vehicle from a pal or family members member, a single accident could bring economic ruin without liability insurance.

Non-owner insurance also applies to rental vehicles, so although you will still have to buy the collision damage waiver, you won’t need to buy pricey liability insurance every single time you rent.

An additional crucial purpose to acquire non-owner coverage is to preserve your preferred driver insurance coverage status. A gap in insurance coverage coverage is typically viewed as a lack of prior coverage, which may automatically classify you as high-risk. If you go with out insurance coverage and later decide to buy a automobile, you could finish up paying high-risk insurance prices even with a best driving record.

Based on where you reside, if your driving record is poor and you don’t personal a car, you may possibly not have a option about buying this coverage. For example, according to Virginia law, drivers who don’t own vehicles but would like to have their licenses reinstated soon after certain severe convictions such as a DUI should carry a non-owner policy.

Is non-owner coverage expensive?

As with all auto policies, premium rates are calculated primarily based on each and every individual’s driving record. Thankfully, non-owner insurance coverage tends to be very affordable all round. Rates might be as low as $ 250 for 6 months or even one year for those with the safest driving histories. A problematic driving record means higher prices, but even these who have to purchase the mandated Virginia coverage can count on to spend about $ 600 for 6 months.

As extended as you nevertheless drive sometimes, liability insurance coverage is vital. Luckily, obtaining a non-owner policy is effortless. Almost all insurers offer this coverage, even even though it is not typically advertised. Before choosing your policy, let your agent know if you do any driving on the job to locate out no matter whether you may well require additional coverage. When you have the proper insurance coverage, you will rest straightforward knowing your liability protection will stay with you no matter what whose vehicle you drive.

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Lady in vehicle photo via Shutterstock.

Selling Your Car? Try Non-Owner Automobile Insurance coverage

Dodge Recalls Model Year 2005 Ram Pickups for Possible Axle Lock-Up

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced these days that it will recall a lot more than 250,000 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups in the U.S. for a issue that can cause the rear axle to lock up at speed. The situation is limited to model year 2005 trucks constructed in between January 2004 and August 2005.

The issue stems from a rear-axle pinion nut that can function its way loose, potentially causing the rear axle to lock up without warning. FCA reports that 3 accidents and one particular injury are potentially connected to the situation. NHTSA launched an investigation in June after receiving 15 incident complaints, 6 of which happened at highway speeds with no prior warning of impending issues.

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The fix involves installing retaining hardware to make sure the pinion nut holds in place. FCA estimates 256,956 U.S. trucks are affected, along with 21,779 in Canada and 8802 in Mexico.

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Dodge Recalls Model Year 2005 Ram Pickups for Possible Axle Lock-Up

Volkswagen reveals new Jetta

The Jetta was first introduced in South Africa in 1980. Since then over 273 000 units of Jettas have been sold locally. The Jetta is one of the world’;s most successful sedans with over 14 million units sold since 1979. Last year alone, Volkswagen delivered 925 000 units worldwide – this makes the Jetta one of the top selling cars of the brand and of the entire Group.

Designers have redesigned the front and rear ends to make the new Jetta sportier and modern. The aerodynamics have been improved resulting in 10% reduction of the air drag. The interior design has been refreshed to ensure that the new Jetta is more sophisticated than before. The instrument cluster, steering wheel, upholstery materials (Trendline derivatives only) and accents are all new.

The engine line-up remains unchanged with 3 petrol engines (1.2 TSI 77kW, 1.4 TSI 90kW and 1.4 TSI 118kW) and 2 diesel engines (1.6 TDI 77kW and 2.0 TDI 103kW).

New design and perfected aerodynamics

Sharper front end. Volkswagen has restyled the front and rear ends of the Jetta while improving its aerodynamic properties by reducing air drag by 10%. At the front, the new sporty sedan can be immediately recognised by its redesigned radiator grille with 3 cross fins, optional bi-xenon headlights with cornering, turn signal and LED daytime driving lights as well as a new bumper.

The bi-xenon headlights add distinctive design to the new Jetta. The daytime running light is formed by 15 LEDs arranged in an L-shaped string alongside and beneath the xenon module. They generate an unmistakable light signature, day and night. A chrome element between the LED daytime running lights and the xenon module accentuates the headlights. The new visual band formed by the radiator grille and the headlights, as well as the now larger lower air inlet, give the Jetta a more impressive, wider and modern appearance. The re-sculpted fog lights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper reinforce this effect.

Sporty rear end. As at the front, designers also redesigned the rear body. Here it is the boot lid, tail lights, VW logo and the bumper that identify this as a new Jetta. The contemporary Volkswagen design DNA can be noticed in the uncompromising horizontal orientation of the rear lines. The boot lid has an aerodynamic trailing edge, and on the sides the lines of this integrated spoiler extend into the rear fenders and then into the precise contour of the car’;s silhouette near the character line. Beneath this are the new tail lights (LED available with optional Bi-Xenon headlights), which feature a bright stripe, as well as the also redesigned VW logo.

One level lower, the side lines of the boot lid (with optimised load width) now run downward, which dominates the design. Beneath this, the new and very precisely designed bumper completes the impressive look of the rear of the Jetta.

Optimal aerodynamics. Volkswagen has introduced numerous innovative aerodynamic modifications into the design and equipment of the Jetta. These modifications have reduced the air drag by 10%. The new Jetta is 4,659 mm long, 1,778 mm wide (without door mirrors) and 1,482 mm tall. Some of the modifications can be recognised at first glance, while others are subtle. In the front end, the air drag was reduced by the new bumper, perfected air inlets and aerodynamically optimised rain gutters on the sides near the A-pillars. Only a closer look reveals such modifications as underbody panels at the rear axle and sill covers with wheel spoilers.

Interior refreshed

New instruments in tube look. One of the many attributes of the Jetta is its interior, which bridges over to the next higher class with its ample space, sophisticated look and good ergonomics with intuitive controls. All of these attributes have been further perfected in the new Jetta. The new Jetta is characterised by new instruments in a sporty tube look, multifunction display in the instruments, a new generation steering wheel, new accents for the centre console, elegant high-gloss black trim around the gear shift lever, new chrome accents (varies by derivative), redesigned controls for the air nozzles, ambient lighting (only available as an option with Highline derivatives) as well as designs for the seats and door trim.

Regardless of derivative, the interior offers maximum detailed perfection and intuitive operation. The instrument layout is intuitive. The left hand ergonomically rests on the gear shift knob, and just above it are the centre console controls for the climate control system and the radio or optional radio-navigation system. Up to 6 airbags are offered as standard safety features across the range (2 newly designed head-thorax airbags near the upper side window provide even greater protection in case the car is in a rollover accident, 2 front airbags and 2 side airbags in front).

ENGINES

The engine line-up is unchanged. The new Jetta is available with a choice of 5 engines: 3 petrol units – 1.2 TSI 77kW, 1.4 TSI 90kW and 1.4 TSI 118kW plus 2 diesel units: 1.6 TDI 77kW and a 2.0 TDI 103kW.

Petrol engines

1.2 TSI with 77kW

This is the base engine of the range. The 4 cylinder 1,197 cc displacement engine offers maximum power with minimal fuel consumption. From standstill, this 77kW engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and its top speed is 190 km/h. Its fuel consumption and emission values are a commendable 5.7 l/100km and 134g/km respectively. The 1.2 TSI reaches its maximum power at 5,000 rpm. It has maximum torque of 175 Newton metres which is available between 1,500 and 4,100 rpm. The Jetta 1.2 TSI is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

1.4 TSI with 90kW

This award-wining turbocharged engine produces peak power of 90kW at 5,000 rpm and has maximum torque of 200 Nm from 1,500 up to 4,000 rpm.  It is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as an optional 7-speed DSG transmission. The turbocharger in this engine is designed to be compact and lightweight, giving good performance with low fuel consumption and emissions. With a combined fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100 km (6.0 l/100 km – DSG) and CO₂ emissions: 144 g/km CO₂ (138 g/km – DSG), this engine is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. It has a top speed of 202 km/h and it handles the classic 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.

1.4 TSI with 118kW

The 1.4 TSI with 118kW engine uses supercharging and turbocharging to produce an impressive 118kW at 5,800 rpm and 240 Newton metres of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.  It is available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.  Its average fuel consumption is 6.0 l/100km and the CO₂ emissions value is 139 g/km. With this engine, the new Jetta sprints to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds; its top speed is 221km/h.

Diesel engines

1.6 TDI with 77kW

The entry-level TDI is a 1.6-litre unit developing 77kW. It is available with a 5-speed manual or optional 7-speed DSG transmission.  Key features of this common rail engine are good acoustic qualities, performance throughout the rev range and extremely low levels of fuel consumption and emissions. Its power output of 77kW is reached at 4,400 rpm with maximum torque of 250 Newton metres from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.  It can sprint to 100km/h from standstill in 11.7 seconds and has a top speed of 190km/h.  Frugal fuel consumption is its main attribute with a combined consumption of 4.5 l/100km (4.7 l/100km for DSG) and CO₂ emissions of 119 g/km (123 g/km for DSG).

2.0 TDI with 103kW

The Jetta 2.0 TDI engine produces 103kW at 4,200 rpm and 320 Newton metres of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. It is available with a 6-speed DSG transmission. It only takes 9.5 seconds from zero to 100km/h and has a top speed of 208 km/h.  Fuel consumption remains impressive with a combined figure of 5.3 litres per 100km and CO₂ emissions of 138 g/km.

EQUIPMENT AND TRIM

The Jetta is offered in 3 different trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Key features of each equipment levels are shown below.

Trendline

• “Climatic” manual air-conditioning


• Radio RCD-310 with 8-loudspeakers


• Front, centre armrest with storage box


• Multifunction steering wheel


• Electric windows front and rear


• Driver and front passenger’s front and side airbags with passenger airbag deactivation switch


• Driver and front passenger’s seat height adjustment


• Height and reach adjustable steering wheel


• Isofix child seat preparation for 2 outer rear seats


• Glovebox, cooled and illuminated


• Leather steering wheel


• Leather gear knob & handbrake handle


• Electric exterior mirrors, separately heated


• Body-coloured bumpers and door handles


• Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators incorporating LED technology


• Auto-dimming interior mirror


• Separate daytime running lights


• Windshield wiper intermittent control with rain sensor


• Black radiator grille


• Black lower air intake


• 16-inch “Navarra” alloy wheels


• 16-inch full size steel spare wheel


• Hill-hold control


• Cruise control


• Electronic Stabilization Programme (ESP)


• USB Media-in


• “Doryl” cloth trim seat

Comfortline

As per Trendline specifications plus:

• Flat tyre indicator


• Front fog lights


• Chrome exterior trim (includes upper grille)


• Comfort seats in front with manually adjustable lumbar support


• RCD 510 Radio/CD (6-CD changer with SD Card and touchscreen interface)


• Rear Centre armrest with 2-cup holders


• “Sienna” cloth trim seat


• 12V power outlet in the luggage compartment


• 16-inch “Sedona” alloy wheels

Highline

As per Comfortline specifications plus:

• Sports front seats


• Climatronic 2-zone Airconditioner


• “Gloss” Cloth trim seats


• Chrome moldings on side windows


• Front foglights with static cornering lights


• Headlamp washer system


• 17-inch “Porto” alloy wheels


• 16-inch steel spare wheel

OPTIONAL FEATURES

A number of factory-fitted options are offered with the new Jetta, allowing customer to personalise their vehicles for their tastes and needs.

Optional features include:

• 17-inch “Lancaster” alloy wheels


• Electric Sunroof


• Vienna Leather Seats


• Parking distance control (front and rear)


• Bluetooth phone preparation


• RNS 510 Satellite navigation system


• Rear Assist (Rear View Camera)


• Towbar (unavailable for 1.2 TSI)


• Bi- Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights


• Keyless Access (Locking and starting system)

Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

1.2 TSI 77kW Trendline                            R258 000

1.4 TSI 90kW Trendline                            R272 500

1.4 TSI  90kW Comfortline                        R286 700

1.4 TSI  90kW Comfortline DSG                 R302 700

1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline                         R302 900

1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline DSG                  R318 900

1.4 TSI 118kW Highline DSG                     R331 900

2.0 TDI 103kW Highline DSG                     R358 000

SERVICE AND WARRANTY

The new Jetta range comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km AutoMotion Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Service Interval is 15 000km.

Volkswagen reveals new Jetta

Common ethical investment filters

Ethical funds are becoming increasingly prominent as an selection for mum-and-dad investors all through Australia. As the greater population becomes a lot more involved in social and environmental issues, investors continue to show that where their income is invested is equally as crucial as how fantastic the return is. Socially responsible investment funds utilise a range of filters in order to help them classify the market for possible investment opportunities that meet their ethical criteria.

There are 3 frequent approaches to socially responsible investment used by ethical funds: screening, greatest in class and engagement. Many funds utilise a mixture of the 3 strategies in order to generate an acceptable list of investment opportunities.

Screening

Screening entails 2 facets: damaging screening, which is the exclusion of industries and companies with organization activities that do not align with the funds principles, and optimistic screening, which ‘screens in’ firms that actively contribute towards the goals of the ethical fund. For instance, a managed fund that is focused on humanitarian issues may possibly screen out businesses that exploit third world labour while screening in firms that offer secure, high-normal operating situations for their workers.

Very best in class

The best in class approach is utilised by fund managers to pick amongst comparable organizations by making use of a set of ethical recommendations. A main example exists inside the mining sector, exactly where 2 organizations may be financially related. One firm could have a superior environmental record compared to the other, so making use of the ethical fund’s suggestions the fund manager would select this firm. This strategy gives an incentive to companies to operate at a greater ethical and environmental regular then their competitors.

Engagement

Lastly there is engagement. This method includes active encouragement of firms to adopt social and environmental ideal practices. Taking into consideration the substantial amount of capital in managed funds, the influence a fund manager can have on a company, specifically smaller companies, can be quite important. This entails the fund manager engaging with the senior management of organizations held within the manager’s portfolios and influencing their choices to result in the greatest practices with regards to ethical concerns.

How do ethical investments perform? Check our summary here.

Common ethical investment filters

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