How Usage-Based Rates Can Save You Cash on Automobile Insurance coverage

If you’re looking for cheap car insurance and don’t rack up lots of driving miles, you may find that new usage-based insurance plans can save you money.

These plans, available in most states, essentially let you pay by the mile for insurance, but require that you add a device to your car that lets the insurance company track your driving behavior.

How it works

The pay-as-you-drive model can be a great way for those who drive less than 10,000 miles a year to save some serious cash. Some companies say you can save 30% or more on your premium, depending on your driving habits.

Information about your driving behavior, including speed and miles driven, are recorded using a telematics device, which plugs directly into your car’s onboard diagnostics port. The information is sent to the insurance company and typically made available to you on a personalized website, where you can track your progress and see how the information is affecting the cost of your premium. The device is also a plus for parents who want to monitor teen driving for risky habits.

Some large car insurance carriers offer this pay-as-you-go insurance, including Snapshot by Progressive, Drivewise from Allstate and Esurance’s DriveSense. State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program uses a vehicle’s OnStar or SYNC communication service to record information.

Newcomer Metromile also offers customized policies, underwritten by the National General Insurance Group, based on data collected from a mileage tracking device. With Metromile, users pay a monthly base rate, plus a few cents per-mile. Unlike some other carriers, Metromile doesn’t take your driving habits into a consideration. Metromile recently announced a deal to provide by-the-mile insurance to Uber drivers.

Usage-based insurance plans aren’t available in every state, but most states have at least one option available. Metromile is currently available only in California, Illinois, Oregon and Washington.

Concerns over privacy

Although usage-based insurance may save drivers money, the programs have been criticized on privacy grounds because carriers track their customers’ behavior. About 47% of respondents to a 2014 survey by Deloitte Center for Financial Services said they wouldn’t be interested in having their driving monitored.

But if you’re willing to give up information about your driving habits, you could potentially save a lot of money. Nearly one-third of the Deloitte survey respondents said they would need to save more than 20% on auto insurance before they would allow their driving behavior to be monitored.

Benefits of usage-based car insurance

If usage-based insurance fits your lifestyle, here are some benefits you may see:

1. Rewards for good driving

Telematics devices record your driving habits, including time of day, speed and miles driven, as well as risky behaviors like sudden, heavy braking and quick acceleration. Thus, the safer you drive, the more you save. About 60% of consumers interested in usage-based insurance said they would be willing to change their driving behavior to get discounts, according to a survey by Towers Watson, a professional services firm headquartered in New York.

2. Rewards for less driving

Those who see the most savings are those who work from home, don’t use their vehicle for work or make heavy use of alternative means of transportation, including walking, biking or public transit. If you have a long commute or take frequent high-mileage trips, usage-based insurance is a more costly option.

3. It bucks premium averages

Some factors that go into traditional premium determinations are unrelated to your actual driving or insurance record, including statistics related to your gender, age, marital status and where you live. With usage-based insurance, your rate is set according to your actual driving behavior patterns, so pricing more accurately reflects your risk.

4. You can get discounts for signing up

You’ll typically save up to 20% with usage-based insurance plans. But some providers, such as Esurance, offer additional 5% to 10% discounts just for signing up.

5. Your driving patterns won’t raise your rates 

Your discount depends on your driving habits, but you can’t be penalized if the device on your car reveals risky habits. The worst thing that can happen is you won’t see any savings on your standard premium.

With Metromile, your rate will be only as high as the miles you drive, so if you rack up high mileage, you’ll have to pay for it.

If you’re not a frequent driver, and if you don’t mind your data being tracked, usage-based insurance could be the key to cheap car insurance. Plus, it’s a great way to prove to your friends and family that you’re the great driver you say you are.

---

Image via iStock.

How Usage-Based Rates Can Save You Cash on Automobile Insurance coverage

The NASCAR/Nick Offerman Super Bowl Commercial Kicks Tuchus

There are 2 NASCAR Super Bowl XLIX commercials floating about the intertubes, a 2-plus-minute spot and a reduce-down, :30 version. With airtime costing $ 9 million per minute ($ 150,000/second!), it’s almost certainly protected to assume that NASCAR will air the shorter version during the game, but we feel you deserve to see the full-boat version too:

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

What We See: Each versions function Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman with his giant, manly man moustache, advocating for saving America’s fast-disappearing values by watching NASCAR on the NBC Sports Ne2rk (there is no mention of the Fox coverage that begins in February). Visually, it’s pretty much all Offerman all the time, but the background vignettes are packed with uniquely American jingoistic icons: star-spangled thong bathing suits, rodeo bull riding, double-neck electric guitars, victory-lane donuts, giant slabs o’beef on the grill, and, oh yeah, beer. Mixed in with all of this is lots of track action, which includes a Huge Wreck and a scene exactly where Offerman, wearing a now-banned Dale Sr.–style open-face helmet, edges out Kevin Harvick for the checkered flag. The music is rapidly paced, the copy is clever, and Offerman nails each and every line, like rhyming “Busches” with “tuchus” whilst sustaining a straight face.

What We Believe: It’s no secret that NASCAR is struggling to preserve its recognition. Reside-ticket sales have tanked in recent years (some tracks have lowered their seating capacity practically by half since 2008), and Television viewership continued its decline in 2014. Nevertheless, there is a considerable base of die-challenging and possible viewers—a current Harris poll shows that auto racing is more well-liked in the U.S. than either the NHL or NBA. So yes, it’s worth NASCAR’s investment to promote the series, and the Super Bowl supplies a viable target audience.

But is this execution the way to go? For a lot of fans, NASCAR is as significantly about common entertainment as it is about racing. Parks and Recreation had a lengthy run that started in 2009 and continued by means of this year’s final season, and Offerman’s Ron Swanson character was important to the show’s popularity. I believe he tends to make a great spokesman for NASCAR, and if winning the hearts and minds of possible viewers is that organization’s goal, I consider this spot will git ’er completed. That stated, even ahead of the industrial has hit the airwaves, it has already drawn sharp criticism from men and women who are gluten-intolerant, and modify.org has petitioned NBC to adjust or drop the spot. So will that hurt the message . . . or underscore it? What’s your take?

Rating: 4 out of 5

---

---

Award-winning ad man–cum–auto journalist Don Klein knows a very good (or poor) automobile industrial when he sees a single this is his space to inform you what he thinks of the latest spots. The ad’s rating is depicted on a scale of one particular (terrible) to 5 (transcendent), but every person has an opinion when it comes to marketing, so hit Backfires under and inform us what you think, as well. And be certain to study far more of Don’s marketing critiques here.

The NASCAR/Nick Offerman Super Bowl Commercial Kicks Tuchus

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Newcastle Permanent a five-star solution

Every year CANSTAR study and price a wide selection of package home loans available for property buyers in Australia. This year we have rated 31 Package Home Loans from 28 lenders, analysing both price and functions of these packages to figure out which ones provide outstanding worth for funds.

This year, Newcastle Permanent Building Society achieved a clean sweep of package banking awards, receiving 5 stars for outstanding worth in both the Residence Buyer and Investor profiles for its Premium Plus package. We caught up with Terry Millett, CEO Newcastle Permanent Developing Society, to locate out what it is that makes residence loan packages so well-known.

 Q: What are some of the most common benefits of your Premium Plus Package that your consumers tell you they like?

A: We discover that a lot of members are initially drawn to the Premium Plus Package for its truly competitive interest price, then characteristics like the several 25% offset accounts in either account holder’s name, national ATM access with our Daily Account (through our partnership with the Westpac ne2rk) and cost-free, limitless redraws are fantastic selling points. The other attraction for many members is the capacity to split and fix the rate on the loan at any time and at no cost. From February we’re providing a $ 1,000 cash back provide for buyers refinancing their home loan, and with such a fantastic interest rate in the Premium Plus package, it is a wonderful time to take into account a modify.

Q: What proportion of your home loan customers decide on a package over a stand-alone product?

A: In the current industry, around half of our house loan members pick packaged products, and the balance of our members normally select a fixed price item as an alternative, because our fixed interest prices are consistently blindingly competitive.

Q: Are there any home loan customers for whom a package is not acceptable?

A: Everyone’s choice of economic product depends on their all round financial scenario – for some individuals, primarily based on the worth of their house loan, a easier, standard product could be more appropriate than a packaged item. Our mobile lenders offer guidance on property loan choice, and some members also speak with our Economic Planners to see which products are very best in the context of every single member’s wealth management strategy.

Q: With regards to house investors, are there any rewards that investors specifically obtain from a loan package?

A: We locate that just like any house purchasers, price sensitive home investors like the Premium Plus package because of its competitive, discounted interest price. We also provide interest only payments in the package, which investors typically select to assist them maximize tax benefits. The Premium Plus package also includes discounts on insurance coverage, like landlord insurances which shield investors’ home against factors like loss of rent and damage by tenants.

CANSTAR congratulates Newcastle Permanent Creating Society on its 5-star achievement. Readers can download our report here.

Newcastle Permanent a five-star solution

Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota Recall 2.13 Million Automobiles for Airbags that Deploy with no Warning

Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota are recalling a lot more than 2 million vehicles to fix airbags that can all of a sudden deploy without having warning, according to filings posted this morning by the National Highway Targeted traffic Safety Administration. This is the second round of recalls for the very same dilemma stemming from late 2012.

These recalls (which are not connected to the Takata airbag inflators that can explode shrapnel) have been prompted by a NHTSA investigation from Could that looked at a earlier 2012 recall of Jeep SUVs. In that instance, front and side-curtain airbags manufactured by supplier TRW were inadvertently deploying due to electrical faults in the airbag circuitry. Chrysler’s initial submissions cited 215 reports of faulty deployments and 81 injuries from the airbags, and by May possibly of last year, it had informed NHTSA of an extra 6 deployments that occurred on autos previously repaired with a new wiring harness incorporating an electrical noise filter.

So far through October, Chrysler has reported a further 18 accidental deployments on repaired vehicles—a total of 18 Libertys and 6 Grand Cherokees—where the noise-filter remedy clearly failed. Chrysler admits it nonetheless can not figure out what’s causing the “electrical overstress” and so it’s now replacing the complete airbag manage module rather of installing new wiring.

A total of 753,176 Chrysler models, including the 2002–2003 Jeep Liberty, 2002–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2003–2004 Dodge Viper, are incorporated in the U.S. Chrysler mentioned it wasn’t aware of any airbag deployments in Vipers, and whilst there have been at least 81 injuries, there have been no associated crashes.

Likewise, Honda is recalling 374,177 cars—specifically, the 2003–2004 Honda Odyssey and 2003 Acura MDX—after studying of an accidental deployment on a 2003 Odyssey in April. So far, Honda has reported 8 accidental deployments and no injuries involving automobiles that had received the original wiring repair.

The recall also spreads to incorporate 1,006,849 2003–2004 Toyota Avalon, Corolla, and Matrix models (as properly as the Toyota-constructed Matrix twin, the Pontiac Vibe). Nevertheless, in contrast to Chrysler and Honda, Toyota had already begun replacing airbag modules in addition to installing noise filters in the course of its initial January 2013 and later March 2014 recall campaigns. Still, simply because dealers only replaced modules that threw a faulty code, several a lot more potentially bad modules are nonetheless across the million-plus automobiles just recalled.

---

---

Airbag supplier TRW will not have any new handle modules ready “until the latter element of 2015,” according to NHTSA. In the meantime, Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota owners will be notified to have the noise filter installed, if they haven’t already, as an interim repair. All the cars are supposedly safe to drive, even though some Jeep owners have witnessed airbags and even the seatbelt pre-tensioners getting triggered at times prior to even a warning light seems. If you’d like to know if your automobile is among these affected, you can use NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool to search the database.

Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota Recall 2.13 Million Automobiles for Airbags that Deploy with no Warning

The Week in Trucks

About these advertisements

The Week in Trucks

How to choose the ideal initial vehicle for your 17-year-old

If your teenager is about to start off understanding to drive, probabilities are you will have to foot the bill for a first car. Tim Barnes-Clay looks at the greatest choices.

As parents, we want to protect our offspring. This can be an high-priced business – specifically when the teenage years begin.

For instance, when your child turns 17, there’s typically one goal they want to achieve – and that’s passing their driving test.

Safety 1st

However this means digging deep to buy a new vehicle.

Let’s face it: preferably, we want our little ones to be driving some thing new, safe and reputable – not some old shed.

Here we round up some new automobiles that are perfect and safe 1st motors.

Škoda Citigo

The Škoda Citigo is aimed at younger drivers. The Elegance 1. MPI Greentech is perfect for driving from home to college and has outstanding about-town manoeuvrability. The fuel-saving technology fitted to this model mean the hatchback sips rather than swigs petrol and can return up to 68.9 miles per gallon. Prices for the Citigo start at £8,210 for the entry-level S-trim 3-door model, with 5-door vehicles only yet another £350.

SEAT Mii

This Spanish version of the virtually identical Škoda Citigo is zesty but sensible. Even much better, the Mii is one particular of the best vehicles for parking. You can do a 3-point turn in the blink of an eye. The 3-cylinder 999c engine sounds like it has all the energy of a sewing machine – but the SEAT is not dull. It requires 13.2 seconds to get from -62mph and this does not detract from the Mii’s versatile drive. On an typical mix of town and motorway driving you can get over 60mpg. You’ll also spend absolutely nothing in road tax for the initial year. From £8,195 this is a excellent 1st car.

Citroën DS3

It’s fantastic to really feel 17 years old once more. That is what it is like driving the Citroën DS3, no matter what age you are. The funky auto delivers a comfortable ride, and quality is evident inside and out. On the safety front, the Citroën DS3 has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and comes with 6 airbags and a reinforced body structure. One particular of the ideal aspects of the compact Citroën is that it redefines bespoke motoring with a choice of personalisation options. So, the DS3 can be masculine and sporty or feminine and chic. This car will do over 60mpg and is priced from £12,615 for the petrol VTi 82bhp DSign.

Suzuki Swift SZ4

The Swift is enjoyable to drive and has nimble handling. The steering is light and the 5-speed manual transmission is slick and effortless to use. What’s really impressive though is that the auto inspires self-assurance and safety on the road. This is due to safety technologies that contain an anti-lock braking program and electronic braking-force distribution. The Swift also has 6 airbags. The Suzuki is a excellent vehicle to nip around in, averaging over 50mpg, and is a very good decision for any individual who desires a 1st vehicle. Purchased new, the standard 1.2 3-door hatch fees £10,799.

Kia Picanto

Kia’s smallest vehicle gives excellent sufficient overall performance, with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with fashionable looks. The 5-door auto, priced from £8,145, is offered with 1.- and 1.25-litre petrol engines. The 3-cylinder 1.-litre unit is a fantastic very first auto option – it develops 68bhp and has a combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg. Characteristics incorporate body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, radio/CD player and an immobiliser. A 6-year or 25,000-mile totally transferable warranty is standard on the Picanto. That sort of assurance alone could nicely persuade you to purchase this motor for your teen.

Evaluate automobile insurance coverage – you could locate a wonderful deal in minutes Get a vehicle insurance coverage quote

How to choose the ideal initial vehicle for your 17-year-old

2015 BMW X6 M Very first Drive: Defying Logic—and Physics—Yet Once more

Very first Drive Evaluation

arrow

Defying logic—and physics—yet once again.

When the M versions of the BMW X5 and X6 first appeared in 2009, they represented a number of heresies for the M brand: They employed turbocharged engines, they had all-wheel drive, and they were—oh no!—sport-utility automobiles. Given that then, BMW’s M division has quite significantly brushed aside notions of what does or doesn’t constitute heresy. The new M3 and M4 use a turbocharged engine (as do the M5 and the M6). All-wheel drive is coming to the M5. And practically 20,000 M-badged SUVs roam the streets.

Now comes round 2 for the M version of BMW’s SUVs, in both traditionally shaped X5 and genre-bending X6 “sports activity coupe” forms. The latter, of course, is one more blow to conventionality—some would add widespread sense—but BMW responds by pointing to 250,000 total X6 sales considering that its debut in 2008. So as we head deep into the heart of Texas to drive the new X6 M, we will not bother to examine the concept, only the execution.

Seeking the Part

Approaching a row of identical X6 Ms in Extended Beach Blue lined up in the paddock at the Circuit of the Americas, the vehicle’s hulking, linebacker physique appears tiny changed. The 2015 X6 M is 1.8 inches longer, its width and height are inside a fraction of its predecessor’s, and it rides on the identical 115.5-inch wheelbase. The most significant design departures are the deep, increasing crease on the rear fenders and the larger, 21-inch twin-spoke wheels (up from the preceding 20s). The latter are specific to the M, which also gets a distinctive front fascia incorporating huge air intakes and its own rear fascia with a diffuser and twin exhaust outlets, as properly as side gills in the front fenders and a functional rear spoiler.

Inside, M-ness is bestowed by the M-particular sport seats, gauge cluster, and steering wheel. Upscale trim, including a leather-covered dash and a suedelike headliner, is normal. The automobiles on hand for our test drive are additional fancified with the optional full-leather interior, carbon-fiber trim, and superb, higher-backed, multicontour seats. In all, the materials and execution are befitting of a 6-figure luxury SUV (starting value: $ 103,050).

What It’s Packin’?

This second-generation X6 M’s mechanical package also doesn’t stray far from the original’s. The engine and transmission are new, but the engine retains its same configuration and displacement. The 4.4-liter V-8 once again characteristics 2 twin-scroll turbos nestled inside the cylinder banks’ V, plus a cross-bank exhaust manifold. A variant of the engine in the M5/M6, it utilizes BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing and lift system and claims a lower rotating mass than its predecessor for faster response. Output climbs by 12 ponies and 53 lb-ft to an impressive-sounding 567 horsepower and 550 lb-ft. That keeps it meaningfully ahead of the X6 xDrive50i, which gets 445 horsepower from its personal 4.4-liter turbo V-7

Worryingly for BMW, nonetheless, Porsche’s just-announced Cayenne Turbo S and the new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S coupe both boast larger horsepower numbers (570 and 577). We suspect that bragging rights right here are no modest consideration to buyers in this category. BMW claims to have sliced half a second from the zero-to-60-mph time, now 4. seconds (for our portion, we postulate 4.1 seconds). Again, although, Porsche is quoting a greater time of 3.8 seconds. Porsche further claims a 176-mph top speed for the Turbo S, while BMW limits the X6 M to 155 mph, despite the fact that buyers in other markets can opt for a 174-mph limiter.

In spot of the previous 6-speed automatic, BMW mates its new engine to an 8-speed gearbox. It makes use of the very same annoyingly fiddly shift knob as the M DCT dual-clutch gearbox in BMW M passenger vehicles, but this is a torque-converter automatic. That’s fine, even though, as it indicates smoother takeoffs pulling away from a cease its shift occasions, which can be adjusted in 3 actions just like the M DCT’s, are nonetheless appropriate fast. So is the X6 M itself, even if the powertrain is not really as extroverted as its numbers recommend. The exhaust technique, which incorporates a bypass flap, is not almost Jaguar F-type–loud, for example. Finally, although it might not matter much to this audience, the 8-speed’s wider ratio spread, collectively with the a lot more efficient new engine, are stated to enhance general fuel economy by some 20 percent. EPA figures are not but accessible, it need to be noted.

M Is for Massive

A single of the a lot more substantial modifications to the chassis is a switch to electric steering assist, now with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The steering is no longer overly heavy, even in Sport+ mode, and effort create-up is organic just don’t count on considerably road feel to make its way to the fat, sausage-casing-smooth steering-wheel rim.

The move from tough-riding run-flat tires to far more compliant, non-run-flats brings a single of the much more notable improvements in everyday driving. Greatly decreased influence harshness has mellowed the formerly brutal ride—or so says the smooth, gently undulating pavement of central Texas—although the X6 M occasionally exhibits stiff, bouncy body motions.

As just before, the X6 M utilizes adaptive dampers, steel front springs, and rear air springs, but the bushings are new. Chief vehicle integration engineer Walter Haupt says the retuning work focused on reducing understeer. Indeed, around the large and rapidly Circuit of the Americas track, the X6 M does not push nearly as considerably as you’d expect, its rear-biased all-wheel drive and torque vectoring assisting the rear finish do its element. The absence of physique roll also defies expectations, and the car is unperturbed when we rumble over the lumpy curbing. The brakes, which now function cross-drilled rotors, 6-piston (up from 4) front calipers, and 50-percent higher surface area, prove highly effective at repeatedly hauling down this massive machine without having fading.

As capable as it is, you wouldn’t describe the X6 M as fluid. Sitting higher in the saddle, you’re ever conscious of the X6 M’s mass. This M car can get about a racetrack, but it’s significantly much more about blasting down the road in a straight line. The massive, ultra-higher-efficiency Michelin Pilot Sport tires (285/35-21 up front, 325/30-21 at the rear) offer all kinds of grip, and in a car this tall and heavy, grip is almost certainly what you want. Ultimately, though, it makes for a car that is impressive rather than enjoyable. Ah, but we’re slipping into a philosophical discussion, and we said we weren’t going to go there.

Alternatively we’ll say that, even though the X6 M is hardly our favourite incarnation of BMW’s M brand, the 2015 model gives both higher efficiency and higher refinement than its pioneering predecessor. We’ll see whether or not that will enable the X6 M to maintain its edge as rivals encroach on the niche that it produced.

View Photo Gallery

Pictures (70)

Other Stories You Might Like

2015 BMW X6 M Very first Drive: Defying Logic—and Physics—Yet Once more

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Newcastle Permanent a five-star resolution

Each and every year CANSTAR analysis and rate a wide selection of package home loans accessible for residence buyers in Australia. This year we have rated 31 Package Residence Loans from 28 lenders, analysing each price and attributes of these packages to establish which ones offer you outstanding worth for money.

This year, Newcastle Permanent Developing Society achieved a clean sweep of package banking awards, receiving 5 stars for outstanding value in each the Property Buyer and Investor profiles for its Premium Plus package. We caught up with Terry Millett, CEO Newcastle Permanent Constructing Society, to locate out what it is that tends to make home loan packages so well-liked.

 Q: What are some of the most well-known advantages of your Premium Plus Package that your consumers inform you they like?

A: We uncover that a lot of members are initially drawn to the Premium Plus Package for its really competitive interest rate, then characteristics like the multiple 100% offset accounts in either account holder’s name, national ATM access with our Daily Account (through our partnership with the Westpac ne2rk) and free of charge, unlimited redraws are fantastic selling points. The other attraction for several members is the capability to split and fix the price on the loan at any time and at no expense. From February we’re offering a $ 1,000 cash back provide for customers refinancing their home loan, and with such a wonderful interest price in the Premium Plus package, it is a excellent time to contemplate a alter.

Q: What proportion of your property loan clients choose a package more than a stand-alone solution?

A: In the present marketplace, about half of our home loan members choose packaged merchandise, and the balance of our members typically decide on a fixed rate item as an alternative, simply because our fixed interest rates are regularly blindingly competitive.

Q: Are there any property loan clients for whom a package isn’t acceptable?

A: Everyone’s choice of economic item depends on their all round financial predicament – for some folks, based on the value of their property loan, a simpler, fundamental product could be much more appropriate than a packaged solution. Our mobile lenders provide guidance on residence loan choice, and some members also speak with our Monetary Planners to see which products are greatest in the context of every member’s wealth management plan.

Q: With regards to property investors, are there any rewards that investors especially get from a loan package?

A: We uncover that just like any home buyers, price sensitive home investors like the Premium Plus package since of its competitive, discounted interest rate. We also provide interest only payments in the package, which investors often select to help them maximize tax advantages. The Premium Plus package also involves discounts on insurance, including landlord insurances which defend investors’ property against issues like loss of rent and harm by tenants.

CANSTAR congratulates Newcastle Permanent Building Society on its 5-star achievement. Readers can download our report right here.

Newcastle Permanent a five-star resolution

Flashback Friday: You Can Purchase LL Cool J’s “Pink Cookies” BMW 8-series

January 30, 2015 at 6:45 pm by Robert Sorokanich | Photography by YouTube/James Andrew Currie and Def Jam

Looking for a cool car that ladies will love? One with a provenance that includes perhaps rap’s most convoluted sexual analogy? Feast your eyes on LL Cool J’s 1991 BMW 850i, yours for a mere $ 14,000.

Yes, LL’s sleek big-body coupe is on the market in Illinois. Sharp-eyed fans who remember the 1990s will recognize it as the vehicular star of the “Pink Cookies In a Plastic Bag Getting Crushed by Buildings” music video, wherein Mr. Cool J explains from the driver’s seat that “the act of making love is pink cookies in a plastic bag, getting crushed by buildings.” Right.

A lot has changed since 1993. LL successfully pivoted from sex-thirsty BMW driver to NCIS Special Agent. And that V-12 Bimmer racked up 73,000 miles, losing those ’90s-tastic Momo Quasar wheels for a more subdued, less chrome-y set of deep-dishes.

The price to own an early ’90s automotive powerhouse once driven by an icon of rap isn’t so bad, and you can unleash its 292 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque, and, per our original test, 6.3-second sprint to 60 mph on someone whom your momma told you to knock out. Just save a little extra for stereo upgrades—this Bimmer may have sweet V-12 sounds, but it’s missing LL’s boomin’ system.

---

---

[embedded content]

A version of this story originally appeared on roadandtrack.com.

---

Flashback Friday: You Can Purchase LL Cool J’s “Pink Cookies” BMW 8-series

Spyker Update (Spykdate): Swedish Business Declared Not Bankrupt by Dutch Court, Will Develop EVs

Raise your Heinekens to the sky, esoteric sports vehicle lovers: Spyker is not and never ever was bankrupt. According to the Dutch supercar business, a nearby court has now overturned the company’s bankruptcy ruling from December and rendered the selection “null and void.” Spyker lives! B6 Venators for everybody, ja!

If it were only that simple. While Spyker now claims to have “bridge funding” from an unidentified supply and will settle with its creditors “in a matter of weeks,” the firm has not disclosed where it is going to create the B6 Venator, the $ 187,000 6-cylinder sports-auto notion very first shown in 2013. In response to our concerns about its vacated factory (it was evicted), meager cash flow (roughly the median worth of a U.S. property), a bond program to fund B6 development (don’t ask), and a random merger with a mysterious American electric aircraft business, Spyker told us that CEO Victor Muller “has selected to not give any additional comments at this stage besides the press release issued yesterday” and that “more info shall be provided in due course.” Excellent!

---

---

Muller’s current plan is to construct battery-electric Spykers in the “foreseeable future,” by which he may help with yet another bond scheme or stock sale to a Chinese company. Soon after reviewing Spyker’s public financial reports—which the business hasn’t updated in a year and a half—we’re thinking 2015 will not be the year any person methods into a new B6. (May we direct you to the nearest Porsche retailer?) On the flip side, kudos to Spyker for staying above water—for now, at least.

---

Spyker Update (Spykdate): Swedish Business Declared Not Bankrupt by Dutch Court, Will Develop EVs

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Question:

Morning, I have a question: I want to tow my jetski behind my camping trailer. Both a less than 750 GVM and none of the vehicles have then own braking systems. In terms of all other items I saw on your website under this topic I feel I am covered, like maximum length, being able to turn, lights, etc. I am just not clear on the rule for the braking systems. Can you help with an answer on this?

Answer:

Unfortunately not. Regulation 151 determines that a trailer under 750 does not require an overrun brake and trailers over 750 kg up to 3500 kg must have an overrun brake. However if 2 trailers are towed the GVMs must be added together and both trailers will require an overrun brake.

;

Brakes on trailers

Reg 151.   (1)    Subject to the provisions of subregulation (4) no person shall operate on a public road a trailer, if –

(a)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed half the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep such trailer stationary;

(ii)     exceeds half the tare of the drawing vehicle but does not exceed such tare, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either a service brake or an overrun brake; or

(iii)    exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(b)          the gross vehicle mass of such trailer exceeds 750 kilograms but does not exceed 3 500 kilograms and the gross vehicle mass –

(i)      does not exceed the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and either an overrun brake or a service brake; or

(ii)     exceeds the tare of the drawing vehicle, unless the trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake;

(c)     the gross vehicle mass of the trailer exceeds 3 500 kilograms, unless such trailer is equipped with a parking brake and a service brake,

and where more than one trailer is drawn by a drawing vehicle, the foregoing requirements shall apply in respect of each such trailer, and in such event the gross vehicle mass shall be construed as the total of the gross vehicle mass of all trailers so drawn.

(2)     The service brake of a trailer shall be capable of being operated by the driver of the drawing vehicle while such trailer and drawing vehicle are in motion.

(3)     If the service or overrun brake of a trailer is capable of being used as a parking brake, a separate parking brake need not be fitted to such trailer.

(4)     Notwithstanding subregulation (1) (c), if a trailer referred to in that subregulation is drawn by a tractorand such tractor is not designed for or capable of operation at a speed exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a reasonably level road, such trailer may be equipped with an overrun brake in lieu of a service brake.

;

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

Also view:

Safely Towing a Trailer

When are overrun brakes required during the towing of multiple trailers?

Newcastle Permanent a 5-star answer

Every single year CANSTAR analysis and rate a wide choice of package property loans accessible for residence buyers in Australia. This year we have rated 31 Package House Loans from 28 lenders, analysing both price tag and attributes of these packages to establish which ones provide outstanding worth for income.

This year, Newcastle Permanent Developing Society accomplished a clean sweep of package banking awards, receiving 5 stars for outstanding worth in each the Home Purchaser and Investor profiles for its Premium Plus package. We caught up with Terry Millett, CEO Newcastle Permanent Developing Society, to find out what it is that makes residence loan packages so well-known.

 Q: What are some of the most popular rewards of your Premium Plus Package that your customers inform you they like?

A: We uncover that a lot of members are initially drawn to the Premium Plus Package for its truly competitive interest price, then characteristics like the a number of 100% offset accounts in either account holder’s name, national ATM access with our Each day Account (by means of our partnership with the Westpac ne2rk) and totally free, unlimited redraws are fantastic selling points. The other attraction for many members is the potential to split and fix the rate on the loan at any time and at no price. From February we’re offering a $ 1,000 money back offer for customers refinancing their home loan, and with such a fantastic interest rate in the Premium Plus package, it is a great time to contemplate a change.

Q: What proportion of your property loan consumers choose a package over a stand-alone product?

A: In the current market, about half of our residence loan members select packaged items, and the balance of our members generally select a fixed rate solution alternatively, because our fixed interest rates are regularly blindingly competitive.

Q: Are there any residence loan clients for whom a package isn’t suitable?

A: Everyone’s option of financial product depends on their general economic situation – for some people, based on the value of their home loan, a easier, basic product could be much more appropriate than a packaged product. Our mobile lenders provide guidance on home loan choice, and some members also speak with our Economic Planners to see which goods are very best in the context of every single member’s wealth management plan.

Q: With regards to property investors, are there any positive aspects that investors especially receive from a loan package?

A: We uncover that just like any home purchasers, rate sensitive house investors like the Premium Plus package simply because of its competitive, discounted interest rate. We also supply interest only payments in the package, which investors often decide on to support them maximize tax positive aspects. The Premium Plus package also includes discounts on insurance, including landlord insurances which safeguard investors’ property against items like loss of rent and harm by tenants.

CANSTAR congratulates Newcastle Permanent Constructing Society on its 5-star achievement. Readers can download our report here.

Newcastle Permanent a 5-star answer

2015 Tesla Model S P85D Driven: Now Getting into Supercar Territory

First Drive Overview

arrow

The P85D suddenly makes EVs seem antisocial.

From the February 2015 situation of Car and Driver

Not having to wait is a luxury. Saving time is the justification the privileged give for indulging in fractional jet ownership and hiring individual assistants to attend funerals and bar mitzvahs on their behalf. Ideally, the significantly less time you commit carrying out anything unpleasant, the far more time you have to do anything worthwhile. But it never ever fairly functions out that way, or Minute Rice would have ushered in a new age of enlightenment.

Tesla’s Model S P85D acts like a auto constructed on the mantra “Waiting is for suckers.” This 691-hp battery-electric vehicle is for the impatient, the toe tappers, and the watch checkers. Tesla claims that the P85D is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, shaving 1.4 seconds from the rear-drive P85 it replaces. To get down to that number, Tesla added a 221-hp electric motor to drive the front wheels. This secondary unit works in conjunction with the P85D’s 470-hp rear motor to supply 4-wheel drive. A similar 2-motor setup will be obtainable on all Model S versions starting this spring, and the upcoming Model X SUV also will share the method. But for now, the most snow-friendly Tesla is the prime-shelf P85D.

From a quit, the one-speed P85D has all of its 686 pound-feet of thrust at the ready. Energy delivery is immediate, as in all EVs, but here it’s like driving a sports automobile in the lowest feasible gear with the engine revving proper at the torque peak, all the time. It’s shockingly quick. Kick the accelerator and the auto jumps ahead on a surge of energy. Eye a gap in site visitors and you are there. This is energy at the speed of thought—there’s no waiting, no downshifting, and, genuinely, no work. A clot of Corollas can be dispatched with one quiet leap forward, putting these Toyotas in the only location they appear great: the rearview mirror.

The neck-straining pull lessens as speeds improve. Also, our preproduction test car had a identified concern that lowered energy by about 10 percent at speeds above 60 mph. Rather of reporting lame test final results, we’ll wait for a fully baked P85D to verify Tesla’s acceleration claims.

At very first, the electric silence seems odd but then it soothes, serving to boost the driving knowledge. The cabin calm at 70 mph would make a Lexus engineer envious. Completely goosed, it is only slightly louder. The massive battery pack in the floor acts like a giant lithium-ion mattress and muffles out road noise. Suspension crash barely registers, and even large whacks to the 21-inch wheels are nonviolent confrontations.

The electron-filled California king in the floor is seriously heavy. But mounting it low hooks the Model S to the earth. Tesla says a 2-motor P85D weighs 4936 pounds, or 291 pounds far more than a rear-drive P85, but it does not act any heavier. Or, indeed, extremely heavy at all. The P85D adjustments path speedily and with no fuss. Even at the limit of grip, the Tesla remains eerily flat and unperturbed by cornering stress. Maintain pushing and the Tesla’s mass starts scrubbing away the edge of the outside front tire. An precise and responsive electric power-assisted steering technique delivers 3 weights, from light to heavy. No matter the mode, the steering work continually changes and reacts to the road. Subtle vibrations paint a vivid image in asphalt.

After living with the Tesla for a handful of days, the valuable differences between it and gasoline-powered automobiles become apparent. You do not start off the Model S, you just get in, location a foot on the brake, and select a direction of travel. Acquiring out is the identical deal. No need to shut anything off, merely walk away. Lift off the lengthy pedal and regenerative braking not only returns electrons to the battery, it also makes use of the electric motors to slow the car to such an extent that 1-pedal driving becomes feasible. In most driving conditions, the brake pedal is only needed for a total stop or an emergency. And unlike other EVs and hybrids, the Model S’s brake pedal only actuates the brakes. Because the pedal doesn’t control both friction and regenerative braking, the pedal feels linear and standard, due to the fact that’s what it operates—normal brakes.

Luxurious is not how we’d describe the Model S’s interior. Austere and basic is more like it. Aside from the enormous touch screen in the middle of the instrument panel, and the appealing gauge show, there’s not significantly wretched excess right here. Up until now, the top versions of the Model S looked virtually identical to the $ 71,070 base model. But in a sop to the sybarite, Tesla dresses up the P85D with Alcantara touches on the dashboard and headliner. New seats appear much better than prior to and supply enhanced help and cushioning. There are also new sun visors and Mercedes-Benz’s most recent stalks on the steering column. A full suite of safety tech—including collision warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise control—is being built into the Model S. Eventually, these attributes will bring the Model S to Mercedes S-class levels of self-driving autonomy. For now, Tesla is nevertheless finishing improvement of the systems.

The additional energy, traction, and weight of the second motor imply the car swills the 85-kWh battery’s electrons. According to Tesla, the P85D has a 285-mile variety at a steady 65 mph. Real-globe variety proved to be closer to 220 miles. Even at that, the Tesla’s variety is excellent enough to keep away from the compulsion you get in lesser EVs to hypermile or turn off the air conditioning.

Recharging is the portion of the experi­ence that calls for the most patience. On most 240-volt power sources, the battery gains about 29 miles of variety per hour. Plug into a 120-volt supply and the recharge rate falls to roughly 3 miles of range per hour. There are 135 Supercharger stations in the U.S. that will add about 150 miles in about 20 minutes, but they’re not often conveniently located.

Most Tesla Model S customers will be pleased with 240-volt charging at home. Plug in at evening, sleep, and wake to a automobile prepared for another 200-mile day. Beats pumping gas. Aside from its recharging cycles, the P85D will never preserve you waiting. Speed is the greatest luxury.

---

Electrifying Performance

Tesla engineers produced producing a 691-hp supersedan appear straightforward. The new 221-hp electric motor and front-drive differential match neatly between the 85-kWh battery pack and the electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear. The only downsides are the 291 pounds of extra weight and a front trunk decreased in volume from 5 to 3 cubic feet. In your dreams, Tesla’s creative types are difficult at perform on a Model SS powered by 2 470-hp motors.

View Photo Gallery

Photos (38)

Other Stories You Might Like

2015 Tesla Model S P85D Driven: Now Getting into Supercar Territory

QUIZ: Feel you know your road indicators?

When we drive on Britain’s roads we can encounter over 160 road signs and beneath the provisions of the Highway Code we are expected to know what every single and each and every 1 indicates – how will you measure up?

Powered by Interact

How nicely do other road customers know their road signs?

We took to the streets to see how nicely other road customers knew what particular road signs meant, take a appear how they got on…

QUIZ: Feel you know your road indicators?

Cheap Automobile Insurance coverage Is an Option for Undocumented Immigrants

Now that California has become the latest and biggest state enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses, thousands of newly licensed drivers may possibly be asking yourself exactly where to find inexpensive automobile insurance coverage.

Some challenges can arise in the paperwork when applying for insurance coverage, particularly if insurers want to use Social Security numbers to verify personal information. Without Social Security numbers or verifiable driving records, undocumented immigrants have significantly less driving background data to provide and can be regarded as larger risks than other drivers. This can limit the probabilities of obtaining the very best value.

In spite of these obstacles, saving on auto insurance coverage is feasible. Here are a couple of tips for undocumented immigrants in search of low cost car insurance coverage.

Get your license

If you live in a single of the states where it’s legal, receiving your driver’s license should be a priority. It tends to make the process of obtaining auto insurance coverage, or switching to a less expensive option, a lot easier.

In addition to California, 10 other states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses.

“Having a lot more licensed residents increases the possibility of much more insured drivers,” said Ric Burwell, a danger management consultant in Sacramento, California.

At the same time, these newly licensed drivers might be treated similarly to inexperienced drivers such as teenagers simply because of the lack of driving history on record.

Compare quotes

It’s critical to appear at far more than 1 insurer. In reality, comparison shopping can aid drivers save up to 32%, according to a NerdWallet survey of 500 American drivers. Use this tool to evaluate prices across the nation based on ZIP code and sort of vehicle. Contact insurers to get a lot more customized quotes, also.

Appear for low-price insurance applications

If you are in a low-income household, check for any low-cost insurance programs in your state. In California, the state’s Low Price Auto Insurance coverage program provides lowered rates for good drivers at eligible income levels. For instance, in a household of 4, drivers are eligible if total annual income is $ 59,625 or much less, according to the site. This choice recently became offered to immigrants, so the program can now accept drivers with less than 3 years of confirmed driving history.

Verify for discounts

As you search, contemplate which discounts you are eligible for. Discounts might be obtainable for:

• Vehicle security equipment such as air bags or anti-lock brakes.


• Completion of driving lessons or defensive driving classes.


• Very good grades for students.


• Client loyalty, including getting numerous automobiles or policies with the same insurance organization.

Discounts differ, so verify with insurers when getting a quote. Bundling coverage with home owners or renters insurance coverage is one of the easiest ways to get a discount, but don’t be fixed on a single insurer for that explanation. If your prices improve over time, you may well want to start hunting around once again.

Even if you currently have auto insurance coverage, contemplate no matter whether you can get decrease rates through your insurer or a competitor, particularly if you have a legal driver’s license for the initial time. Check your state for any applications you may be eligible for, and do not neglect about discounts.

---

Image by way of iStock.

Cheap Automobile Insurance coverage Is an Option for Undocumented Immigrants