Driving to the ski slopes – guidelines for half-term hols

Driving to one of Europe’s ski resorts this season?

The car can be a cost-effective alternative to flying, particularly if you are travelling with children during the frantic February half-term rush.

OK, you might have to buy some in-car entertainment, but at least you won’t have to pay for airline seats, luggage and speedy boarding.

You will, though, have to make sure you have the right motor insurance.

Compliant on the Continent

Insurers are obliged by law to cover your vehicle if you drive within the EU. But they have to provide only the minimum legal level of cover, which is usually third party.

In other words, if your car is stolen, or you damage or even write-off your vehicle in an accident that was your fault, you will not be able to claim on your insurance.

Most insurers offer only minimum European cover as standard. You can usually extend your UK comprehensive policy if you plan to drive in Europe, but in many cases you will have to pay an extra premium.

The cost varies from insurer to insurer and depends on a number of risk factors, such as your age and occupation, the make and model of the car.

Half-terms and conditions

Your policy will usually cover driving in Europe up to a certain number of days, which could be as many as 90 in one policy year.

But always read the small print, especially if you are planning a long trip.

Check, too, that your destination is covered. You are probably safe if you are driving to a ski resort within the EU.

Most insurers also cover a number of non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, but the list varies.

Big-up your breakdown cover

The average cost of a breakdown in Europe is about £600, so you should upgrade your breakdown cover, too.

Most standard breakdown policies don’t cover Europe, but you are more likely to have an accident or a breakdown on unfamiliar roads in cold weather.

Most firms offer various levels of cover so you can pick a policy to suit your budget.

On the level

If you opt for a basic plan, someone will either repair the car at the roadside, or take you and the vehicle to the nearest garage.

A premium package would usually cover the cost of any emergency accommodation, in case you have to wait for the garage to carry out repairs.

It would also include alternative transport if you chose instead to continue your journey, or even return to the UK.

Afore ye go…

Try to sort out your insurance and breakdown cover at least a month before you travel. If you leave it until the last minute, you could come unstuck.

For example, you may not be able to claim on a breakdown policy for a given number of days, so if you buy cover the day before you leave, you could still be at risk.

Can I see your papers?

Always take the right documents with you in the car, including a full driving licence, the original vehicle registration document, your motor insurance certificate and breakdown policy.

A UK driving licence is enough for most European countries. However, you might need an International Driving Permit if you are heading to a ski resort further afield.

Sticky situations

Every UK car must display a GB sticker unless the registration plate includes the GB Euro symbol.

Drivers in many European countries are also expected to carry warning triangles and reflective jackets in the car at all times. And if local traffic drives on the right, your car must have headlamp beam converters.

Kit and caboodle

All drivers in France should keep a breath test kit in the car.

The small disposable kits cost about £2.00, and experts recommend that you take a couple as you must always have one ready for use if you’re stopped.

Remember that the legal limit for alcohol in the blood in many European countries is lower than in England and Wales at 50 mg per 100 ml, compared with 80 mg.

Driving to the ski slopes – guidelines for half-term hols

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

New TPD guidelines open up avenue for appeal

When it comes to total and permanent disability (TPD), individuals want to feel extended and tough about the level of cover they require. The reality is even though that most men and women don’t, hence the only cover they have is a default quantity in their superannuation fund.

The government’s Stronger Super reforms recognize this and indeed quite rightly try to make certain that a superannuation fund member who suffers a total and permanent disability has each and every likelihood of obtaining a payout.

1 way they have addressed this is to broaden the time period and relax the requirements for folks who want to appeal a decision relating to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT).

There are a handful of adjustments but the most significant effect is for those who have not offered up operate permanently. Most superannuation TPD policies will payout when you can’t work in ‘any occupation’ that you would reasonably be anticipated to hold based on your coaching, education and encounter.

This creates fairly a large grey region and one particular in which a claim may be rejected, particularly if the person continues to work in a position which they consider is outside of the function that they would be expected to hold offered their education education and knowledge.

Operating in some capacity may possibly properly have substantial positive aspects for someone who has skilled a TPD occasion, particularly from a mental well being aspect, but these people had been properly excluded from claiming their insurance coverage below the old appeal rules.

Old guidelines

Regrettably, the old guidelines still apply if a trustee declined your claim below for a Total and Permanent Disability prior to 1 July 2013. In this case you can only appeal to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) if:

1. You ceased permanent employment and made a claim to the super fund trustees inside 2 years of carrying out so and


2. You make a complaint to the SCT within 2 years of the super fund rejecting your claim

New rules

There are 2 alterations which influence men and women wishing to appeal against a decision produced by super trustees post 30 June 2013.

1. For those who left operate permanently – As per the old rules you need to nonetheless make a claim to your super fund trustees inside 2 years of finishing perform. However, under the new rules if you wish to complain about their decision you now have up to 4 years to lodge a complaint with the SCT.


2. For those who do not give up permanent employment – These folks have up to 6 years to appeal to the SCT.

This second point is substantial as it provides a group of claimants an avenue to appeal that wasn’t previously obtainable to them, and opens an avenue for appeal in the sometimes grey area of ‘any occupation’.

One particular thing the changes haven’t carried out although is to boost the time period from leaving employment to producing a claim against your Super TPD policy. This was debated during the industry discussion around stronger super alterations, the arguments becoming that folks might not make a claim inside the 2 years as at the time they are confident of rehabilitation or they are getting financial support from elsewhere. Sadly though it did not come to pass. So if you know anyone who has stopped function due to a TPD event or mental illness, ask them if they have spoken to their superfund concerning their insurance coverage claim choices. The clock might be ticking.

New TPD guidelines open up avenue for appeal

New TPD guidelines open up avenue for appeal

When it comes to total and permanent disability (TPD), people require to believe extended and challenging about the level of cover they require. The reality is though that most people do not, therefore the only cover they have is a default amount in their superannuation fund.

The government’s Stronger Super reforms determine this and indeed fairly rightly attempt to ensure that a superannuation fund member who suffers a total and permanent disability has each and every possibility of acquiring a payout.

A single way they have addressed this is to broaden the time period and unwind the requirements for individuals who want to appeal a selection relating to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT).

There are a handful of alterations but the biggest impact is for those who have not offered up work permanently. Most superannuation TPD policies will payout when you cannot perform in ‘any occupation’ that you would reasonably be expected to hold primarily based on your education, education and experience.

This creates fairly a big grey region and 1 in which a claim could be rejected, especially if the person continues to function in a position which they contemplate is outside of the role that they would be expected to hold provided their training education and experience.

Working in some capacity may possibly well have substantial benefits for someone who has knowledgeable a TPD event, particularly from a mental health aspect, but these people have been effectively excluded from claiming their insurance coverage below the old appeal rules.

Old rules

Sadly, the old guidelines nevertheless apply if a trustee declined your claim under for a Total and Permanent Disability prior to 1 July 2013. In this case you can only appeal to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) if:

1. You ceased permanent employment and created a claim to the super fund trustees within 2 years of doing so and


2. You make a complaint to the SCT inside 2 years of the super fund rejecting your claim

New rules

There are 2 modifications which impact people wishing to appeal against a choice created by super trustees post 30 June 2013.

1. For these who left function permanently – As per the old rules you must nonetheless make a claim to your super fund trustees within 2 years of finishing operate. Nevertheless, beneath the new guidelines if you wish to complain about their choice you now have up to 4 years to lodge a complaint with the SCT.


2. For these who do not give up permanent employment – These individuals have up to 6 years to appeal to the SCT.

This second point is important as it gives a group of claimants an avenue to appeal that wasn’t previously accessible to them, and opens an avenue for appeal in the at times grey location of ‘any occupation’.

1 issue the changes haven’t completed though is to boost the time period from leaving employment to creating a claim against your Super TPD policy. This was debated throughout the market discussion around stronger super modifications, the arguments becoming that folks could not make a claim inside the 2 years as at the time they are confident of rehabilitation or they are getting monetary assistance from elsewhere. Unfortunately although it did not come to pass. So if you know anyone who has stopped perform due to a TPD occasion or mental illness, ask them if they have spoken to their superfund relating to their insurance claim choices. The clock might be ticking.

New TPD guidelines open up avenue for appeal

Guidelines if you drive your car in Europe – Portion 2

Driving in Europe is full of pitfalls, the roads are distinct, the rules are diverse and the drivers are distinct, and so there are a number of issues you need to think about, specifically if you’re taking your personal auto.

So here are some more guidelines for taking your automobile across to the continent…

What’s the insurance coverage situation?

Insurers are obliged by law to cover your automobile if you drive within the EU. But they only have to offer the legal minimum level of cover, which is generally third party.

In other words, your complete policy in the UK may automatically drop to third party after you get to French soil. Your policy documents will set out what you are covered for, and where, or you can telephone your insurer’s helpline – the quantity will be on its website.

You can usually extend your UK extensive policy if you program to take your vehicle abroad, though you will probably have to pay an additional premium.

The insurance will also typically cover driving in Europe for a set quantity of days, which could be as a lot of as 90 in a single policy year (even though there could be a decrease limit on the quantity of days you can drive in Europe in any one trip).

Once again, verify your docs. They will also specify which territories you are covered in.

Breakdown cover

Do not overlook breakdown cover if you are taking your automobile overseas.

No a single desires to be stranded on the roadside in the UK, never ever mind in Europe, exactly where you could be unfamiliar with the language and have no concept how to organise recovery and repairs.

You could also end up out of pocket if you don’t arrange breakdown cover prior to you go (or extend your existing program to cover Europe, if it doesn’t currently).

The typical expense of a breakdown in Europe is £612, according to the AA. The price in terms of a ruined holiday and linked pressure? Incalculable.

Difficulties with the engine and the vehicle ‘not starting’ are the most often reported factors, followed by flat or damaged tyres, faulty batteries or an accident.

For more on European breakdown cover, check out this video.

Option of cover levels

Most UK breakdown policies do not automatically contain Europe, so you might have to acquire separate cover.

You can opt for a single trip or an annual European breakdown policy, depending on the length and frequency of your motoring holidays abroad. The a lot more frequently you take the automobile overseas in a year, the much better value an annual policy becomes.

Once again, it’s crucial to check that the level of cover is adequate.

Fundamental European breakdown cover will generally give you access to an English-speaking helpline 24 hours a day in the occasion of a breakdown.

A person will then either repair the auto at the roadside, or take you and the vehicle to the nearest garage.

A far more comprehensive policy may include the cost of any emergency repairs, up to a specific amount, as nicely as a replacement driver if your only driver is taken ill.

A premium package covers the price of any emergency accommodation, in case you have to wait for the garage to carry out repairs. It would also consist of alternative transport if you chose instead to continue your journey, or even return to the UK.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you can not usually claim on a breakdown policy instantly, so if you acquire cover the day prior to you leave, you could still be at threat.

On the spot membership

If you travel with no cover, a single possibility is to phone a UK breakdown service when you are stranded at the roadside and join on the spot.

But if you’re obliged to do this, you will have to pay for your instant rescue on best of your joining/membership charge, and you will be lucky to get any type of discount or deal, so this is definitely a ‘last resort’ choice.

Emergency number

And finally… the quantity for the emergency services in Europe is 112. Hopefully you won’t want it, but it’s a good idea to store this quantity in your telephone, just in case.

The Foreign Workplace has released a video to raise awareness of the principal variations in driving regulations and circumstances. For more details, check out the website at www.gov.uk

You can locate out much more about breakdown cover through our specialist channel – and you can go right here for the ideal bargains on car insurance coverage.

Guidelines if you drive your car in Europe – Portion 2

Shield Your Vehicle: Guidelines for Auto Theft Awareness Month

Some facts: We’re heading into Independence Day weekend the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that the vacation has the 7th-highest theft numbers of any holiday annually, the summer season season is higher-time for larger theft figures and July is Auto Theft Awareness Month.

Sounds like the perfect time for motorists to be on guard. Here are some anti-theft tips from certain-fire sources:

Preserve Your Crucial with You

The Los Angeles Police Division (LAPD), which polices a city where car theft makes up nearly a 4th of all house crimes, says that car thieves will take any possibility to make off in your ride.

And leaving your keys anywhere but your pocket is giving those thieves a large chance. From the LAPD:

• By no means leave your automobile operating unattended, even to dash into a company, retailer, or home.


• By no means leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-essential boxes.

Far more info:
Automobiles with keyless entry or crucial codes can still be vulnerable to theft, according to the NICB. So owners of such vehicles, which are generally later-model vehicles with anti-theft technology, must nevertheless be wary.

In no way Leave Valuables in Sight

More from the LAPD:

• By no means leave valuables in plain view, even if your vehicle is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.

But automobile thieves target far more than just the valuables in your car—parts of your automobile can be just as beneficial.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), automobile thieves can strip a vehicle down in a half-hour. Plus, the final payoff for components is often worth a number of instances far more than the vehicle itself.

“Radios and wheel covers aren’t the only popular stolen car components thieves take,” the federal officials say. “They want what ever sells, from the mandated labeled components to those that aren’t. Among some of the most common parts or things left in vehicles are: engine, transmission, air bags, radios, GPS units, iPods, laptops, and purses.”

A lot more info:
On-line Auto Insurance has the lowdown on theft of catalytic converters and tailgates.

Close and Lock All Windows and Doors

About half of all automobile thefts are “due to driver error,” according to the NHTSA.

Leaving your doors and/or windows open is a big mistake. The LAPD says a driver need to lock up and close every thing in the vehicle even if it is parked “in front of your residence.”

A lot more info:
Even at a gas station, leaving your door/window ajar can be the essential slipup a thief is hunting for, according to a video advisory from the NHTSA.

Park in Effectively-lit Locations

No thief desires to do his enterprise in complete view. According to the NHTSA, much more than half of car thefts come about in “areas exactly where cars are parked without attendants.”

So leave your auto in a higher-targeted traffic, properly-lit area to ward off criminals.

Far more info:
California has extended held the unwanted title of “state with the highest number of vehicle thefts,” according to the NICB. But a closer appear at theft figures in the Golden State sheds a small a lot more light (no pun intended) on the problem. According to USA These days, the 3 Californian spots exactly where automobiles are stolen most are Barkersfield, Fresno and Modesto, in the state’s “less populous farm belt.” Those locations need to have much less lighting for much less people, but that also indicates a bigger chance for thieves.

Shield Your Vehicle: Guidelines for Auto Theft Awareness Month

July Brings New Guidelines for Drivers in Louisiana, Florida, Kansas

July 1 marks the day when a lot of pieces of legislation lately passed by state lawmakers go into effect.

And this July 1, a car insurance bill in Louisiana adjustments the rules for uninsured drivers although one more bill in Florida applies alterations to coverage for drivers with DUI convictions. Also, an auto insurance coverage-related bill about premium refunds kicks in for Kansas drivers.

Beneath is a appear at those bills. Also on July 1, a number of pieces of state legislation kicked in that authorize e-commerce for auto insurance organizations and policyholders.

Louisiana’s Uninsured Drivers Face Greater Reinstatement Costs

Beginning Tuesday in Louisiana, there’s a greater charge for uninsured drivers who try to get their driving privileges back. That is thanks to Act 641, which was signed into law a couple of weeks ago.

Uninsured drivers could also face further citation- and court-related charges and fines. Reinstatement charges, which Act 641 hiked to a lot more than double the previous amounts, depend on the quantity of days that a driver went with out vehicle insurance coverage:

Florida Car Insurers Get Far more Time to Cancel Specific Policies

Successful Tuesday, the Sunshine State’s SB 490 gives car insurers in Florida 2 months to decide whether or not or not to keep a newly signed driver, if that driver is trying to buy coverage to get his or her privileges back right after a DUI conviction or lapse in vehicle insurance coverage.

Lawmakers voted unanimously to extend the so-named “underwriting period” to 60 days it was previously 30 days.

Also under SB 490, drivers covered by such policies can adjust amounts of bodily injury, property damage and private injury protection coverage after the underwriting period. Just before the bill, drivers had to cancel their existing policy and get a new one if they wanted to modify coverage limits.

Kansas Bill Clarifies Rules on Insurance coverage Premium Returns for Rejected Drivers

SB 321 goes into impact in Kansas today. It relates to premiums refunds for drivers who are terminated or denied coverage.

Now, Kansas law needs insurance coverage companies to refund any premiums it owes a canceled policyholder within 10 days of sending notice to that policyholder, or contain that premium refund with the notice itself.

According to a legislative summary, the bill rectifies a discrepancy amongst state statutes and provides insurers the selection of refunding premiums when it serves a notice or inside 10 days of that notice.

July Brings New Guidelines for Drivers in Louisiana, Florida, Kansas

Days that auto was uninsured	Existing reinstatement charge	Prior charge
1-30	$ 25	$ 25
31-90	$ 250	$ 100
91 or far more	$ 500	$ 200