Finding the Breakdown Cover That is Best for You
Posts tagged holiday
Give your car insurance a holiday
Mar 14th
Give your car insurance a holiday
Article by J Tillotson
Driving holidays are always popular, especially in Europe, and with cross-channel ferries and the Channel Tunnel being relatively cheap, holiday makers are going for this option instead of flights. The sense of freedom that comes with going on a foreign holiday in your own car is one that appeals to the more adventurous of us.
It’s common practice to take out European breakdown cover, and get your car checked out, possibly even serviced, before embarking on a long journey overseas, but a good percentage of drivers forget to check their car insurance too.
With the creation of the European Union the majority of policy holders assume that their fully comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft cover will extend into Europe. It won’t. the fact is, as soon as your wheels leave British soil, your cover stays at home, leaving you with third party cover only. This is the bare legal minimum in Europe, and will only insure you for damage to another vehicle.
Some countries are notorious for unsafe driving. Greece is known as one of the worst in Europe, while Spain and Poland tend to have more aggressive drivers than the UK, so extending your car insurance to cover all eventualities makes a lot of sense. You may pay a little more on your premium, but compare it to how much you could spend without it. Costs of being in an accident abroad can run into hundreds of pounds, all for the sake of a few pounds before you go. If you don’t go abroad often, ask your insurer to upgrade your policy just to cover you while you’re abroad.
It’s also best to carry a Green Card with you when driving abroad. This shows that you are legally insured for driving in Europe, and can be obtained from certain motor insurance companies. If you don’t want to get a Green Card, or forget, take your insurance certificate instead.
As well as extending your car insurance, there are other things to prepare for that you may not think about, especially if this is your first time driving abroad.
A GB sticker displayed on the back of your car is mandatory in most countries, as is carrying a fire extinguisher, tool kit, warning triangles, spare bulbs and a first aid kit. If you’re stopped on the road the local police will check you have these with you.
Do your research – try and learn what the various road signs mean, and find out about any local driving rules and speed limits. Remember that they may well be in kph as opposed to mph, and while a sign may read ’80′, this could be misleading in kph, as it would actually mean 50 mph. Fortunately, most speedometers in UK cars have the kph printed under the mph, so just get used to checking this before you go.
It’s also worth remembering to stay away from badly-lit car parks and side streets at night while abroad, and keep your car securely locked at all times – even when you’re in it. UK marked cars are prime targets for thieves and car-jackers, so be vigilant, never leave your unlocked car unattended and hide all valuables.
About the Author
J Tillotson is a financial author based in the UK
Dealing with car trouble when on holiday
Mar 4th
Dealing with car trouble when on holiday
Article by Simon Macsis
A holiday away from home symbolises a chance to relax, to see new sights and to spend some time outside of the daily grind, so finding your car damaged or broken into after enjoying a holiday activity is no fun at all. After the initial shock wears off, you may just find that the problem can be fixed fairly easily, so take a minute to assess the damage objectively.
Luckily for Green Flag’s European breakdown cover policy holders help is never far off, but if you are one of those DIY types, then you might just be able to repair certain types of damage yourself. Broken windows, damaged lights, flat tyres and electric windows which get stuck can all be fixed fairly easily.
Cleaning up and fixing a smashed window is one of the most annoying jobs, because gathering up and disposing of the glass shards can be quite time consuming. A car vac is very useful for this. If you are able to buy a replacement window and fit it yourself you will find that the hardest part is fitting it into the gap where the old window pane was. Your car’s repair manual will be very helpful here.
Once the door panel is removed, you should find a weatherproof plastic sheet, which you need to carefully peel back and clear of any more glass shards. Fit the replacement pane into the door through the two-inch wide slot at the top. When the window is in place, replace the weather-stripping and plastic sheet and put the door panel back on.
If any of your lights or indicators have been damaged or broken, it’s ok to tape them up until you get to a garage to buy replacements, but this is not a long term solution. Plenty of car supply stores sell strong transparent tinted tape that you can use over car lights, which come in a variety of colours so you can put red tape over brake lights, clear tape over headlights and so on. Some European countries may not have the right parts for your car, so you may then need to make use of your European breakdown cover policy.
It can also be unpleasant if you have electric windows and they stop working, especially if your car has no air conditioning and you are in a hot country. Some electric windows require expert attention, but it is worth your while to check first that the fuse hasn’t simply blown. Most fuse boxes are under the dashboard. You’ll be able to tell the blown fuse as the metallic strip in the centre will be broken. If it has blown, simply replace it with a new compatible fuse from a hardware shop.
It is important to know how to change a tyre after a puncture as you will not travel very far on three wheels. Green Flag offers great advice on how to change a tyre on their website. So while Green Flag will come to the rescue if things go badly, you can save yourself some time with a few quick fixes. Having your car’s repair manual with you is also a great idea on any driving holiday.
About the Author
Get to Green Flag now for the best European breakdown cover deals. Visit http://www.greenflag.com/, for more information.
We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday… Or Are We?
Mar 1st
We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday… Or Are We?
Article by Hadassah
If you are planning on taking your cars on holiday this summer, you need to make absolutely certain that your car insurance policy covers all eventualities across the border, including in particular, protection for breakdown or if you are involved in an accident.
According to research carried out by Marks & Spencer Money, a shocking one in five drivers who took their cars on holiday last summer had taken out the appropriate cover in case their vehicle broke down, and only a third were insured against theft and damage. The majority of motorists are unaware of the fact that while their fully comprehensive policy will cover them adequately on British soil, this does not necessarily extend to the Continent with only one in ten policies including European breakdown cover. Consumers are advised to shop around for the best motor insurance deals as well as the cheapest breakdown cover; it might even be worth asking your neighbours how much they are paying and where they purchased their motor cover.
Most insurance policies will only provide the minimum legal requirement third party cover when driving outside the UK. However, comprehensive policies offered by insurers such as the AA, esure, Churchill and Endsleigh will still apply on the Continent. M&S Money’s motor insurance also includes comprehensive and breakdown cover as standard, but with all policies you need to check how many days driving abroad you are covered for. The majority will apply for up to 90 days, however, others will limit you to 30 so make certain that you have investigated this prior to your trip or you could find your holiday being cut short.
Another point to research while planning your vacation, is whether the country you intend to visit is included as one of the locations your insurance provider deems applicable to cover you for when driving abroad. Those countries that are within the jurisdiction of the European Union will have the same rules as the UK, and this includes Switzerland. However, if you are travelling to a non-EU destination you can add comprehensive cover abroad at a relatively low cost. Taking out full comprehensive cover is definitely worth considering, as thieves are more likely to target cars bearing foreign number plates. Moreover, the chances of having an accident is highly increased due to the fact that you are driving in places that are unfamiliar to you, not to mention the fact that in most cases you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to.
If your policy will not permit you to include European breakdown cover free of charge, the AA and RAC offer stand-alone policies which you can purchase for a potentially lower cost. The AA’s prices start at around £64.80 for a fortnight’s holiday for a family of four in mainland Europe, and £117 for annual cover, with each trip lasting up to the maximum 90 days. Breakdown cover from the RAC includes you and up to seven passengers across 47 countries. Policies tend to start from £10 a day, but the cost may be affected somewhat by how many people you are travelling with, the age of your car, the places you intend to drive through as well as the dates you are going to be on holiday, peak periods dependent on destination may hike up the cost. Members of the AA and RAC are entitled to a discount. There are also 10% discounts available when you buy your policy over the internet.
Basic facts to be aware of when driving abroad are as follows: in most cases the driver must be over 21, as the majority of insurers will not provide comprehensive cover for use on the Continent; you must have with you both parts of your full and valid driving licence; original vehicle registration documentation; an up-to-date MOT certificate; a GB sticker if you do not have an EU number plate with the GB symbol and a spare set of car keys. In some countries you may also require a first aid kit and a hazard triangle in case you are involved in a road accident. Take the correct precautions and have a safe journey.
About the Author
Hadassah is an author of several articles pertaining to Car Insurance. He is known for his expertise on the subject and on other Business and Finance related articles.
Keep Safe On Holiday, Learn 112 Not 999
Feb 25th
Keep Safe On Holiday, Learn 112 Not 999
GEM Motoring Assist (GEM), which is concerned for the safety of all road users, says that even mundane basics like knowing the single European emergency call number of 112 goes unheeded by UK drivers travelling abroad.
“The European Emergency Number Association established 112 as the EU wide emergency number more than a decade a go,” said David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM, “But it is far from common knowledge among UK citizens who think 999 will work everywhere.
“More than 100 million Europeans travel between EU countries every year and they cannot be expected to know or remember the emergency number of every member state. That is why learning 112 is so important. Using it could save at least 5,000 lives around Europe every year.”
To help confident driving when on holiday or business abroad GEM has produced a handy glove-box-sized guide called Your Introduction to Driving in Europe that is available free of charge as part of GEM’s road safety charity work.
Apart from general guidance and preparing your vehicle before you travel it deals with what to do if things go wrong and gives a simple country by country guide to rules and regulations that apply in different nations. In Germany for instance it is an offence to make rude signs to other road users and an offence to run out of fuel on a motorway. However carrying a petrol can in a vehicle in Greece is forbidden. In Spain and Switzerland if you wear glasses for driving you must carry a spare pair in the car. In Norway there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving and on hilly roads vehicles travelling down hill have priority.
Your Introduction to Driving in Europe is available free from GEM. To receive a copy call 01342 825676 or write to GEM Motoring Assist at Station Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5EN
GEM Motoring Assist is the leading UK driver based road safety association. GEM Motoring Assist provide a wide range of driver services including low cost car breakdown cover and vehicle breakdown recovery.
Article from articlesbase.com
Don’t Get Stranded On The Roads This Bank Holiday Weekend
Feb 13th
Don’t Get Stranded On The Roads This Bank Holiday Weekend
Article by Age Concern
* Planned engineering work on the rail network could mean motorway misery for travellers over the long weekend * Older travellers encouraged to ensure they take necessary precautions before travelling long distances this bank holiday* Top tips on how to be prepared should your car break down, by Age Concern Insurance ServicesAs millions of motorists plan to contend with the traditional traffic jams this Whitsun Bank Holiday, Age Concern Insurance Services* reminds all drivers about the importance of carrying out checks on the health of their vehicle before hitting the road. With a total of 88** planned engineering works set to take place across the UK’s rail network the situation on our main escape routes could be made even worse, which highlights the need to perform a complete vehicle health check before setting off. Sunday 24th May is scheduled to be the worst day for rail travel almost 40 routes suffering from disruption for part or most of the day. Joe Young, Age Concern Insurance Services, says: “We know from our work with older people that a lengthy car journey can be daunting. We are encouraging travellers not to leave home without taking a few extra precautions, which could prevent them paying a much higher price in the long run – especially bearing in mind the predicted heavy traffic at the weekend.”Age Concern Insurance Services believe that all older drivers should have peace of mind when making long trips by car. Our Motor Breakdown Service provides cover for vehicles and people of any age across the UK, providing all customers with benefits such as medical transfer and driver rescue cover*** and a message service, which can relieve the distress of a breakdown situation and alert the customer’s family or friends. We hope that our top tips will help as many older people as possible enjoy an uninterrupted Whitsun break.” Essential things to check before setting off on a long road trip include: * Have you got a full tank of petrol?* Is there enough oil, coolant and windscreen wash?* Do your indicators, headlights and brake lights work? * Have you checked your tyres? (especially your spare!) All long distance drivers should also ensure that they have plenty of refreshments in the car along with lots of warm clothing, motor breakdown & car insurance documents and a mobile phone – should the worst happen.Age Concern Insurance Services top tips include:* Move your vehicle off the road – try and make sure that it is not obstructing other drivers * Warn other roads users that you have broken down – use your hazard warning lights and triangle* Do not sit in your car – ensure that all passengers are out of the vehicle and away from the edge of the road* Phone for helpThere is a wide range of breakdown insurance on the market, but prices and quality of cover vary immensely. Age Concern’s motor breakdown cover is available for people of all ages, with benefits such as restarting your car at home and emergency travel and overnight accommodation included as standard in the policy****. Cover compares very favourably compared to some of the best-known specialist organisations, especially as customers receive great service from a UK-wide network of some 1,250 breakdown specialists.
For a free, no-obligation quotation or immediate cover for Age Concern Motor Breakdown Services call 0845 601 2235^ or visit: http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/motor_breakdown.
- Ends -For further information please contact Imogen Davies, Nicola Richards or Jess Baker at Trimedia on 020 7025 7500 or Imogen.davies@trimediauk.com, Nicola.richards@trimediauk.com or jess.baker@trimediauk.com
NOTES TO EDITORS: * Age Concern Insurance Services is the trading name for Age Concern Enterprises. Please refer to ‘About Age Concern’ and ‘About Age Concern and why it trades’ below.** http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/currentAndFuture.html 26 sets of planned engineering works planned for 23rd May + 38 sets of planned engineering works planned for 24th May + 24 sets of planned engineering works planned for 25th May + a total of 88 sets of planned engineering works across the UK
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) statistics, 16.03.09, revealed a drop in the number of people flying from UK airports fell last year for the first time since 1991. UK airports handled 235 million passengers in 2008 – a 1.9 per cent fall on the 2007 figure. There were four million fewer passengers passing through the airports in October-December 2008 than in the same period last year.*** In the case of medical emergencies more than 50 miles away from home, where someone travelling in the car needs to go to hospital because of an illness or accidental injury that has happened during the journey.****Cover applies if you breakdown within a mile of your home. If the car can’t be started easily, the policy covers the reasonable cost of taking it to a local garage. You can claim up to £100 if your vehicle breaks down more than 25 miles from home and can’t be repaired or taken home/to your chosen destination on the same working day. The money is to help you continue by road, rail or air to your destination (excludes ferry transport costs) – or it can go towards the cost of one night’s emergency accommodation close to where the breakdown happened.
About the Author
Age Concern is the largest charity in the UK working for older people. Everyday we are in touch with thousands of elderly people, enabling them to make more of life.
We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday? or are We?
Aug 20th
We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday? or are We?
If you are planning on taking your cars on holiday this summer, you need to make absolutely certain that your car insurance policy covers all eventualities across the border, including in particular, protection for breakdown or if you are involved in an accident.
According to research carried out by Marks & Spencer Money, a shocking one in five drivers who took their cars on holiday last summer had taken out the appropriate cover in case their vehicle broke down, and only a third were insured against theft and damage. The majority of motorists are unaware of the fact that while their fully comprehensive policy will cover them adequately on British soil, this does not necessarily extend to the Continent with only one in ten policies including European breakdown cover. Consumers are advised to shop around for the best motor insurance deals as well as the cheapest breakdown cover; it might even be worth asking your neighbours how much they are paying and where they purchased their motor cover.
Most insurance policies will only provide the minimum legal requirement third party cover when driving outside the UK. However, comprehensive policies offered by insurers such as the AA, esure, Churchill and Endsleigh will still apply on the Continent. M&S Money’s motor insurance also includes comprehensive and breakdown cover as standard, but with all policies you need to check how many days driving abroad you are covered for. The majority will apply for up to 90 days, however, others will limit you to 30 so make certain that you have investigated this prior to your trip or you could find your holiday being cut short.
Another point to research while planning your vacation, is whether the country you intend to visit is included as one of the locations your insurance provider deems applicable to cover you for when driving abroad. Those countries that are within the jurisdiction of the European Union will have the same rules as the UK, and this includes Switzerland. However, if you are travelling to a non-EU destination you can add comprehensive cover abroad at a relatively low cost. Taking out full comprehensive cover is definitely worth considering, as thieves are more likely to target cars bearing foreign number plates. Moreover, the chances of having an accident is highly increased due to the fact that you are driving in places that are unfamiliar to you, not to mention the fact that in most cases you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to.
If your policy will not permit you to include European breakdown cover free of charge, the AA and RAC offer stand-alone policies which you can purchase for a potentially lower cost. The AA’s prices start at around £64.80 for a fortnight’s holiday for a family of four in mainland Europe, and £117 for annual cover, with each trip lasting up to the maximum 90 days. Breakdown cover from the RAC includes you and up to seven passengers across 47 countries. Policies tend to start from £10 a day, but the cost may be affected somewhat by how many people you are travelling with, the age of your car, the places you intend to drive through as well as the dates you are going to be on holiday, peak periods dependent on destination may hike up the cost. Members of the AA and RAC are entitled to a discount. There are also 10% discounts available when you buy your policy over the internet.
Basic facts to be aware of when driving abroad are as follows: in most cases the driver must be over 21, as the majority of insurers will not provide comprehensive cover for use on the Continent; you must have with you both parts of your full and valid driving licence; original vehicle registration documentation; an up-to-date MOT certificate; a GB sticker if you do not have an EU number plate with the GB symbol and a spare set of car keys. In some countries you may also require a first aid kit and a hazard triangle in case you are involved in a road accident. Take the correct precautions and have a safe journey.
Hadassah is an author of several articles pertaining to Car Insurance. He is known for his expertise on the subject and on other Business and Finance related articles.