Car insurance is a legal requirement, and it is what protects you and others if your vehicle is involved in an incident. With so many different car insurance providers, and such as huge array of policies to choose from, it can be tough to know what type will be best for your need. We reveal five things that you will need to take into consideration before you buy your car insurance.
Policy Cover
The first thing to think about is exactly what the policy covers. Is it third party, fire or theft, or is it fully comprehensive? What amounts can it cover up to? Is a replacement car offered should your car need to go into the garage? You may want to compare the policy with several others to see what cover amounts and special extras are included.
Cancellation Policy
What happens if you need to cancel your policy? Will you be charged the full amount for the full year, or will you just have to pay a small cancellation fee?
No Claims Bonus
If you are involved in an accident will it affect your no claims bonus? Some insurance providers will protect your no claim bonus even if you have been in an accident and need to make a claim.
Ratings and Reviews
It is worth checking for customer reviews on the car insurance provider to make sure that the provider is respected and that they have good customer service. You can do this by searching for independent reviews online or by asking friends and family for recommendations.
Payment Plans
What payment methods are accepted, and are there payment plans available? For example, some companies will require that you pay a deposit and then pay your car insurance on a monthly basis, while others will need you to pay a lump sum upfront.Follow the above steps and you will be well on your way to choosing the best type of car insurance for you needs. Good luck.
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Use a Fuel Cleaning SystemThere are chemicals such as RedEx that can help clean out the inside of your engine so that it works more efficiently. It clears out your carburettor and fuel system of nasty residue. It has a long-term effect as it helps to maintain the efficiency of your car. Some say that it needs to be done regularly to have any long-term benefit, but even putting it in your tank when you fill up will help extend the use of your fuel significantly, so you get an immediate benefit too.Have Your Car Serviced RoutinelyYou should be having it serviced at the intervals the owner’s manual suggests. It helps fix small issues that have a long-term effect on your car’s performance and its need for repairs. Also, be sure to check your tyre pressure at least once per month to be sure your pressures are at the right levels. Have routine partial and full services at brand named garage, so you know the work is getting done properly. It is the one sure way to make your car last longer.Newer cars do not need to warm up as longModern cars do not need as much warm up time, and long periods of idling may actually increase the rate of depreciation for your car. Unload the extra weight in your car, especially the things you have thrown in your boot and forgotten about.Wash your car regularlyThis includes cleaning the underside of your car. The various impurities that get onto your car and under your car will eventually take a toll on your paintwork. It does take a long time and a lot of driving before you notice the difference, but simply keeping your car clean is enough to stop your car looking old before its time.
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Your job titleAn article from www.telegraph.co.uk reported that ‘a careful choice of the words you use to describe your job could shave up to 25pc off your car insurance premiums.’ For example, a ‘fashion photographer’ gets a quote of £487 whereas a ‘photographer’ is quoted £360 by the same insurer. Similarly, an insurer can quote a ‘waiter’ with £597 while quoting a ‘café worker’ with £538. So the more impressive job titles can increase your premium irrespective of your driving ability and experience.Your driving historyDrivers with speeding tickets and a history of road accidents will pay higher premium rates than a driver that goes accident-free on the road for several years.The risk of theft to your carThe car model that is more attractive to thieves will have a higher insurance rate compared to a car model that is less likely to be stolen. If you can’t resist your car choice, installing anti-theft features to your car may reduce the increased rate.Where you liveYou pay a lower premium if you live in a rural area than if you live in a busy city where there is higher traffic and, therefore, a greater likelihood of motor accidents. Insurers also look at the theft risk in that area, too.Buy multiple insurance policies with the same insurerIf you buy two or more types of insurance policies with the same insurer, you will receive additional discounts – saving you money on your premiums.There are many other determining factors including your age, gender and how expensive your car is. All in all, car insurance pricing may not be as clear-cut as you expect it to be which is why premium rates differ so much from one policyholder to the next.
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Start small and build up your confidenceWe all have to start somewhere and car maintenance is no exception to this rule. There is no point risking further damage or putting anyone at risk by messing with something you don’t know about. Start small, with jobs you can research about easily online. Replacing windscreen wipers, bulbs and other perishable items as a starting point is a good idea. This gives you a chance to get to know where the obvious components are.Don’t be afraid to consider doing it yourselfThere is a wealth of information online. Watching tutorial videos online is a great way to assess how difficult, or not, a job is going to be. So when something comes up and before you run to a dealer or garage, just take a look and see if it’s worth a go. Tasks like changing oil, fuses, replacing an exhaust and the like may end up being much more within your ability range than you think.If it starts to go wrong, seek helpIf you have gone too far with a job and you find you are out of your depth, make safety a priority and get a professional to ensure that any damage caused is rectified to an appropriate standard. Don’t feel defeated if something like this happens, we all make mistakes and you shouldn’t be put off having a try ay any future tasks. Ther is a lot of money to be saved by trying these things out for yourself, so go ahead, give it a go.
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Car MoversOne of the most time-consuming problems within many garages is associated with accessing the hard-to-reach areas of a vehicle. Safety is likewise a very real concern. These are two of the primary reasons why professional car movers are excellent choices. They are able to support a great deal of weight and come in different sizes. Car movers are considered to be much more effective than traditional car jacks.Ratchet and Socket SetsThe ratchet is often called the “best friend” of the mechanic, and for good reason. These tools are highly adaptable and their sockets come in both standard and metric sizes. Thus, nearly any bolt can be removed quickly and with little effort. Extensions and even pneumatically powered models are other options to consider. Like most garage equipment, it is always best to take a look at online reviews to determine the top makes and models. Many such sets can last for years on end with no failure or mechanical problems.DollyA rolling dolly further aids in mobility when working on or underneath a vehicle. Dollies can also be used to transport heavy items that may be nearby such as a transmission or a tyre. Modern technology has allowed many models to be extremely durable and lightweight. Some even have electrical connections to power handheld lights and other devices. As comfort is a concern, those with padded headrests are recommended.Beam HoistsBeam hoists are perfectly suited for handling large loads which may not be able to be supported by traditional means. As their name suggests, they are normally mounted on an overhead metal beam. Many are electrically powered and these hoists can support varying loads (depending upon the required use). It is recommended that only trusted brand names be chosen, as they will offer the highest levels of safety. Finally, it is critical that the overhead beam is able to handle the intended stresses and loads.These are all essential tools for the automobile enthusiast. Through a one-off investment, years of functionality and safety can be enjoyed.
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Mechanical ImmobiliserMechanical immobilisers are very visible on cars and the sight alone of these devices is enough to deter many would be thieves. A steering wheel lock is the most common type of mechanical immobiliser and can be purchased for around £20. Other types of mechanical immobilisers include a tire lock, hood lock and gearstick lock. Mechanical immobilisers are a strong deterrent to thieves, however, they are not foolproof and it’s highly recommended that they are used along with another anti theft device.Electronic ImmobiliserLots of new cars come equipped with an electronic immobiliser. A transponder or microchip is built into the car key and sends a signal to the ignition and fuel pump when you start your car. Without this signal it’s impossible to start the car. An electronic immobiliser is an excellent way of preventing thieves from taking your car unless they get their hands on your keys. In this case an electronic immobiliser can be easily overcome.Car AlarmA car alarm is another very visible form of protection and, like the mechanical immobilisers, knowledge of its presence is enough to persuade many thieves to steer clear of your car. A basic car alarm can be installed on your vehicle for as little as £80. However, it may be worth your while spending a little extra on a more sophisticated alarm which will only go off when your car is genuinely broken into. Your neighbours will appreciate this too.Vehicle TrackingThis is the best form of anti theft protection available. A transmitter is hidden in your vehicle and, thanks to GPS technology, you can pinpoint the location of your car at any time. It’s extremely difficult to circumnavigate this device and even the most skilled car thieves will think twice about attempting to take ownership of your vehicle. Reports suggest that around 90 per cent of stolen cars boasting a tracking device are retrieved.Don’t forget to inform your insurance company of any anti theft protection you have installed on your car. You will often be able to benefit from a reduced premium for having the foresight to secure your car.
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