1. Listen to and follow official advice when possible. If officials say: ‘Do not drive unless necessary’ please think before deciding to drive your car.
2. Keep emergency items such as food, water, blankets, torch and spade in your car in case you become stuck or stranded.
3. Turn your lights on when driving night and day so that other drivers can see you better should visibility deteriorate.
4. Tell family members or a friend where you are going and your intended route, should you not arrive or need assistance on the way.
5. Clear all snow off your car, especially the windows. Clear the snow off your roof and bonnet because during movement it could impair your vision.
6. The time it takes to stop when applying the brake is ten times longer in the snow and ice, so please be aware and slow down, leaving plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front of you.
7. Try to maintain a constant speed and avoid changing gear, particularly when driving up or down hill.
8. Even though roads are treated, drive with care and apply brakes gently.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

It has been reported that car insurance rose more in 2009 than at any other time in the past 15 years. According to AA Insurance Service, prices increased by 14 per cent over the last 12 months.
Ian Crowder, a spokesman for the firm, noted that premiums have continued to rise during the recession, regardless of the competition in the insurance market.
“Because of the recession, motor insurers have seen investment returns falling and have been digging into ever-diminishing reserves to meet claims.” He added, “At the same time the cost of claims has been rising – at one stage the industry was, on average, paying out 110p in claims for every 100p taken in premiums – a situation that is clearly unsustainable.”
Profession services from Deloitte noted last month that most of the motor insurance providers have made losses during the recession.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

According to Sainsbury’s Car Insurance, nearly half a million people have driven on UK roads in the past year without car insurance and honest, law abiding motorists are footing the bill.

The firm claims that motorists with insurance policies are paying an extra £500 million to cover the cost of accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
Ben Tyte, spokesman for Sainsbury’s Car Insurance, told the Ayrshire Post that many people have simply cut back their insurance coverage due to the recession. He stated, “Those that do are breaking the law and are a real menace on our roads. They cost honest motorists an extra £30 a year in premiums.”

Mr. Tyte concluded that greater use of automatic number plate recognition technology was helping police catch more uninsured drivers, something which could have a positive impact.

Adrian Flux Insurance services said that consumers should shop around before renewing their policy, if they are looking to save money on their motor insurance.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

Weather conditions this winter will be a serious concern for about 48% of motorists, according to a new study.

Saga Motor Insurance states driving in snow and ice is the biggest fear for 39% of drivers, while heavy rain is the biggest fear for 25%.

Another 32% fear being on the roads in foggy conditions, with the over 50 most concerned about fog.
They also report that 17% of motorists will be staying home or using public transport during bad weather.
One-fourth of the women will choose to drive less during the winter, compared to 8% of the men, according to this new study.

Executive chairman at Saga Group, Andrew Goodsell said that from a car insurance perspective, the older drivers are safer drivers.

He added: “In the winter, their ability to adapt their driving to the conditions means that they are even less likely than at other times of the year to have an accident than younger more carefree motorists. We urge all drivers to check the weather forecast before they venture out, and if they are at all worried, to use alternative means of transport.”

The Transport Research Laboratory earlier last week warned that more drivers are using mobile phones behind the wheel, increasing their risk of having an accident.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

According to the Transport Research Laboratory, despite tougher penalties, using mobile phones behind the wheel is on the increase. In 2009 2.8 per cent of motorists used phones behind the wheel, compared to 2.6 per cent in 2006.

With increase phone use while driving linked to a rise in the number of accidents, this could be bad news. The more insurance companies are forced to pay out over such incidents, the higher premiums are likely to go.

AA president, Edmund King, commented on the risks and told the BBC more police and publicity campaigns are needed to highlight the issue. He stated: “If you think back to seat-belt wearing, ‘clunk, click, every trip’ and the Jimmy Savile stuff way back, it gradually had an effect, but it does take time.”

Adrian Flux Insurance Services suggested that drivers may be able to reduce their insurance premiums by passing the Pass Plus driving test.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.

Motorists all over England are cutting back on their driving when they can. With less cash than ever, they are looking to downsize their vehicles and reduce the number of cars in the family.

Although the average cost of motoring has fallen by about 5%, and despite lower fuel costs, most car owners questioned by the RAC believe the price for running their car has risen. Of those questioned, 28% are using their car less and 6% have downsized to a smaller car for reducing fuel costs. Some motorists are cutting back and downsizing due to concerns for the environment and the government scrappage scheme.

According to Adrian Tink, Motoring Strategist for the RAC, motorists are really questioning how they use their cars and this shows people are really ready to make important lifestyle changes for their families and to save money. Still, some people are unable to do this because of difficulties with public transporation, family needs and lack of alternatives.

At the same time VAT was reduced by 2.5%, government fuel duty was raised by 2p per litre. It is likely fuel duty will not be reduced when the VAT rises back to its old levels and this will make motoring even more costly next year.

©2012 MoneyBlog. All Rights Reserved.