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Cheap Classic Car Insurance? Not On Your Life!
There can be a world of difference between ‘cheap’, and ‘inexpensive’, when it comes to classic car insurance – focus on the first, instead of the second, and you could be in for a world of pain. Although both words mean, ‘not high in price’ – a big positive, ‘cheap’, also speaks to the quality of a thing, but in a negative way. To avoid falling into the cheap classic car insurance trap, let’s look at seven ways to keep costs down without sacrificing the quality.
- Don’t include the names of every possible driver of your classic – the fewer drivers, the less perceived risk to the vehicle. If you need to add another driver, contact the insurance firm and add them to the policy, but only for the relevant dates.
- Negotiate your excess upwards – the higher your excess, the lower your premium. In the likely event that it is not you who is responsible for an accident, the party at fault will pay your excess.
- Estimate and agree to restrict the distance you will drive your car and save on premiums. If you find you need to exceed your agreed distance, contact the insurance company and make necessary changes.
- If risk of theft is a concern, have alarms, tracking devices, or engine immobilisers fitted to your car. Not only will such devices help save your car, but they will save you money on premiums.
- Instead of obtaining the usual three quotes, take advantage of the ease of obtaining quotes online and get six or more. Statistically, the more quotes you get, the more likely that you will get a better deal.
- Seek out insurance firms that do not penalise your rights to their no-claims bonus even in the event that it is you who is at fault in an accident. Although you may have to pay slightly more for this protection, the potential savings in premiums from no-claim bonuses are worth the little extra.
- Ensure you cover your classic according to its true value. You can value your classic by referring to a reliable industry price guide which will provide a range of values according to a car’s condition. Set a fixed value for your car by determining its condition using an industry Condition Rating System.
If you are looking for classic car insurance, check out this site – http://www.classic-car-insurance.co.uk for some pretty good deals.
Types of Motor Fleet Insurance
Car fleet insurance
To qualify for car fleet insurance, there needs to be a minimum of three cars to insure. If there are less than three, then individual car insurance applies, which is a far more costly experience. If you are a commercial enterprise looking for fleet insurance, it is better to employ drivers who are older, as the car fleet insurance package then becomes less expensive.
Defining the age group
Licenced drivers over thirty
Licenced drivers between twenty-five and thirty
Licenced drivers between twenty-one and twenty-five
The employment of the older drivers is will actually you money, as the cost of your fleet insurance structure will ensure that you have a far larger discount.
With expensive cars such as limousines, or sports type cars, if your insurance company is aware that you will only use older drivers for them, this will be eligible for a further saving on your car fleet insurance premium.
Defining the cover
Fully comprehensive
Third Party
Third party, fire and theft
There are further extensions to policies available, such as
Breakdown cover
Windscreen cover
Courtesy cars
Legal expenses insurances
Haulage Fleet Insurance
It is essential when taking out haulage fleet insurance to make sure that you have included every possibility. At the same time, you want the policy to be cost effective. Like other policies, haulage fleet insurance policies are flexible, but with a premium paid for them. If the majority of the business is for driving in the UK, a discount becomes applicable, applied as well to include drivers requiring annual foreign use to Europe.
The usual haulage insurance policy however, does not include goods in transit cover. This is an entirely separate policy for taking out. With many of the haulage insurance policies, there is a compulsory excess of 500.
The same as other motor insurances, there is the equivalent fleet saving of a no claim bonus. Savings on previous haulage fleet insurance no claim ranges from 20% up to 60%, meaning that there is the potential for great savings for a proven record of claim free driving.
Fleet insurance is available from blueangeltech
Why does a carpenter need Public Liability Insurance?
Being a tradesperson, such as a carpenter, may have the distinct advantage of being able to open a small sole-proprietor business for themselves, without super exorbitant overheads or start up costs, or even terribly high running costs, once you have purchased the equipment or tools required to run the business.
One of the distinct disadvantages of being a carpenter, could be, that being a tradesperson, you are highly skilled and more than likely to be creative and enjoy your work so much, that it could be so easy to forget about the boring things, such as public liability insurance.
Before you turn your nose up at the idea and think the cost of public liability insurance is not a worthwhile investment, realise that one small accident, mistake, negligent behaviour from you, your staff or your client could mean that you will be financially liable for large sums of money and could result in having to close your doors for good, with large bills to pay.
Not only that, being a carpenter, you will have a substantial amount of very pricey tools and equipment, and if something should get stolen or break, this has the potential to slow down the amount of work you could take, or even have you closing until the necessary things have been replaced, and if you are not insured, you will have to take cash out of the business to cover this, and without work, well it ends up being a vicious cycle. The cost of public liability insurance is small when weighed up against these potential damages.
There are risks involved in this kind of work, especially if you are working in offices, businesses or peoples homes every day. You will need to know that you are covered for yourself, your staff, your clients and your business, and that the required protection plans are in place, ensuring peace of mind and making accommodations for when the unexpected in life happens.
But because your needs as a tradesperson or carpenter are specific, it may not be advisable to go with any old company, you will need to streamline your policy to ensure that it takes the necessary precautions associated with your particular line of work.
Premiums for public liability insurance now dont seem such a bad idea.
Brought to you by Specialist Risks. Why not visit us to get Public Liability Insurance quotes from a range of top providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving a Minibus
Minibuses are large, passenger carrying vehicles. Because of this extra responsibility the driving regulations regarding licensing, servicing and minibus insurance are a lot stricter than a normal car.
This article is a guide to the frequently asked questions about driving a minibus.
What is a minibus?
The classification for a minibus is a vehicle that has between 9 to 16 passenger seats. With more than16 passenger seats the vehicle is classed as a coach.
What is a Section 19 Minibus Permit?
If a minibus is being driven for hire or reward then a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence is required. Certain organisations such as volunteer groups, whose activities are beneficial to a community, can apply for a Section 19 Permit. This allows a small charge to be made to cover the vehicles operating costs without the need of a PCV licence.
A driver of a Section 19 permit minibus can either be a volunteer or be paid. If the minibus is being used as a non-profit bus service a Section 22 permit can be applied for. However with this permit the driver must be a unpaid volunteer.
Minibuses used by schools and educational establishment that do not charge their pupils do not normally require a Section 19 permit.
Section 19 permits are only valid within the UK.
Do minibus passengers have to wear seatbelts?
Seatbelts requirements for minibuses vary according to the age of the vehicle, passenger carrying capacity, type of passengers (i.e children or wheelchair users) and type of seat fitted. A general rule is that if a minibus is fitted with seatbelts then they must be worn.
It is compulsory for a minibus driver to wear a seatbelt.
What are the Driving Licence requirements for a minibus?
Driving licences issued after the 1st January 1997 require a category D1 classification, which can be obtained by applying to the DVLA and passing a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test.
There are exemptions to this regulation that will allow a minibus to be driven with a full category B (car) licence, but the following conditions need to be met:
1. The minibus is used for a social purpose but not for hire and reward.
2. You must be over 21 and have held your Category B license for more than 2 years. If you are over 70 then you are required to meet the health standards for driving a D1 vehicle.
3. No payment can be accepted for driving the minibus.
4. The minibus cannot weigh more than 3.5 tonnes or 4.25 tonnes with special equipment for carrying disabled passengers.
5. Towing a trailer of any size is prohibited.
6. The minibus can only be driven in the UK. Driving in Europe will require a D1 licence.
What are the speed limits for driving a minibus?
Speed limits for a minibus on UK roads are:
30 mph in urban and residential areas
50 mph on A class (single-carriageway) roads
60 mph on dual-carriageway roads
70 mph on motorways
If the minibus is towing a trailer the speed limit on motorways is reduced to 60 mph and the fast lane cannot be used for overtaking.
Minibuses registered after 1st January 2005 must now be fitted for with a speed limiter, restricting their maximum speed to 62 mph.
What are the regulations for driving a minibus in Europe?
A ‘waybill’ or an ‘own account certificate’ must be carried regardless of whether the minibus is being used for hire or reward. The MinibusClub.co.uk has more information about these documents.
Other documents that need to accompany the vehicle include a minibus insurance certificate, European accident form and Vehicle Registration document. A specialist minibus insurance provider will be able to advise whether a Green Card is also needed.
When driving in Europe a GB sticker or EU style GB sticker must be prominently displayed on the minibus at all times.
More information about minibus driving regulations can be obtained from the Directgov website or the Minibus Club.
Three Ways to Prevent Accidents When Driving a Minibus
Nobody wants to be involved in a traffic accident, especially when you could be transporting up to 16 other people in a minibus.
This article identifies three ways of minimising the chance of an accident and therefore saving you money on your minibus insurance by reducing the need for making claims.
1. Be aware of other road users.
This may seem obvious but surprisingly this advice is often overlooked. Many road users are not as responsible as we would like them to be. For instance some drivers still feel the need to use their mobile telephone even though it is now against the law. If you are following a driver using a mobile phone give them extra space as there is a higher risk their actions may cause an accident.
If a motorist is driving to close to the back of your minibus don’t react aggressively to their poor judgement. It is easy to get wound up by tailgating but if you can take a deep breath, stay calm and let the vehicle pass, your chances of being involved in an accident are greatly reduced.
2. Driver Training
The Community Transport Association (CTA) is the lead UK body for voluntary and community transport. They oversee two minibus driver training schemes, MiDAS and CommunityDriver, which are recognised by the majority of insurance providers.
MiDAS (Minibus Driver Training Scheme) covers all areas of driving a minibus safely. It is suitable for an individual or for companies that operate a fleet of vehicles. The test helps to increase a driver’s confidence and passenger safety is improved.
The CommunityDriver scheme helps a minibus driver obtain a D1 licence. This is now required for all driving licences issued after 1st January 1997. To obtain a D1 licence a driver must pass a theory test, a hazard perception test and then undertake a full medical. The CommunityDriver scheme provides all that is needed to obtain the licence, including locally based trainers and learning materials. Tests are arranged at convenient locations for the driver.
Driver training will greatly reduce the risk of an accident. And evidence of such training may result in a discount on your minibus insurance.
3. Passenger Awareness
Transporting passengers is the main reason for driving a minibus. But in many instances their behaviour can be the cause of an accident.
Don’t start chatting with any of the passengers. If a passenger comes up to the front of the minibus and tries to engage you in conversation, remind him or her that there is a safety issue.
Try to keep all passengers in their seats at all times. If passengers are moving about, or if there are more at one side of the vehicle than at the other, it can cause instability.
Ask passengers to fasten their seat belts. It is now law for seat belts to be used at all times by the driver and passengers. Children below 135cm in height need to wear a child restraint in addition to a seat belt.
If your minibus is fitted with a microphone do not use it while the vehicle is moving, unless in an emergency. It may seem perfectly normal to point out places of interest to your passengers but it will be a distraction that could cause an accident.
And don’t allow passengers to drink alcohol on a minibus. Alcohol is actually illegal on buses going to and from sporting fixtures.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident then the best advice is to stay calm. Losing your temper, however angry you may feel, will not help an already difficult situation. By taking a controlled approach to the situation you will help ensure your passengers’ safety. And be sure to collect as much information at the scene as possible. It may help resolve any legal or minibus insurance issues that may follow.
Minibus Driving Advice- Accidents and Minibus Insurance
Whether it is your own minibus or a hire vehicle it is useful to know what to do in the event of an accident. A claim on your minibus insurance is the usual outcome after an accident. This article outlines the information that needs to be gathered at the scene to prevent any dispute.
As a minibus driver the first consideration after an accident is to make the scene as safe as possible.
1. Switch your minibus hazard lights on. Use a warning triangle if available. Take great care when placing the triangle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle. Warning triangles should never be used on the motorway.
2. Assess your passengers. If any are injured do not move them unless there is an immediate risk from other vehicles or fire. If the minibus must be vacated move the passengers to a safe location as far from the vehicle as possible. Be aware of approaching traffic when exiting the minibus.
3. If needed call the emergency services immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about the accident scene and any injured passengers. As the minibus driver you will be required to stay at the scene until they arrive.
4. Any injuries should be reported to the Police. Try to keep details of all vehicles and people involved in the accident.
5. If the accident is minor or does not involve other people, check there are no injuries to your passengers and your minibus is roadworthy before continuing with your journey.
When an accident is serious enough that an insurance claim may follow do not admit liability at the scene. As rude as it may seem, do not apologise. This can be interpreted as admitting liability. And do not offer any payment.
The law requires you to give any person who is affected by the accident your details. These should include your name, contact number and the name of you insurance provider. A specialist minibus insurance provider such as The Minibus Club will be able to advise you about this.
It is very important to record all details of an accident. Information should include:
1. Vehicles involved
Record the types of vehicles and their registration number. Obtain the details of the other people involved in the accident including their name, address, contact number, insurance details and policy number.
2. Accident scene
Include details about the weather, visibility and road condition. Estimate the speed of the vehicles prior to the accident. Record the location of the accident, the date and the time. If the police attend the scene then ask for an incident number.
3. Details of Witness
Ask for the name and contact details of any people who witnessed the accident.
The best advice if involved in an accident is to stay calm. Losing your temper, however angry you may feel, will not help an already difficult situation. As a minibus driver your first responsibility is to your passengers and their safety. By taking a controlled approach to the situation will prevent putting others at further risk. The details gathered at the scene of the accident will be valuable information for resolving any legal or minibus insurance issues that may follow.
Minibus Insurance Advice For Driving to a European Ski Resort
If you’re planning a trip to a popular ski resort in Europe with friends or family, why not travel together in a minibus.
It can be better value for money if everyone chips in to hire a minibus rather than paying individually for air fares or train tickets. Costs like minibus insurance, fuel and ferry fares can be shared and it will add up to a lot less for each person than most other forms of travel. Not only this, it’s also great fun. Driving through Europe with friends and family becomes a real adventure. Unlike travelling by air or rail, you’ll be able to really experience the countries you pass through. And it will become a holiday in itself even before the skiing starts!
This article is a brief guide to things you need to know about minibus insurance if you’re planning to drive to Europe in a minibus.
Don’t get confused between minibuses and people carriers. A minibus is defined as a vehicle that can carry at least seven seated passengers, but not more than sixteen. If the vehicle has more than sixteen seats then you’re driving a bus!
If you’re travelling with friends and family there are obviously no fare paying passengers. Remember to tell your minibus insurance provider this as the journey will be classed as private and non-commercial. This makes a difference when your premium is calculated.
There are a number of essential documents, as well as the minibus insurance certificate, that the driver must carry when driving from the UK to a European destination. If you’re travelling only within the European Union member states and the ASOR European Union signatory states, which includes Turkey, Norway and Switzerland, you’ll need a “waybill” that acts as a “control document”.
A Green Card, while not necessarily essential for the trip, will serve in the EU as recognised proof of your valid minibus insurance. It will also make any claims that may arise much easier to deal with. Remember that every country has its own local driving laws that you should be aware of. Your minibus insurance will depend on all local laws being observed.
For international journeys originating in the UK, the minibus insurance will depend on the driver complying with EU drivers’ hours whether or not the driver is being paid. This means that a properly calibrated tachograph needs to be fitted to the minibus. Insurance claims are not likely to be honoured if the proper drivers’ hours are not closely observed.
It is important to carry all the documentation required for the journey. The “waybill” has already been mentioned. If the minibus is owned by a member of the group and not hired, then an Own Account Certificate (OAC) is required. The vehicle registration document should also be carried along with a European accident form. Remember that the minibus will need to have a prominent GB sticker displayed.
Using a minibus to drive to a European ski resort from the UK is simple, cost-effective and fun for all concerned. However, for minibus insurance purposes, it is essential that you comply with the local laws and carry the correct documentation at all times.