What to look for in your taxi insurance

Taxi drivers don’t always have it easy. This is especially so in the case of insurance as taxi drivers pay higher rates than private drivers.

Of course, this is something that’s perfectly understandable. A professional driver of any sort will drive longer and further distances than most private owners. In addition, they often have larger five door autos – larger than the average.

However, in a professional setting having the best sort of insurance is a necessity and you need to have that peace of mind, should anything go wrong. The big balance is finding decent cover and still not having to pay large sums of cash for it.

The Split

Taxi insurance is most often divided into two different sorts of insurance. Public hire insurance allows the driver to pick up an individual from the street without a prior booking. These forms of taxis are also known as hackney carriages – the black taxi of London, or the checkered cab in New York fit this billing.

Private hire insurance allows for only prearranged fares to be set out. This does not allow the driver to pick up a street fare.

Insurers often offer a variety of these sorts of insurances and these vary. Everything from minibus taxis, to London Taxis to black cabs are covered by a range of policies. These policies are seldom if ever open drive and most drivers will need to drive the specific taxi their insurance is registered to.

Fleet Policy

The taxi policy a company has will dictate the number of people who can be taken in that car. They will also limit the number of passengers that can be taken in the auto.

Comprehensive

The usual range of insurance kinds is also available to taxi owners. So, they can decide on whether they wish to insure comprehensively, for third party, fire and theft or just for third party. Of course, because taxis are often livelihoods, comprehensive insurance is often best suited and covers all eventualities.

Cover

You should also ensure that there is a third party public liability cover on your vehicle. This will insure you against any claims made by members of the public who are taken in your taxi. Mileage limits are also worth noting and your insurance may be invalidated if you exceed them.

Like most other forms of auto insurance, the age limit also matters and those under 25 will pay a premium as they are deemed statistically a larger risk than those over that age.

Insurance

Sharing a vehicle also often makes for a higher premium too. Here you can choose any driver cover. This will raise the insurance cost, but covers the car with anyone behind the wheel.

Look into whether or not you can transfer a no claims bonus from your current private policy to your taxi insurance.

A lot of taxi insurance companies will also cover the cab or taxi for personal use, however ensure you check your local area or authority to ensure this is the case.

Finally, check to see if breakdown cover is included and to what degree. This can be invaluable if you need a replacement car, especially because the auto is your livelihood. If your taxi is on contract hire or under car leasing then the company who do so may be able to provide this service to you.

Finding the best taxi insurance is something that takes a number of considerations but with a little research can really pay off

Extended car warranty

No-one likes the shock of receiving a hefty repair bill – and these days the costs can be astronomical because cars are so complicated that many tasks are way beyond the skill level of most owners and must to be left to the experts. Many repairs involve replacing whole units rather than the part in question.

This can result in eye-watering repair bills when you combine the costs of the parts required and labour costs of the qualified mechanic at your garage tasked with fitting them to your pride and joy. However, there is a possible solution: an extended car warranty. Effectively this is an insurance policy to cover the cost of repairing mechanical or electrical faults.

It can be purchased either via the manufacturer after the original warranty expires or from an independent extended car warranty company. The nature of these policies varies, but they generally extend the cover by 12 months with an option to extend it further. The benefits are clear: in exchange for paying a set premium you will have the peace of mind that you will be financially protected in the event of a sudden or expensive breakdown.

At their most simplistic, policies will cover basic issues to do with the engine and transmission system. However, warranties can be as comprehensive as you like, with premiums being adjusted accordingly.

So do you need one?

The arguments in favour of warranties are clear but that still doesn't automatically mean you should take one out. There are a whole host of issues you must think about before starting your search otherwise you may be buying something that's totally unsuitable. First you must consider you car's value and the cost of average repair bills for that particular marquee. Some key jobs for example may be particularly expensive due to the design of certain cars or the prices charged by manufacturers for various parts. If you own a vehicle likely to suffer expensive breakdowns such as a performance car then it becomes an increasing incentive to take out a policy to extend the warranty.

You should also think about your car. How likely is it to breakdown? Of course this is impossible to answer accurately but a car that's been driven hard for thousands of miles may have more issues than one which has had a far easier life. Have you got a spare cash in the bank? You may decide to gamble by not taking out a policy and covering the cost of any subsequent repair bills with your savings. These rainy day funds will also be earning interest for as long as they are not needed.

Finding out what’s available

Extended car warranty

You will need to do your homework to establish what types of warranties are available for your car and particular needs. Obviously the cost will be an influential factor. If, for example, the warranty costs more than the car is worth then it's hardly going to be worth taking out. The best advice is to shop around. Find out, who other people have used, talk to independent garages that can give you an inside track, and establish the experiences of people that have made claims in the past. Premiums will be based on variety of factors, including the type of car, the size of the engine, and how many miles you travel in an average year as well as the level of coverage.

You will also need to check the small print and any terms and conditions carefully so you understand exactly what is covered by the policy and what is excluded especially if you have a sports or prestige vehicle. Some warranty providers, for example, will only pay a capped sum towards the repairs.

Does the warranty company follow the Association of British Insurer's (ABI) "Voluntary Good Practice Guide for Extended Warranties"? Ask if the warranty is insured, giving you rights to the Financial Ombudsman Service in the event of a dispute? An uninsured policy will not give you any of these rights and you are at the mercy of the warranty provider. An important point to check with any financial service including warranties is, are they FCA regulated?

European car insurance guides

Britain is well integrated with Europe these days, but that doesn’t mean driving on the continent is as straightforward as booking your car on the next cross-channel ferry. You probably need to do a bit of preparation to make sure you’re fully insured for your trip – and it’s also a good idea to get to grips with foreign rules of the road to make sure you don’t fall foul of any differences in the law.

Check that your insurance covers you in the EU, you may have to speak to you insurance compant directly should you need to change or cancel your insurance policy.  

Extending your insurance

Under European law, your insurer should automatically extend your cover when you’re driving anywhere in the EU. The bad news is that this cover is likely only to be the bare minimum, ie. third-party insurance. This covers other road users against damage you may cause to them or their vehicles, but it doesn’t insure your own car.

The only way you can make a claim with third-party cover is if an accident is someone else’s fault – and you can prove it. Otherwise, you’ll have to foot the bill for any repairs to your own vehicle, as well as your own medical treatment if necessary. Most people who have comprehensive policies in the UK will be keen to have this higher level of protection extended to any European trips. Most insurers will happily do this: some include continental cover in their policies as standard, while with other firms you’ll have to pay a fee, although this should not be very expensive.

Before you go

In either case, you should inform your insurer of your plans to travel and tell them how long you will be away. Policies which allow you to extend cover at no extra cost may have a limit for the number of days per year you can be fully insured while in Europe. They may also stipulate that you inform your provider every time you plan to travel. If you have to pay extra to extend your comprehensive cover, the amount will depend on the length of your trip.

Your insurer will issue you with a green card – a motor insurance certificate that is valid in the EU. Green cards used to be a legal requirement, and while this is no longer the case, taking one will make it easier if you need to make a claim or exchange details with another road user or the local police.

Extra protection

It may also be worth taking out insurance against any mechanical problems your vehicle might suffer. The consequences of suffering a breakdown while you’re overseas could be severe: if you can’t get moving again quickly, it could mean you miss out on some of your holiday. And the cost of bringing a car back to the UK for repairs is likely to be very high. If you already have breakdown cover in the UK, it is unlikely to extend to Europe unless you specifically requested that at the time of purchase.

Your breakdown insurer may allow you to extend protection for the duration of your trip for an extra fee, or you could take out cover solely for your holiday. Compare the cost of signing up for a year-long European breakdown policy with the price for a couple of weeks, or however long you’re planning to be away for. If there’s a chance you could head to the Continent again in the near future, a year-round policy could prove more economical than buying insurance twice.

Other checks to make

Before heading off on a long trip is a good time to have your car serviced. At the very least, you should check oil, water and tyre pressure. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the driving rules wherever you are headed. Speed limits vary from country to country – and you shouldn’t expect speed limit signs always to be available to help you out. And drink-driving limits can be stricter than in the UK. If in doubt, the best policy is to avoid alcohol altogether.

The equipment you need to have in your car can also vary. Some countries make it a legal requirement to carry a warning triangle and high-visibility jacket in case you break down. If you don’t have a new-style EU licence plate (which shows which member state the vehicle was registered in) you should also have a GB sticker attached. If you don’t, you could face an on-the-spot fine. Check also that your headlights don’t dazzle drivers coming towards you on the left. You may need to buy a headlight-converter kit if they do.

If your vehicle is originally from the EU zone or beyond, you be required to alert your insurance comapny, as this may be classed as an imported vehicle.

Driving down the cost of car insurance

How to keep the cost of car insurance to a minimum

How to riving down the cost of car insurance

At Confused.com we strive to find the some of the best cheap car insurance deals on the internet. We go to UK car insurance providers directly, and several of these providers also have their own insurance partners, so customer details are also entered with them to return even more quotes. We have saved hundreds of thousands of motorists money since 2002, and have devised this guide to help you find high quality, cheap car insurance.

How cheap your car insurance is depends on a number of factors:

• What car you drive
• What security you have
• Who owns and drives your vehicle
• How you use your car
• The type of cover you choose

What car you drive

Small cars mean cheap car insurance

Your car's value, type and engine size all make a difference to your premium. Generally, the smaller the car, the lower the cost and therefore the lower the premium. In short, a smaller car means cheaper car insurance quotes.

Ways to qualify for cheaper car insurance:

• Choose a car you can afford to run - the higher the car insurance group, the higher the premium.
• Make sure the car is fitted with up-to-date security systems.
• Be clear on who owns and drives your vehicle.
• Tell your insurance provider how you use your car.
• Get the type of cover and the mileage correct when filling in your details.
• The higher the voluntary excess, the lower the premium is likely to be.

Driving down the cost of car insurance

Is the car an import?

Cars that have been imported privately attract higher premiums as parts can often be harder to find and are therefore more expensive. If you do buy an imported car, you stand more chance of getting cheap car insurance if it is a UK-specification model.

What security you have

Enhanced security means cheaper car insurance

Enhanced security on a car such as an alarm, an immobiliser or a tracker means it is less likely to be stolen or broken into - this means UK insurance providers are more likely to offer you a cheaper car insurance quote.

Alarms, immobilisers and trackers can all help you to get cheap car insurance cover:

Alarms

Fitting a car alarm is a good way to qualify for a cheap car insurance premium. Car alarms are a good criminal deterrent to protect your car and valuables like your stereo. Once activated, the alarm will sound if the car is jolted heavily, if the doors are opened or the windows are smashed. The latest alarms also come with a pager to alert you if they are activated.

Immobilisers

An immobiliser is an electronic device which prevents a car from being started until it has been deactivated. Although this won't stop a car from being broken into, it may stop it from being stolen.

Trackers

If your car is stolen, it has a better chance of being recovered if you have fitted a tracker device. Trackers are a great way to get cheap car insurance. If your car is in the UK, the police can recover it by following the tracker signal back to its source.
How to tell what sort of alarm, immobiliser or tracker system is fitted to your car

Most newer cars (those built after 1997) are fitted with an alarm and immobiliser as standard. Manufacturers will have given this information to insurers to help them provide accurate car insurance quotes.

If your car is older, you will need to find out the make and model of your alarm in order to get a quote. You should have the details with the car's paperwork. Trackers are mostly fitted by owners as an extra and don't often come as standard.

Who owns and drives your vehicle

The difference between owners and registered keepers

When shopping for cheap car insurance, quotes can be higher if the owner of a vehicle is not the same person as the registered keeper. For example, if you drive a company car or if you own the car but your children drive it. This is particularly important when looking for a quote online as most internet quotations require the owner and registered keeper to be the same person (or partners).

How you use your car

It is important to tell your insurer how you use your car. If you give the wrong use, for example, say you only use you car for commuting and then have an accident while on the way to a business meeting, the insurer will not pay out. Car insurance firms will let you add business use when you need it for a small fee.

Types of use

When compiling cheap car insurance quotes, brokers rate your car under one of four categories of use. Cars which only have social, domestic or pleasure-related uses tend to qualify for cheap car insurance as the more the car is used, the higher the premium will be.

Social, domestic and pleasure

This covers drivers for normal day-to-day driving, such as a visit to family, friends or to go shopping.

Commuting

This covers a drive to and from the normal place of work and includes travelling and parking at a railway station.

Business use

This covers using your car in connection with your job, such as driving to different sites away from your place of work.

Commercial travelling

This covers the car to be used for such things as door-to-door sales.

The type of cover you choose

It is important you buy the right type of cover for your needs, otherwise the insurance provider might not pay out if you need to make a claim. The different types of cover include:

Third party

Third party insurance covers any claim by third parties but does not cover damage to your car. This is good budget car insurance but you will have to pay to repair your car yourself.

Third party, fire and theft

Third party, fire and theft covers fire and theft of the car and any claim by third parties.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive car insurance covers accidental damage to the vehicle in addition to fire and theft and any claim by third parties. It is more expensive than budget car insurance covering only third parties.

Other tips

Use your voluntary excess to lower your premiums

The excess is the first part of a claim that is paid by you. You can get your money back if the claim is deemed 'non-fault' by your insurer. By increasing the amount you will pay in voluntary excess, you can lower your premiums.

Keep your car safe overnight

Leaving your car parked in a driveway or garage is sometimes deemed to be safer than leaving it on the roadside and this could also help to lower your premiums.

Drink driving - what you need to know

Have you ever said you’re dying for a drink? It’s a harmless phrase, but every year hundreds of people literally do just that – thanks to drunk drivers. In 2008, nearly 400 people were killed as a result of drink-driving, and another 11,000 were injured. One in all six deaths on the road involve drivers over the legal limit, and the biggest offenders are young men between 17 and 29 years old.

Drink driving

Yet plenty of sensible, law-abiding people step behind the wheel of their car after having a glass or two, crossing their fingers and hoping they are still under the limit. Get it wrong, and you could pay a hefty penalty, in terms of a fine, a ban or even a jail sentence – not to mention difficulty in getting car insurance when you are able to drive again.

Confused.com can help you get insurance after a drink-driving ban – but the cost of cover will inevitably be much higher.

So what are the rules?

Know your alcohol limits

Here’s the science bit. You are over the drink drive limit if you have 80 milligrams of alcohol in your body for every 100 millilitres of blood. That means 0.08 per cent of your blood is alcohol. You’re also over the limit if you have 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

That isn’t much help if you’re standing at the bar wondering whether you can have a cheeky half pint or small glass of wine for the road. So what does it mean in practice?

As a general rule, two pints of regular strength beer or lager will just tip you over the drink-drive limit, as will two small glasses of wine. The problem is that everybody is different, and your weight, sex, how much you’ve eaten and your metabolism will all determine whether you can legally drive.

Try our alcohol units calculator to work out what drinks are likely to push you over the limit.

Drink driving - what you need to know

Assess your alcohol levels before driving

One or two pubs keep breathalyser kits behind the bar, which should give you a much more accurate measure of whether you are safe to drive, or you can even buy your own. The cheapest cost less than a tenner. They might also be handy to check whether you are still over the limit the following morning - plenty of people lose their licence following a session the night before.

That doesn’t mean you should drink right up to the limit then hop into your car. A single alcoholic drink triples your risk of dying in a vehicle crash, according to recent research, by reducing your reaction times and motor skills. Once you have hit the legal drinking limit, the risk rises eight times. The most sensible way to drive is alcohol-free.

Get home safely

You can take turns with your mates to stay sober, take the bus or train, or order a taxi. You’ll feel a lot less guilty and enjoy yourself more as well. If you’ve had a few too many and are wondering how to get home, check whether there is a Scooterman in your area, a personal chauffeur who will drive your car home with his scooter sealed in a bag in your boot. There are plenty of other services, such as Onefortheroad.org.uk, especially in bigger cities.

The consequences of drink-driving

The punishment for drink-driving is severe. You’ll be banned from driving for a minimum of 12 months, or three years if you have a drink-driving conviction in the past 10 years. You could even spend up to six months in prison, or have to scrub graffiti or pick up litter as part of a community order. The maximum fine is £5,000. You might also lose your job, and had better hope that somebody is happy to ferry you around if you can’t drive yourself. Even when you can drive again, you will have to pay a lot more for your car insurance for many years to come.

British drink-driving laws are among the most liberal in Europe, but they may get tougher in future. The government has been considering cutting the legal drinking limit to 50mg per 100ml of blood. Deaths from drink-driving deaths in the UK recently hit their lowest recorded level, down to one-quarter of the 1,640 killed in 1979. But it still kills 380 people every year

Or-carinsurance.blogspot.com guide to driving in Thailand

Driving in Thailand is generally both straightforward and safe and a great way to get off the regular tourist trail to explore more hidden corners of the country.

guide to driving in Thailand

Under your own steam, you’ll have the opportunity to experience wonderful Thai culture up close and stop off at many points of interest throughout the kingdom.

The road system is quite good and is well signposted, with traffic signs, warning signs and regulatory signs in both Thai and English.

Much of the main north-south route is dual carriageway, which makes it possible to cover long distances in relatively quick time.

Driving on open roads at night is not recommend however due to the large amounts of heavy goods vehicles.

speed limit in Thailand

Truck drivers in particular have gained a reputation for not respecting car users, while motorbikes also pose a particular hazard as they are at times ridden into oncoming traffic.

Staying on the right side of the road

There are many car, motorbike, and jeep rental firms, including many international firms, in Bangkok and throughout Thailand.

While it is legal to drive in Thailand with a valid licence from most countries, it’s worth noting that most will not give you a car or provide insurance without an international driver’s licence.

This licence and a valid passport must be carried at all times while driving.

In Thailand the legal limit for drinking and driving is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In UK the limit is 80mg.

Star drive

A Golden Triangle tour is high on most visitors’ wish lists.

Depart Chiang Mai and head for Chiang Rai.

Along the way see the orchid farms and waterfalls of the Mae Saa Valley, visit the Chiang Dao Cave and elephant camp, and go sightseeing in Doi Mae Salong.

You can also visit hill tribe villages and see the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom, Chiang Saen, located on the Mekong river border between Thailand and Laos.

After experiencing Chiang Rai’s Wat Phra Kaeo, make your way toward Lampang.

In Lampang discover Burmese style temples and pagodas.

On your way back to Chiang Mai, stop in at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang to see the only other emerald Buddha in Thailand beside the one in Bangkok.

Laws of the land

• Seat belts are mandatory for those travelling in front seats.
• In Thailand vehicles drive on the left.
• Helmets are required for motorbike riders.

Thailand speed limits

Most communities have speed limits in place, but motorists seldom obey these.

Thailand speed limits
Road type	Speed limit
Towns	60 kmh
Highways	90-100 kmh
Motorway	120 kmh

Local knowledge

• Most drivers in Thailand are well mannered and polite, but the traffic is a lot more hectic and haphazard.
• You’ll seldom hear horn honking, but a more aggressive style of driving is the norm in Bangkok, where traffic jams are common.
• On many rural roads (and even in some of Bangkok’s small alleys) you’ll occasional happen upon motorcycles, cars and even 12-wheel trucks maneouvering against one-way traffic.

Did you know?

It’s illegal for men to drive topless. The law doesn’t mention women, but we assume the same must go for them.

Or-carinsurance.blogspot.com guide to driving in Australia

Australia is a huge country and one of the best for extended driving holidays. There’s endless variety and enough to keep you busy for years. The vast distances involved should not be underestimated, but the rewards are endless.

road rules in australia

A pristine coastline of cresting surf beaches and dazzling coral reefs shows off the legendary surf culture and lifestyle, while the iconic outback offers a wonderfully isolated experience.

Many of these extremely remote outback areas present their own unique challenges and unexpected hazards. If you intend to travel to these areas you should plan your trip carefully and seek local advice on precautions you should take.

When travelling to remote tourist destinations it’s essential to leave your travel plans and expected arrival time with local tourist authorities, the police, your hotel, or friends and family.

In addition, you’ll need to check roads are open when travelling anywhere in the Top End – the northernmost part of the Northern Territory – during the wet season as many become impassable. Take particular care when driving on unsealed roads, four-wheel-drive tracks and desert or beach roads.

Staying on the right side of the law

Police in Australia are extremely vigilant when it comes to speeding and drink-driving. The penalties for both are severe and there is a high chance you will be caught. All state highway patrol vehicles are fitted with moving radar and breath tests take place as a matter of course whenever vehicles are stopped. In addition there are many fixed and mobile speed cameras.

In Australia, the legal limit for drinking and driving for most people is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 0.05 blood alcohol concentration. (In the UK, the limit is 80 milligrams.) Rather than trying to work out how to stay inside the limit, your best bet is simply to avoid alcohol if you’re planning to drive.

As a visitor, you may drive in Australia on a valid UK licence for up to three months. You must carry you licence and a valid passport with you when driving or risk an on-the-spot fine.

Star drive

Within easy reach of Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic drives. The most spectacular section is between Lorne and Apollo Bay and it’s here you’ll find the famous 12 Apostles rock formations. The drive winds its way along a rocky coastline of sheer cliff edges, amazing headlands, scenic lookouts, the edges of beaches, and even lush rainforests, offering panoramic views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

Best of the rest

Due to the enormous distances involved, it’s best to focus on a particular region or state and really get to know it. Start in a cosmopolitan city such as Melbourne or Sydney and then drive the classic East Coast route between Australia’s two largest cities to take in the must-see highlights and other lesser-known gems. If you have more time you could extend this trip all the way to Cairns in Queensland’s tropical north. 

Equally you could escape the crowds and travel from Perth up the west coast to Ningaloo, journey through the remote Kimberley region in the far northwest or settle for a circuit of Tasmania to see some truly unique wildlife and scenery.

For the truly adventurous, you could always tackle an epic journey through Australia’s rugged interior, although this will involved serious planning. The Savannah Way links Cairns to Broome. From the spectacular midway point of Katherine, it’s possible to detour to Darwin. Along the way you’ll pass 15 national parks and five world heritage areas.

Laws of the land

• Seat belts must be worn at all times.
• All vehicles on Fraser Island, off the Queensland coast, must observe a maximum speed of 80km/h on beaches and 30km/h in towns.
• Passengers under the age of seven are not permitted to travel in the front seat without a child restraint or seatbelt, even if the back seat is full.
• In Australia, vehicles drive on the left.
• You cannot cross double unbroken lines.
• When overtaking you must not break the speed limit.

Australian speed limits

Speed limits vary between the various states and territories.

Australian speed limits
Road type	Speed limit
Local traffic area	40 kmh
Built-up areas	50 kmh
Highways roadworks	80 kmh
Highways	100 kmh
Select highways/motorways/freeways	110 kmh

Local knowledge

In Australia the local mantra “stop, revive, survive” really does ring true. It’s recommended you stop for a rest break every two hours. There are many rest stops provided. Also look out for the network of volunteer-run “Driver Reviver” stations located at various points on the national highway system. You’ll be able to grab a coffee and stretch your legs, while at the same time meeting the locals.

Many long stretches of the national highway network also remain single carriageway, shared with many lorries, so care and attention is needed.

The mobile phone network generally works in well in towns and cities, but on the edge of built-up and rural areas it is limited or non-existent.

Did you know?

It’s illegal to drive with your arm (or any other part of your body) out of the window, unless you’re indicating.