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.

Comparing car insurance

Like for like - the difficulty in comparing car insurance quotes

If you want to save money, it pays to shop around. But if you're looking for car insurance quotes, be prepared to go through the same information again and again on the phone or online with various insurance websites.

It's also important to know the criteria for underwriting varies enormously among car insurance providers, and although one company may give you a car insurance quote at one price from the details given, another could use a slightly different set of details to give a different rate altogether.

In short, when you're comparing the prices of car insurance quotes, you won't always be comparing like for like.

Car insurance quotes by phone

Telephone sales operators are trained to help you with car insurance quotes and can lead the driver in a way which will help them get the best price for the details submitted.

The disadvantage is you have to go though a number of lengthy phone calls to various car insurance providers before you can start comparing quotes.

Online car insurance quotes

Comparing prices over the internet can be equally bewildering if you go to each car insurance site individually. Most insurers' websites only give car insurance quotes for standard risks and have little flexibility.

how to Comparing car insurance

Filling in exactly the same details and interpreting the wording is not easy and even small variations in the details can make a big difference to the resulting quote. This makes it even more tricky when making comparisons.

It is worth researching car insurance quotes on the internet through a site such as Confused.com because you fill in just the one form, and we'll present you with a list of quotes that are easy to understand. Then you can compare and choose a policy based on your individual requirements.

Online Car Valuation Guide

There's an online solution!

Whether you're buying or selling a used car, need a valuation following on from an accident or for a car insurance quote, it's important to make sure you get an accurate and unbiased car valuation.

With help from our friends at CDL the leading UK providers of vehicle lookup data, we’ve pulled together a guide on when and why you might need a valuation.

Why get a car valuation?

If you’re in the market for a new or used car you’re going to want to make sure you’re not paying over the odds. By getting a car valuation you can find out the current market value of specific makes and models and make adjustments for the condition or mileage of the vehicle.

car value

Having an idea of the price can help you when it comes to negotiating on the final sale price. While you’ll be looking to make your money work for you and get the car at its cheapest value, sellers will be looking to make the biggest profit they can. Armed with a current valuation, you’ll be in a better position even before the negotiations have begun.

Even if you’re part exchanging your motor, a valuation can make sure you get the right price from the dealer and avoid missing out on its true value.

If you’re looking at new or used cars, it’s likely you’ll also be looking to insure that potential new motor. If you’re short for time or have many cars you’re looking at, our QuickQuote service could be right up your street. Simply text us the number plate of the car you’re looking to insure and as long as you’re mobile number is registered with us, we’ll return your best quote in seconds.

Unfortunate enough to have been in an accident?

If you’re unlucky enough to have been involved in an accident resulting in a total loss, you’re insurer will issue you with a settlement offer. However what many consumers don’t realise is that you don’t have to accept your insurers offer. Often consumers find that the settlement offered by their insurers just doesn’t add up, in which case it’s possible to dispute the offer providing you have a strong enough case.

Insurers usually calculate your settlement through a combination of an engineer’s report (unless the car was stolen) and a car valuation guide, which does take rough mileage into account. However, the process is ultimately a negotiation between customer and insurer. Here’s where doing your own valuation can help. Before speaking to your insurer, browse as many valuation guides as you can to find prices supporting your claim, as these are what are taken most into account.

Online Car Valuation Guide

As well as running an online valuation through a service such as the cost free option provided by CDL, motor sales websites like Auto Trader will also be valuable in proving your case. Finding an example of a car for sale that’s as similar to yours as possible can support your valuation. Keeping recent, date-stamped photos of your vehicle can also help illustrate the condition of your car prior to the loss. If you want to take it further, you can pay for an independent valuation by an engineer, however this can be costly and there’s a risk that the valuation comes in below the original, leaving you further out of pocket. Ask your local garage for a quote on a valuation.

Ultimately even after all this, your insurer may still stick with their initial valuation no matter how much you protest, however it is important to go through the process of challenging if only to make sure you’ve done all you can and simply to exercise your rights as a consumer.

Car insurance jargon buster

A handy car insurance glossary

Searching through all the different kinds of car insurance in the UK is a tedious and thankless task, which is made yet more complicated by the wealth of confusing jargon involved.

we believe our job is not only to help our customers find the right car insurance online, but also to help take the confusion out of the car insurance industry.

To help you we've compiled the following A-Z of car insurance terminology:

A

Annual mileage and annual business mileage

Before giving you a free car insurance quote some UK companies want to know whether you use your car for work. If so, they need to know how many business miles you drive.

The more miles covered in a year, the greater the potential risk of a claim. If you don't use your car for work, then the annual business mileage will be zero.

B

Bonus

See No Claims Bonus

Broker

Many insurance companies and syndicates, such as Lloyds of London, one of the most famous underwriters of car insurance in the UK, sell their services through intermediaries or brokers.

Brokers have access to a number of companies and can provide standard Screen rates to give you a free car insurance quote. In some circumstances, brokers can negotiate a better deal directly with the company. This is called the Off-screen rate.

C

Certificate of Insurance

Once you have paid for your car insurance online, over the phone or set up a direct debit, your insurer will issue a Certificate of Insurance. This is proof that the driver is insured and is valid for the duration of the policy.

Compulsory excess

See Excess.

Cover note

A temporary certificate of insurance issued if you have not yet paid (but have promised to pay) or when you have been given temporary extensions of cover. If you are buying your car insurance online, some insurers will allow you to print off a cover note.

Cover types

Remember: it is important that you buy the right cover for your car. If you buy the wrong cover, your insurance company might not pay out on a claim. The following are the three most common types of car insurance in the UK:

• Third Party Only (TPO)Insurance covers any claim by third parties. This does not cover damage to the driver's own car.
• Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)
  Insurance covers fire and theft of the driver's car in addition to TPO cover.
• Comprehensive (Comp)
  Insurance covers accidental damage to the driver's car in addition to TPFT cover.

D

Driving Other Car (DOC)

This only applies to the policy holder and allows you to drive cars that you do not own. Remember this only provides TPO car insurance in the UK. It cannot be used abroad and will not usually cover vans or lorries.

DOC is designed for emergency use only. It is often excluded for younger drivers and some occupations. Check your Certificate of Insurance to see whether your policy includes DOC.

DVLA Code

Conviction codes can be found on a driving licence along with the rest of the conviction details. It is usually a four-figure code made up of letters and numbers. For example: SP30 is the code for speeding in a built up area. TS10 is the code for a traffic signals offence.

E

Excess

Excess is the amount of money that you pay in the event of a claim. Compulsory excesses differ across the various insurers. Young driver excesses are common across the industry but the type of car driven or the area in which the driver lives may also mean compulsory excesses with some companies.

When you are completing a car insurance quote, try choosing to pay a higher excess as a way of lowering your premium. For more information, see Voluntary Excess.

F

Fault/non-fault claim

The terms fault and non-fault can be confusing. A non-fault claim is simply a claim where the insurer is able to recover all their costs from someone else. If they are not able to recover all their costs, then it is a fault claim - even if the insured party didn't cause the claim to happen.

For example, a theft is typically classed as a fault claim. This is because even though the driver is not to blame for the theft, there is no third party to pay the costs so the insurance company treats it as a fault claim.

Foreign extension

See Green Card.

G

Green Card

This is a certificate that British drivers have historically needed when driving overseas as proof of they have car insurance (UK policies usually only provide basic cover for trips to mainland Europe).

With the advent of the single market in the early Nineties, many Continental countries agreed that British tourists no longer needed to travel with Green Card documentation but it was not universally applied across Europe nor indeed within the countries that were party to the agreement.

The Green Card itself is free. It demonstrates that there is some level of cover for your car but unless you extend your cover, you will only have basic Road Traffic Accident insurance or third party cover at best while abroad.

Insurers often say they charge for a Green Card and can call it 'Green Card cover' but in reality they are charging for extending the same level of car insurance in the UK to cover Europe.

This 'foreign use extension' is rarely included within your existing policy for free. It is also rare to be able to arrange Green Card car insurance online.

For more information, see the Driving Abroad section of this guide

H

Hazard

In terms of insurance, hazards are the criteria that are likely to affect any loss, damage or injury. For example, a high performance TVR is a greater hazard than a 1.1 Ford Fiesta and a young driver is a greater hazard than an experienced one.

The greater the hazard, the higher the premium. If you are in a high-risk category, you can use confused.com to compare free car insurance quotes from specialist brokers online.

I

Immobiliser

An immobiliser is an electronic device which stops a car from being started until it is deactivated. Although this won't stop the car from being broken into, it may well stop it from being driven away.

Car insurance jargon buster

For more information, see How to drive down the cost of car insurance

Most newer cars (those built after 1997) come with an alarm and/or immobiliser, which can help lower the cost of your car insurance.

UK insurers will already have the details of the alarms and immobilisers that are fitted to newer cars as standard. This is built into their rating criteria to give you a more accurate free car insurance quote. If it is an older car, it may have a specific alarm.

All alarms and immobilisers are categorised and insurers may give discounts depending upon the make and model of alarm or immobiliser. Look up the alarm details on the documentation that came with it, before getting car insurance online.

Import

It can be hard finding car insurance for UK-imported vehicles as some companies won't cover import cars at all or impose a surcharge.

Imported cars fall into two types for car insurance:

• UK-specification cars
  These are cars brought in from abroad that match UK specifications. Some companies will insure these but not all.
• Non-UK specificationThese are cars that are brought into the UK from abroad but don't match current UK specifications. These cars are more difficult to insure because of the lack of availability of parts.

Indemnity

This is the main principle of insurance. Insurance exists to replace something that has been lost or damaged, and an indemnity seeks to restore the insured person to the same financial position after the loss as immediately before.

Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM)

The IAM gives drivers the chance to sit a more advanced test. Passing the test can help you to receive discounts on car insurance from UK companies.

Insurable interest

This applies to ownership of the insured property. For example, a finance company may have an insurable interest in a vehicle if they helped pay for the purchase.

Insurance intermediary

See Broker

L

Legal Expenses Cover

See Uninsured Loss Recovery and Legal Expenses Cover explained.

Legal owner

See Owner.

Licence Types

You can buy car insurance online if you hold a provisional licence. But remember to let the insurance company know as soon as you pass to ensure you insurance stays valid. Some insurers may give discounts to drivers who have passed the Pass Plus or IAM test.

M

Main driver

The main driver is the person who uses the car the most. It is best to be honest here - if an owner claims to be the main driver but lets someone else, such as a son or daughter, use the car permanently, an insurer can invalidate any claim.

Remember, you can always use Confused.com to compare separate free car insurance quotes for multiple named drivers and individuals before you buy car insurance online.

Material Fact

This is any factor that might affect a broker or underwriter's decision to provide you with car insurance. UK law means you are obliged to advise your insurance company of any material facts, such as points on your licence or modifications to your car.

If facts come to light once a claim has been made, the insurer has the right to refuse payment for all or part of the claim.

Modifications

These are any changes that have been made to your car since it was produced, including the addition of such things as alloy wheels, spoilers or engine modifications. See Material facts.

Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB)

Funded by the insurance industry, the MIB was set up to reimburse consumers left out of pocket from incidents involving uninsured drivers. The fund pays out to victims unable to recover all their costs from their insurer, although all the claims are subject to a £300 excess. In 2002, the bureau paid out some £250m in response to more than 50,000 claims.

As well as covering any costs caused by the uninsured driver the MIB also offers victims the chance to claim higher levels of personal injury compensation than that offered under most car insurance in the UK.

N

No Claims Bonus (NCB)

The discount that drivers have earned on a previous insurance policy. Insurers give discounts determined by the number of years that a driver remains claim-free and a NCB must be earned separately for each insured car.

However, a few companies give discounts for second cars and credit for previous claim-free company car driving if it can be proved. In these situations only a couple of free car insurance quotes can be sourced on the internet and the best bet is to use the phone to see if it is possible to get a discount.

For more information, see No Claims Bonus Explained.

O

Owner and Registered keeper

There may be a reason for the owner and registered keeper to be different people. For example, you may drive a company car that is owned by your employer or a lease company, in which case, you would be the registered keeper.

Another common instance is parents may own a car that they allow their children to use. Therefore, the registered keeper would be one of the children. Some companies won't arrange car insurance online if the owner and registered keeper are different people.

Off-screen rates

See Screen rates.

P

Points

Points are added to a license if the driver is convicted of an offence, for instance, speeding. These will increase their car insurance premium as they are seen as a higher risk. See Material facts.

Pro Rata rates

Sometimes, when a policy is cancelled, you will only be charged for the time you were covered by the insurer and not for the full term of the policy.

Protected No Claims Bonus

Some companies will allow protection of No Claims Bonus (NCB). This means you can make a number of claims over a specific period of time without your NCB being reduced.

If you protect your NCB, this does not prevent your premium from rising if you make a claim. When giving free car insurance quotes, most companies rate on claim history as a separate factor.

Protecting the bonus only protects your bonus discount. If there has been a claim, the protected discount is applied but against a higher premium.

If you are looking for car insurance online, see what difference having a protected NCB can make to your premium by comparing free car insurance quotes.

For more information, see No Claims Bonus Explained.

R

Rating Factors

Factors are used by underwriters to determine the price of your car insurance. UK insurers' claims experience determines the effect these factors will have on your premium.

Registered keeper

See Owner and Registered keeper.

Risk

All car insurance in the UK is offered by assessing a driver's risk. Insurers do this by looking at the details provided and asking how likely the driver is to make a claim. The answer to this is driven by the insurer's experience of claims.

Road Traffic Act (RTA)

This Act governs all car insurance in the UK. It first came into force in 1930 to ensure funds were available to compensate the innocent victims of accidents. It was amended in 1972 to include passengers and again in 1988 to cover third party property.

RTA cover is the minimum legal requirement for car insurance in the UK and covers third party injury or death (both unlimited), property damage up to £250,000 and emergency medical costs.

S

SP30

See DVLA.

Screen rate

Offered by brokers as part of free car insurance quotes, these prices come directly from entering your details into their computer. Sometimes they can negotiate on these prices by accessing the insurer directly. In this case, the price would be the Off-screen rate.

Short Period Rates

Occasionally when a policy is cancelled, the driver may be charged a short period rate, which includes an additional charge for the period of cover over and above the Pro Rata rates. These rates are usually worked out on a percentage basis.

T

TPFT

See Cover types.

TPO

See Cover types.

Tracker

A tracker is an electronic device (normally fitted as an accessory after purchase of the car) which emits a signal enabling law enforcement agencies to locate the car anywhere in the UK if it has been stolen.

For more information, see How to drive down the cost of car insurance.

TS10

See DVLA

U

Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR)

The traditional way in which insured drivers protect themselves against uninsured drivers or 'hit and run' incidents is called Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR) or Legal Expenses Cover (LEC).

This can come as standard on car insurance in the UK. If not, it is normally available for a small additional premium.

It is always advisable to check the small print of the policy document to see if ULR/LEC is included in the basic cover. If you are looking for car insurance online and cannot find this on the insurer's website, call them directly.

It is also important to be aware that most policies offer to track down the offender so your insurer can get the money back through the courts, rather than pay out for the cost of any damage as part of the policy.

For more information, see Legal Expenses Cover explained.

Use types

Remember: when arranging car insurance online or over the phone, it is important you have the right use for your car. If you have the wrong use, you may find your insurance company will not pay out on a claim.

The following are the standard types of use for car insurance in the UK:

• Social, Domestic and Pleasure
  This covers drivers for normal day-to-day driving, such as driving to visit family and friends or shopping.
• CommutingCovers drivers to drive back and forth to a permanent place of work. Travelling to a railway station, where the car is parked, is classed as commuting.
• Business Use
  Covers the car in connection with your job, such as driving to different sites away from your place of work.
• Commercial Travelling
  Covers the car to be used for such things as door-to-door sales.

V

Voluntary excess

The amount a driver chooses to pay in addition to the compulsory excess that has to be paid in the event of a claim. If you decide to bear an additional (voluntary) excess it may bring your premium down but it's a good idea to check if any compulsory excesses already apply to the policy, as voluntary excess is paid in addition to any compulsory excess. See also Excess.