Latest News and Articles
See below the list of our latest news and articles from our BLOG on the Einsure website:
Can I undertake in the UK?
Undertaking, the practice of passing another vehicle on the inside lane, is a topic that often sparks debate regarding its legality and safety. In the UK, where road regulations are rigorously enforced, having a clear understanding of the rules surrounding undertaking is essential for ensuring safe and lawful driving practices. This article seeks to delve into the nuances of undertaking, shedding light on its legality, permissible scenarios, and the potential repercussions if one is caught.
The Legality of Undertaking:
Navigating the legal landscape of undertaking in the UK isn’t a straightforward endeavor. As per the Highway Code, undertaking is generally discouraged and can be deemed illegal in most instances. However, there exist exceptions where undertaking is deemed permissible under specific circumstances.
When is Undertaking Acceptable?
Understanding the permissible scenarios for undertaking is crucial for motorists and cyclists alike. The Highway Code delineates situations where undertaking may be acceptable, such as when traffic is at a standstill or moving sluggishly in queues. Additionally, undertaking is deemed permissible if the vehicle being overtaken is positioned on the right and is either turning right or awaiting a right turn. Furthermore, undertaking may be warranted if a vehicle is in a lane designated for slower-moving traffic, and the adjacent lane is flowing at a faster pace.
Navigating Undertaking as a Cyclist:
Cyclists also need to grasp the regulations pertaining to undertaking. While cyclists may filter through traffic under certain circumstances, they must exercise caution and adhere to the same rules as motorists. Cyclists should refrain from undertaking in hazardous situations, such as near junctions or on blind bends, and prioritize safety above all else.
Consequences of Undertaking:
It’s imperative for all road users to recognize that if apprehended for undertaking, law enforcement authorities may construe it as “careless driving.” This could result in the imposition of penalty points ranging from 3 to 11 on one’s driving license, in addition to a monetary fine. Hence, whether behind the wheel of a vehicle or cycling, it’s paramount to assess the risks associated with undertaking and prioritise safety accordingly.
Emphasising Safety Above All:
While undertaking may be permissible under specific circumstances, safety should invariably take precedence for all road users. Undertaking can pose significant risks if executed recklessly or inappropriately. Therefore, drivers and cyclists alike must exercise vigilance and undertake only when absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
Conclusion
In summary, undertaking is generally discouraged and may be deemed illegal in the UK, barring specific situations outlined by the Highway Code. Nonetheless, irrespective of its legality, the potential repercussions of engaging in undertaking underscore the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads. A comprehensive understanding of road regulations coupled with prudent decision-making can foster a culture of safe and lawful driving and cycling practices for all traversing the UK’s thoroughfares.
What are the Best Ways to Finance Vehicles for My Business?
When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable vehicles is often a necessity. However, determining the best way to finance these vehicles can be a daunting task. With various options available in the UK market, each with its own set of pros and cons, it’s crucial for business owners to understand their choices thoroughly. In this article, we’ll explore several financing options for business vehicles, highlighting their advantages and potential drawbacks.
Daily Rental
Pros:
- Flexibility: Daily rental allows businesses to rent vehicles on a short-term basis, providing flexibility in terms of usage duration.
- Maintenance: Rental companies typically handle maintenance and repairs, relieving businesses of this responsibility.
- No long-term commitment: Businesses can rent vehicles as needed without being tied to long-term contracts.
Cons:
- Cost: Daily rental rates can be relatively high compared to other financing options, especially if vehicles are needed for an extended period.
- Limited availability: During peak seasons or in certain locations, availability of rental vehicles may be limited.
Short-Term Vehicle Leasing
Pros:
- Flexibility: Similar to daily rental, short-term leasing offers flexibility in vehicle usage duration, but typically for longer periods such as weeks or months.
- Maintenance: Maintenance and servicing are often included in the leasing agreement.
- No long-term commitment: Businesses can lease vehicles for short durations without being locked into lengthy contracts.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Short-term leasing may incur higher costs compared to long-term contracts.
- Limited vehicle choice: Some leasing companies may have a limited selection of vehicles available for short-term leases.
Car Subscriptions and Van Subscriptions
Pros:
- Ultimate flexibility: Subscriptions allow businesses to access vehicles on a month-to-month basis, providing maximum flexibility in usage.
- All-inclusive: Subscriptions often include maintenance, servicing, and even insurance, streamlining vehicle management for businesses.
- No long-term commitment: Businesses can cancel subscriptions or switch vehicles easily without being bound by long-term contracts.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Subscriptions may come with a premium price tag compared to traditional leasing or purchasing options.
- Limited availability: Depending on the provider, certain vehicle models may have limited availability for subscription services.
Contract Hire and Leasing
Pros:
- Fixed costs: Contract hire agreements often include fixed monthly payments, making budgeting easier for businesses.
- Maintenance: Many contract hire agreements include maintenance and servicing as part of the package.
- Tax benefits: In some cases, businesses can reclaim a portion of VAT on monthly payments.
Cons:
- Mileage restrictions: Contract hire agreements typically come with mileage restrictions, with penalties for exceeding the agreed-upon limit.
- Early termination fees: Terminating a contract hire agreement early may incur significant fees.
Hire Purchase
Pros:
- Ownership: With hire purchase, businesses have the option to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement term.
- Spread costs: Payments are spread over the term of the agreement, making it easier for businesses to manage cash flow.
Cons:
- Depreciation risk: Businesses bear the risk of vehicle depreciation, which can affect the vehicle’s resale value.
- Interest rates: Interest rates on hire purchase agreements can vary, potentially resulting in higher overall costs.
Bank Loans
Pros:
- Flexibility: Bank loans offer flexibility in terms of loan amount and repayment period.
- Ownership: Businesses own the vehicle outright from the outset, providing more control over the asset.
Cons:
- Interest rates: Interest rates on bank loans can fluctuate, potentially increasing overall borrowing costs.
- Collateral requirements: Banks may require collateral to secure the loan, tying up additional assets.
Cash Purchasing
Pros:
- No interest: With cash purchasing, businesses avoid paying interest on financing, potentially saving money in the long run.
- Full ownership: Businesses own the vehicle outright, providing complete control over the asset.
Cons:
- Capital outlay: Purchasing vehicles outright requires a significant upfront investment, which may strain cash flow.
- Depreciation risk: Like hire purchase, businesses bear the risk of vehicle depreciation, which can impact resale value.
In conclusion, the best way to finance vehicles for your business depends on various factors, including your budget, usage requirements, and long-term goals. While options like hire purchase and bank loans offer ownership benefits, they come with risks such as depreciation and interest rate fluctuations. On the other hand, short-term leasing and subscriptions provide flexibility and convenience, albeit at a potentially higher cost. Ultimately, businesses should carefully evaluate their needs and weigh the pros and cons of each financing option before making a decision.
Top tips for driving in the snow
Introduction:
As the winter season graces the landscape with a pristine blanket of snow, the picturesque scenery transforms into a challenging driving terrain. Successfully navigating snowy roads requires a distinct set of skills and precautions, prioritizing the safety of both drivers and passengers. In this guide, we will explore essential tips and techniques for safe winter driving, empowering you to confidently confront the icy challenges of the season.
1. Vehicle Preparation:
Before embarking on snow-covered roads, it is imperative to ready your vehicle for winter conditions. Start by checking tire tread depth and consider investing in winter tires for enhanced traction. Ensure that brakes, lights, and the heater are in optimal working condition. Additionally, maintain a full windshield washer fluid reservoir and, if applicable, equip your vehicle with snow chains for areas experiencing frequent and heavy snowfall.
2. Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance:
A fundamental rule for safe winter driving is to reduce speed. Snow and ice compromise traction, making it challenging to stop or control your vehicle. Diminish your speed and maintain ample space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. It is advisable to double or even triple the usual following distance on snow-covered roads. This extra space allows for timely reactions to unforeseen obstacles or sudden changes in road conditions.
3. Execute Smooth and Gentle Maneuvers:
Snow-covered roads necessitate a gentle touch on the controls. Avoid abrupt movements, such as sharp turns or sudden acceleration or deceleration, as they can lead to loss of control. Prioritize smooth and gradual maneuvers to maintain traction and stability. When turning, brake before the turn and accelerate gently as you complete the maneuver, minimizing the risk of skidding.
4. Utilize Dipped Headlights and Keep Lights Clear:
Visibility plays a crucial role in safe winter driving. Use dipped headlights, even during daylight hours, to enhance your vehicle’s visibility. Ensure that all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, are free from snow and ice to guarantee maximum visibility. Regularly inspect and clean your vehicle’s lights to prevent reduced visibility during winter storms.
5. Understand Your Braking System:
Comprehending your vehicle’s braking system is vital for safe winter driving. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), familiarize yourself with its effective use. In the event of a skid, apply firm and steady pressure to the brake pedal, allowing the ABS to perform optimally. For vehicles without ABS, practice threshold braking by applying steady pressure and releasing the brake pedal in a controlled manner to prevent wheel lock-up.
6. Stay Mindful of Black Ice:
Black ice, a nearly invisible layer of ice on the road, poses a significant hazard during winter. Exercise caution in shady areas, on bridges, and overpasses, as they tend to freeze first. If black ice is suspected, reduce your speed and avoid sudden maneuvers. Be aware that even seemingly clear roads may conceal patches of black ice, necessitating a cautious approach.
7. Carry a Winter Emergency Kit:
Preparation for the unexpected is a fundamental aspect of safe winter driving. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including essentials such as a blanket, extra clothing, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Consider including sand or cat litter to provide traction in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
8. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead:
Stay abreast of weather conditions before embarking on your journey and adjust your plans accordingly. Listen to weather forecasts and road condition updates, and if necessary, postpone your trip until conditions improve. Plan your route in advance, opting for well-traveled roads that are more likely to be plowed and treated with salt or sand.
Conclusion:
Mastering safe winter driving involves a combination of preparation, caution, and adaptability. By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently navigate winter roads, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of both yourself and others on the road. Remember, prioritizing safety in challenging winter conditions is paramount, and arriving a bit later at your destination is always preferable to compromising on safety.
Why you shouldn’t overload your car!
When preparing for a road trip or transporting heavy cargo, the significance of adhering to your vehicle’s weight limits cannot be overstated. While overloading a car may seem trivial, the repercussions can be substantial. This guide delves into the dangers of overloaded cars and provides essential tips on how to prevent them.
Understanding Overloaded Cars
Definition of Overloading
Overloading a car entails surpassing its designated weight limits. Whether you drive a compact hatchback, a family saloon, or a robust SUV, each vehicle has specific weight ratings that must not be exceeded. These ratings encompass the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), payload capacity, and seating capacity.
Common Scenarios Leading to Overloading
Overloading can occur unintentionally for various reasons, such as:
1. Packing for a trip
Loading up luggage, camping gear, and supplies for a family trip can quickly add weight to your vehicle.
2. Towing trailers
If towing a trailer, considering both the trailer and its cargo, in addition to your vehicle’s load, is essential.
3. Ignoring weight distribution
Unevenly distributing weight in your vehicle can lead to overloading on one side, affecting balance and handling.
Dangers of Overloading
Impact on Vehicle Handling
Overloading significantly affects your car’s handling on the road, leading to dangers like:
1. Steering and braking issues
An overloaded vehicle may exhibit reduced responsiveness in steering and braking, elevating the risk of accidents.
2. Reduced stability and control
Overloading can make your car feel unstable, especially when navigating corners or driving in adverse conditions like rain or snow.
Mechanical Strain
Exceeding weight limits puts stress on various components, potentially causing damage to:
1. Suspension and brakes
Overloading can expedite wear on your suspension system and brakes, compromising their effectiveness.
2. Transmission and engine
An overloaded car may struggle with acceleration, putting additional strain on the transmission and engine.
3. Tyres and wheels
Overloading can lead to tyre overheating, increasing the risk of a blowout, and can damage wheels and axles.
Weight Limit Laws
Driving an overloaded car can result in fines of up to £300 and up to three penalty points on your driving licence if pulled over by the police.
Insurance Implications
Overloading can impact your insurance coverage, potentially leaving you responsible for repair costs in the event of an accident.
Signs of Overloading
Identifying overloaded vehicles on the road is possible by observing signs such as visible sagging, underinflated or overloaded tyres, and unusual noises or handling issues.
Tips for Safe Loading
To prevent overloading, follow these tips:
1. Distribute weight evenly
Ensure heavy items are evenly distributed in your vehicle.
2. Properly secure cargo
Use appropriate restraints and tie-downs, especially when towing.
3. Using a trailer responsibly
Stay within towing capacity and load limits for both the trailer and your vehicle.
Penalties for Overloading a Car with Passengers
Legal Passenger Limits
The number of passengers in your car is determined by available seat belts, and carrying more passengers than seats is illegal.
Penalties for Overloading
1. Fines
Substantial fines, ranging from £100 to £300 or more, can be imposed for overloading a vehicle.
2. Penalty Points
Expect to receive 3 to 6 penalty points on your driving licence in addition to fines.
3. Potential Licence Disqualification
Severe overloading may lead to a driving disqualification, the length of which depends on the circumstances.
4. Impact on Car Insurance
Overloading can increase insurance premiums or lead to difficulties in obtaining affordable coverage.
Safety Considerations
Overloading not only carries legal consequences but poses significant safety risks, affecting the handling and stability of the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the rule include carrying children under three years old without seat belts in a taxi or private hire vehicle, provided they sit on a rear seat and use an appropriate child restraint if available.
Enforcement and Reporting
Enforcement of regulations is conducted by the police, who can issue fines and penalties for overloading. Members of the public can also report instances of overloading to local authorities or the police.
Why will no one insure my car?
The press are really jumping on the bandwagon at the moment about car insurance companies refusing to insure certain vehicles, especially those that have a high probability of being stolen.
Securing car insurance in the UK can be hard work, in today article we take a look at different scenarios and how we can sort out insurance.
High-Value Vehicles
If you own a high-value vehicle, your insurance premiums will be higher than a more run-of-the-mill car. Younger drivers will of course be harder hit. Car insurance companies will impose coverage limits and exclusions on these higher-priced cars and this can lead to high car insurance premiums.
In this case it would be a good move o look at insurers specialising in high-value vehicles, by choosing the right company, they will let you know any limits on their policies and even suggest fitting equipment such as trackers or ghost immobilisers.
Vehicles That Have Been Imported
If you’ve purchased a vehicle abroad and imported it into the UK, you might find it much harder to secure car insurance. There are many reasons for this, it could be that the car doesn’t meet the UK standards of safety regulations or those that comply with Thatcham. To give yourself a good chance of insuring an imported vehicle, reach out to those who specialise in this sector.
Kit Cars
Kit-Cars and custom-built vehicles will face an increasingly difficult task in securing insurance. The designs may not adhere to Thatcham’s safety standards which can be difficult to prove otherwise. When looking at kit-car insurance, reach to the specialist providers who understand the complexities of kit-cars and custom cars.
Vehicle Modifications
Whilst it is amazing to see a standard car modified to look, sound or drive different, when it comes to providing car insurance coverage for a modified vehicle may give you a few headaches. Even minor alterations such as adding roof racks or an extended spoiler are classed as a modification and should be disclosed to your car insurance company. If you fail to disclose them, it could result in any claims being made invalid and you may also find it difficult in the future to get insurance.
Campervan Conversions
Campervans have really become very popular since Covid-19 and there are many homemade campervan conversions that have been carried out over the years as well as those modified by professional campervan fitters. Trying to find the correct insurance policy for one of these campers can prove challenging especially if the conversion has changed the class of the conversion. To help, aim for those specialising in specialised campervan insurance that cater for your vehicles and your personal needs.
Specialist Occupation
Your profession can have a huge impact on getting sensible car insurance quotes. Some car insurance providers view certain occupations as higher insurance risks, these can be footballers, actors or even deep-sea divers. When you look at comparing car insurance quotes, make sure that you give accurate employment details. Providing incorrect information can lead to your policy being cancelled and you may find it difficult to get insurance in the future.
Criminal/Motoring Convictions
Having criminal/motoring convictions can have a huge effect on your car insurance premiums and may result in the insurance provider refusing insurance altogether. It is possible to find affordable car insurance premiums if you do have convictions but keep in mind that insurers will consider you as high risk. Take a look at specialist sites or comparison tools to help you find insurance companies who offer insurance for those with convictions.
High Risk Postcodes
Postcodes can have a major impact on your car insurance premiums and being based in Derby, we have heard how insurance prices have jumped when our clients have moved into a Nottingham postcode. Car Insurance providers consider claims history in UK postcode areas when they calculate insurance quotes. This is where comparing car insurance providers using tools such as the ones provided by our partners QuoteZone can help you find the best deal based on your postcode area.
Unusual Vehicles
The Thatcham database in the UK plays a major part in setting safety standards in the UK, it helps reduce insurance costs. If your vehicle is “non-standard” or doesn’t appear on the Thatcham database, it may prove very difficult to find car insurance at affordable rates. To overcome this issue, look for specialist insurance providers or brokers that offer policies for unusual vehicles.
Previous Policy Cancellations/Issues
If you have history of refusals or voided policies it can be a challenge to find the best car insurance prices in the future. Using comparison tools might not be your best bet in this instance as they are designed to automatically decline any quotations when you state that you may have had an issue in the past. In this case a specialist insurance broker would be highly beneficial to find the best prices on your car insurance.