Motor Insurance - Tips And Advice

Do NOT use your mobile phone whilst driving a motor vehicle

Making or receiving a call, even using a hands-free phone, could lead to an accident. It is now an offence to drive and use a phone simultaneously. If it is necessay to use the phone whilst driving, use a hands-free car kit or find a safe place to stop.

Make sure all passengers wear a seat belt

In an accident, an unbelted rear seat passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger by way of crushing.

Do NOT drink and drive

Any alcohol, even a small amount, can impair your driving. Be a safe driver and do NOT drink and drive.

Slow down

Take extra care outside schools, parks and other places where there may be pedestrians. Do NOT break the speed limit set in these areas.

Tiredness can kill. Take a break

Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey.

Use child seats

Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked before every trip.

Keep your distance

Always keep a safe distance from the car in front, approximately a two second gap.

Be prepared

Make sure you have car breakdown cover.

Travel with a good supply of cold drinks and snacks.

Plan your journey in advance and check for roadworks on your route.

Keep a roadmap in the car.

Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged in case of a breakdown or emergency.

If you are driving overseas, make sure your car insurance covers you.

Make sure your car is regularly serviced and in good shape for a long journey.

Check tyre pressure and oil levels and make sure the fan or air conditioning is working.

Keep a car fire extinguisher in the car - just in case it overheats.

If a roof rack is attatched, make sure it is secured well.

When the sun is at its brightest - don't get dazzled, make sure you wear sunglasses.

Never leave your pet alone in the car.

People travelling alone are more vulnerable - especially if you are female. The risks can be exaggerated but it still pays to use common sense if you are travelling alone.

Keep your valuables out of sight and always lock your doors when you go to pay for fuel.

Make sure someone knows where you are going - Tell any family or friends when they should expect you.

Lock your car doors while on the move.

Put your handbag under the seat so it is out of sight.

If you think you are being followed

Do NOT stop and Do NOT drive home.

Stay calm.

Take the vehicle's registration number if you can.

Drive to a public place, such as a petrol station.

Dial 999, sound your horn and flash your lights to attract attention.

Do not worry if there is weak operator signal from your mobile phone - 999 calls are carried on an emergency cellular channel and will get through.

Keep well back from the car in front if you come to a junction.

Keep your wheels turned outward while stationary and keep room to make a quick escape if necessary.

If you have broken down

Try to find your location.

Call your rescue service immediately.

If you have a breakdown kit in the boot of the car, set it out to warn other motorists of the potential hazard.

Lock your doors, put on your hazard lights and sit in the passenger seat if not on the motorway.

Breaking down on the motorway

Pull onto the hard shoulder when safe to do so, or the nearest service station or junction if your car will make it.

If you break down on the hard shoulder, get out of the car via the passenger door and stand on the bank, unless you feel at risk from another person.

Driving in bad weather

If the forecast or conditions are really bad, only drive if it is an absolute necessity.

Be cautious when driving in the rain and/or wind.

Keep a larger distance from other vehicles when driving in the wet, braking distances are more than double and the potential to aquaplane is greater.

Rain and spray makes it hard to see, so keep well back.

Be prepared for cross-winds on open stretches of road or bridges.

Be cautious when driving in snow and ice, as braking distances can be up to ten times greater.

Clear all snow from your vehicle's roof and bonnet, plus any ice from your windows.

Snow on your bodywork can be blown onto your windscreen.

De-mist the windows properly before you set off.

Drive carefully, even if the roads have been gritted.

Watch out for gritting lorries or snowploughs. They are clearly marked but may still present a hazard as they may be driving slowly.

Drive slowly and smoothly through bends where a skid is more likely.

Fog can appear quickly and thickly, particularly early in the morning and evening. Be ready to switch on rear fog lights, front ones also if available.

Car security top tips

Every time you leave your car make sure the windows and doors are secured, even if you are only away from your car for a few minutes as thieves work quickly.

Do not leave personal belongings on display in your car; handbags, mobile phones and wallets are attractive to thieves.

Never leave keys in the ignition when the car is unattended – especially when you are at a petrol station.

Make sure you park your car in a well-lit location, as dark streets make it easier for thieves.

Always put shopping straight into the boot if you are returning to the shops. Make sure you do not draw attention to the shopping.

Go for large-well-lit car parks wherever possible. Security cameras and personnel are also helpful as a deterrent.