homepage>car>advice & tips

Security

Breakdown

Driving abroad

Young drivers

Glasses and contact lenses

To save you from the inconvenience and upset of having your car broken into or stolen, we have listed below a few handy tips to help keep those thieves at bay:

• When driving alone, keep doors locked.
  
  
• If you have your roof down or windows open make sure you don't have any items in easy reach for opportunist thieves.
  
  
• Never leave your car keys in the ignition, even on the forecourt of a petrol station.
  
  
• Park in a well-lit place at night.
  
  
• Never leave property on display; lock it safely in the boot of the car.
  
  
• Use an anti-theft device. masterquote offers up to 10% discount if you use a Thatcham One Security Device.
  
  
• Always lock doors and boot, even when parked in your driveway or garage.
  
  
• Never leave young children or animals alone in a parked car.

Don't let it be entertaining for opportunist thieves advises masterquote

Car stereos are a prime target for opportunist thieves, accounting for over half* of all recorded thefts from cars. This is perhaps not surprising, given that such a wide choice of sound systems are now available, with an estimated 93%* of all new cars fitted with some form of in–car audio system, including CD players, new digital compact cassettes and mini discs. But motorists with older cars, and therefore older stereo systems, who are tempted to upgrade to the latest stereo technology should bear in mind that their motor insurance may not cover the full value in the event of theft, advises masterquote.

Research reveals that over 25% of music devotees who choose to upgrade their in-car stereo spend £175* or more on the latest systems. According to masterquote, music-loving motorists who fork out hundreds of pounds upgrading to a new stereo might find themselves out of pocket if their new sound system gets stolen.

Comments Sandy Dunn of masterquote: "The majority of thefts from cars are carried out by opportunist thieves. Not only can it cause inconvenience but subsequently it can affect a driver's no-claims bonus. Although new cars that are fitted with audio equipment on the production line will automatically be covered by their insurance company if the system is stolen, some insurers will put a limit on the cover provided for stereos that have been retro-fitted."

According to masterquote the best advice for motorists is to check their insurance cover before changing the car stereo. Another golden rule to avoid unnecessary inconvenience when claiming is to always keep receipts for any new in-car equipment fitted, as proof of purchase.

Sandy Dunn concludes, "Motorists are spending more time in their vehicles, so it's understandable that they should want a good stereo system, and of course to improve the re-sale value. But car owners should always let their insurer know about vehicle modifications. Precautions can be taken to minimise losses. For example stereos should be security marked and the owner should keep a note of the serial number. If a car stereo is removable, the driver should always take it with them when they are not in the car to avoid temptation of passing thieves."

Source of research:
* Association of British Insurers
**In-Car Entertainment, Published by Keynotes

Breaking down is an inconvenience which most of us can do without, so it is worth bearing in mind a few handy tips to keep your car in check:

• Check tyre pressure, tread and quality.
  
  
• Check fluid levels i.e. oil, water.
  
  
• Your vehicle should receive proper maintenance and servicing on a regular basis.
  
  
• Always ensure your vehicle has proper roadside assistance cover; masterquote offers a breakdown service backed by RAC.
  Outlined below are some of the more common areas where problems occur:
  
  
• Flat battery
  
  
• Faulty battery
  
  
• Flat tyres
  
  
• Starter motor or alternator
  
  
• Fuel problems - carburettor, injection systems, fuel pump, running out
  
  
• Ignition system
  
  
• Radiator and cooling systems
  
  
• Clutch and gears
  
  
• Locked out of car

Even with the best car maintenance plan in place, some breakdowns cannot be avoided so masterquote offers the following advice on what to do in the event of a breakdown:

• Pull off the road as soon as you think there might be a problem with your car, but if practicable, when on a motorway, continue to the next exit.
  
  
• Try to position the vehicle as far over to the left-hand-side of the road or hard shoulder as possible.
  
  
• Always exit by the left-hand-side passenger door.
  
  
• Put hazard warning lights on. Sidelights should be used too in poor visibility.
  
  
• In extremely cold weather, keep the engine running if possible to enable the heater to function.
  
  
• When waiting for assistance it is advisable to keep the doors locked. When help arrives, ask for identification.
  
  
• If broken down on the motorway, try and use the SOS telephones rather than a mobile. This way the recovery service can identify your location more easily.
  
  
• When on a motorway, if weather conditions and passenger mobility allow, always wait on the side banking, not in the car. If it is not possible, try to move car occupants to the passenger side.
  
  
• Always leave any animals in the car when waiting for the recovery vehicle to arrive.
  
  
• Last but not least…..do not panic!

• When driving, keep doors locked and never leave anything displayed if the car is unattended.
  
  
• Always carry a map of the region just in case you become lost.
  
  
• Take great care when driving on foreign roads as conditions can vary greatly to those on UK roads.
  
  
• Be aware that in certain countries even the natives do not stick to the rules of the roads.
  
  
• Check that you do not need an International Driving Permit in the countries you are planning to visit.
  
  
• Make sure you have full breakdown cover. Check with your insurer.
  
  
• If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned. While the Green Card gives details of the local Green Card Bureau, you should still contact your insurer.
  
  
• Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability, making claims easy to deal with once you return home.
  
  
• Also many insurers offer 24-hour UK telephone numbers in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you.
  
  
• Finally don't leave home without the following:
  
  
• A spare set of keys.
  
  
• A GB sticker - it is a legal requirement in most countries.
  
  
• A fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangles.
  
  
• Registration document, driving licence and passport.
  
  
• Your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

masterquote urges car owners to do their homework before leaving British shores!

Almost a third of drivers do not check their motor insurance and breakdown cover before driving in continental Europe, and do not obtain any information on local driving regulations before leaving the UK, according to a recent survey by masterquote.

Whilst 30% of drivers on foreign roads found driving in Europe "easy and relaxing", 60% found it "confusing and nerve-wracking", with a further 10% finding it "very confusing and nerve-wracking". The main reason given by these drivers was that they did not understand the rules of the road.

Comments Sandy Dunn of masterquote, "It is alarming that many drivers are not bothering to prepare adequately for their motoring holidays abroad. A holiday is meant for enjoyment and by simply doing a little homework on road regulations of your holiday destination before departure, the stress of driving on the "wrong side of the road", can be greatly reduced."

According to masterquote, when driving on the continent there are many local regulations, which if not adhered to may culminate in the driver being heavily fined, on the spot in many instances, or worse, causing an accident.

Comments Dunn, "Driving on the continent is not difficult if the driver is fully prepared - just because a person is on holiday, it doesn't mean their car won't break down! As well as checking travel insurance, drivers should contact their motor insurer to ensure that their vehicle is fully insured for continental driving before crossing the channel."

As well as giving 24 hour roadside assistance, masterquote motor policies also includes uninsured loss cover with legal fees for up to £50,000 per case, across most European countries. Other benefits of the policy are:

• Cover for motor prosecution defence.
  
  
• A legal and stress counselling helpline.
  
  
• Car hire and authorised repair, where another party is responsible.

All of this cover is automatically extended across most European countries and masterquote can also help with issuing a Green Card.

masterquote provides insurance quotes from a panel of distinguished insurance companies and syndicates at Lloyd's. It can therefore give the customer the best price available for their individual circumstances without losing out on added value benefits.

Young drivers (back to top)

masterquote recommends that young drivers work with an insurance intermediary when buying car insurance for the first time

Having worked the summer to finance their first set of wheels for university, the last thing a new student wants is expensive car insurance. So masterquote advise new drivers to do their homework to obtain the most competitive premium.

According to the company, young drivers, especially women, can often get a better deal by obtaining quotes from insurance intermediaries rather than single insurance companies. This way, not only do younger drivers save money, they also save time - by phoning masterquote, seekers are effectively phoning several insurance companies in one call.

Comments Sandy Dunn of masterquote: "Young drivers can often find that insurance premiums quoted by some companies are higher than the value of their car! On top of this they frequently have to pay extra for other benefits such as roadside assistance. But by calling insurance intermediaries, which automatically obtain quotes from a selection of insurers, young drivers usually obtain their best quote, without losing out on added value benefits."

As well as providing competitive premiums, masterquote motor insurance also includes 24-hour roadside assistance and uninsured loss cover with legal fees for up to £50,000 per case, across most European countries. Other benefits of the policy are:

• Cover for motor prosecution defence.
  
  
• A legal and stress counselling helpline which can be used in the event of an accident.
  
  
• Car hire and authorised repair, where another party is responsible.

Not for half of motorists who do not wear their prescription glasses reveals masterquote

A survey conducted by leading insurer masterquote insurance has revealed that a worrying 54% of motorists will on occasion drive without their prescription glasses or contact lenses. These stark findings come as winter driving and the decline in weather conditions have a dramatic affect on visibility.

In addition, a further 30% of motorists confessed that they have not had their eyes tested for over 4 years. Another worrying trend was that over half of motorists who do wear glasses, admitted that they do not wear prescription sunglasses in sunny conditions. At this time of year when weather conditions are changeable motorists will have to contend with a mixture of circumstances, from heavy rain, fog, dark evenings, even dazzling sunlight! All of which can contribute to an increase in road accidents.

Sandy Dunn, of masterquote comments, "Motorists who drive with impaired visibility are not only putting themselves at risk, but also other road users, especially at this time of year when driving conditions are particularly hazardous. If a driver is required to wear glasses, they must be worn at all times even if they are just driving a short distance."

Guidelines from the Highway Code state that a motorist must be able to read a vehicle registration plate from a distance of 20.5 metres or 5 car lengths. Furthermore the police have the power to ask a driver at any point to take a eye sight test and anyone who has been involved in an accident who is proved to have defective eye sight can be prosecuted.

Dunn concludes, " First and foremost, motorists must ensure they get their eyes tested regularly. If they don't and they are involved in an accident, not only may they face prosecution as a result, but that their insurance may become invalid as well."

What 'The Highway Code' says… You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet – about five car lengths) in good daylight. If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times whilst driving. The police have the power to require a driver, at any time, to undertake an eyesight test in good daylight.