Monthly Archives: December 2011

80mph speed limits on the way for Dual Carriageways

Earlier this year, in September, Think Insurance brought to you the news that our motorways could be seeing a rise in the speed limits, to 80mph.  Now we bring you the news that this could also be the case for the dual carriageways across the country.

Last night it was revealed that ministers are now focusing on more than just motorways in terms of increasing speed limits in a bid to reduce red tape.

The proposal to increase the speed limits initially came from Philip Hammond, the former Transport Secretary.

It is thought that early in 2012 a ‘formal consultation’ will be launched into raising the speed limits.  The document issued from the Department for Transport, confirmed the following, “We have announced our intention to consult about changing the national speed limit on motorways from 70mph to 80mph. We are also examining whether an 80mph should be extended on a case by case basis to some other dual carriageways”.

This news will be welcomed by many, with some supporters of the proposals claiming that the economy will be boosted as a result of the changes.

As expected not everyone is supporting the plans.  The Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne is against the proposals, claiming it will certainly lead to increased carbon emissions. Motoring and road safety groups are also opposing the plans, mainly because of the current police guidelines which means they are able to issue speeding fines with discretion using the 10% + 2mph formula. Safety groups are worried that if the speed limits are increased to 80mph, then drivers will be able to get away with speeding up to 90mph.

Edmund King, the president of the AA, is in support of the increased limits on the motorways, but is said to be concerned about the proposals for the dual carriageways.  He comments, ‘”Eighty miles per hour on a five star motorway, in a five star car, with a five star driver in good weather, is probably a safe speed. However, 80mph on some lower standard stretches of motorway and dual carriageway is probably not a safe speed. We need to ensure that adequate enforcement and highway safety standards are in place before contemplating increasing speed limits”.

Robert Gifford, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee for Transport Safety is in agreement with King, saying, “While I accept that there is a perfectly legitimate case for reviewing the speed limit on motorways, I would be very concerned about extending it to dual-carriageways.

Gifford goes on to say, “These have often been designed for lower speeds and are used by a variety of traffic, often for local journeys. The government should think very carefully before extending such a proposal to completely inappropriate routes”.

Major changes afoot at Renault

Car showrooms across the UK will no longer be stocking five Renault models as the car manufacturer takes the decision to axe them from the range.
So from early next year (February 2012) the following Renault models will have been removed from the UK Renault showrooms.

• Laguna – Hatch, Coupe and Sport Tourer
• Kangoo
• Wind Roadster
• Modus
• Espace and Grand Espace

Renault are said to be taking this radical step in an effort to increase profits. The five models facing the axe are said to generate just 10% of all sales. In 2011 Renault sales will reach around 70k-80k compared to last year when they sold closer to 100k vehicles.
However, Renault will be introducing some new models to their range next year, so in March, May and October, showrooms can expect to see the arrival of the electric car range, with the Twizy, Fluence and Zoe. They will also be launching a budget range of cars under the brand Dacia, with the Duster and Sandero models at the end of 2012.

Here to stay is the Renault Clio Supermini, the Twingo, the Megane and the Scenic.
The above changes are expected to cause a drop in sales of around 25% initially as the new ranges become established.
So if you were hoping to get yourself one of the five models that Renault are scrapping next year, the places you are likely to find them are at your local used car dealers and motor trader forecourts.

Useful tips for insuring your business.

There are many different types of businesses, all with their own needs and areas of expertise.  The services they offer can vary greatly, but there is one thing that they all have in common: they are all exposed to the risks of common threats and accidental damage. Here you will find some useful tips for insuring your business.


Buildings and contents
This covers your premises and their contents form a large range of accidents and risks. The extent of the cover will vary depending on whether you own the buildings yourself, or lease them, and how much the building and its contents are valued at.


Business interruption
This protects you for unexpected loss of profits and any cost sustained, due to a disaster such as fire, explosion, flood, electrical failure etc.


Fidelity insurance
Not something we like to dwell on, but it can protect you and your business from possible theft by a member of staff, and other losses due to dishonesty!


Money
There are different levels of cover, depending on where the money/cheques/stamps are kept. Will they be kept in a safe? Are they sometimes transported by vehicle?


Mechanical Breakdown
This insurance will cover you for the cost of replacing the piece of equipment at its current value. Bear in mind that `wear and tear` will be taken into account, depending on how long ago the item was purchased.


Goods in transit
Covers the cost of goods carried in your own or third party vehicles, should they become damaged or stolen.Also it can protect your goods being sent by post.


Vehicle cover
If your business requires the use of a vehicle, whether it is the company`s motor or your own private car, then adequate cover will need to be obtained; taking into account who will be driving the vehicle, the age of the driver and whether it will be driven for private purposes during or after work.


Credit insurance
Should one of your debtors become insolvent, then you are left out of pocket for any goods provided on account. You will need to discuss with your insurance broker exactly what your level of risk is, and how much you can be protected from this. If you are dealing with large orders and offer credit, then this cover may be a necessity.


Legal expenses
Should you ever be involved in a legal dispute, this policy can cover you against the cost of any court case and solicitor charges. It does however exclude any awards or damages.


Travel insurance
This cover applies when travelling within the UK, subject to an overnight stay or internal flight, and whilst overseas. Cover can also be extended to cover incidental holidays for directors, or even personal accident.


Above are just a few useful tips for insuring your business and hopefully giving you some insight into the different areas of cover that are available to you. Of course there are many individual requirements personal to you and your business, and your broker will be happy to explain and recommend the best option available.

Do roofers need public liability insurance?

Everyone who works in the building trade has to accept that certain risks are involved with the business. There are many dangers to look out for in all the areas of expertise, but top of the list has to be the roofing trade. Working with hot bitumen, naked flames and asphalt puts it pretty much `up there` when it comes to dangers in the work place! This then begs the question – Do roofers need liability insurance?

Whilst roofers may need public liability cover, there is no legal obligation for them to obtain it. This may seem extraordinary when you consider the potential for accidental damage to both property and people. Should an accident occur involving anything to do with your workmanship or supplies, then you could be liable for a substantial claim. Adequate cover could give you the peace of mind to help you carry out your work safely and without added stress. Hopefully you will have many years of safe roofing work, and never have the need to make any claims or suffer any accidents to yourself or others.

Should you decide to set up your own business as a roofer, the incidents that could happen can vary from minor accidents that you will find in any trade business, right up to fatalities . If a roof were to give way and collapse, you will be held responsible for any damage caused; not to mention the possibilities of injury to any other persons.  The very nature of working at heights and with flames makes it a fairly dangerous profession (having had a father who was a roofer, the heights and naked flames were also part of the enjoyment of the job though!).

You may find that being able to prove to a client that you have adequate insurance cover, could make the difference between winning and losing the contract. In this day and age, more customers are wary of employing `rogue traders` and reassurance of your professionalism and credibility could go a long way to easing their mind about the work you are carrying out. Recommendation is by far the easiest and cheapest advertising.

There is no `set` policy to cover the roofing trade, this will be worked out depending on your individual requirements. This makes it custom made to your area of expertise: Do you carry out hot or cold roofing (tiling, slates etc)? Are you employing anyone or working alone? Are you contracting out the work?  Most likely you will need a vehicle to carry around equipment and materials; this can be included and covered at the same time.

Only employer’s liability and vehicle insurance is actually required by law, covering anyone who is working under your employment and allowing you to drive from job to job. There is no obligation for you to obtain any more cover, regardless of how precarious the working environment is. You may not need to have full cover, but when you ask the question – do roofers need public liability insurance? You may have to ask the question – can I afford not to?

Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme

On the 31st December 1999, following an experimental period by the ‘Transport Research Laboratory’, the ‘Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme’ became permanent – thus  giving Courts in England, Wales and Scotland the power to refer offenders to approved courses. This was a milestone in the punishment of drink drive offenders – finally clarifying the position of the offender and the court.

Results of the scheme found that it had been effective in reducing the re-offending rates of those who attended by nearly 60%. An astonishing decrease when compared with previous years.

Courses are carried out by a number of organisations such as, VMCL, HAPPAS, OGWR- and Aquarius. These can be found in many cities across the country.
Successful candidates can have their disqualification period reduced by up to 25% and may qualify for a reduction in the penalty applied by insurers on their premiums. Examples of upto 40% discounts have been known to be granted to successful candidates.
Think Insurance have a number of schemes to help convicted drink drivers who have successfully completed the drink drive rehabilitation course.