Whiplash Enquiry Launched
The Transport Committee has launched an inquiry into whiplash claims, following its recent inquiry into the cost of motor insurance.
Committee chair Louise Ellman MP believes it's vitally important for policymakers to understand the reasons for the very high cost of motor insurance, especially for young drivers, and to take steps to bring that cost down.
She said: “Whiplash claims undoubtedly play a part in driving up the cost of motor insurance, but access to justice for injured people must be preserved.
“We want to hear the arguments on these points and will publish a report in the summer about the best way forward on this difficult issue.”
The announcement of yet another inquiry into the insurance industry comes in the wake of new research commissioned by Gocompare.com, which reveals that over 1.7 million (6%) UK motorists would consider making a claim for a personal injury after a road accident, even if they knew they weren’t badly hurt.
The survey of UK motorists, carried out in March 2013 also revealed that:
• 66% feel that people making claims for minor injuries are pushing up the costs of insurance for everyone
• 66% believe that personal injury lawyers should not be allowed to cold call or text people
• 63% said that people should only claim for an injury if it caused them to miss work or directly affected their life
• 6% of motorists would consider making a personal injury claim even if they knew they weren’t badly hurt
• 4% of motorists said that people should do whatever they can to get money out of insurers
However, despite nearly two thirds of motorists feeling that personal injury claims were pushing up the cost of insurance for everyone, almost the same number (63%) still believe it is fine for people to try to get compensation if they have been seriously injured in a road accident which wasn’t their fault.
Scott Kelly, head of motor services at Gocompare.com, said: “Unfortunately, it’s increasingly inevitable that a road accident will be swiftly followed by a claim for some sort of personal injury. And while genuine claims should be encouraged, inflated or false claims, which result in higher premiums for everyone as insurers pass the bill on to all drivers, must be addressed.
“Part of the blame lies with the claims companies which target people by telling them they can make thousands of pounds by claiming for injuries sustained in an accident on the road.
“New laws being introduced this April to ban referral fees and the use of incentives by claims management companies will hopefully go some way towards reducing the number of fake and exaggerated personal injury claims being made.
“We hope that Government and industry-led initiatives will result in a more effective way of distinguishing between genuine claimants and have-a-go compensation chasers.
“If insurers are able to make sure they are only paying out for genuine claims, this will hopefully be reflected in all of our car insurance premiums.”
The Transport Committee inquiry wants to hear evidence on a range of issues relating to whiplash, including whether it is correct to say that the costs of whiplash claims add £90 to the average premium and, if so, what proportion of this additional cost is due to exaggerated, misrepresented or fabricated claims.
In addition, it will examine whether the proposals put forward by the Government, in relation to medical evidence of whiplash and incentives to challenge fraudulent or exaggerated claims, are likely to reduce motor insurance premiums and, if so, to what extent.
A Few Easy Steps To Save Refurb Costs
Fleet managers could save thousands of pounds per year by taking 10 minutes to check the external condition of leased vehicles before they are due to be returned, according to Revive.
The cosmetic vehicle repair specialist advises developing an internal lease return inspection protocol.
This should involve inspecting bumpers, alloys and paintwork for scuffs, bumps and scratches a few weeks before the official end of lease inspection is due.
According to industry figures, 27% of returned vehicles incur a fair wear and tear recharge.
This is generally because damage has been left untouched or not repaired to a high enough standard.
Large fleets could quickly realise significant savings by checking vehicles and organising appropriate repairs themselves through accredited SMART repairers or bodyshops.
Revive advises fleet managers to follow these five ‘10-minute check-up’ tips:
- Ensure the vehicle is clean and dry: dirt and wet can mask scratches and scuffs.
- Choose a well-lit location.
- Start at one corner – such as the driver’s side headlight – and walk slowly around the vehicle examining each panel, as well as the roof, doors and bonnet.
- Crouch down to check the vehicle along its length, on each side.
- Pay special attention to wheels and bumpers – these are prime areas for scuffs and scrapes.
Mark Llewellyn (pictured) , managing director of Revive, said that as a rule of thumb, minor damage smaller than an A4 piece of paper can be repaired to a high standard by a SMART repairer.
Larger areas of damage require attention in a bodyshop.
Both options are more cost-effective than simply accepting the wear and tear recharge.
“Wear and tear recharges have really escalated over the past three years,” he said. “Anecdotally, we have heard of many cases where a firm has been billed around £900 for repairs that would have cost a fraction of that with an accredited SMART repair technician. By taking a planned approach and making time to inspect vehicles internally, businesses could save a lot of money.”
Author
Fleet News
Used LCV Sales Up
During March the conversion rates of used vans were up to 81% whilst the average number of days that LCVs remained on site reduced to just 10.9, according to the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA).
Increased conversation rates are positive as auction vendors are realising their capital quicker and thus helping cash flow, says NAMA.
Average values of used LCV’s at auction across the board decreased from £4,387 to £4,293, equivalent to a 2% decrease between February and March.
However, this can be attributed the change in mix of vehicles sold, with an increase in sales of older poorer quality vehicles.
Total sales rose in March from 6,523 to 6,725 units, representing a month-on-month increase of a 3%.
Despite the slight fall in the average price for LCVs, other key market factors indicated that March recorded another solid performance from the LCV auction market.
However, with summer months approaching the normal seasonal market changes are expected to follow.
If sales volumes and mileage continue to rise, at a time when the typical condition of light commercial vehicles is deteriorating, this market strength will be put to a severe test.
By reviewing the price changes over the last six months we are able to provide a much clearer insight into the market.
As the market has remained stable over the past few months, the highs at the end of 2012 and the lows seen in February will have largely resulted from which fleets were in the market at that time.
Volume changes – by age
|
|
Oct-12 |
% Diff |
Nov-12 |
% Diff |
Dec-12 |
% Diff |
Jan-13 |
% Diff |
Feb-13 |
% Diff |
Mar-13 |
% Diff |
|
<2 Years |
331 |
46% |
129 |
-61% |
154 |
19% |
365 |
137% |
431 |
18% |
198 |
-54% |
|
2 – 4 Years |
1,918 |
4% |
1,027 |
-46% |
1,061 |
3% |
1,685 |
59% |
1,625 |
-4% |
2,058 |
27% |
|
4.1 – 6 Years |
3,342 |
13% |
1,837 |
-45% |
1,534 |
-16% |
2,208 |
44% |
2,596 |
18% |
2,497 |
-4% |
|
Over 6 Years |
1,521 |
11% |
1,089 |
-28% |
802 |
-26% |
1,880 |
134% |
1,871 |
0% |
1,972 |
5% |
|
Total |
7,112 |
11% |
4,082 |
-43% |
3,551 |
-13% |
6,138 |
73% |
6,523 |
6% |
6,725 |
3% |
Sales of new LCV’s have strengthened in recent months and this stability is likely to continue throughout 2013.
This will result in an increase in 2 – 4 year old LCV’s appearing in auction halls across the UK. Whilst this will have a positive effect on the average price of LCV’s it will also have a detrimental effect on all less attractive, older lots.
Alex Wright, chairman of the NAMA Commercial Vehicle Group, said: “It is encouraging to see that the first quarter has seen the LCV auction market perform strongly.
“With such strong conversion rates and with the low number of days that LCVs remained on site, it is clear that auction customers are fully utilising the market.
“NAMA hope that the strong foundation created in the first quarter will have an effect on the slower summer months and will help to keep the market buoyant.”
Congratulations to Practical Hitchin on winning Motor Codes Independent Garage of the Year 2013
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Garage of the Year results Today we have presented the awards to the overall winners of this year's Garage of the Year contest – Sturgess Jaguar, Leicester and Top Marques, Hitchin. As ever, the decision to pick one franchised main dealer and one independent from our outstanding selection of regional finalists was a tough one and I'm glad that we were able to call on experts, Steve Fowler, editor of Auto Express and Fifth Gear presenter, Vicki Butler-Henderson, to help us make that decision. To the other finalists, you all deserve congratulating on your status as regional winners – some of you multiple times over. And to all of the garages that asked their customers to support them, thank you for helping make this contest the important event that it is: one that serves to direct customers to garages that commit to the government's approved code – your businesses. Announcing the results to the wider world, the following press release was sent to media this afternoon: UK's top garages revealed Motor Codes award praises most trusted main dealer and independent Motor Codes, the operator of government-backed codes of practice has named the national winners of its annual Garage of the Year contest, following six weeks of voting by garage customers. At an award ceremony attended by garage owners, car manufacturers and Trading Standards motor trade experts, Sturgess Jaguar, Leicester, was named franchised main dealer of the year and Top Marques of Hitchin picked up the independent garage prize. The competition, in association with Auto Express Driver Power, celebrates top-class customer service and Auto Express editor, Steve Fowler, joined TV presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson to hand over the coveted trophies. Chris Mason, managing director of Motor Codes, was part of the judging panel and outlined why Sturgess and Top Marques stood out from a crowd of thousands of other garages: "As well as the volume of votes from satisfied customers, we analysed the comments people made about our twenty regional finalists. Though very different businesses, both Sturgess and Top Marques showed the ability to adopt the personal service associated with a family-run business that builds long-term relationships with customers." The judges, Chris, Steve, Vicki and a lead motor trade officer from Trading Standards, Tim Milsom, also highlighted evidence of a number of shared themes found with the two winners: A strong focus on obtaining – and acting upon – customer feedback, a transparent, customer-focused approach to those times when things do go wrong and an all-round effort to accommodate all types of customer requirement, however big or small a job may be. There was also some good use of social media. "For a bit of fun each year, one unofficial bit of judging criteria we like to look at is the distance test – how far customers travel to use the garage. Sturgess Jaguar is active on a number of online forums and, as a result, has enjoyed custom from as far afield as Norway!" Andy West is customer services director at Jaguar and was proud of the win for Sturgess: "I am thrilled that Sturgess has won Franchise Garage of the Year. Chris Sturgess and his team at Jaguar Leicester work very hard to look after their customers and make great use of digital media to stay in close contact. Jaguar was proud to be ranked number one in the last JD Power survey and will continue to work closely with Motor Codes to ensure that the very highest levels of customer service are delivered in the car industry." Equally delighted was owner of Top Marques, Mark Scott: "This is truly something to be proud of, as it's an endorsement directly from our customers. Everyone at Top Marques are over the moon and I can't praise the team enough. Thanks to all those customers who took the time to vote for us." The winning garages were picked from twenty regional champions – the nation's favourite franchised main dealers and independent garages. 11,500 people voted to endorse the first-class customer service they have received at Motor Codes subscribing garages, all of which commit to the scrutiny of the Trading Standards-approved Service and Repair Code. On its website, www.motorcodes.co.uk, Motor Codes offers a garage finder so that people can choose from the 7,250 garages signed up to the government-backed code, removing that anxiety all too often associated with finding a trustworthy garage. -ends- Notes to editors: Garage of the Year 2013, in association with Auto Express Driver Power. The regional winners, highly commended: Franchised main dealer category
Independent garage category
All the best |
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Chris Mason FIMI Managing Director Motor Codes Limited Keep up with the latest Code developments on the Motor Codes blog or on twitter |
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Drivers unaware of foreign drink-drive limits as French law shelved | News | Breaking Travel News
The French government’s decision to postpone indefinitely plans to fine drivers for failing to carry a breathalyser kit in their car highlights the lack of knowledge British visitors have of drink-drive limits when on the continent, says a company specialising in French holidays.
France’s Minister of Interior has announced fines for motorists who do not carry a kit in their vehicle – previously due to come into force on 1 March – have been shelved. All drivers in France are required to carry a breathalyser, and those without would have been liable for an €11 (£9.50) fine. Additionally, drivers in France must also carry a warning triangle and a high-visibility safety vest.
According to UK-based French holiday cottage specialists gites.co.uk, British drivers should still take heed of the breathalyser rule, and be aware of France’s tougher drink-drive limits.
“Even though traffic police won’t have the power to issue fines,” said Duncan Pollard, “you should still carry one of the readily-available disposable kits with you as part of your in-car safety equipment.
“Many people don’t realise that the drink-drive limit in France is around half that of the UK, and the kit should serve as a reminder of the tougher laws on the continent.”
via Drivers unaware of foreign drink-drive limits as French law shelved | News | Breaking Travel News.
Car insurance: Top 10 motoring convictions & their hidden cost
Exclusive research by Confused.com reveals the 10 most common motoring convictions – and how breaking the law can cost you hundreds of pounds when renewing your car insurance. Speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel and drink-driving top the list of motoring offences most regularly committed on UK roads. But as well as a conviction, points on your licence and a fine, falling foul of the law while driving could also add hundreds of pounds to your car insurance premiums, as our research shows. The cost of a motoring conviction The figures in the table below are based on a test quote we ran for a 30-year-old female marketing manager living in Cardiff and driving a 2003 Mini Cooper.With an annual mileage of 6,000, five years no-claims discount, and the car parked on a driveway when not in use, she would pay £682 a year for cover.
Top 10 motoring convictions |
% increasein carinsurancepremiumafterconviction |
How muchcar insuranceincreasedby afterconviction |
|
1. SP30 – Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road |
34% |
£231 |
|
2. CU80 – Use of a hand-held device whilst driving |
49% |
£337 |
|
3. TS10 – Failing to comply with traffic light signals |
24% |
£162 |
|
4. SP50 – Exceeding speed limit on a motorway |
34% |
£231 |
|
5. IN10 – Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks |
131% |
£896 |
|
6. DR10 – Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit |
115% |
£782 |
|
7. CD10 – Driving without due care and attention |
51% |
£346 |
|
8. LC20 – Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence |
49% |
£331 |
|
9. CU30 – Using a vehicle with defective tyre |
69% |
£471 |
|
10. SP40 – Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit |
34% |
£231 |
This table is based on customers who obtained a car insurance quote from Confused.com between October and December 2012, with motoring convictions in the last five years prior to the date of the quote. Read more: http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/articles/top-motoring-convictions-and-their-hidden-cost#ixzz2NFedp965
Factors affecting your car insurance cost Now, the actual cost of a motoring conviction on car insurance costs will vary depending on the individual driver. Why? Well, there are a number of factors car insurers take into account when calculating your motor insurance premium. This includes the car you drive, where you live, your age and driving history, and your annual mileage, among other things. But Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, says: "Any conviction will likely cause a change in the cost of car insurance. "Our advice is simple: drive carefully and be mindful of the rules of the road." The cost of fines As well as a conviction affecting car insurance costs, fines for various driving offences will also leave drivers feeling the pinch. When it comes to speeding, for example, drivers face a fine of up to £1,200. Driving without insurance also come with hefty penalties. First-time offenders may receive six points on their licence and a fine of £180, but the penalties can be far more serious depending on the incident. But in the worst cases this can result in a complete ban and fines of up to £5,000. Take care of your tyres One of the less obvious motoring convictions is driving with defective tyres. But according to tyre-safety organisation Tyresafe, drivers can face fines of up to £10,000 if convicted of this offence. One defective or bald tyre could see drivers hit with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on their licence, and up to £5,000 and six points for two defective tyres. If all four tyres were defective, the maximum fine could be as much as £10,000 with a whopping 12 penalty points. The cost of non-disclosure Kloet urges drivers looking to cut motoring costs to resist the temptation to simply not disclose a motoring conviction when shopping around for cheap car insurance.He explains: "If you dont disclose a conviction and you make a claim on your policy, your insurance company could refuse to pay the claim. "Alternatively, they could make an additional charge for the conviction and wont authorise the claim until the charge is paid." How big an impact a conviction will have on the cost of your insurance depends on a number of factors, including insurance companies conviction policies, the type of conviction, the car you drive and your age. "Make sure you shop around on a price comparison site like Confused.com to ensure you get the best price." thanks to Car insurance: Top 10 motoring convictions & their hidden cost – Confused.com. About Me
Franchisee Profile – Ian Smith of Practical Sittingbourne
We are running a series of Franchisee Profiles on some of our locations – some are new to the Practical network, some have been with us for years. We want to find out a little more about them and what makes our franchisees tick.
This month’s profile is Ian Smith, from our Sittingbourne franchise.
Ian, along with his team, John and Bev, have been with Practical for 12 years now, since 2001. Ian’s other business is CAT Automotive, which supplies motor consumables to local companies. They have a large and varied fleet, ranging from small cars to motor homes and even 7.5 tonne trucks. Sittingbourne is one of our Premier Club locations and received the prestigious Harold Williams Award for Excellence in 2011.
| Where did you grow up? | Whitstable Kent |
| What was your first job after you left school? | Dog Handler |
| What was your first vehicle? | Vauxhall HA Van |
| Why did you join Practical and when? | For some strange reason I had always wanted to hire out vans and cars and when my main business became stable I made the leap of faith and joined Practical 13 years ago |
| What were your expectations of joining a franchise? | Backup and industry Advise |
| How has the rental business changed since you joined Practical? | Expectation of quality of vehicle’s has become higher while expecting prices to fall. No one locally taking deposits. |
| What does Practical bring to you over being an independent rental operator? | A great annual conference which gives an opportunity to understand what other Franchises are experiencing. Support of a national group without the ties |
| How could you improve your rental turnover going forward? | More specialist vehicles and long term rentals /leasing |
| What do you do in your day to day role? | According to John and Bev nothing !! but I do have to run another business to run as well |
| What do you think the future will bring in our industry? | Hopefully the big finance houses will realise that rental can’t go on being a lost leader and sensible returns will be required from their masters allowing the market to add value to the service we all offer |
| What vehicle do you drive now? | Audi A5 |
| Describe yourself in 5 words | committed, understanding , forward thinking ,hands-on, energetic |
Franchisee Profile – Edward Hamilton of Practical Biggleswade
We are running a series of Franchisee Profiles on some of our locations – some are new to the Practical network, some have been with us for years. We want to find out a little more about them and what makes our franchisees tick.
This month’s profile is Edward Hamilton, from our Biggleswade franchise. Ed started his franchise with us 7 years ago, taking over an extremely small local business with just 3 vans on fleet. His first month’s revenue was just £761. Within 12 months, he had increased his fleet to an average of 9 vehicles. Since then, he has taken his business with Practical from strength to strength. In the last 12 months, in the height of the recession and amidst extremely difficult trading conditions, Ed has bucked the trend and increased his fleet to 90 vehicles and his utilisation to over 70%, ranging from small cars to large 7.5 tonne lorries, with revenue to reflect this.
| Where did you grow up? | Alton, Hampshire |
| What was your first job after you left school? | Apprentice Mechanic with Aston Martin, Dublin |
| What was your first vehicle? | MGB |
| Why did you join Practical and when? | 6 years ago – the then Biggleswade franchisee approached me and offered me the business. |
| What were your expectations of joining a franchise? | Interesting side line |
| How has the rental business changed since you joined Practical? | Harder due to the economic climate |
| What does Practical bring to you over being an independent rental operator? | Security |
| How could you improve your rental turnover going forward? | Massive investment |
| What do you do in your day to day role? | Panic, Stress, Worry |
| What do you think the future will bring in our industry? | Huge growth |
| What vehicle do you drive now? | Phaeton |
| Describe yourself in 5 words | Enigmatic, Loyal, Pedantic, Charismatic, Non-Conformist |
Auto Windscreens Severe Weather Contingency Service
UPDATE: Monday 21 January 2013
Auto Windscreens Customer Contingency for Severe Weather
Auto Windscreens is always prepared, no matter what the weather
Subzero temperatures and blanket snow caused havoc across the UK this weekend and, with severe weather conditions set to continue this week, Auto Windscreens is tackling the situation head-on.
Contact centre fully operational
The Auto Windscreens’ contact centre has remained wholly unaffected by the cold spell since it hit and this is not expected to change over the coming days.
Fitting centres potential disruption
The heavy snow may unfortunately cause some issues to fitting centre services today. Customers will be informed of any alterations to appointments and bookings that need to be rescheduled will be done so to suit their needs.
Potential disruptions are anticipated at the following locations:
- North East
- North West
- Lincoln
- Chesterfield
- Leeds
- Essex
- Kent
- Norfolk
Heavy snowfall is also forecast in Scotland later today so may provide some difficulties for fitting centres in the country.
Glass fully stocked
Auto Windscreens is fully stocked with the glass required to carry out current and expected work over the coming days.
If you would like any further information or have any questions about Auto Windscreens winter weather contingency plans please contact 01246 223000 and ask for Rachel Frogatt.