Insurance advice

Don't Leave The Keys In...

August 28th, 2008

As we seem to be rapidly approaching the onset of winter, the number of claims involving theft of cars and vans left with their keys in will soar, as vehicle users leave their engines running trying to defrost before leaving for work.

Insurers will have difficulty in justifying payment for any theft where the user has clearly left the vehicle unattended, and whilst a number of complaints against insurers over claims being turned down have been upheld by the Financial Ombudsman, the issue of whether a vehicle is unattended or not, or reasonable care of the vehicle has been taken, can be a little subjective. And subjectivity is the last thing you want when you need a claim to be paid.

Simple rule for drivers - Don't leave the keys in, and lock your vehicle whenever you leave it - even if it's on your drive.

As Brokers, we haven't failed yet in getting a claim paid where keys were left in, but we don't want any of our clients to ruin our unblemished record! Click the link for an interesting report by the Financial Ombudsman.

Keys In Cars - Case Studies

Hardening market

June 13th, 2008

As the credit crunch bites and costs come under closer scrutiny, companies are more sensitive to increases in insurance cost.

Premiums are beginning to rise now, and unless your broker approaches the marketing of your insurance policy with fleet management clearly on the agenda, the chances are you're not going to get the best deal when your policy falls due for renewal.

Proactive fleet risk management can pay solid dividends in stabilising your insurance cost and reducing it in many cases. Often there is little financial outlay, other than an investment in time to implement better systems of management.

Talk to us in good time, and we can work towards putting the very best market presentation to insurers.

You'll see the difference.

Directors' cars

June 13th, 2008

Many insurers are very comfortable with including vehicles under a fleet policy which are personally owned and registered to company directors.

The major benefits are that invariably driving restrictions do not apply (other than for high performance vehicles ususally), the premium contribution personally is by benefit in kind on the P11D (not out of taxed income), and most importantly there isn't usually a no claims bonus to lose.

Fleetcover can offer you professional advice on your vehicles and fleet policy suitability - ring us and find out more on 0845 224 5329