The AA is encouraging people to do a quick check online to make sure that their vehicle is insured. The AA has said that only seven per cent of people have used the free service, known as AskMID. The study also showed that only twenty per cent of people were aware that it exists. New rules that mean that insurance must be continuous and that people must make sure that their new insurance has come through when their old one runs out. Television advertising and information sent out with tax discs is informing people of the new rules and the AskMID service.

Director of the AA, Simon Douglas has said, “It’s rather disappointing to see these figures as it shows that people are not making sure they are complying with the new continuous insurance rules. People should be aware that the police use the database to find cars that are uninsured. Cameras are able to detect where these cars are and the police will be sent to intercept them. Simple errors on an insurance form can mean that people who think they are insured are actually not.

“Using the AskMID service is incredibly easy. You just have to enter your licence plate number and it will tell you whether you are insured. If you have insurance but are not listed as having any, speak to your insurance company immediately.” Estimates say that over a million cars are being driven in the UK without insurance.

Related posts:

1. No car insurance may equal crushed car There is risk to those that do not renew their...
2. Its official, motorway service stations are a rip off A What Car magazine survey has found that drivers are...
3. Who Can Fix My Car? That is the question A new initiative has been launched by the team behind...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The warmer and drier climes that we experience through the summer seem to take its toll on suspension and axle failures, which account for more than a quarter of the claims made to Warranty Direct. Major internal engine problems and engine cooling breakdowns account for 9.16% and 9.34% of claims respectively and can result in repair bills of as much as £7,239.

The average repair bill is 10% higher in the summer than in the winter and over 4 in 10 motorists make a claim between June-August, compared with 36% during the winter months. In 2010, 4/5 of the most costly repair bills occurred between the months of June and August.

The parts most likely to fail during June-August

Overall, the 10 components identified by Warranty Direct as most likely to cause a breakdown in the summer account for over 75% of claims during that period.

Brake and steering components are the next most likely items to fail during the summer – though equally susceptible in the winter – followed by the battery, transmission and ignition system.

Unsurprisingly, more air-conditioning malfunctions surface as temperatures climb, while turbochargers round off the top 10.

Duncan McClure Fisher of Warranty Direct said: “Cars are complex and sensitive to the environment they are subjected to.

“In these straightened times, anything a motorist can do to mitigate motoring costs, or at least make them more predictable, is worthwhile. Maintenance and a degree of mechanical sympathy make a difference, but often breakdowns just happen.”

Warranty Direct cover starts from as little as £15 a month. All policies protect against wear & tear, failures caused by uninsured parts and failures found during a service or MOT.

For more information on the reliability of your vehicle, visit www.reliabilityindex.com, or for a quote on cover www.warrantydirect.co.uk.

Related posts:

1. Which is the Nightmare Car found on UK roads Which is the Nightmare Car found on UK roads If...
2. UK Motorists facing huge £1.6bn repair bill Some drivers face £7,239 costs UK Motorists facing huge...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Who Can Fix My Car

A new initiative has been launched by the team behind Make and Model – now it’s an automotive servicing and repair sector. The full launch was seen last May of the Who Can Fix My Car (WCFMC), which tries to line up a mechanic or garage for consumers that are need of one by offering superior choice, best price for all automotive and servicing needs and the highest level of service.

Those who provide the these services can range from big nationwide chains, to service centers and even the small independent repair shops and will be able to compete not just on cost but quality and reputation of service they offer. WCFMC will be operating locally so that when consumers that post work that needs to be done the site will automatically let the nearby service providers know about the possible work so they can place a bid. The communications to start are through the site’s confidential internal messaging system in order to provide privacy for those using the service.

Consumers can then select and converse with mechanics or garages who contact them with interest in carrying out the required work via the site. Over time, the service providers will be able to, and indeed are encouraged to, build a track record by asking consumers to leave reviews and feedback with regards to the quality of service experienced. As the business matures the mechanics and garages offering the best service at the best price should reap the benefits of increased interest in their availability.

As is often the case, many car owners do not know where to start when trying to tackle a car-related issue. WCFMC has a wide range of sections that makes posting a job and contacting local trusted mechanics easy, quick and hassle-free. So whether a consumer needs a standard service, requires accident repairs or wants more information about parts and accessories nearby, WCFMC will prove to be a useful resource

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.