IT'S always difficult to keep a clear head and know exactly what to do after a car accident. But while you'll no doubt be worrying about injuries or damage to your car, there are several vital things you also need to think about. Missing out on one of the important steps could see you given a hefty fine, or even be criminally charged. For example, do you know if you have to call the police and are you clear on what information you need to get from the other drivers involved? And is it really necessary to tell your insurer even if you've got no intention of making a claim? With the help of Warranty Direct, we've compiled these top tips that'll keep you out of trouble after a smash. Be sure to stop No matter how minor the accident, you always have to stop. If you don't, it's classed as an offence under the Road Safety Act, which could see you hit with penalty points, a fine or even a custodial sentence. If your car’s driveable, find a safe place to pull over, switch off your … [Read more...] about What to do if you’re in a car accident – the vital steps every motorist needs to know to avoid penalty
What do you need to get car insurance
Best day to buy car insurance revealed – and drivers could chop £570 off bills
BUYING car insurance 21 days before a new policy starts could save drivers £570 - and almost halve their bill. An investigation by MoneySavingExpert found that locking in to a new deal three weeks early is the ideal time to get the most for your money. For a typical policy that costs £1,156 on the day of renewal costs £589 21 days earlier - saving motorists £567. But it doesn't always pay to be organised though because the investigation also found that getting your insurance too early could also mean that you're overpaying by hundreds. On average, a policy bought 30 days in advance - the earliest you can usually get a quote on comparison sites - could cost motorists £531 MORE than holding off for another nine days and buying at the 21 day mark. MSE asked a number of insurers why there was a massive price difference and they said that it's all down to risk. Someone who leaves renewing their policy until the last minute is seen as a higher risk - some insurers … [Read more...] about Best day to buy car insurance revealed – and drivers could chop £570 off bills
Renting in Paris: Ten things you need to know about apartment hunting
1. Get a three-month headstart (at least) Competition is fierce when it comes to renting an apartment in Paris, so get planning early. For the short-term stays we recommend that you book your apartment at least three months before, or six months for the long-term stays. If you do it too late, you might miss an opportunity - not to mention that some owners might think that you're going to change your mind seeing as you'd be operating at the last minute. Photo: AFP 2. Learn the prices per square metre across Paris The price for your surface area changes in different parts of the city, and this is good to know when you're figuring out your budget. The price per sqm is highest in the 1st arrondissement of Paris (at €30.70 per sqm), for example, while it's lowest in the 19th arrondissement at €22.80. Most people think that they need to break the bank to live in a big Paris apartment, … [Read more...] about Renting in Paris: Ten things you need to know about apartment hunting
Why you need to make an (official) complaint about your car insurance
According to recent reports, the cost of insuring a car dropped this year. But before you put out the bunting and start celebrating, motor insurance is still at almost record levels. I’m always being asked about motor insurance problems – from scooters to caravans as well as cars. Yet weirdly, people are often really reluctant to make a complaint about a claim that hasn’t been resolved to their satisfaction. So just for the record, your insurer can’t punish you for complaining about a claim! Read More Car insurance: What you need to know Here’s a short guide to the main problems in my postbag: Repairs - Resolver has so many complaints about garages we’ve got a separate category for them! Check your policy to see if your insurer gives you the cash for a repair or insists on arranging it through one of their mechanics or garages. If they authorise the garage, they’re responsible for problems with the repair. Non-disclosure - A fixture on … [Read more...] about Why you need to make an (official) complaint about your car insurance
If you’re travelling to France this year, this is everything you need to know
The biggest thing you have to get used to when you roll off the ferry in Calais is driving on the wrong side of the road - the right. But it's not the only thing. The traffic lights are different for a start, there are whopping eight lane motorways, and pretty much everyone is French. However, the rules are straight forward, and driving in a foreign country doesn't have to be scary. Firstly, as a foreign driver you need to carry with you a full valid driving licence, proof of insurance, proof of identification like a passport, and your registration document, also called the V5C Certificate. Don't be afraid of the traffic lights, the amber and green lights have swapped positions, but green still means go, and yellow still means slow or caution. The Law in France Some of the newest regulations to come into force include the reduced speed limit on many A and B roads to 50 miles per hour, or about 80 kilometres an hour. An interesting rule of the road in France is that drivers with more … [Read more...] about If you’re travelling to France this year, this is everything you need to know