Tag: car insurance

rolls royce - luxury vehicle theft

Be on your guard: protect your luxury vehicle from theft

Gareth Rowett

In recent weeks an unfortunate trend in luxury vehicle theft claims has emerged specifically in some affluent areas of London.

We’ve been advised by our insurers Aviva to make our clients aware of the risk in this area and to be extra vigilant in taking the necessary precautions to protect your luxury vehicles.

To help mitigate the risk, they suggest taking the following actions. 

  1. Always lock your car securely when you leave it, even for a short time, and keep your keys with you. Using a steering wheel lock for extra (visible) security could make a would-be thief pass over your vehicle for another.
  2. Consider installing trackers and immobilisers. Products such as the Tracker S5 Plus, Ghost II, Scorpion X and NoGo are Thatcham-approved and highly recommended as they offer an extra layer of protection from key cloning and hacking.
  3. Make sure the subscription for your vehicle tracking device is maintained – a subscription thatʼs overdue could affect your motor insurance policy.

In addition to using steering wheel locks and installing trackers and immobilisers, there are a few other measures you can take to further enhance the security of your vehicle. One simple yet effective step is to always park your car in well-lit areas or secure parking lots, as this can deter potential thieves. It’s also a good idea to keep your car keys in a safe place at home, away from windows and doors, to prevent them from being easily accessible to burglars.

Another important aspect of vehicle security is being cautious about who you lend your car to. While it may be tempting to lend your car to a friend or family member, it’s crucial to ensure that they are responsible and trustworthy drivers. By being selective about who you allow to drive your car, you can minimize the risk of it being stolen or damaged.

Regular maintenance and servicing of your vehicle can also contribute to its security. By keeping your car in good condition, you reduce the likelihood of breakdowns or malfunctions that could make it an easy target for thieves. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date records of your vehicle’s maintenance and repairs can be helpful in the event of an insurance claim.

Lastly, it’s important to stay informed about the latest security threats and techniques used by car thieves. Keeping up with news and updates from reputable sources can help you stay one step ahead and take necessary precautions to protect your vehicle. By staying proactive and implementing these security measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of your cherished car being stolen or compromised.

Of course it’s vital that you have adequate vehicle insurance to protect your cherished car. When you arrange your motor insurance with us, we will ensure to get full details of your car so that the cover is sufficiently high value.

If you have any concerns about your current level of insurance, or are considering investing in a new or vintage luxury vehicle, call us on 01726 871144 and select option 1 to be taken straight to the personal insurance department.

a car driving behind a lorry in snowy weather

Preparing Your Vehicles For Winter

Gareth Rowett

Unexpected snowfall and treacherously icy roads can cause chaos for drivers and fleet managers. Here are some simple steps to help prepare for a season of trouble-free driving.

Servicing and maintenance

There’s no better time for a service than in the run up to winter. Maintenance throughout the season is also important, even once a service has been conducted. This should include:

  • Routinely checking the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant system, and bringing it back to the correct winter level
  • Replacing the car battery at the first sign of trouble
  • Replacing any faulty light bulbs immediately
  • Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delay
  • For fleets, your customers should train and ensure drivers know how to deal with adverse conditions

Tyres

Regular visual checks will highlight any prominent defects to tyres. Any damage to the tyre walls such as cuts, cracks or bulges should be dealt with immediately as they could lead to slow punctures or blow-outs at high speeds.

In winter, drivers should ideally have a minimum tread depth of 3mm, as this helps the car to remove additional surface water on the road. Anything less than 2mm remaining on a tyre should be replaced immediately.

Consider installing winter/all season tyres; they are specifically designed to provide increased grip in winter conditions. In extreme weather, snow chains are also worth considering. Any tyre enhancements must be fitted to the manufacturer’s standards.

Do not under-inflate tyres; it is a myth that a softer tyre means better grip.

Prepare for the worst

You can rest in the knowledge that you’re prepared for the worst by stocking your vehicle(s) with the following items:

  • Ice scraper / de-icer spray
  • Powerful torch with spare batteries
  • Reflective triangle
  • First aid kit
  • Warm clothing, shoes and blankets
  • Insurance and broker documents, including any contact information for emergency claim hotlines
  • Bottled water and non-perishable foods
  • Jump leads
  • Snow shovel
  • Tow rope
  • Complete set of replacement light bulbs
  • Always carry a mobile phone and spare batteries

Preparing and driving the car

Allow at least 10 minutes more in the morning to prepare your car.

Clear all windows of snow and ice, and clear the roof of snow.

Give extra time for your journey and stick to main roads where possible.

Always let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to arrive.

For fleet managers, vehicle tracking tools are available.

Gentle manoeuvres are the key, particularly when braking.

Always try to pull away in second gear, and select a higher gear such as third or fourth for travelling downhill.

In the event of skidding, depress the clutch, steer into the skid and avoid the temptation to brake forcefully.

Black ice can appear to be just a wet patch, so be wary.

Always put your safety before punctuality in winter conditions.

Listen to local traffic reports and heed advice from your local authority or police concerning driving safety.

Want to find out how we can help insure your vehicles, whether it be commercial motor, car, agricultural vehicles or fleets, all one on policy? Get in touch with Rowett Insurance on 01726 871144 today. 

Or head here for more information on vehicle insurance.

 *This article originally appeared on Allianz.