Driving - Changes In The Law

(From Saga Magazine)

Keep up-to-date and legal on the road with our guide to new rules and legislation that affect motorists. 

There have been a number of changes to motoring law enacted in 2015. As Sarah Sillars, chief executive officer of road safety charity IAM, puts it: “This year has seen some of the biggest changes in motoring procedures we have ever seen. It is very important drivers and riders are fully up-to-date on what is happening – they will affect everyone in one way or another.”

It’s a potential minefield – and, as ever, ignorance is no defence – so here is our guide to the changes that affect you and your car!

1. Driving licences

We’ve covered the changes to your driving licence in detail here but in brief, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will no longer be issuing the paper element of your driving licence. 

When you need to hire a car, or otherwise confirm whether or not you have penalty points on your licence, you have to obtain a ‘check code’ from the DVLA, which lets a third-party inspect your licence online. Following consultation, the length of time the check code is now valid for has been extended to 21 days.

2. Paying for your VED

Most people are now aware that, as of the 1 October 2014, you no longer have to display a tax disc in the windscreen of your car but not everyone knows that you can now pay for your VED (or vehicle excise duty) in monthly instalments via Direct Debit, making it easier to budget for.

Read more about the changes to the tax disc.

3. Selling a secondhand car

New rules brought in in 2015 mean that you must cash in the VED (or car tax) on your car when you sell it, leaving the new owner to buy his or her own. 

The refund is automatically issued when the DVLA receives the completed V5 (vehicle registration document) telling it that you have sold, scrapped, exported or declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) on your car.

4. Middle lane hog fine

The £1,000 ‘middle lane hog’ fine levied on a motorist in Yorkshire was a result of a tweak to existing laws that enable the police to issue a fixed penalty notice (or FPN) to drivers it believes are driving inconsiderately by committing offences such as  ‘tailgating’, ‘undertaking’, or refusing to move from an overtaking lane when the road ahead is clear.

Read more about penalties for careless and inconsiderate driving.

5. Drug driving 

It has been an offence since March 2015 to drive under the influence of illegal drugs, such as cannabis, LSD and cocaine – a common-sense move that few would argue against. 

However, the legislation, which affects drivers in England and Wales, also includes some prescribed drugs such as diazepam, methadone and morphine. 

If you are unsure whether your medication falls under the new law, you should seek advice from your doctor as those convicted of the offence will face an automatic driving ban, an unlimited fine, a possible jail sentence and a criminal record, bringing the offence in line with existing drink drive laws.

6. Smoking

It will be an offence in England to smoke in a car containing anyone under the age of 18 from 1 October 2015. Anyone flouting the law could face a fine of up to £50.

7. Speed limits

The speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in England and Wales has recently been raised from 40mph to 50mph on single carriageways and from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways. 

8. Drink Driving laws in Scotland

The blood alcohol limit for drink driving in Scotland was lowered to 50mg per 100ml of blood in December 2014. The rest of the UK stayed at 80mg per 100ml. 

For even more useful motoring hints and tips, visit the motoring section on the Saga Magazine website. 

For Holsure Travel Insurance Driving quotes - click HERE

Hiring a Car? - Better Read This.....

Motorists are being warned to be aware of changes taking effect in just over two weeks time as the paper counterpart for the driving licence will no longer be issued by the DVLA.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) fears many motorists are still confused or unaware of the implications of the paper counterpart no longer having any legal status from June 8. The paper counterpart was used alongside the photo card driving licence when the latter was introduced in 1998 to include details that could not be included on the card itself, such as any endorsements and which category of vehicles people are entitled to drive. Before 1998 motorists just had the paper part of the license. 

 However, from next month, this information will be stored electronically and not be shown on any written documentation drivers will have. These details can be only be obtained via the DVLA driver record system and be checked online or in writing by post. As of June 8, the paper counterpart, or an old-style paper driving licence, cannot be relied upon to carry correct or up-to-date information about endorsements or categories of vehicle someone can drive. What is also changing is the court procedure if motorists have to surrender their driving licence in the event of an endorsement. The court will take the photocard and if drivers include the paper counterpart with their submission, the photocard will be returned to them but the counterpart will not. However, drivers will be expected to pay their fine in the normal way. 

Another change is how to provide proof of your driving record to an employer or car hire firm, as the photocard or paper licence will not be enough in itself any more. Drivers will be expected to access the details themselves and print those off for submission to a car hire firm or employer. Or they can call the DVLA and give a third party permission to check their driving record verbally. If drivers are hiring a vehicle, it is important to check with the car hire firm beforehand what information they need. Motorists can also obtain a special code from www.gov.uk which allows the hire firm access to your record for 72 hours to make the necessary checks. 

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “People are not aware of how many of the current procedures are changing. The onus is very much on the individual to obtain the information they need beforehand. “So we very much hope people will not be caught unawares, especially if they don’t want a nasty surprise when arriving to collect their car at the start of their holiday.”

Our Travel Insurance includes Car and Breakdown Cover - click HERE for quotes

Medical Expenses in U.S. - Based on real claims.

Medical expenses in United States are notorious for being astronomical figures. 
But, do you really know how much it cost you?

Insurance Company RSA Travel Insurance is disclosing medical cost you'll be billed if not covered with travel insurance. Those numbers are persuasive as they're based on the real claims.


Case A - She's 42 years old. While driving with her friend in US, she runs a stop sign resulting in whiplash and a broken arm. 


Here's the cost breakdown.
-Hospital Stay for 3 days from $12,900(Buffalo) to $29,100(Detroit)
-Physician from2,000(Buffalo) to $4,400(Detroito)
-Ambulance average $1,000
-Incidentals(meals, accomodations for her friend, etc.) about $1,500
TOTAL COST $17,400 - $36,000

If she purchased travel insurance at $32, the cost would be $0.




Case B - He's is a healthy active young man residing in Manitoba. He travels to top ski destinations around the world. Despite he's a good skier, he breaks is leg during a ski trip.

Here's the average cost for hospital one night stay, cast medications, physician, ambulance, incidentals(meals), and repatriation.

Canada out of home province(*)  $1,400
Zermatt, Switzerland    $13,300
Killington, VT               $27,800
 Aspen, CO                  $55,700
Squaw Valley, CA         $67,900

TOTAL COST RANGE FROM $1,400-$67,900.
With purchase of travel insurance at $25-35, the cost would be down to $0.



Now we're on the same page. It's no use crying over split milk. Protect yourself & enjoy your trip!Need to know more? Contact us: info@biis.ca


Source:RSA Travel Insurance Inc.
http://www.rsatravelpartners.com/article/2014-11-27/infographic-claims-profile-driver-edition
http://www.rsatravelpartners.com/article/2014-10-29/infographic-claims-profile-ski-edition

(*) Average of Whilstler, BC and Mont-Tremblant, QC

Road/Rail Travel and Travel Insurance

For many, the journey is as important as the arrival...

Did you know that the majority of Travel Insurance Claims are based around Air Travel? Lost baggage, delayed or cancelled flights, incidents at airports or on the way to or from airports, lost deposits, lost passports, phones, laptops, ipads - all these incidents revolve around the one part of the holiday that most of us hate.

Travelling to the Continent by road/ferry or road/rail removes a huge part of stress for many travellers and at Holsure we have returning customers who travel by road purely to avoid airports and air travel. For some too, the journey is part of the break, the driving, the organisation of the accommodation and even the mapping out of the route is all a part of the holiday - you can't often say that about the two hour check in wait at the UK's airports or the mad scramble for trolleys at Baggage Reclaim. Air Travel doesn't have the romance of Road Travel - after all who dreams of flying across the United States - wouldn't you rather drive on Route 66, or cruise through the Rockies in an RV, or take the Amtrak across the Continental US?

So, for some the dream of seeing the real Europe involves the driving option, the need to get among the locals and stop where and when the fancy takes you. For some the journey is the holiday, the driving, the planning, the local involvement at ground level and the integration with ones surroundings - not just at the Package Holiday Hotel. I have always enjoyed the drive to our friends in Holland and would much prefer to drive to Scotland than fly. For me, part of this is the convenience of taking what I need on holiday rather than what baggage weight restrictions dictate, but I also love the ability to stop where I want - and the greatest tip I can give anyone in this position is to come OFF the Motorway, Highway or Autobahn and take your coffee and lunch breaks in a TOWN and not in some Motorway Service Area. It doesn't add much extra time to the journey but it can add some magical memories. Have you ever, and I mean, EVER had a wonderful meal or magical memory in a Service Station?

The other good news about road travel is that Travel Insurance is very reasonable. Without the need to cover the Air and Airport problem areas, insurance policies are cheap, whether you require one day or one month travel insurance we, at Holsure, can provide you with full Insurance Cover and European Breakdown Cover for minimal cost ensuring that your holiday plans -  including the memorable journey - are fully covered.

Driving In Europe

Who can deny the freedom afforded by a touring holiday in Europe? The open roads, the ability to stop at every gob-smacking viewpoint, café or restaurant; choosing your overnight stops as you go and changing route plans as you wish - these are all advantages of touring Europe in your own car, caravan or camper.

Imagine the ability to re-route your holiday as thunder storms approach the South of France to detour towards Barcelona and the Spanish sun; or extend your journey through Munich and on to Salzburg just because you can. My wife and I once drove from Apeloorn, where we had been working, into Munster and then to Dortmund where I was born, just because we had a few days free and wanted to see some of Germany and taste some good German food.

I would much rather drive into Europe than fly or take the train, although I have done both and enjoyed Eurostar and the European flights from England - it's just that driving allows you to pack more (including the fishing tackle) and allow for contingencies. I also think it can be cheaper to drive and find your own accommodation at prices you can afford. The same with restaurants and your itinerary.

Yet, whilst budgeting may be important, please do not scrimp on Breakdown Cover or European Travel Insurance. Remember, too to take your EHIC card - more on that HERE

Breakdown cover for your vehicle is as essential as ensuring that you are your family are covered for accidents and health issues while abroad. The cost of recovering a vehicle from Europe to the UK can be exorbitant as can car repair costs when you include accommodation for all the family - don't be caught out - it can be very reasonable to cover your vehicle for a two week tour.

At Holsure, with Green Flag our Breakdown cover includes the following:

• Handled in European call centres
• Complete Roadside assistance
• Free translation service
• Repatriates your vehicle to the UK
• No Call Out charges
• Covers everyone on your holiday
• Optional cover for Caravans, Trailers & Motor Homes
• Covers all cars and motorcycles up to 16 yrs old     

Also, our cover starts from under £40 for 14 days, making it one of the best value policies available.

Please take a look at our web site to compare our cover and costs - HERE

Motorcycling Abroad

With the sun shining and set to do so for the rest of the month, many motorcyclists are making their way via the ferries and Eurotunnel to the Continent to Tour in greater numbers. Travel on any Ferry in this weather and helmets and leathers are far more noticeable as is the preponderance of such attired road warriors to stand at ferry terminals discussing and admiring the glittering machinery that lines up awaiting embarkation. The Biking Season is on with a vengeance. 

With the European Tour though comes a more serious look at Motorcycle and Holiday Insurance Policies. A question arises with regard to incidences and accidents abroad - are we covered? It is essential that you check your Motorcycle Insurance Policy to check that you are covered abroad - most policies will cover you for Europe but there may be exclusions and limitations. But what about your Travel Insurance?

Most Personal Travel Insurance policies cap cover for motorcycling abroad to motorcycles of 125cc or lower. This means that there is no cover for personal accident, injury or medical expenses if you have a crash on a more powerful bike. This could prove to be very expensive in the event of an accident and together with your European Health Insurance Card you should seek FULL Travel Insurance Cover cover.

Holsure has specialist policies for those more competent serious motor-bikers. If you are travelling to Europe this summer, we have a Road Rail policy which is very competitive and covers motorcycling as standard. 

At Holsure we have a policy which has no limit to the size of engine you can drive, enabling you to go on full scale motorcycle tours with your motorbike, anywhere in Europe for no additional cost. 

Holsure can also insure your motorcycle/ motorbike for European vehicle breakdown abroad. Holsure’s European Motoring Breakdown Assistance policy is supported by Green Flag in a European call centres. We provide on-the road assistance, offer a translation service and even repatriate your vehicle to the UK. Both single trip or annual trip policies are available and cover your motorbike for anyone in your travelling party to drive. 

Holsure Vehicle/ Motoring Breakdown Assistance also has cover for sidecars at no additional premium.

Please Check HERE for our policies.

For Motorcycling worldwide or for motor cyclists over the age of 65, we have other policies so please call 0845 0945 360.  

International Driving Permit

It’s a little known fact that not all countries will allow you to drive on their roads just because you hold a UK Driving Licence.

This is pertinent in non- European Countries where most will not accept a UK licence without an IDP and most other countries have certain conditions where an IDP will be required at some stage. For example, most US States will accept a UK licence, but usually only for a limited period. However, various Car Hire Firms have their own regulations, some of which may require an IDP.

We strongly recommend that you check the AA Website for a list of those countries that require an IDP.

An International Driving Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Recognised internationally, an IDP normally allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence.

Most countries require a 1949 Convention IDP but for certain countries, a 1926 Convention IDP is necessary.

·         The AA is authorised to issue both the 1926 and 1949 Convention IDPs to applicants 18 years and over who hold a valid UK driving licence, or can obtain such a licence on the basis of a valid pass certificate.

·    IDPs cannot be issued to a holder of a UK provisional driving licence without the test pass certificate and provisional driving licence.

·         An IDP is a permit for use in conjunction with your driving licence, not in place of it

·         In some countries, you risk being fined or worse for relying solely on an IDP

You can get an International Driving Permit directly from the AA,  the RAC or The Post Office

International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and you must:

be a GB or Northern Ireland resident

have passed your driving test

be 18 or over.

Please remember, however safe a driver you may be, accidents do happen. We strongly recommend that you check that you are insured for driving abroad, but also that you have full personal Travel Insurance providing FULL cover. Our Website is HERE