BBC’s Watchdog Highlight Concerns Over Mini Steering Pump Failures

Last night’s BBC Watchdog programme highlighted the problems some BMW Mini owners are experiencing with unexpected and potential safety issues regarding sudden loss of the steering control.

The Mini celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It continues to be a very popular car, however many people have experienced some very close calls when without warning they go to steer round a corner only to find that the steering pump has failed, leaving it virtually impossible to steer the car safely. People shared their ‘near miss’ incidents and their concern for their own and others safety.

BMW Mini sat that it is not a fault, however people are paying up to £800 to have steering pumps replaced as most cars having this problem are no longer under warranty. Minis built between 2001-2007 appear to be the most susceptible.

Repairers are having a field day, with one repairer saying he receives 2 calls a day from people asking for steering pumps to be replaced. VOSA has also become involved, but after carrying out their own tests they say the car is still safe to drive even if the steering pump does fail.

Independent motoring experts suggest that the Minis are re-called as a safety precaution. BMW Mini confirmed that all newly built Minis have a new design of steering pump fitted.

It will be interesting (?) where one would stand if a steering pump fails and as a result an accident car or van insurance claim is made. Would a no claims discount be ‘lost’ through no direct fault of the driver it was proven that the steering pump failed?

Online Car and Van Insurance Deals

It seems every time you switch on the TV a bombardment of commercials flash across the screen telling you of the great savings you can make on your car insurance.

Churchill are now offering for their prices to remain the same until next, it’s wise to read the small print at the bottom of the screen as restrictions and conditions do apply.

With all insurance companies claiming to give you the best deals it can all become very overwhelming. The insurance industry is a very competitive market place as such most reputable insurance companies will offer a ‘like-for-like quote or offer to beat any quote you have be given on a like-for-like basis.

Needless to say cheap does not always mean it is the best. Many of the cheap insurance will only provide basic cover, while you may pay a little more if you use a different company their policy may include far more. In other words by the time you have added the optional extras onto cheap insurance it doesn’t actually work out cheaper than using a slightly more expensive company which include these optional extras within their quote.

Many insurance companies will also offer a reduction if you buy online. The best thing to do if you’re looking for car or van insurance is to go online and make comparisons as to exactly what you get for your money. If you’re not sure give them a ring and tell them what you are looking for and they will offer you their best quote. You could also use a comparison website, however, not all insurance companies are listed. Alternatively use an online car or van insurance broker and let them do the searching for you.

Advanced Driver Training Courses Can Help Lower Insurance Costs

Insurance companies are looking very favourably on HGV drivers who undergo a continuous driver improvement scheme. These advance driving scheme can also save haulage companies huge sums of money of the running costs of the trucks.

Driving scheme can refresh the memory of safe driving as well as introduce drivers to newer and safer driving methods, such as avoiding excessive breaking, saving money on expensive tyres and braking systems and finding safe ways to help reduce boredom on long trips.

Measures such as these can also help alleviate poor driving practices which befall the best of drivers over a period of time! Complacency when driving potentially means more risks are taken and increase the chances of being involved in an accident.

What’s more is that HGV insurance premiums can be reduced quite considerably if hauliers take part in an enhanced driving scheme, such as the one day ‘Advanced LGV Driver’ offered by the Institute of Advanced Motoring.

Schemes such as these should be seen in a constructive and positive light, not as a slur on driving ability per say. Drivers will be given a full day both on and off the road, lunch is usually included, where they will learn how to promote a haulage company to deliver a more professional service using safer driving methods and techniques.

The courses are also intended to reduce the number of accidents involving HGVs. As such the number of insurance claims will be fewer and can help protect no claims discounts.

All in all, ‘Advanced LGV Driver’ schemes can save your business money in both HGV insurance costs and reduce running costs.

Spare a Thought For Courier drivers

Spare a thought for courier drivers during the treacherous weather conditions.

They may be having enough trouble getting to the destinations safely only to find that pathways have not been cleared and are potential skating rinks! Some members of the public take it upon themselves to clear their own paths, however, extra care should still be taken as black ice may still pose a problem when delivering to people’s front doors!

Drivers may also be wise to check that their employers have included Employer’s Liability cover with their  courier insurance policy. Employers have a legal responsibility to protect their workforce while they are carrying out their normal working duties. If you are unsure as to what is included, the terms and conditions involved in Employers Liability insurance speak with your employer to see where you stand.

You should also check whether the courier insurance is third party only or comprehensive. Third party insurance does not provide cover if an accident was caused by you. This may be an unavoidable situation id you start to skid on snow or ice. Despatch riders are also included on courier insurance, so they need to be sure of their or their employers insurance cover.

The Met office are forecasting more heavy snow fall over parts of the UK today. Combined with freezing overnight temperatures road conditions are going to cause major problems, particularly on any side roads which have not been gritted. This cold snap is thought to be lasting for a few more days at the very least.

Potential Savings with Fleet Insurance

Admiral insurance is advertising on TV that they have introduced a multi-car insurance policy. They say this ideal if you have more than one car. Sounds great but will it possibly lead to people believing this type of insurance is the same as a fleet insurance? Or is it the same as fleet insurance and just been renamed?

Fleet insurance isn’t just for businesses. Anyone who has a couple of vehicles or more should speak with their insurance company to find out if they offer fleet insurance. It’s important to tell them the types of vehicles you have as a mixed fleet insurance policy can potentially give huge savings over each vehicle being separately insured. Most mixed fleet policies allow cars, motorbikes and vans to be covered under the one policy.

There appears to be no consistency amongst insurance companies as to the number of vehicles you need to constitute a fleet. Some advertise three or more while other say it has to be four or more. As there is no consistency it is worth checking out different insurance companies to see what their requirements are.

Those who think they can save money by including young drivers on the policy may be mistaken. Insurance companies will want to know the age of all the vehicle drivers and their driving history. It may actually be more cost effective to insure young drivers separately.

Discuss your needs with the insurers or complete an online form if you have more than one vehicle. You may be pleasantly surprised at what they offer you and the money you could potentially save.

Severe Disruption Across the Country

It was inevitable- despite warnings from the weather forecasters, many parts of the UK have been brought to a grinding halt by the severe weather conditions.

Roads were closed due to lorries jack-knifing and motorists unable to get any traction to keep moving.

London was hit hard, buses and trains stopped running, airports were closed or flights severely delayed. Many commuters complained as even the taxis were erring on the side of caution and were not available.

Gritters were out in force and worked through the night to try and keep the roads open. But without the volumes of traffic-an estimated six million people took the day off yesterday- the salt simply didn’t work on many roads effectively.

Today The Highways Agency has advised that driving with extreme caution is required as the snow and black ice is making driving very hazardous.

If you do decide to venture out on the roads, make sure you have warm clothes just in case you become stuck or involved in a shunt. Remember if you don’t have a comprehensive insurance policy and you cause an accident your vehicle will not be covered. Maybe that’s why those who didn’t have a comprehensive taxi insurance decided to stay at home yesterday?

The usual recommendations of only driving if absolutely necessary has seen far fewer vehicles on the roads, however multiple vehicle accidents are being reported across the country.

London Transport have nearly all their buses running today and black cabs are in abundance-the only problem is there is few people using them. Many commuters have decided to take advantage of the weather conditions and have another day off!