It is against the law to drive your car or allow anyone else to drive it without insurance to cover damage or injuries to others and their property. The minimum (and cheapest) level of motor insurance is known as ‘third party’. It will allow you to meet the claims of others who are injured or whose property is damaged as a result of your driving, but your own injuries and repair bills will not be covered. Work out whether you can afford to meet those bills yourself — if you can’t, you might find yourself with no transport.
The next level of insurance cover is ‘third party, fire and theft’. This extends the cover to include fire damage to your vehicle or compensation if your car is stolen. ‘Comprehensive’ cover will meet your own and other’s claims for damage and injury, and will pay out if your car is stolen — but read the terms carefully, because cover varies from insurer to insurer. If you can afford the extra charge, it’s worth having a policy that covers your legal expenses, because you might need to pursue a claim through the courts and that can be very costly.
There is fierce competition in the motoring insurance business, with rival companies desperate to win your business by undercutting one another. Turn this to your advantage by taking a few hours to ring around getting as many quotes as possible — you could save yourself up to 50 per cent. Some categories of driver, such as women and older, more experienced drivers — are eligible for special discounts. Don’t just go for the cheapest quote, though. Choose one that provides all the cover you need at the best price.
No one is uninsurable, but some drivers will find themselves charged more for cover because insurance companies judge them to fall into a high-risk category. A young driver who owns a high-performance vehicle, lives in an urban area where crime is high, and works unsociable hours in a very well-paid profession, will pay the maximum premium. Penalty points on the licence for drink driving or speeding will make some insurers turn you away, while others may impose special restrictions. But never be tempted to falsify details, such as your address or profession, or by saying that the car is garaged overnight when it isn’t, because your insurance policy will be invalidated if you are found out.
If you need to bring down the cost of your premium, do it legally. Ask if you can get a reduction for limiting your annual mileage, or for having an alarm or immobilizer fitted to improve security. Some insurers will give a discount for paying your premium in full rather than by instalments. (Before arranging to pay by instalments, find out what the interest charge is — there are some companies who will charge almost 50 per cent!) Safe driving pays, too, because the longer you go without making a claim on your insurance, the bigger your no-claims discount. After five years, this could add up to 65 per cent off your insurance bill.
It may cost more for a young driver to insure their own car than to have their parents insure it, but in the long run it pays. There’s a danger that the policy will be invalidated if the insurer finds out that the youngster is the main driver. Also, with a policy of their own, your son or daughter can be building up a no-claims bonus.
Although it’s illegal to drive without insurance, many motorists take the risk because the cost of a fine can be less than the price of cover. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance, your only recourse will be to take them to court — and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the money you’re entitled to even then.
This is one more reason to drive safely and calmly. When some lunatic in the grip of road rage challenges you to vehicular combat, bear in mind that they may be uninsured, leaving you to foot the bill.
To save space in the vehicle, the survival pack has been divided into three kits. The aim of these kits is to get you out of any trouble, regardless of conditions, and help in any situation that you are likely to face while motoring.
The general and medical survival kits should be carried all the time, while the winter kit will be needed when weather conditions are poor.
The car survival kit is a collection of useful items that make life safer and more comfortable in an emergency. These items will also help you to repair the car and get you home. Stow this kit securely in the boot. Make sure that items are replaced after use, and check the kit from time to time to make sure it’s complete.
Waterproof coat and Wellington boots
Reflective band — the kind cyclists wear
Protective gloves
Torch or free-standing lamp and spare batteries
Screenwash fluid and distilled water for topping up the coolant system or battery
Can of damp-repellent spray — also known as de-watering fluid (DWF) or WD40.
Warning triangle (this is a legal requirement in some countries)
Can of spare fuel — get a container with a built-in nozzle. Explo-safe cans are ideal.
Jump leads
Tow rope: get one with fixings that you can connect easily to the towing eyes on the car
Tool box containing:
• adjustable wrench
• pliers
• screwdrivers (one flat-head, one cross-head)
• small socket wrench set
• Allen keys
• plumber’s tape (PTFE)
• masking tape
• handyman’s knife
• coil of flexible copper/brass wire
• an assortment of self-tapping screws
• an assortment of nuts and bolts with washers
• haemostats. Used in the medical profession, in a breakdown these can help you retrieve small components such as nuts and bolts which have fallen into inaccessible places. You can also clamp them on to cables to secure them
• strong rubber bands
• radiator sealant
In addition, you should carry the following spares:
• light bulbs and fuses: buy a set which includes all types used in your car
• fan belt
• plug lead: carry the longest size
• HT lead: a duplicate of the one fitted
• spark plug: just one will help you check the system — it’s unlikely that all would fail at one time
• hose: buy a long length that can be cut as required
• emergency windscreen: this one-size plastic screen can be fitted as a temporary measure to get you home
It’s also advisable to carry an air compressor or foot pump, if you have room. And overalls to keep your clothes clean while you work.
How many of the tools and spares you carry will depend on whether you are likely to attempt any DIY repairs to get yourself home in an emergency. Anyone is capable of carrying out the basic repairs described under Breakdowns in Emergency!, but if you are not prepared to try, make sure