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Motor Trade – The returnable car

Stand by for the returnable car. It is due to arrive next year, thanks to a new EU law expected to be passed by the European Parliament on Tuesday.

The End of Life Vehicles Directive will force manufacturers to take back old vehicles free of charge when they reach the end of the road. The makers are bitterly resisting the law, claiming that it would drive them into bankruptcy and will have a catastrophic effect on the Motor Trade Industry.

The Impact this could have on Manufacturers and also Motor traders is that there are going to be fewer older vehicles on the road that could be sold on. Many Motor Traders prefer to buy older cars, to make a small profit to sell on and if manufacturers are not allowed to sell these on this could have a dramatic effect on the Motor Trade Industry.

The directive is designed to accelerate recycling by encouraging car firms increasingly to make their models out of reusable materials. The idea is that if they have to pay to collect and dispose of old cars, they will want to offset the costs by selling them on rather than destroying them.

Every year, eight million cars come to a halt for the last time in Europe, two million of them in Britain, but many of these vehicles could be sold on for someone to repair and this is why Motor Traders could be impacted massively also. The metals that make up three-quarters of their weight are already recycled. But the rest – plastics, rubber, glass, oils, paint, textiles and other materials – are destroyed and one in every 10 tonnes of hazardous waste in the EU comes from motor vehicles.

Manufacturers and environmentalists are agreed that more of the cars must be recycled. The industry is aiming to recover 95 per cent of their materials within 15 years. But the directive would go a step further, requiring car makers to take back their products at the end of their useful lives.

It has already been cleared by the European Commission and environment ministers, and is expected to pass through the European Parliament essentially intact, too, although some MEPs have put down amendments, supported by the motor industry, to try to weaken it.

Under its provisions, manufacturers will have to take back all vehicles put on the market from next year, when they reach the end of their lives. And, soon they will have to collect all defunct old vehicles, whenever they were made.

The industry particularly dislikes this last provision. It says it is retrospective, and therefore illegal, and would cost £2.5bn in Britain alone, threatening “some major manufacturers” with bankruptcy.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says the “the imminent arrival” of the directive “is certain to affect the competitive position of the UK motor industry and place a huge financial burden on vehicle manufacturers”.

Isis Insurance understands the impact this is going to have on vehicle manufacturers when combined with the current economic climate. Also with many motor traders working from home or from commercial premises this is also going to have a great impact on that industry too.

The effect these changes may have on the motor traders and the motor trade insurance industry is something that the European Commission and Environment Ministers must consider.

Motor Trade – MPV Vehicles

Many people are now taking their Summer holidays in the UK despite the problems with our weather.

Camping holidays are increasingly seen as a cheaper and easier way to take a week or 2 weeks holiday, but camping can all depends on the kind of vehicle you have.

A family of 4 and all their camping equipment will need a large vehicle to carry all of the equipment needed for the all important summer break and most times a standard 4 door hatchback, just won’t do. This is why there has been an increase in sales of MPV vehicles. They offer comfortable seating for all your family, but also ample space for all your camping equipment.

Taking the above into account, for many Motor traders buying an MPV vehicle may  not have been on the agenda in the past, but now it’s a vehicle that should be invested in as the demand is very high and prices are also strong on this type of vehicle.

Of course many cars are seasonal and there has been a steady decline in demand for premium 4wd vehicles. Whereas the prices have remained high for most of the year there are now clear indicators that values are dropping off and there are certainly many more to choose from on motor traders forecourts.

If you are in the market and looking to buy an MPV Vehicle it is certainly worth shopping around as it might just be the right time if someone is thinking about a ‘nice spacious vehicle’ for their money to accompany them on next year’s camping trip!

Choosing the right vehicles is just one of the problems many Motor Traders face every day. . so do your research to check what types of cars are currently selling and also what vehicles are holding the prices and then buy these vehicles. Many people tend to go for an older car with lower mileage, but there are many of these vehicles available, and this makes an impact of the price you can sell this vehicle for.

Motor Trading can either be a full or a part time job or just a hobby but you need to do this correctly and make sure you arrange motor trade insurance.

Being a Motor Trader you are going to need an insurance policy which fits around your personal requirements. Isis Insurance is a Market Leader for HGV insurance offering very competitive prices and we also offer Motor trade Insurance, with the same competitive prices and more importantly we can arrange cover that suits your individual circumstances.

Motor Traders urged to sell older vehicles

Motor Traders are being urged to sell vehicles that have higher mileages and are more than three-years-old to combat the anticipated reduction in used car supply over the next 12 months.

It is expected that by 2011 there will be around two million fewer used cars aged between one and five years in general use compared to 2008. 

“In 2008 over 60% of franchised dealer stock consisted of cars less than two years old, and yet this year alone there could be as many as 600,000 fewer one and two-year-old cars available for dealers to retail,” explains Adrian Rushmore, managing editor at Glass’s.

The fall in used car supply are the product of two trends – each month of low registrations has produced a proportionally lower number of part exchanges, and the prolonged period of low registrations has meant the stock of younger used cars has also steadily diminished.

There are various initiatives that can be undertaken to combat the shortage the most obvious being the introduction onto the forecourt of older vehicles and those with higher mileages. However motor traders are advised that competition for stock is expected to intensify.

As choice becomes more limited in the coming years there may also be a greater need for dealers to buy cars that require additional reconditioning work therefore appraisal

Despite the reductions in used car availability, there is unlikely to be a dramatic rise in prices in the foreseeable future.

There will still be the normal highs and lows and, whilst prices will edge upwards when viewed on an annual basis, there will be no repeat of the unprecedented rises which were seen last year.

So although searching for good quality stock vehicles may be a headache for motor traders arranging motor trade insurance through Isis Insurance couldn’t be easier, just call one of motor trade insurance team direct on 01625 539 656 to discuss your needs – you’ll be connected immediately and we will arrange a policy to suit your individual needs.

A Sat-Nav for HGV Drivers and Van Drivers

Navevo, the UK’s leading specialist GPS software developer, has recently revealed its new ProNav PNN-200 sat-nav solution for drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles and Vans. Following on from the successful launch of ProNav, the new ProNav PNN-200 delivers new levels of performance and is now even easier to use thanks to a revised user interface, enhanced routing-engine together with free map and transport data updates for new and existing users throughout 2009.

The ProNav PNN-200 allows drivers to enter their heavy good vehicles’ vital statistics, including weight, height, length, width and the goods they are carrying, to calculate the best route to ensure drivers are not confronted with roads or obstacles not suitable for their vehicle or cargo. During a journey, the ProNav PNN-200 also warns drivers of hazards such as steep hills, high cross winds, and the risk of grounding and can automatically re-route a driver’s journey accordingly if deemed necessary. The ProNav PNN-200 is perfect for drivers of HGV’s, light commercial vehicles.

The ProNav PNN-200 should in the long run result in more accurate time and distances for drivers who are unsure about routes, it also gives drivers confidence of what lies ahead but most importantly we hope the ProNav PNN-200 will reduce accidents as many drivers take routes which are not best suitable to their journey.

One piece of advice we will stress is that you use the ProNav when your vehicle is stationary; using this piece of equipment whilst driving could cause lack of concentration on the roads a head and may result in an accident.

Isis Insurance believe that the ProNav is a fantastic piece of equipment and will help all drivers with their journeys, but most importantly, always make sure you have the correct HGV insurance policy to cover you for your Heavy Goods Vehicle, If you’re unsure or are searching for HGV insurance quotes, please do not hesitate to contact us at Isis Insurance.

Motor trade industry sees increase in sales

With the recession having a massive impact on car sales, it’s been good news to see that the Motor trade industry is seeing an increase in cars being purchased and also new car registration on the increase.

SMMT’s Industry figures have shown that 195,226 new cards were registered in June 2010, which is a lot higher than the predicted amount that was set by Motor Manufacturers and Traders. SMMT Chief Executive commented  that the figures came as a surprise as the government  scrappage scheme was due to end, but the increase in car sales is a promising thing for the UK industry.

There has been a dramatic increase in fleet sales that has helped to boost registrations taking January to June 2010 new car figures have increased by 19.9% to 1,208,662.

Recently there have been many redundancies and the possibility of Car Manufactures leaving the UK due to the lack of demand for vehicles and also it is most cost effective to move their operating sites abroad.  But hopefully this has realised alarms that the UK need the car industry to stay put as many thousands of jobs would be lost and this could put the UK into a great recession.

With the increase in new cars being registered and the end of the scrappage scheme this has also been a big advantage for small Motor traders looking to sell lower value vehicles as they have been able to buy great cars at discount prices from auctions due to manufactures taking older cars in for Part Exchange.

With so many people looking to sell cars from their home as a part time job you need to make sure you are getting the right Motor trade insurance cover at a competitive price, and with Isis insurance being a market leader for HGV insurance, we can also guarantee competitive prices on Motor trade insurance also.

Latest HGV news – Nodding off at the wheel

How would you feel to wake up to observe yourself veering into the hard shoulder due to you nodding off at the steering wheel?

This did happen recently to a gentleman from Livingston, West Lothian who fell asleep behind the wheel of his 44 tonne HGV, vehicle travelling at 60 MPH but what the driver didn’t know that he was suffering from a condition called obstructive Sleep Apnoea. 

According to the Sun newspaper there are approximately 300 deaths caused every year due to drivers nodding off at the wheel. With 30,000 people in the UK suffering from OSA, 90 per cent of cases remain undiagnosed.  A poll also revealed one in six HGV drivers have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

There have been many cases with HGV drivers falling asleep at the wheel but luckily Mr Connelly from West Lothian said ‘I got the shock of my life. I had fallen asleep and nearly killed myself. I stopped at the nearest services, had a wash, a coffee and a walk around to wake myself up, but I was shaking so badly’.

Mr Connelly was very lucky, when this event happened in his HGV vehicle luckily it was only 5am in the morning so there was little traffic, had it been a bit later on he could have caused a major accident in business rush hour traffic.

At Isis Insurance we want our clients to take best care when driving long distances - make sure you have regular stops. Don’t drive over your recommended hours and have plenty of food and drink you keep your energy levels high.

Keeping the rate of accident down each year should give everyone an advantage on cheaper HGV insurance premiums, and at Isis insurance we always make sure our clients get the best competitive price for their HGV insurance.

HGV Exemptions

The current exemption from annual Heavy Goods Vehicle road worthiness tests for mobile cranes and truck mounted aerial lifts in the UK looks set to end.

A government consultation document is currently being distributed that seeks comment from interested parties over the next three months. Read more

Fleet Insurance a sign of the times

Isis Insurance a specialist HGV and fleet insurance broker has noticed a recent article in the industry magazine Insurance Times which highlights some of the issues facing the fleet insurance market.

The article points out that last year’s Department of Transport vehicle licensing statistics showed that the number of company owned cars fell by almost 4.5% while new registrations plunged 21%. The effect of the economic crisis along with the recently announced increase in VAT from next January is likely to ensure that the decline in size of commercial fleets continues. Read more

Lower risks – Lower Premiums?

In today’s difficult economic climate it is more important than ever to make sure you make every penny count. That’s why we help may hundreds of haulage insurance customers to find the best policy at the most competitive price every year.

However, at a time when the cost of HGV insurance is rising due, in the main, to ever increasing claims costs, many insurance companies are teaming up with vehicle manufacturers and other organisations to research the latest safety technology to help to save lives, reduce injuries and also cut the costs of accidents. Read more

Driving Laws

Over the last few years many new driving laws have come into force to help reduce the number of accidents on our UK roads, one of the more recent being  the CU80 offence  (Using a Mobile Phone) which is aimed at stopping  UK drivers from using their mobile phones whilst driving. Read more

The Motor Insurers Database – MID Enquiries

Continuing our series of articles aimed at helping our HGV Insurance and Truck Insurance clients to understand the important role the Motor Insurers Database (MID) plays in identifying uninsured vehicles we take a look at how information and enquiries are handled. Read more

HGV Budget News

With the announcement of the recent budget, we are set to see a rise in fuel and the impact this is going to have on HGV driver will be dramatic. Read more

Fleet Insurance Advice

If you’re looking to cover more than three vehicles it is more competitive to take out a fleet insurance policy.  Read more

Truck insurance clients in possible Legionnaire’s disease link

Legionnaire’s disease can be a deadly bacterium which grows in stagnant water. Each year, between 8,000 and 12,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher. More illness is usually found in the summer, but it can happen any time of year. Read more

Truck spray a thing of the past?

Thousands of trucks hit the UK roads every day, and with the increase of new drivers and new companies we are finding the motorways are gridlocked in rush hour. The UK is renowned for its heavy constant rain and with so many trucks on the motorways, it can sometimes make our car drivers difficult to see in these conditions due to the amount of spray from the trucks. Read more

The Motor Insurers Database – Who are they and what does it mean for you?

At Isis Insurance we are committed to providing all of our clients with the highest levels of service and information.

 In this, the first of a series of articles around the Motor Insurers Database, we look to explain their increasingly important role they play within the UK. Read more

Prices of used Haulage Vehicles on the rise

The average price of used Haulage vehicles has begun to recover.

Although prices are still lower than the same period in 2008, the average price of a used HGV’s has increased by over 5% during the second quarter of 2009. Read more

Tighter Restrictions for HGV and Truck Drivers?

Truck and HGV drivers are being warned to expect tighter restrictions as further research suggests that lorries and buses cause more fatal accidents than any other form of transport per miles travelled. Read more

Hikes in Fuel Costs

If you are a haulage company or truck owner the news that fuel is about to hit an all time high will be about as welcome as having to change every lorry tyre for your whole fleet in one go. And yet record fuel prices are what we are all facing in the months to come. Read more

Landlord’s advice: Choosing the right tenant

Getting prospective tenants interested in your property may seem the hardest part of finding a tenant, but this is only the beginning. Successful landlords know the most important stage is selecting the right tenant……………………………………………………………………..

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Landlord’s advice: Finding a tenant

As any savvy landlord knows, your buy to let investment is only making you money when it’s occupied. Gaps between tenants can cost you dearly so it’s crucial to ensure a maximum level of occupancy. Here are our top tips on finding a tenant……………………………………………………………………..

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Goods in Transit Insurance Quote

If you own a haulage or HGV company you will undoubtedly be very much aware of Goods in Transit Insurance. It is a very necessary insurance policy that can ensure that the goods you deliver are covered in case of an accident or other occurrence. The question is, however, do you really know how to buy GIT insurance wisely? Read more

HGV Insurance Quote Help

Getting a good HGV Insurance quote that suits your particular business needs requires a fair degree of knowledge. Isis Insurance knows this only too well, having spent many years helping customers understand what the best option is for their particular business need. Read more

HGV Drivers

To be a good HGV driver you must have lots of patience, large amounts of energy, be a self-starter and can be an effective sole worker. Read more

Goods in Transit Insurance Policy

Good in Transit Insurance policy documents and discussions can be confusing, especially if you are quite new to the haulage game. Read more

Lorry Insurance

Lorry insurance is a very specialist type of insurance policy and to get the best price you MUST get a quote from a specialist broker such as Isis Insurance, as they have the most experience in creating the most costs effective policies. Read more

Driver CPC Syllabus 2 and 3

In part two of our look at the Driver CPC training syllabus we concentrate on the second and final sections of the compulsory truck and HGV training programme and find out what is involved.
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Driver CPC Syllabus 1

The Driver CPC is big news in the truck and HGV world as it changes the way drivers train and are licenced to operate such vehicles. Below we look in more detail at the actual training syllabus and what is involved…
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Driver CPC – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Driver CPC?
This stands for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and will be introduced for HGV and truck drivers from 10th September 2009 as a compulsory training program designed to improve the standard of the HGV industry. It will have to be earned by any driver wanting to continue to drive a truck or HGV throughout the EU. Read more

Driver CPC Test Regulations

The biggest change to the truck and HGV industry in 40 years takes place on September 10th as new Driver CPC regulations come into force.

As a HGV or truck owner you will no doubt be very aware of this change to legislation, the most significant since the introduction of LGV driving tests in 1969, but what do the new Driver CPC Regulations mean for Truck drivers? Read more

Truck Driver Insurance and Safety Tips

Truck driving is many times more hazardous than driving a car for obvious reasons and as a result your truck insurance can be a significant chunk of your running costs.

Keeping this cost to an absolute minimum then is imperative if you are to run a profitable truck business and we all know the best way of keeping any insurance premium down – don’t have an accident or claim! Read more

Cheap Fleet Insurance Advice

There are lots of things you can do to lower your fleet insurance and Isis Insurance’s experts have put together this guide  to help you get cheap fleet insurance. Read more

Landlords Insurance

Millions of Brits have moved into property investment in recent years, attracted by the wealth created by rising house prices. But with a collapse in the housing market those same people are now thinking very carefully about how to protect their asset for the longer term – which is where renting and the need for Landlord Insurance comes in. Read more

HGV Insurance – Driver Advice

One of the best ways of keeping your HGV insurance premium down to a minimum is by employing the very best HGV drivers with impeccable records and lots of driving experience. Read more

Lower Truck Insurance Premiums Part Two

If you have read part one of our Lower Truck Insurance Premiums advice you will already know that in order to achieve cheaper insurance premiums you must always ensure you only employ experience truck drivers with a good driving history and here we look at other ways to keep costs down to a minimum. Read more

Lower Truck Insurance Premiums Part One

Truck insurance premiums are being forced up by a fresh surge in claims against HGV vehicles and their drivers involved in accidents. Here at Isis Insurance we are acutely aware of the impact this has on your business and as valued customers we want to try and help in any way we can to reduce the cost of your premiums. Read more

HGV Insurance Advice

HGV Insurance or Heavy Goods Vehicle Insurance is a very different kettle of fish to normal car insurance and buying it requires a degree of specialist knowledge. Our expert guide has been pulled together by Isis’ own HGV experts and is designed to take the guess work out of picking the best premium for your business… Read more

Goods In Transit Insurance Tips

Ensuring goods are covered while they are being transported from your distribution point to the customer is an absolute imperative. Moving goods without it is like playing Russian roulette with your balance sheet and no good business should ever consider it. Read more

On the Scent of Cheaper HGV Insurance

Lloyds of London is urging hauliers to ensure driving cabs are smelling sweet in a bid to calm down drivers and therefore reducing accidents and subsequent insurance claims. Read more

What is HGV Insurance?

HGV Insurance can also be known as Haulage Insurance or Truck Insurance. The cover available under a Haulage, or Truck Insurance policy is generally the same as a HGV Insurance policy.

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HGV Safe Driving Advice

Each year in the UK alone there are in excess of 20,000 road traffic accidents involving vans and HGVs.

As a professional driver you should set a good example of driving to others, as well as ensuring your own safety on the road. In addition to making our roads safer, driving responsibly can also help you to reduce the costs associated with accidents such as insurance, repairs, compensation and loss of earnings. Read more

Buying a Used Truck

Buying a used truck can save you a lot of money, but can also prove a risky business. Thousands of trucks and heavy goods vehicles are stolen each year and sold on to innocent road haulage vehicle drivers like you. If your truck is proven to be a stolen vehicle, you will have no legal right to the own it, and as such will loose the truck and the money you paid for it!

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Calculating Rebuilding Cost

If you want to make sure you”re paying for the correct amount for landlords building insurance cover, you”ll have to be prepared to calculate the rebuilding cost of your home in order to make sure you have the right amount of buildings insurance. Read more

5 Tips to Reduce Your Landlord Insurance premium

What is Residential Landlords Insurance?

‘Residential Landlord Insurance’ commonly known as ‘Buy to Let Insurance’ are terms used when describing a specific policy designed to cover a property owner who receives remuneration for providing residential accommodation. Alternatively, if the property is occupied for commercial use a ‘Commercial Property Owners policy’ will be required instead.

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Buy to Let Market Growth

Research by Paragon Mortgages suggests that growth in the buy-to-let market is having a positive impact on UK housing by, for example, driving up standards in rental stock and helping to create a more flexible private rented sector. We are therefore keen to ensure that buy-to-let investment is protected and encouraged. Read more

Landlords Insurance Guide

There is no legal requirement for landlords to hold a landlords insurance policy, although not owning one would be very inadvisable.

Most of today’s landlords face risks on a daily basis and owning a second house as an investment is no different – A fire or robbery may destroy your investment and the hard work you have put into it. With property letting fast becoming an increasingly popular method of saving for the future, it makes sense to protect it! Insurers have recognised the need for landlords insurance and as a result have developed policies and cover to cater specifically for landlords. At Isis we deal with a wide range of landlord insurers and we are able to find the best insurer for each landlord’s circumstances, be that a landlord with either one or a portfolio of properties. Read more

Insurance for Landlords

Thinking of investing in buy-to-let property? Make sure you get your insurance sorted.

Any business faces risks on a daily basis and owning a second house as an investment is no different. A fire or robbery may destroy your nest egg and the hard work you have put into it.

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Gas Health and Safety for landlords

Every year around 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances which have been incorrectly installed or maintained. Following the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords have strict responsibilities relating to the safe installation, maintenance and use of gas appliances, fittings and flues in rented accommodation.

It is vital that all landlords adhere to the Gas Safety Regulations as failure to do so could result in the death of your tenants and the risk of prosecution if you are shown to be negligent.

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Top 10 Buy to Let Tips

1. Do your research!
This is especially important if you are new to the buy to let market. Make sure you are aware of the risks and potential pitfalls of any investment. It is a good idea to chat with other landlords and investors and learn from their experiences. If you have a shortage of time or don’t feel passionate about property you may find there are other investments which will suit you better. Remember that investing in a buy to let property is not just about making money; as a landlord you have a responsibility to your tenants.

Before you make any decisions be sure this is the right investment for you.

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Buy to Let Market Overview

Investing in buy to let property has become big business in the UK but with interest rates rising and rents falling, the market is changing fast.

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Buy To Let Mortgage Guide for the Novice Investor

Over the past five years buy to let lending has grown massively, now accounting for up to 12% of all mortgages in the UK. The rapid growth in the market has led to many mortgage lenders offering specially designed buy to let mortgages at very competitive rates.

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