What the AA says about vehicle insurance

The Automobile Association says that “insurance is part of a good maintenance plan for any car”. In its new Going Further report, the AA’s research confirms that the current constrained economy has resulted in drivers keeping their vehicles for longer, often more than ten years, “which is a long lifespan for a vehicle”, necessitating that drivers prioritise regular car maintenance and have “proper” insurance. “While our results indicate that more than 60 percent of the respondents have insurance, national data points to a much lower rate of 35 percent insurance. If this is indeed the case, there is a cause for concern."

The global trend of low/no alcohol drinking

The increasing popularity of 'low- and no-booze' drinks is good news for those who want to stay sober because they need to drive home afterwards. Currently, around 8% of Anheuser-Busch InBev's global beer sales are from no- and low-alcohol beers with the world's largest brewer focusing on increasing this to 20% by 2025. Even in European countries where wine-drinking is a way of life, the trend is becoming widespread. The move is powered by heightened awareness of the risks of drunk driving along with strict drunk-driving laws, as well as health consciousness. Global alcohol consumption declined 1.8% last year, while social media conversations on low- and no-alcohol drinking increased by 80%.

Holiday season security

Sadly, just because we are on holiday, we cannot allow our focus on security to slide as the year-end break is a high risk period. Be aware and sensible and avoid falling prey to criminals by following a few tips from the experts.

• Do not leave valuables visible in the car, and lock them in the boot before you arrive at your destination.
• Always be aware of remote jamming and check car doors and the boot before walking away.
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN number at checkout stands and ATMs.
• Keep your purse or wallet and cellphone in a zipped up pocket or bag (with the strap across your body in front of you).
• If you treat yourself or loved ones to items such as TVs and electronic equipment, don’t leave the packaging on the pavement to be thrown away – it advertises what you have at home (and don’t forget to update your short-term cover to include high value items).
• If you head out of town for a break, maintain your awareness – avoid deserted beaches and realise that even if you are staying in an apartment on the 2nd or 3rd floor, you are not immune to theft.

Being careful is all it takes. Happy holidays!

Your rights as a buyer

Many of us save up to buy major purchases at this time of year or get items that would not usually be on our shopping list (bought as gifts, for example), but what rights do we have if something goes wrong? In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, anything you buy, even if secondhand, has an automatic six-month warranty, according to consumer rights journalist Wendy Knowler. However, retailers are not required to take back non-defective goods or items that would compromise public health or safety if returned (such as medicine or underwear). If there is a fault, the buyer may return it for their choice of a refund, replacement, or have the item repaired free of charge, but is not entitled to take back anything simply because they have had a change of heart about keeping it.

Are you ready to ride?

It’s 100km of awesome scenery but the Safire Berg 100 is no ride in the park. Are you up to the challenge? The 2020 event takes place on 21 March, running the route from Nottingham Road to Himeville, and entries are now open. The first 800 paid-up entrants will receive a race T-shirt, so be inspired to try this magnificent ride here.

That's Life

From Team Safire, we wish all our clients a happy festive season!

Snippets

The Insurer newsletter and the content of any article published herein, should not be construed as forming part of any insurance contract or policy nor as constituting any form of advice. It is aimed at providing an informal and informative read to the readers thereof. Whilst every effort is taken to attempt to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained herein, Safire Insurance Company Limited does not give any assurance regarding such accuracy or correctness and accordingly does not accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, arising from any reliance placed in the information contained herein.