Smoking and driving
The UK's laws governing where and when you are allowed to smoke have gradually been tightened up over the years. Smoking in the UK is on the decrease. This is due to many reasons including better awareness of the potential health problems, and for some people it is considered a 'luxury' that they can no longer afford.
Whatever your point of view there is no doubt that being in a confined space with someone who is smoking is not only unpleasant, it can also adversely affect the health of those around them.
Smoking in your vehicle and the law
Introduced in 2007, the smoke free law states that it is illegal to smoke in a work vehicle or on any public transport. It is also an offence not to display no-smoking signs on public transport or in work vehicles.Smoking in private vehicles is not an offence. However smoking is classed as a distraction in the Highway Code, along with such things as reading maps, playing loud music, changing CDs, arguing with passengers, eating and drinking. This means that if you are spotted driving carelessly or dangerously as a result of a smoking related activity you may be liable to prosecution.
Fines for smoking on public transport or in a work vehicle
If you smoke on public transport or in a work vehicle then will be liable to prosecution.If you are caught smoking in these situations you could face a fixed penalty fine of £50, although this may be reduced if you pay within 15 days. If you are convicted in court for this offence you may be fined up to £200.
Fines for driving carelessly due to smoking in a private vehicle
If you are considered to be driving carelessly because you are smoking you could face up to 9 points on your licence, a driving ban or a fine of up to £2500 - depending on the circumstances.Driving requires all your concentration in order to stay in proper control of your vehicle, and it only takes a momentary lapse to put yourself and other road users in danger of having an accident.
Throwing smoking related litter from your car
If someone throws a cigarette end or empty cigarette packet from their car they can be prosecuted for littering. Fines for this offence can range from £50 to £100 and possibly a lot more if the case goes to court.If you have sustained an injury in a car accident that was not your fault, we may be able to help you injury compensation.
Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
