Using your car signals properly
Most of us can remember our driving instructor drumming into us the 'mirror-signal-manoeuvre' mantra, but how many of us still do it today? Also many people flash their lights for various reasons - is this actually a 'safe' thing to do? These issues and others are explored in more detail below.
Mirror-signal-manoeuvre!
Yes you've heard it before, but for those of us who have been driving for a while now, it perhaps needs to be clarified a little more. Mirror-signal-manoeuvre does not just mean a quick glance in the mirror, indicate and go. You should always aim to check not just your rear view mirror but also your wing mirrors and your blind spot both before signaling AND before manoeuvring.Always signal early, indicators should be used to warn other drivers that you intend to change direction, NOT that your ARE changing direction. It is of no use to anyone if you get to a junction, brake and then indicate.
Using brake lights
A good driver should always try to adopt 'smooth' driving style. Avoid an 'accelerate hard - brake hard' style of driving as it not only gives other drivers less time to react to your braking, it will also use up your fuel more quickly.Hazard Lights
Hazard lights should be used to warn other drivers that either you have a problem with your vehicle or that your car is parked somewhere that might cause an obstruction to other drivers.Situations where you could use your hazard lights:
- Your vehicle has broken down and is causing an obstruction
- There is an obstacle in your way which you can't get round eg. a road accident
- If your car has an engine problem but you cannot pull over . They should only be used briefly of course otherwise other drivers will not see your direction indicators!
Flashing headlights
Flashing your headlights to say 'ok, you can go' can actually be quite dangerous and should be done with care. Remember that it is your responsibility to decide whether it is safe to proceed, it can be dangerous to assume that the other drivers 'advice' is correct. If you (or another driver) has an accident because someone else flashed you to say 'it's ok to go', it will still be your fault.The Highway code states that the only situation where it is valid to flash your headlights, is to make someone aware of your presence, in case they haven't noticed you.
When to use your horn
The horn of your car should only be used to warn other drivers of your presence, if you think they have not seen you. It should not be used to intimidate other drivers. If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, we can help you get your vehicle repaired, organise a hire care for you, and even make an injury compensation claim on your behalf.Car Call and our partners are specialists in managing all aspects of a road accident claim, and because we and our partners recover our costs from the at-fault drivers insurance company.
Call us now on 02392 484 244 for free help and advice from one of our experienced claims advisors.
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
