Defensive driving
Defensive driving is a technique that we should all try to adopt. It essentially involves increasing your awareness of the behaviour of other drivers in such a way that you are able to anticipate their actions and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary to avoid dangerous situations.
How to drive 'defensively'
Good observation and careful positioning of your vehicle on the road is key to becoming a good driver. A defensive driver will always be watching the behaviour of those around them, and be constantly trying to anticipate what those around them are going to do next. Watch out for drivers who behave erratically or impatiently and keep well clear of them - these are exactly the type of people that cause accidents on our roads.Look out for people who are talking or texting on their mobile phones, in some instances this may be illegal but many people continue to do it. They will not have their full attention on the road and are more likely to make sudden manoeuvres as a result.
Never drive too close to the vehicle in front. The more distance you have between you and them, the more time you will have to stop safely in an emergency or steer out of harms way.
Use your mirrors often, and always check your blind spot before overtaking, changing lanes or turning across an opposing traffic lane into a side road.
Indicate early. There is nothing more annoying or dangerous than someone who indicates at the last minute, remember that that the whole point of signaling is to warn people of what you are about to do and not what you are doing.
A defensive driver will rarely have to make any sudden manoeuvres because they would have planned their actions well in advance.
Defensive driving checklist
- Take your time. Rash or hasty road manoeuvres are rarely good ones. All road manoeuvres should be considered in advance and taken smoothly
- Keep your distance from the car in front. Keep at least 6 or more car lengths or 2 seconds between the vehicle in front of you
- Be aware of how the drivers around you are behaving and keep an eye on those that are driving badly
- Keep calm. Don't be intimidated by others on the road or lose your temper with other drivers
- Be considerate to other drivers. Always indicate early and use your mirrors often, the driver(s) around you will appreciate it
- Don't consume ANY alcohol before driving. Even small 'legal' amounts can impair your judgment
- Don't drive tired. If you feel tired when driving, stop somewhere and have a break or a nap
- Follow speed limits and take notice of warning signs and signals together with road markings
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
