Top 10 safe driving tips




Drive with caution

Never assume that another driver will drive sensibly on the road, some people make mistakes and some people are bad drivers.

Stay calm

If you are feeling stressed, stop somewhere and take a break. Getting angry with other drivers will just distract you from driving safely. Bad drivers are a fact of life, if you come across one just keep your distance and don't let them spoil your day.

Don't rush or be impatient

If you are late for something don't take risks just to save a few seconds - it's not worth it. Keep to the speed limits and don't overtake unless you have to. Don't intimidate slower drivers by flashing your lights or tailgating them.

Don't be distracted

Concentrate on driving not on your passengers, sat nav, cd player etc. If your mobile phone rings, indicate and pull over in a safe place, if you miss the call just call them back! If you find your concentration wandering, you may be tired. Stop somewhere have a coffee and a rest.

Look out for pedestrians

Be alert and watch out for pedestrians in urban areas on country roads where they may not be a footpath. Watch out for children emerging from between parked cars.

Look out for motorbikes, scooters and cyclists

Small vehicles like motorbikes and scooters are easily missed. Take extra care at junctions and when changing lanes check your blind spot. If you want to overtake a bike allow plenty of space because they may swerve or wobble. If there isn't enough space to pass safely, wait.

Look out for animals

Take care on country roads to watch out for horses and their riders. Pass them wide and slow. Be wary of smaller animals in the road, but remember that you should only try to avoid them if it does not put you or another road user in danger.

Respect the speed limits and the weather conditions

Always drive within the speed limits. If you are driving at speed you are less likely to be able to stop in time if you come across an unexpected hazard. Always drive at a speed that is appropriate for the weather conditions if you want to avoid having an accident. Stopping distances will increase significantly if the road surface is wet or icy, and reduce your speed in foggy or conditions where visibility is reduced.

Be aware of whats around you

Ensure that you are aware of whats going on around you at all times. Remember to check your mirrors and signal before moving.

If you have had an accident that was not your fault, please 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

  • 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