Safer driving

How driving safely can help towards your no claims discount.

Many of us like to think we are good drivers, and most of us like to think we are safe drivers. On a positive note, the number of accidents taking place on the UK’s roads each year is going down. Unfortunately, the statistics can still make unsettling reading. According to provisional figures from the Department for Transport, there were 258,223 road casualties (of varying seriousness) between April 2006 and March 2007, of which 169,429 were car users.

Aside from the potential risk to your physical health should you be in an accident, there is also the damage that can be done to your vehicle. You may walk away relatively unscathed, but if you need to make a claim on your policy then you may lose some or all of your no claims discount, which can drive the cost of a policy up.

While you can’t be in control of other drivers who might cause accidents, there is plenty that you can do to make sure you drive as safely as possible. While some of the following tips may seem obvious, they may well save you damaging your vehicle or, in extreme circumstances, be the difference between life and death.

How to drive safely

• Remember the basics such as ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre’, don’t speed, don’t drive too closely to cars in front of you, don’t make risky overtaking moves, give other road users plenty of space and always wear your seatbelt.
• Be aware! Your quick reactions won't always stop you having an accident. Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will.
• Drive in a way that suits your ability and the traffic conditions – be more cautious if weather conditions are treacherous. 
• Don’t drive tired, and have plenty of sleep if you are planning on making a long journey the following day. If you feel tired when driving then take a break.
• Don’t be distracted – either by passengers or by fiddling with the stereo. And don’t speak on your mobile; it’s dangerous as well as illegal.
• Don’t play your stereo so loudly that you can’t hear what is going on around you, such as the sirens of an emergency vehicle.
• Seriously think about advanced driver training – research shows that it makes better drivers.  Becoming an Advanced Driver could also help you minimize the cost of your car insurance.
• If you see other people driving aggressively, keep your distance to avoid getting involved in trouble.
• If light or visibility is poor, then switch on your lights to make sure you are seen.
• If you're driving on a slippery or loose surface use the foot controls very gently.
• Make sure your car is well maintained – check tyre pressure, windscreen water and wipers and all lights regularly. 
• And, of course, never drive under the influence or drink or any other substance.  Remember that some medications can cause drowsiness or affect your vision, so check the information leaflet or ask your doctor for advice if you are unsure.

By driving safely and avoiding accidents it’s likely that you can build up a substantial no claims discount on your car insurance policy. At Privilege, we specialise in insuring safe drivers, that’s why we reward you for every claim-free year you clock up, up to a maximum of five years.

Starting with a discount of 30% after one year, you can work up to 65% discount after five years, if you make no claims during that time. What’s more, after four years, you can protect your no claims discount for a small extra premium. This means that you can make one claim in any year or two claims in any three-year period, and you won't lose the discount earned for your previous years of safe driving.

With car insurance from Privilege, depending on the level of cover you take out, you can also get: coverage against third party accidents, fire and theft, a 24-hour hour recovery service, a free courtesy car if required, cover for windscreen and window breakage, personal accident cover and a host of member benefits.

Find out more about Privilege car insurance by visiting our website. You can get an online car insurance quote and could be insured straight away.

Click on the link to get a quote with our quick and easy to use online form.