There are around 40.8 million licensed vehicles on the UK’s roads. Of these, the vast majority are passenger cars. But, there are millions of HGVs, LGVs, motorbikes, and other vehicles licensed in the UK. To legally drive in the UK requires insurance. This covers damage to vehicles and injury to passengers or pedestrians. Insurance also provides protection against theft. Unfortunately, car theft is on the rise in the UK. This crime rose by 29% last year.
But, theft isn’t the only problem facing vehicle owners. Damage from weather conditions will lower a vehicle’s value, and accidents can even write cars off completely.
The importance of protecting an automobile
The average cost of a new car in the UK varies between types and models. According to Statista, the average hatchback costs £21,000. And a new motorbike might set you back £5,000. Then there are servicing fees, parts, and MOT testing to consider. Not surprisingly then, most vehicle owners want to protect their cars and bikes. Keeping a vehicle safe from damage and limiting wear and tear will help it to hold its value. Simple tasks such as cleaning will help to lengthen a car’s lifespan.
There are a number of ways to protect cars and bikes. Installing car window shades will protect the interior from sun damage, not to mention the occupants. Car window shades reduce the amount of UV radiation that occupants will soak up while on a journey.
A fully serviced car is safer on the roads than one that has been neglected. Therefore, protecting the car in this way, also protects passengers, drivers, and other motorists.
Just how do you protect your vehicle from all the potential problems though?
Ways to protect your vehicle from the weather
UK residents love the weather. Maybe because there’s so much of it. One minute it’s sunny, and the next the sky is a mass of black clouds. Aside from the inconvenience of rain and the cold of winter mornings, weather conditions cause a lot of problems for motorists. Ice is a danger to all manner of vehicles and their drivers. And storms often cause millions of pounds of damage to property including cars.
It’s well worth investigating whether your insurance policy covers weather-related damage to your car. Comprehensive cover should protect your vehicle from storm damage, but weather conditions impact vehicles in many other ways too.
Sun and UV damage
The sun is particularly damaging for all vehicles. Regardless of whether you own an LGV, a car, a motorbike, or even a jet ski, the sun can damage it. UV radiation and the sun’s heat can cause some components to literally melt. Colour fading is another problem with the sun. Paint and seating may become lighter due to the sun’s bleaching effect. With it, your car will lose value.
How to protect from sun damage
Cleaning and waxing will help to protect the paintwork from the sun and UV. Many good car waxes contain ingredients that prevent UV rays from penetrating paintwork. As for vehicle interiors, use car window shades and cover windscreens to block the sun out. This has the double benefit of stopping UV from damaging dashboards and seats, while also keeping the car cooler.
High winds and hailstone damage
Winds cause debris and grit to be blown about. High winds also cause branches to break which is a danger to cars’ bodywork and windscreens. Hailstones are another potential weather-related hazard for vehicle owners.
The worst hailstorm in England saw hailstones 2.5 inches in diameter fall to Earth causing widespread damage. Hailstones have been known to cause dents in car bonnets and even break windscreens.
How to protect from hail and high winds
Car covers, hail covers, and hail blankets are specially designed to stop cars from being dinged by debris and hailstones. Similarly, standard blankets, thick cardboard, and rugs could be used as make-shift forms of protection.
Ways to protect your vehicle from theft
With car theft on the increase, and van tool robberies on the rise, vehicle owners need protection. Anyone licensed to drive on the road should have insurance for their car, and fortunately, this pays out in the event of it being stolen.
Besides vehicle insurance, owners are able to add several other weapons to their arsenal to defend against theft.
- Motorbike ground anchor
- Secured parking
- Car alarms
- Biometric systems
- Anti-theft devices
- Immobilizers
- Keyless entry systems
- GPS trackers
Locksmiths may help motorists secure their garages with alarms and keyless entry systems. And now, some car manufacturers are investigating the use of biometrics to reduce theft. GPS trackers may increase the likelihood of recovering stolen vehicles too.
Ways to protect your car from accidents
One very simple reason why vehicle insurance is mandatory is that accidents are inevitable. Sure, there are ways to reduce the chances of having an accident, but often they occur due to somebody else’s fault. When accidents happen, drivers face the problem of whether to use a lawyer for a claim or DIY. Perhaps, then, prevention is better and the chances of an accident can be lowered. If accidents cannot be avoided, there are ways to improve the outcomes.
Steps for protecting against accidents and mitigating the damage caused:
- Practice driving strategically
- Avoid distractions
- Always stay within speed limits
- Limit night-time driving and long distances
- Use telematics insurance
- Use safety belts
- Consider a tinted windscreen
The time of day you drive is a factor. For instance, in the summer, most vehicle accidents happen between 8 pm and midnight. Using telematics insurance may help to reduce the chances of car accidents too. Insurance companies using telematics often give data-driven advice on how to improve driving. And just as car window shades shield interiors from the sun, tints can help stop glare. Many accidents occur due to the sun’s glare blinding drivers temporarily. A combination of side window shades and a tinted windscreen could lead to a more pleasant and safer journey.
Ways to protect your car from daily damage
Vehicles suffer from wear and tear the same as most property does. Cars are used often, and parts wear out and fail sometimes. There are plenty of ways to reduce the damage caused daily to any vehicle, and thus help give it a longer life. Or at least keep its value up.
Ways to protect from daily damage
Where you park your vehicle is important if you want to protect it. Some insurance companies will lower premiums for cars parked securely or off the street at night time. Using a garage or carport will offer protection from the elements.
Consumer Reports points out that tree sap is damaging to paintwork. So, avoid parking under trees if you can.
Waxing a car makes it easy to clean off grit and debris. This will help to avoid scratches when washing the vehicle. Car covers are also useful here too for protection from dust and grit. And simple accessories such as car mats help to protect the flooring. Treading grime and grit into cars will lead to the interior degrading. Much better to use car floor mats to protect against damage.
Summary
Insurance is vital for protecting a vehicle and people in the event of a collision. Car insurance may help when storm damage occurs, and payout if the vehicle is stolen. But, there are some simple steps that drivers can take to protect their vehicles even further. The simplest accessories such as floor mats, and car window shades, protect interiors from damage. Car covers may protect from grit and hail if fitted properly. And a GPS tracker might help to recover a stolen car.
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