Tag: Driving

On the topic of pay-per-mile road tax, we’ve learned over the past year that it’s possible to drive less if we need to, and that the knock-on effects for the environment are extremely positive.

It would be foolish to ignore the facts. The recent improvement in air quality has helped to save the lives of those with pre-existing health conditions, with as many as 11,000 deaths avoided in Europe. CO2 emissions fell by 17% globally during the Coronavirus outbreak – the lowest level seen since 2006. In Wuhan, there was a 63% reduction in nitrogen dioxide concentrations while the capital was in lockdown.

Closer to home, The UK’s emissions dropped to a hundred-year low during lockdown and London’s carbon emissions fell by 59%, thanks to fewer car journeys being made throughout the capital city.

We spoke to UK drivers and found that 72% of them plan to cut their mileage to reduce emissions now that lockdown is easing, but 93% feel that it’s hard to do. As a society that should be thinking about the future as much as the present, we need to continue this trend of lowering emissions by driving less, insisting on financial incentives for drivers to do so, and demanding that official advice around lowering carbon emissions becomes more readily available.

So how do we encourage UK drivers to drive less?

According to the results of our survey, only 49% of drivers are aware that short journeys of under a mile are the most polluting, while just 46% of drivers realise that transport is the biggest contributor to UK carbon emissions. This is the kind of information that should be known to anyone driving a car, so that they can make better-informed decisions before getting behind the wheel.

Back in April 2017, the Government changed the way new vehicles were taxed. The tax bands they introduced for Vehicle Excise Duty (known as VED) made it much less cost-effective to own a hybrid vehicle, and even more expensive to run low-emission petrol or diesel cars. Basically, unless you’re buying a purely electric vehicle costing under £40,000, it’s become a lot pricier to tax a newer car, so it’s very much incentivising the purchase of greener vehicles.

The Government is continuing to follow this trend as they try to improve the VED system, launching a recent consultation, but this plan actually creates more problems than it solves. VED raised £6.5 billion for the Treasury in 2019-20 – if the increasing number of hybrid and electric car owners pay less road tax, or none at all, where does this money come from?

In terms of where the money goes, contrary to popular belief, it’s not currently ring-fenced for roads. The Government said that they’d planned to establish a road fund by 2020, reviving the ‘road tax’ that Winston Churchill abolished in 1937. This would have meant car tax would actually be spent specifically on road maintenance and transport infrastructure, which would benefit all road users and enable us to improve public transport systems too.

We believe it’s essential to raise money somehow that can be used specifically to pay for the upkeep of roads, to improve public transport infrastructure and to support initiatives like establishing more cycle lanes, low traffic neighbourhoods and pedestrianised streets. This will encourage less driving in the long run, support people choosing other ways to get around, and help to reduce emissions.

With their price point at the upper end of the scale, not everyone can afford to drive a cleaner, greener, electric or hybrid car. The strategy to reduce or scrap road tax entirely for these cars is a decent incentive to switch if you’re choosing a new car, but it creates more problems than it solves in the long run, lumping all of the costs on non-electric drivers. After all, every car contributes to potholes and traffic, regardless of its emissions. It’s clear that the cost needs to be spread evenly across all drivers, and the fairest way to do that is with pay-per-mile car tax.

The current car tax system doesn’t work. Pay-per-mile does.

We’ve seen the president of the AA, Edmund King, call on the Government before to introduce a road mileage pricing scheme for drivers, after he predicted that drivers’ attitudes to transport will change after lockdown. He feels that now is the right time for more radical thinking to be introduced when it comes to the environmental impact of driving. We couldn’t agree more.

We think our car tax system is still broken, and it’s been broken for a long time. Despite changes being made to account for how green your vehicle is, we’re still using a one-size-fits-all approach that taxes everyone in the country a fixed amount, no matter how little they use their car right now.

We don’t think that’s fair, and it doesn’t encourage anyone to use the roads less. High mileage drivers generate more emissions and cause more wear-and-tear to our highways; they should pay more towards the upkeep of our roads.

In the UK, motorists with cars over three years old already provide the DVLA with annual mileage readings during an MoT. Why not use this information to calculate their tax bill and charge them their car tax at the same time?

Pay-per-mile car tax just makes sense.

As our insurance policy charges people based on the number of miles they drive, we’ve already seen the difference it can make when you make people more conscious of using their cars, especially at the moment. 36 % of our members told us that they’ve driven less since starting their pay-by-mile policy, while 82% confirmed it was specifically the pay-as-you-drive aspect that’s influenced them to cut the number of miles they’re driving.

When you actually know the cost of those little drives to the supermarket or to pick the kids up from school in insurance (not to mention fuel), it makes the decision to walk or take public transport that much easier. Pay-per-mile car tax would not only give people more control over their spending, but it would also reward them for doing their bit for the environment.

The ULEZ charge in London is a good example of nudging drivers in the right direction, encouraging them to consider whether using the car is essential for every journey. It’s proven its success by encouraging vehicles that generate high emissions to steer clear of the city centre and reportedly cut the presence of the worst polluting vehicles by 35% since being introduced in July 2019.

The congestion charges were suspended during lockdown to help key workers with avoiding public transport, but the charges have now returned and increased to £15 per day, seven days a week. It’s a step in the right direction as it continues to be a disincentive to drive through the city unless absolutely necessary and gets drivers thinking more critically about each journey.

We should be inspired by the recent reduction in emissions in the UK, and other environmental initiatives in the past that have been successful about bringing about positive behavioural change, like the plastic bag tax. This made people acutely aware of every bag they use. Plastic bag sales in England’s ‘big seven’ supermarkets have dropped by 86% since the 5p plastic bag charge was introduced in 2015, which proves that these incentives really work.

Taking our plan for pay-per-mile road tax to Parliament.

We’ve launched a petition asking the Government for:

1. A pay-per-mile road tax, rewarding people for driving less. Either through increasing fuel duty or using mileage readings taken during an MOT.
2. Car tax to be ring-fenced and actually spent on improving our roads – not just for drivers.
3. Practical advice for drivers from the Government around lowering carbon emissions.

We’ve pulled together four reasons why we think a pay-per-mile car tax could save drivers money, improve congestion and help save the planet (as well as the people on it).

1. Better for the environment.

We’ve seen the benefits of driving less during lockdown. Charging car tax by the mile would persuade people to continue driving less and encourage more car sharing. This means lower CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions, resulting in cleaner air for everyone.

A pay-per-mile tariff could still include different tax bands to reward people driving more carbon-efficient or electric cars. But with contributions coming from all of the cars on the road, more money could go into providing better public transport, which in turn would lower congestion and cut carbon emissions.

2. Better for your wallet.

We believe that a pay-as-you-drive car tax would save many drivers money. For example, if you live near a city, you probably only drive occasionally, or travel short distances. Why should you be paying the same level of car tax as a travelling salesman whose motorway journeys clock up hundreds of miles each day?

For the frugal money saver, having the tax rate linked to mileage would give you the control to lower your tax bill if you wanted.

3. Better for the roads.

A pay-per-mile car tax system would help tackle traffic congestion. In 2008, a survey from the Institution of Civil Engineers showed that 60% of British motorists would prefer car tax to be charged by the mile, with over half of respondents saying that a pay-per-mile system would make them drive less. That’s got to be a good thing.

If all drivers were charged per mile, regardless of their vehicle type, everyone on the road would pay a fair contribution.

4. Better for public health.

In the UK, it’s believed that between 1069 and 3,425 lives have been saved due to improved air quality during lockdown. Other avoided health impacts included fewer days of work absence, fewer new cases of asthma in children, avoided emergency room visits due to asthma attacks and fewer preterm births. A small decision to leave the car at home can have a huge impact on public health.

Driving less reduces the harmful effects of air pollution. It’s a no-brainer that we should carry forward the desire to be more environmentally-conscious into life after lockdown, and minimise the chances of reaching the same level of carbon emissions as before. Pay-per-mile road tax encourages this.

Let’s give this some serious thought.

We’re not claiming to have all the answers, but we think it’s vital we investigate a different approach to car tax. It’s time to move towards a fairer model for tax on the road that’s fit for the future, and we’ve launched a petition to call on the Government to adopt a fairer approach to lower mileage drivers, charging and taxing motorists for the miles they actually drive and rewarding those who drive less.

How many miles do you drive?

Find out exactly how many miles you drive by popping your reg plate into our quick quote and it will check your MoT history to see how much you drove last year.

Given that non-essential international travel is off the menu for a while, 2020 is set to be the year of road trips. It’s the perfect opportunity to not just explore this wonderful island, but also to give the local economy a much-needed boost after lockdown.

The UK has some spectacular roads, which is something that’s easy to forget when you’re stuck in rush hour traffic on a Friday evening. But once you escape the hustle and bustle of city life, there’s an enchanting world out there waiting to be discovered. (If good weather is non-negotiable for your plans, you may want to check out our list of the sunniest spots in the UK road trip).

So pack up the car with some essentials, carry out all the necessary checks to make sure it’s up to the journey, stick on one of our playlists and hit the open road with the windows fully down (weather permitting). Remember, if you’ve got a pay-by-mile car insurance policy with By Miles, we’ll never charge you for more than 150 miles a day, so if you drive over that amount, the rest is on us!

Here are five essential road trips we highly recommend trying out.

1. Atlantic Highway, England (205 miles – 6.45 hrs).

Photo by Matt Buck

If you’re looking for road trips with views that will cause you to do a cartoon character’s exaggerated eye rub to double check that what you’re seeing is real, this is the drive for you. The A39 will take you on an impressive stretch through southwest England. Along the way, be sure to check out:

• Devon and Cornwall coasts – Multiple stops to stretch your legs and get an ice cream cone for a wander along the coast will be essential.
• Exmoor National Park – Take a walk, visit the smallest parish church in the country and see if you can spot some wild red deer.
• Padstow – Get some fresh seafood in this picturesque fishing port.
• Newquay – The Blue Reef Aquarium has an underwater tunnel that goes through a coral reef tank. It’s a must-see.
• Land’s End – See the Isles of Scilly and, beyond that, the Atlantic Ocean and North America from the 200ft-high granite cliffs.

The route is mapped out here, but feel free to modify it to include any stops you fancy along the way.

Although the route is technically inland for a lot of Cornwall, you’ll get some amazing coastal views on this journey. If you’re a fan of water-based activities, this is the one for you.

2. Black Mountain Pass, Wales (227 miles – 5.15 hrs).

Photo via Geograph

This is a must-see for mountain enthusiasts, as it has incredible scenery that will be sure to delight all in attendance. For the best views, if you’re able to, try and do the journey from north to south, and don’t be afraid to take your time with plenty of stops along the way. Some of the backdrops are perfect smartphone background wallpaper material. En route, you’ll see:

• Tywi Valley – Check out the longest river flowing in Wales and be sure to do some salmon fishing, if that’s your thing.
• Pont Aber – If you like bridges and walking, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the pedestrian swing bridge.
• Herbert’s Quarry – An essential stop for climbers and mountain enthusiasts alike.
• Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen – It means ‘white hemlock heath’, but you probably knew that already. This village has some excellent restaurants and is perfect for a pit stop along the way.
• Brecon Beacons National Park – Cycling, golf, hiking, horse riding, you can do it all here.

Here’s a map.

You can get this drive done in a day as it’s a relatively short stretch of road, but why rush perfection? Stretch it into a two-day extravaganza so that you can fully appreciate your surroundings.

3. South Eastern Coast, Isle of Man (24 miles – 1 hr).

Photo via Wikipedia

Escape the traffic and chaos of the mainland with a trip to this stunning island sandwiched between the UK and Ireland. Once you get onto the island itself, this particular drive is a short one, leaving plenty of time for stops along the way. On the drive, you’ll see:

• Calf of Man – It’s a 618-acre island with a population of two. Rumour has it, Bert and Ernie live there.
• Kitterland Rock – Check out the basking seals, well, basking.
• Spanish Head – The cliffs need to be seen (and photographed) to be believed. They stretch 100m above sea level.
• Meayll Hill – An essential stop for history fans, as you’ll see Meayll Circle, a chambered cairn that’s over a thousand years old.
• Port St Mary – The perfect spot during the summer months, be sure to check out the sandy beach in Chapel Bay.
• Langness – Visit the island’s most southerly point and get a moody photograph of its lighthouse.

Here’s a suggested map, but be sure to tailor the trip to your own interests.

Interestingly, there’s no national speed limit in the Isle of Man. There are speed restrictions in built-up areas, however, but once you pass those signs, it’s up to you to drive safely and responsibly. But be warned, the police will stop you if you’re driving recklessly, so always be careful on the roads.

4. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland (46 miles – 1.40 hr).

Photo by Giuseppe Milo

If you fancy casting your metaphorical sail overseas to the wonderful world of Northern Ireland, this is one of its most breathtaking routes. The drive takes around two hours to complete, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with the grand finale taking you to Dunluce Castle. On the journey, you’ll pass:

• Giant’s Causeway – It’s a UNESCO-listed heritage site and contains around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Count them all!
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Suspended 30 m above sea level, the rope bridge was built by salmon fisherman nearly 300 years ago.
• Bushmills – Visit the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
• Dunluce Castle – Ruins of a Medieval castle with links back as far as the 13th Century. Game of Thrones enthusiasts may recognise it as the Greyjoy Kingdom from the show.

Here’s a suggested route plan to get you started.

Venturing off route is very much encouraged here, as you’re unlikely to be disappointed with any of the views or landmarks you stumble upon. Set aside a few days to explore the entire Causeway coastal route and you’re guaranteed to find paradise along the way.

5. North Coast 500, Scotland (516 miles – 7.5 hrs).

Photo via Geograph

Of course it wouldn’t be a complete list of UK road trips without some Scottish scenery. This route goes right around the north of the country, taking you from Inverness to John O’ Groats, along to Durness and down the west coast before returning inland at the Applecross peninsula. Be sure to look out for:

• Balnakeil – Fancy seeing a beach that looks like a postcard come to life? Of course you do.
• Smoo Cave – There’s a waterfall inside the cave that has to be seen to truly be believed.
• Dunrobin Castle – With 189 rooms inside, you could comfortably fantasise about living there.
• Hill O’ Many Stanes – Situated in the Highlands, it has about 200 upright stones set out in rows that create a fan-shaped pattern that’s said to be a relic of Bronze Age times.
• Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney – It is illegal to visit Scotland and not go to a distillery. Well, it’s not. But it should be.

Here’s a route map.

The drive is 516 miles in total, so this is a lengthy drive, but well worth your time. With plenty of exciting stops along the way, you’ll soon see why it’s often referred to as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66.

Whichever route you decide to take, you’ll be sure to appreciate the adventures along the way. This is likely to be the summer of the staycation, so lean into it. Plan a few different drives and tick them off your bucket list. Or if you’re in a daring mood, take a spontaneous trip and let Siri lead the way – just don’t forget your phone charger in case you stray a little off the beaten track.

Be sure to let us know any recommendations for road trips that you’ve got, so that we can spread the word.

Happy driving!

If you normally drive under 150 miles a week (aside from the occasional few road trips), get a quick quote for a pay-by-mile car insurance policy by clicking here. See if you could make a saving in under a minute.

With coronavirus unfortunately continuing to dominate our lives at the moment, it’s only natural that drivers are concerned about how the virus impacts their driving, their cars and all things road-related.

We’ve put together a handy list of questions and answers to help set the record straight on some common things that our members have been concerned about when we’ve been chatting with them.

This is an ever-evolving list, so please continue to get in touch with us at hello@bymiles.co.uk or on our social channels with any questions you have and we’ll do our best to answer them. We’re going to keep updating this blog with new information as we have it.

This article was last updated at 16:00 on Tuesday 27th April 2021, and is as accurate as we can make it with the information we’ve had available. We aim to keep it as up-to-date as possible, but briefings on COVID-19 measures are obviously changing daily. If in doubt, please be sure to check official Government advice here.

How do I keep my car (and car battery) healthy during lockdown?

In terms of keeping your car in good health, it’s always worth starting your car up once a week and allowing it to run for about 15 minutes to recharge the battery. Be sure to do so in well-ventilated space, ideally outdoors. Never leave your car’s engine running in an enclosed space like a garage, as this can cause a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide gas.

Keeping the car’s fuel tank full is also a good idea as it will prevent condensation, which can cause problems if built up over time.

To prevent the brakes from seizing, release the parking brake and drive the car short distances forwards and backwards (kill two birds with the one stone by doing so while the engine is running to recharge the battery). Get yourself fully up to speed on all things battery-related with our handy list of tips for keeping yours in good health.

How do I to keep my car safe from criminals during lockdown?

Common sense applies here. Be sure to keep your car properly locked when it’s not in use and store all valuables out of sight so that opportunists won’t be tempted. Something as unremarkable as a gym bag left on the back seat can attract attention, so be smart.

If possible, park your car near your house so that it’s visible to you. We’ve had an increase in vandalism claims over the past couple of months, presumably due to vandals having more spare time than usual and the police being overstretched at the moment, so don’t assume that everyone is adhering to the Government’s isolation advice in the same way that you are.

Now is the perfect time to root out your old steering wheel lock from the shed and make some use out of it if you’re not going to be using the car for a while. Most importantly, don’t leave your keys sitting on the hall table or near the front door, as criminals have been known to fish them out through the letterbox.

Is my MOT still going ahead during the coronavirus pandemic?

If your car’s MOT was due between March 31st to July 31st 2020, then your MOT was automatically extended for six months from the original expiry date.

If your MOT was due on or after August 1st 2020, you’re not eligible for an extension and need to book your car in for its MOT as soon as possible.

MOT garages have remained open in England since the second lockdown, so if your test is due, it’s business as usual.

Cars with an extended MOT must still be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages remain open for repair work. So it’s important to keep in mind that drivers can still be prosecuted if you’re driving an unsafe vehicle.

If you can’t get an MOT that’s due because you’re in self-isolation, the Department for Transport is working to make sure that people will not be negatively affected as a result of things that are out of their control, so don’t panic.

Will being an NHS transport volunteer during the pandemic affect my car insurance?

Firstly, good on you. It’s an important time to be selfless and your efforts are greatly appreciated by all.

In terms of car insurance, it’s worth checking with your provider to ensure that you’re fully covered or if a change to your policy is required. All insurers are different, so there’s no one set rule for everyone.

If you’re a By Miles member and working as an NHS transport volunteer, no amendments to your policy are necessary. You do not need to contact us to update your documents or to extend your cover. Your daily charge is always capped at 150 miles a day, so you won’t be charged a penny more if you happen to go over it due to extra journeys.

Are garages still open during the coronavirus lockdown?

As per the Government, garages are still open for essential repair work, so if you need something fixed to keep your car roadworthy, that’s still an option.

As car garages are privately owned, opening hours will vary at the moment, so get in touch with your local garage for more information.

All Government advice is in place at garages as they fall under the category of public spaces, so be sure to keep your distance and use common sense (no hugging your mechanic after they salvage a punctured tyre!)

Where I work has changed because of coronavirus, do I need to tell my car insurance provider?

Depending on the specifics of your car insurance policy, you could be invalidating it by using your car for different tasks than you had previously listed, such as using it for commuting while services are reduced.

The Financial Conduct Authority has called on insurers to treat customers fairly during these difficult circumstances and has urged them to not impact claims processes for customers. As long as everyone plays fair, it should be okay.

If you have a By Miles policy, then you don’t need to tell us if you’re working from home or temporarily driving to work because you can’t use public transport.

Many insurers have put in place measures to help their members out if they’re struggling with payments. You should check their website FAQs, or give them a call.

If you’re a By Miles member, we may be able to delay the date that your payment is due. We don’t charge interest while your payment is delayed, meaning you won’t pay more than you would have done previously.

If you’re an NHS or key worker who has recently started driving more, we may be able to offer you some assistance based on your circumstances. We’re here to help, so get in touch using the live chat on your app, or give us a call on 0330 088 3838.

Do I still have to pay the London ULEZ and congestion charges during the coronavirus lockdown?

As of Monday 18th May 2020, the suspension of all road user charges has ended. That means drivers must pay as normal for ULEZ and congestion charges from now on.

It’s also come into effect that the charges have gone up from £11.50 to £15 per day since Monday 22nd June and the hours are now extended to 07:00 – 22:00, seven days a week. This change has now been made permanent and will stay in place as part of the TfL bailout.

To support care home employees, the NHS reimbursement scheme will be extended so carers that can apply to their employer to be reimbursed for journeys relating to coronavirus, including journeys to and from work.

If you’re a By Miles member, you’ll get ULEZ and Congestion Charge reminders from the app after you’ve driven through the zones, so you can avoid being stung with a late penalty charge.

The 24-hour access fee for Santander Cycles will continue to be waived for NHS workers, police officers and people working in social care. Codes are available through your employers, so be sure to ask. More docking stations have been popping up around the capital to keep up with increased demand at the moment, so that’s also good news for Santander cyclists.

Can I still make a claim on my car insurance while coronavirus continues to spread?

It should be business as usual in that regard, but it depends who you have your insurance with. Most insurance companies should be sending out emails with information about how their services are affected (if at all). On the whole, you should be able to get in touch with your insurer as you would normally, and they will be able to assist you with any claims.

Repairs may take a little longer than usual at the moment, but you’re still covered and replacement cars are still available as car rental places are operating under business as usual.

If you’re a By Miles member, our claims line is still open 7-days a week, 24-hours a day on 0330 088 3838.

Also see car insurance that works in Lockdowns and if you working from home.

Can I still drive if I have coronavirus?

It’s not a good idea to drive if you are suffering from symptoms of coronavirus.

There’s a high chance that the symptoms will cause you to lose concentration, just like if you were using your mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Symptoms like a fever, sneezing or a dry cough can impair your concentration and slow down your reaction time considerably, as can some medicines being taken for relief. Much like driving with any illness, these factors increase your chances of being hit with fines or penalty points for dangerous driving.

Although the roads may be emptier than usual, normal rules still apply and traffic cameras are in operation. The best advice is to stay at home and avoid driving if you have coronavirus.

Can someone else drive my car while I’m self-isolating during the coronavirus lockdown?

Normal rules apply for this one, so you’ll need to add them to your policy.

If they have ‘drive other cars’ on their own insurance, then they’ll be covered to drive your car, but on a ‘third-party only’ basis.

The best option for temporarily insuring someone else on your car is to use temporary cover – there are many different providers of this.

If you’ve got a By Miles policy, you can add a close relative to your insurance policy all by yourself using our app. They need to be aged 25-78 and have had a full UK licence for 2 years. There’s no administration fee for the first three changes, but your fixed annual cost and per-mile rate may change as a result of any amendments – more info here.

Are petrol stations still open during the coronavirus lockdown?

Yes. Petrol stations will continue to stay open.

When using the petrol pump, it’s advised to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. At the moment, there are no signs to suggest that there will be a shortage of petrol expected, so there’s no need to panic buy. Carry on as normal.

Can I get car essentials like replacement bulbs and wiper blades during the coronavirus pandemic?

After the first lockdown, Halfords reopened its stores, so you’ll be covered if you need any car or bike-related essentials. Just be sure to remember to keep the recommended two metre distance from other shoppers, if a trip to Halfords is absolutely essential. We’ve been assured that Halfords won’t be closing for the second lockdown (5th November – 2nd December), as they’re classified as an essential service provider, so they’ll remain open for any essentials you need. Keep an eye on their website and social channels for the latest information.

They’re also offering a free car health check to all NHS frontline workers during the pandemic. The checks include top-up tyre inflation, screen wash, oil levels and lights to keep workers’ cars on the road. To redeem the offer, simply show your NHS staff ID card at a Halfords or Autocentre Garage, where the safety check will be booked in and carried out.

Is my driving or theory test cancelled because of coronavirus?

Driving lessons, driving tests and driver theory tests in England and Wales have now resumed after being suspended since January. Lessons have resumed in Scotland, with tests returning on 6th May 2021.

As we’ve seen, things can change quite quickly based on developments with the pandemic, so keep an eye on the official Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency’s Twitter account for the most up-to-date information.

What if my car breaks down during the coronavirus lockdown?

We looked at the most popular roadside assistance providers (The AA, RAC, Green Flag) and their services are still available for those making essential journeys, along with most others. They’re following Government guidelines and practicing social distancing to keep you and themselves safe.

If you’ve come in contact with the virus or have symptoms, it’s important to let them know as soon as you call, so that they can take extra precautions when helping you. Don’t worry, they’ll still help if you’re ill.

If I’m not using my car during the pandemic, what should I do?

It’s a legal requirement to have valid car insurance unless you register your car off the road and apply for a SORN. If you plan on leaving your car unused for quite a while, it’s worth contacting your car insurance provider to figure out the best option for you.

If you are with another insurer, and you don’t mind declaring your car SORN, you might be able to suspend your car insurance with them for a bit and get a refund. Just beware that it won’t be covered against fire or theft if you do this.

With a By Miles policy, you’re actually rewarded for driving less, so it’s not a bad thing to see your car sitting in the driveway each day. The less you drive, the less you pay, the more you save.

Should I disinfect my car to prevent the spread of coronavirus?

If you have to make a journey in your car, it’s no harm to make sure that you’re doing so in a relatively sterile environment. Firstly, ensure that you’re traveling with someone who hasn’t come in contact with the virus, nor do they have any symptoms.

Disinfect the car, paying particular attention to the steering wheel, handbrake, gearstick, door handles, radio buttons, window buttons, indicators and all other controls that you’d usually touch. Regular household cleaning products will do the trick, as long as they’ve got a 70% alcohol solution in them. Before using any cleaning product inside your car, it’s worth testing it in a small area first, to make sure it doesn’t discolour your car’s interior. Alcohol can be used on upholstery and soft surfaces, just be sure not to completely soak them.

On the outside of the car, give your door handles, door frame and boot handle a thorough clean as well, using a micro-fibre cloth or something soft that won’t scratch the car. Use common sense to identify areas that you or other people have touched inside and outside the car, and you can’t go wrong.

What is By Miles doing about coronavirus?

As we’re part of the Association of British Insurers, we have made an official pledge to:

• Support those who need to make a claim.
• Support those who are working from home.
• Support those who cannot work from home.
• Support those who use their cars to help communities.
• Support our key workers.

If you’ve got questions about any of these, just get in touch using our live chat on our website or give us a call on 0330 088 3838.

We’ve got you covered (provided you’re actually covered with us), now and always.

Stay safe and stay apart!

As the old saying goes – another bout of storms, another helpful magazine post from your car insurance provider.

With the latest news that another storm is on its way to batter the UK, we wanted to remind you of some safe driving practices during extreme weather.

We learned a lot from Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, like how transporting confetti on a windy day is actually a very bad idea.

In terms of claims, we saw a few avoidable incidents, so we’d like share a few handy reminders. This next storm looks set to be a slightly colder pest, meaning the added danger of snow and ice could prove nightmarish for us all.

Based on real claims we’ve seen in the last few weeks, here’s our essential advice for the upcoming storm:

Do

• Be mindful of driving during high winds, as there’s always a risk of falling or fallen tree branches.
• Park on higher ground if you’re in an area that’s prone to flooding.
• Lightly tap your brakes after going through water (that will dry them off and allow you to test if they’re working correctly).
• Expect the unexpected on the roads – like that car in front skidding after a sudden patch of water (because they forgot to tap their brakes lightly!)
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel to cope with unexpected gusts of wind.
• Beware of patches of black ice.
• Allow extra time for your journey.

Don’t

• Drive through flooded areas. It’s a thrill, but not worth the risk – we’ve had calls from members stuck in the middle of a puddle after their engine has cut out suddenly.
• Park near trees. They’re not to be trusted during storms.
• Drive through heavily-wooded areas – falling branches can hit your car.

As always, if you can avoid traveling during extreme weather, you should. The hassle of a car insurance claim far outweighs the hassle of skipping an avoidable journey, trust us.

However you choose to brave these storms, be safe out there.

Driving less than 150 miles a week regardless of the impending storms? Get a quote for pay-by-mile car insurance here.

As you settle down to watch a classic festive film (Love Actually for the third time this holiday season, obviously), naturally you’ll cast your mind towards your own family plans for the season. When you work in car insurance though, it’s hard not to find yourself subconsciously assessing the potential driving skills of the people on screen.

Love Actually is the greatest Christmas movie ever made, probably. It perfectly encapsulates the desire for people to spend time with loved ones during the holidays, despite the many complications that may arise along the way.

From watching the movie, we already know that Jamie (Colin Firth’s character) is a shocking driver. He’s easily distracted, wears a horrific turtle neck and even causes a collision by failing to look in his wing mirror before pulling out into traffic. Therefore, we can safely deduce that he is a garbage driver. If their marriage goes ahead, Aurelia needs to seek other modes of transportation to ensure her safety.

But what about the other characters? Although we don’t see all of them driving in the movie, they all have varying degrees of chaotic energy that allows us to accurately speculate about their perceived ability to control a vehicle.

So what kind of drivers do we think the characters in Love Actually are?

Billy Mack (Bill Nighy)

Image via IMDB

This is a man who very rarely drives because he looks down on the endeavour as a peasant-like act. On the rare occasion that Billy goes for a casual spin, he goes fully automatic, parks atrociously and never has spare change for parking because he doesn’t carry cash. “Carry cash? What am I, a bureau de change?”, he quips. Billy uses the horn frivolously and revs the engine for no reason other than traffic-light-induced boredom.

Daniel (Liam Neeson)

Image via IMDB

Recently bereaved, Daniel regularly goes for long drives to clear his mind. Unfortunately, everything in the car reminds him of Joanna. He takes corners very sharply and stays in a far lower gear than is reasonable because his head is elsewhere. Daniel relies on an aggressive beep from the car behind to inform him that the lights have turned green. He also opens the sunroof in winter and hasn’t checked the car’s tyre pressure in well over a decade. It’s unlikely Daniel’s car is going to pass its next MoT, and he knows it.

Karen (Emma Thompson)

Image via IMDB

A driving instructor’s dream, Karen treats her fellow road users with the utmost respect. She never fills a yellow box and always keeps a spare set of jump leads in the boot, just in case. She regularly gets her car serviced and ensures that her tyres are well inflated. One time she rolled over an already-dead rat and felt guilty about it for six months. Easily her most endearing quality as a driver, Karen always has treats stashed in the glove box. Not even the rubbish ones, either.

Natalie (Martine McCutcheon)

Image via IMDB

This tea-maker extraordinaire has undergone her driving test four times but failed in spectacular fashion with every try. Natalie gets flustered on the road. Calming features such as a furry steering wheel and eyelash-laden headlights do little to settle her nerves. She’s jittery and meek. Luckily, she has an adult scooter to rely on until such time as the driving test becomes significantly easier and puts less emphasis on actually driving and knowing what the various road signs mean.

Juliet (Keira Knightley)

Image via IMDB

The smug bride of Love Actually avoids driving as much as possible. If she absolutely has to venture out, Juliet always drives her neat Toyota Yaris 10 miles below the speed limit. She parks in the space furthest away from the supermarket to avoid any bumps or scratches on her 1999 pale grey bandit. She pays her car tax two months early and never lets the petrol go any lower than a quarter tank full. Juliet has furry dice hanging from the rearview mirror and a wooden bead chair cover for posture reasons.

Harry (Alan Rickman)

Image via IMDB

This slick sleazeball sees no issue in parking his brand new motor in disabled spaces “just for a few minutes” when there’s no one else around. He pays (then expenses) someone £10 to hoover his company car bi-annually and gets car washes on rainy days simply because he can. Harry gets the most expensive diesel at the petrol station and keeps his leather seats heated all year round. He is also a fervent climate change denier.

The Prime Minister (Hugh Grant)

Image via IMDB

Officially discouraged from driving since taking up his new role, the PM (of the Love Actually cinematic universe) will sometimes sneak out the back door of 10 Downing Street for a cheeky trip to the drive thru. He’ll be forced to take a member of his security detail, but will make them sit in the back so that he can feel more independent on the open road. Given that it’s a new car, he’s still learning the sensitivity of the brakes and he can’t quite work out how to use the AC yet. He isn’t fully sure if it’s petrol or diesel, so it’s only a matter of time before he (or his assistant, more specifically) will end up claiming on insurance for misfuelling.

Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster)

Image via IMDB

When he turns 17, Sam will be eager to get out onto the road. Graciously, his Dad will take him on driving lessons that end in the pair screaming at each other and one of them (usually Sam) walking home in a huff. He’ll eventually give up and hire a professional driving instructor, inevitably falling in love with her despite their 30-year age gap. They will wed in the spring and joke about how transportation “drove” them together.

Mark (Andrew Lincoln)

Image via IMDB

Loudly proud of his Smart car, Mark whizzes all over town in his eco-savvy vehicle. He can go anywhere, with anyone, as long as it’s no more than one other person because the car is only a two-seater. Mark drives cautiously alone, but acts brave when there’s a passenger. He tailors specific playlists for each journey despite refusing to pander to anyone else’s musical interests. It’s back-to-back mid-90s disco pop, or nothing at all. The bluetooth speaker connection never disconnects from Mark’s phone, ever. So don’t even try.

Rufus (Rowan Atkinson)

Image via IMDB

Ever the perfectionist, Rufus’ car is pristine. You’ll struggle to find anything other than a gentle smell of lavender in his car, because chaos clouds his ability to thrive. Rufus always adds ten extra minutes to every journey because he refuses to be late for anything. His indicator signals on roundabouts are flawless, as is his ability to parallel park on a busy street. Rufus may drive a modest Fiat Cinquecento, but he treats it like a precious chariot that’s fit for a king.

John (Martin Freeman)

Image via IMDB

Due to the nature of his work, John finds himself driving a lot. For that, he requires a reliable car, but also one that makes him seem cool. Naturally, his Vauxhall Corsa does exactly that. His bumper sticker reads ‘Warning – the driver of this car is very handsome!’, but it’s from a previous owner, John assures people. “I can’t peel it off without chipping the paint. I don’t even think I’m that good looking, honestly”, he protests. He has coffee cups in his car that date back to the early 18th century. He once left the cup on set when he was an extra on Game of Thrones. “Probably went unnoticed, anyway”.

Judy (Joanna Page)

Image via IMDB

Workaholic Judy uses public transport as much as possible, partly for environment-related reasons, also because she’s trying to get her mileage down to save on car insurance costs. She’s saving for rent on a place in town where she can sell her homemade jewellery and trinkets. When she does take to the roads, Judy is a confident driver. She got full marks on her driving test and even stopped along the way to safely deliver a baby and save a kitten from a burning treehouse (two separate incidents). Her ‘new car smell’ air freshener addiction is getting a bit much, but that’s a problem for another day.

Sarah (Laura Linney)

Image via IMDB

Eternally busy, Sarah drives like she’s on a deadline at all times. She likes to assume the role of the designated driver on nights out, but she’s got some bad driving habits and scolds anyone that dares to point them out. During her latest stint as DD, Sarah’s love interest from work asked if she ever shops around for car insurance. She slammed on the brakes and forced him to walk the rest of the way home. “I like my insurance company. I’ve been with them for 19 years. They feel familiar and safe”, she argued. Karl shouted “That’s how they get you” gently into the abyss as Sarah sped off into the night. She’s being drastically overcharged, but it’s no good trying to tell her that.

Which character should we trust to chauffeur us around then?

I reckon some of the Love Actually characters aren’t too bad at driving, actually. They’re just trying to muddle their way through this mayhem that we call ‘life’, just like you and I.

If I had to get a lift with one of them though, it would be Emma Thompson’s character, Karen. She’s going through a rough time right now and could use some company, but she keeps good snacks in the glove box and that’s more than enough persuasion for me.

The worst driver to carpool with is future Sam. You can tell from the demonic look in his eyes that he likes the temperature way too low and can’t navigate car parks very well. Should the opportunity present itself, we must all avoid his passenger seat at all costs.

In search of a fairer kind of car insurance that you might Love, Actually? Get a quick quote fora pay-by-mile policy here.

Driving across scenic roads is always a pleasure and luckily, the landscape in the UK is very diversified.

From the lakes of Scotland to the mountains of Wales, many of our roads will offer you unforgettable moments. Here are four of the most scenic routes across the country that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Lost in the middle of nowhere – Military Road / Highlands – 45 miles

Known as Lecht Road or Old Military Road, the A939 is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. The Old Military Road near Glenshee is well known for being one of the best driving roads in the UK.

From Grantown-on-Spey to Braemar this 45 miles stretch will give you a rare driving experience. Literally in the middle of nowhere, this road is situated in open landscapes and offers endless views over mountains, giving you a feeling of complete freedom. Sheep, lamb and other wild animals caper and graze the open pastures. See the journey on google maps.

2. Between cliffs and the sea – from Lane to Portrush – 61 miles

Geoff Hill, the Telegraph Travel’s Northern Ireland expert, describes the North Channel Road Coast as “one of the world’s great drives, rides, walks or cycles”. And it is!

You should start your trip at Lane, a small town in Northern Belfast and drive up to Portrush on the A2 for 61 miles of pure pleasure. During the your ride you will follow the Irish sea – sometimes alongside the beach and other times at the top of the white cliffs. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the Scottish coast. See the journey on google maps.

3. In the heart of a reservoir – Hirwaun to Beacon Reservoir – 10 miles

You will find our third scenic road in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. To make the most of the A4059 you should go via Hirwaun making your way north towards the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons National Park.

Taking you between the plains and the valleys, this steep road will offer you some fantastic views. Similarly to the Military Road you will enjoy the company of sheep and lambs, except this time in a more contoured setting.

If you find yourself here in winter you will be able to see some snow on the top of the mountains. See the journey on google maps.

4. The Atlantic Highway – Barnstaple to Newquay – 134 miles

If you are staying in the south west of England you shouldn’t miss the stretch between Barnstaple in Devon and Newquay. This journey of 160 miles on the Atlantic Highway along the north Cornwall coast will take you across many of the country’s most lovely coastlines.

On your way you should consider making a stop to observe the sandy beach and cliffs of Constantine Bay. See the journey on google maps.

Bonus road! – The A686 from Haydon Bridge in Northumberland to Penrith, Cumbria – 37 miles

It’s a route that has won its fair share of accolades, and it’s easy to see why. Beautiful scenery and epic views; there’s a mixture of tree lined sections and long sweeping roads for those who actually want to drive their cars.