ESC – Electronic Stability Control

Keeping both our staff and our readers up-to-date with driver aids which can protect the motorist in the event of an unforseen occurance on the roads. A story we witnessed recently on the benefits of driving a vehicle fitted with ESC (Electronic Stability Control).

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a computerised technology that improves safety of a vehicle’s stability by detecting and minimising skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help “steer” the vehicle where the driver intends to go.

Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually, and some ESC systems also reduce engine power until control is regained. ESC does not improve a vehicle’s cornering performance; instead, it helps to minimise the loss of control. According to IIHS and NHTSA, one-third of fatal accidents could have been prevented by the technology!

Why is electronic stability control so important?
Studies have shown that ESC reduced single-vehicle crashes by 34% for cars and 59% for SUVs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (see link above) estimates that ESC reduces the risk of fatal single-vehicle wrecks by 56% and fatal multiple-vehicle crashes by 32%.

Since 2008, Euro NCAP has been promoting broad fitment of Electronic Stability Control – ESC – by all vehicle manufacturers. Up to 2012 when ESC becomes mandatory for all new cars sold in the EU, each vehicle manufacturer can decide whether or not to make ESC available on a certain model (variant). 

Young Driver Car Insurance – Our New Campaign

We are now continually reading about the ridiculous rates that are being quoted for young drivers car insurance! Insurance premiums for new drivers cost thousands – sometimes even tens of thousands – of pounds!

The questions on our mind are:

1. How can young drivers avoid being quite literally priced off the road!
2. And, how can Homeapproved start a campaign to reverse this trend!

Over the next ten days we are launching new Homeapproved Facebook and Twitter pages.

It crossed our minds that this would be a perfect platform to raise awareness of the unbelievable rates for motor insurance being currently quoted to young and new drivers.

We would really like to get a ‘bit of a campaign’ going to try and reveerse the trend for exhorbitant motor premiums. Hopefully readers can join in; add themselves as a fan to our new Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

We will keep you updated over the next two weeks!

John Lewis Car Insurance

Homeapproved is pleased to announce that we have just added John Lewis Car Insurance to our roster of high performing UK motor insurers.

• Reap the rewards of careful driving – they offer a No Claims Discount of up to 75% and in most instances they will give you the option of protecting it.*
• Stay on the road when you make a claim – John Lewis give you a Courtesy Car while your car is being repaired (Comprehensive Cover only).
• Peace of mind while you’re travelling – 90 days cover in Europe comes as standard and you can buy Breakdown Cover for Europe too.
• Never miss an urgent appointment – if it’s an emergency and they can’t arrange a Replacement Car* in time, John Lewis will refund your taxi fare.*
• Car ID theft, audio and Sat Nav equipment and misfuelling – are all covered as standard.

*Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.

Electric Cars

We have just woken up to the fact that a possible growth area for the motor insurance industy is going to be electric car insurance. You can read by clicking thorugh to the article on the main Homeapproved website how the development of battery powered vehicles now encompasses such marques as Rolls Royce.

The main bone of contetion for us in regards to purchasing a new G-Wiz, Tesla or other electric car is the limited range and shortage of recharging stations. Range anxiety – the fear of conking out with nowhere to recharge is the single biggest obstacle to buying these battery-powered vehicles.  Their are innovations, individuals and even a new I-Phone App which seek to address these current limitations.

For example, PlugShare is a free app for Apple devices that allows the owners of electric cars to find people who are willing to provide electricity for vehicles, free of charge or for a nominal payment. The system is believed to have around 3000 users, however all are currently in the USA.  Their is some good news however as the system is due to come to the UK this year, along with a comparable App for the Android system.

Major manufacturers such as Nissan, Citroen and Renault may be launching a new generation of mainstream electric cars, but motorists will not be convinced unless they can be sure that they won’t be left stranded with an empty battery!