Car Sharing – Veygo

What to do during rail strikes

Sean O'Neill — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:09:43 +0000

What are the rail strikes?

Following ongoing pay industrial disputes, rail workers have, once more, opted into strike action. And those of you who regularly use the train to get to work, may feel that that these strikes seem to be at the most inconvenient of times.

While strike action can be incredibly frustrating for those who regularly use the train to commute to work for those who regularly commute on the train to work, there’s no need to panic.

With a bit of preparation, and pre-planning , you can ensure any disruptions are at a minimum.

Here are some tips to guide you through the rail workers’ strike:

1. Plan ahead

The first thing you need to do is plan ahead. Find out when the strike will begin and end, and how it will affect your daily commute. Check the train schedules in advance, to see if there are any alternative routes or modes of transportation you can take. You can also consider working from home or adjusting your work schedule to avoid rush hour traffic.

Making your own plans is all well and good, but as they may have to change, don’t forget to let others know in advance as well. This could be your employer, an appointment, friends or family. It’ll make things easier for everyone!

2. Use alternative modes of transportation

During a rail strike, it’s best to consider alternative modes of transportation such as buses, bikes, or even walking. You can also carpool with colleagues or friends to reduce traffic congestion and costs. If you decide to drive, make sure to check traffic reports to avoid busy routes and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

At Veygo we offer temporary car insurance, so you can quickly get insured on a friend or family members car, if you need insurance at the last minute. All you have to do is go to our temporary car insurance page, get a quote and enter a few details, it’s that simple!

Another way to future proof yourself for rail strikes is to learn to drive (if you haven’t already). Again, we can help you out. Just go to our learner driver insurance, this will help you to get extra hours outside of your lessons.

3. Be prepared for crowds

During a rail strike, public transportation can become crowded, especially during peak hours. Try to prepare for this by leaving earlier than usual to allow yourself extra time for potential delays. If possible, try to avoid the busiest times of the day.

The best advice for crowds is to try and remain level headed. It can be frustrating when people are taking too long, just remember it’s purely because of the number of people all trying to use one train.

4. Stay informed

Stay informed about any updates or changes related to the strike. Check with your transportation provider frequently for updates, and subscribe to their social media pages or email newsletters for instant alerts. You can also follow local news outlets to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments.

The best way to stay ahead of the strikes is to use national rail enquiries, or trainline, both of these offer live updates in the UK and can keep you up to date.

5. Consider working from home

If you can work remotely, consider working from home during the strike. This can help you avoid the stress of commuting and the uncertainty of transportation disruptions. It can also be an opportunity to improve your productivity and work-life balance.

We understand that this isn’t an option for everyone as your role may require you on-site, but if you are able to work remotely, then you would not only help yourself, but also free up space for others who may still need to commute.

6. Stay Calm and Patient

Any strike action can be frustrating and stressful for people that need to use the affected services, but it’s important to remain calm and patient. Remember, everyone is dealing with the same situation as you. Try to be respectful and understanding of others, don’t let the situation get the best of you and avoid taking it out on other. Especially the transportation staff, who are only doing their best to help.

7. Consider Alternative Transportation Providers

If the rail strike is expected to last for a prolonged period, consider alternative transportation providers. For example, you may be able to look at a taxi service, however, if you have a relatively long commute this may be far more expensive. This is why we suggest trying to get temporary insurance on a car.

8. Be Creative

Finally, be creative when dealing with the rail strike. You can try out new routes or modes of transportation, or even explore the city on foot or bike. Use the opportunity to break out of your daily routine and discover new places and experiences.

You may have a friend or family member near your destination and may be able to stay with them prior to your journey, travelling on different days to the rail strikes has proven really useful.. Just remember to pack an extra pair of socks!

So..

Considering the above we do understand the frustration around the strikes, but hopefully, we’ve provided enough suggestions to take the pressure off when trying to travel on the designated strike days.

If you decide that temporary insurance is the way forward for you you, check out our temporary car insurance page to get all the info you need!

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The post What to do during rail strikes appeared first on Veygo.

Why our customers drive the Volkswagen Fox

Sean O'Neill — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:25:12 +0000

Why the Volkswagen Fox is a favourite among our customers

The Volkswagen Fox has long been a favourite of our customers looking for a reliable, affordable vehicle that packs a punch. This classic sedan is known for its tight handling, strong acceleration and excellent fuel economy, making it a great pick for city and highway driving. With its reliable and easy-to-maintain design, the Volkswagen Fox is a great option that our customers choose so, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Volkswagen Fox and explore its features, performance, maintenance and more.

We’re also going to provide tips on how to get the most out of your purchase and how to keep your Fox running like new for years to come. So, whether you’re a first-time car buyer or a seasoned veteran, the Volkswagen Fox is a great choice for those looking for a reliable, affordable vehicle.

The features our customers like

The Volkswagen Fox is an excellent vehicle for drivers who want a great car that provides excellent fuel economy, great handling and easy maintenance. It has a relatively low price tag, making it a great pick for budget-minded buyers. Our customers are typically considered younger drivers, so when thinking about cars that are suited to them, they’re looking for cars that meet this criteria. Besides its great price and fuel economy, the Fox also has great safety features, now this doesn’t typically cross the mind of a younger driver, but when considering price, having good safety is a great way to lower the insurance cost.

The part our customers really like.. The performance

Despite being small, the Fox can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds. With a top speed of about 103 mph, it’s not an especially fast vehicle, but it can still eat up those city streets. The Fox’s fuel economy is about 29 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in maximum driving conditions.

Now considering the Fox doesn’t sound like the most aggressive car on the market, but that’s not what we’re looking for. The main focus as to why it’s liked among our customers is because it’s smooth and reliable.

The part our customer’s parents really like.. The safety

For safety, the Volkswagen Fox features an advanced dual-stage crash structure, side airbags and front and rear anti-roll bars that help absorb crash forces. It also has electronic stability control to help prevent skids.

The Fox also has a 5-star overall crash-test score, making it a safe pick for drivers. So, for the parent’s, having a car they can trust their kids to be driving about is key, and as previously mentioned, it’s one of the reasons why our customers buy this car.

Keeping up with the maintenance of the Volkswagen Fox

As mentioned our customers are usually younger drivers, and this would typically mean less driving and car experience. With a lack of experience it’s important for the driver to keep up with the maintenance of the car.

For the Volkswagen Fox, it’s best to take good care of your vehicle so that it lasts long and costs you less in repairs. Regularly change your oil, and make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition.

If you do experience a problem, don’t leave it unattended or try to work it out yourself — you could damage your car and void your warranty. As the Fox is a relatively new car, maintenance on the Fox is relatively easy, hence why our customers drive the car!

Tips and tricks for the Volkswagen Fox

When cutting about in the Fox our customers notice how smooth it rides, and using this to their full advantage it is easy to notice when something isn’t right. This allows you to identify potential problems as soon as they arise so that you can take care of them before they get out of hand. If you notice any odd sounds or unusual vibrations coming from your Fox, don’t ignore them — take them to a mechanic right away to make sure they don’t lead to bigger issues.

For those looking to buy a Volkswagen Fox, be sure to shop around for the best deals. You can find great deals on Volkswagens from local dealers and online dealers. We know you’ll be researching the car after, look at sites like AutoTrader for a price and sites like Auto express for a fair review!

Volkswagen Fox in terms of performance, fuel economy and maintenance? They’re all great cars in their own right, so it’s worth shopping around to see which one best suits your needs.

What we’re thinking overall

If by this point you haven’t realised why this car is so popular among our customers then let’s quickly recap. The car has great performance, especially for younger drivers. With younger drivers in mind, let’s not forget about the fuel economy that you’ll be getting!

Then there’s the part the parents will like, it won’t break the bank trying to insure the car and it offers great safety, and we all know parent’s worries can put your enjoyment in jeopardy.

So just think it over and this could be the car for you!

How Veygo can help

As always, if you’re ever looking to borrow the Fox from a friend or family then you should definitely consider getting some of our temporary car insurance.

But if you haven’t passed yet and are looking to learn, then we can cover you too! Our learner driver insurance is a great way to get the extra hours in behind the wheel and save you buying a whole policy!

Get a quote

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Driving home for Christmas!

Sean O'Neill — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:57:27 +0000

Driving home for Christmas can either be considered exciting or worrying. Exciting because you’re going to see everyone like your family and friends, but worrying, because you just know you’ve got so much to do in such little time.

So here at Veygo we know the stress of travelling around the country trying to visit all your family and friends, and trying to get everyone everything they deserve, so we’re going to throw a few things together in this article to help you out!

Know your journeys

So as simple as it sounds about driving home for Christmas it may not just be from point A to point B. Home may just mean a town or a county where all of your friends and close family live. Or maybe you’re heading somewhere where part of your family lives and then you may be travelling to a different area to see other parts of your family.

Family

So, first of all, let’s talk about going to see family. If you’re travelling back, you’ll probably want to see your parents. You may be at the age where siblings are a bit older and moved out and want to visit them, or maybe even go see grandparents who live in a close area.

As you get older you realise Christmas is less about getting gifts and more about giving and having a good time with your family. So, make sure to set time aside and visit everyone you can. This way everyone is happy, and you can rest easy.

Friends

It’s that time of year where most people are super busy and excited so you’re going to want to optimise your time and efforts to enjoy the holidays as much as you can! As much as it may sound like it’s not fun, some careful planning can help you to efficiently get around to see and enjoy with everyone.

Not only should you make the effort to see your family but spending time with friends is a good way to make use of your time during Christmas! As nice as it is to see family, you don’t want to be thinking “Wish I had made time to have fun with friends” as Christmas is a great time for going out and celebrating and enjoying!

Home from uni

This is really a combination of the two, but it’s its own category, as you’re likely to have plenty of free time (not forgetting your assignments). So, this gives you ample opportunity to get about and see everyone!

One way to take advantage of this would be to get on some of Veygo’s temporary car insurance. Doing this is a great way to get insured on someone else’s car over Christmas giving you the freedom you need to see everyone!

Once you’re home…

When you’re eventually home, you’re going to need to get about. That’s where we at Veygo come into it! You may have taken public transport or a lift to get to your destination, that’s fine, but when you’re in said location, you’re going to want some means to get around.

As previously mentioned, we offer temporary car insurance, purchasing this will allow you to get insured on a friend or family member’s car from as little as 1 hour to 60 days, which is the ideal time frame for when you’re visiting home for Christmas!

Getting temporary insurance with Veygo is more than just being able to drive someone else’s car while you’re home for Christmas! It saves you having to get about on public transport.

Public transport this time of year is potentially at its worst, not only is it always busy and loads of people everywhere, there’s cancellations and not to mention how cold and wet the weather is! Compare that to sitting in your own car with a bit of Chris Rea on and the heating on full whack! Two completely different experiences..

Not only avoiding the inconvenience of public transport, but also if you’re travelling far, you may be able to save some money or effort by sharing a lift. If you’re car sharing not only will you be able to split the cost of fuel, but share the effort of driving.

With Veygo temporary insurance you’d be able to get both people insured on the car and do half of the journey each! So not only do you save yourself some inconvenience, but there’s also ample opportunity to save some money!

If you plan well and set times to see everyone this means that not only, will you be able to get around everyone, but can also help you to get about more safely. A part of driving this time of year isn’t just to have fun, you’ve also got to be considerate to others (on the roads as well as getting them gifts).

For some tips on driving this winter check out the following article Driving in winter: tips for driving in rain, snow and ice

Going away for Christmas

Very similar to driving home for Christmas you’re going to need to plan, however, going away somewhere usually means you’ve planned ahead! You’ve likely sorted a way there and some accommodation, probably some activities as well!

Let’s talk a little bit more about the planning, one thing people usually forget about is parking. Not only is parking an issue when going away, but knowing where’s safe to park is always helpful. Making sure your accommodation has parking is pretty simple, just contact whoever owns the accommodation and they should be able to help. Alternatively do a thorough search online and you should be able to find somewhere!

An advantage of scouting the area online for parking is finding recommendations of what to do in the area. This time of year, you’ll almost certainly be looking for a Christmas market, even if it’s just to walk through and have a quick gander. But also finding other places to visit like fun activities or nice places to go out for a meal.

Despite having access to live maps on your phones or sat navs having a rough idea of the route ahead is useful, just in case of any accidents or needing alternative routes, so maybe familiarise yourself with some hotspots in and around the area you’re planning to go to.

Finally, whoever you’re going away with, consider splitting the journey, it’ll prevent either driver from getting too tired and make it safer! You can simply do this by buying some temporary car insurance with Veygo, and it’s really cheap and simple to do!

This applies for the drive home, possibly even more so as you’re more likely to be tired after a trip away and will want the journey to be as safe as possible!

And as always, if you’re a learner driver just looking to get some extra practice in or already have a licence and looking to use another car, Veygo offers both learner driver insurance and temporary car insurance for any situation!

Get a quote

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Driving my parents car, Do I Need Insurance?

Sean O'Neill — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:08:02 +0000

So, you’ve decided to learn to drive for whatever reason. You’ve got your provisional licence sorted and now you’re looking to book an instructor. You’ve realised that it’ll cost a fortune to get all the lessons that your heart desires.

You start thinking “can I drive my parent’s car using my provisional?” or “Can I drive my parent’s car without insurance?” Well, luckily for you Veygo learner driver insurance answers these questions!

Yes, you can drive your parents’ car with a provisional licence, and unfortunately you can’t learn to drive without insurance, but as mentioned Veygo learner driver insurance is a cheap solution to get behind the wheel of your parents car.

You’re now stuck thinking “how on earth do I convince them to let me have a spin in their car”. Well don’t worry, we can help to hook you up with a solution. Check out our guide that gives you the information you need to help you convince your parents to let you drive!

Why would you learn to drive without your instructor?

Cost

As previously mentioned, learning to drive comes at a cost, and the majority of you who are learning to drive are only 17 or 18, being this age usually means full time education or only just broke into the working world. So, it’s not super likely that you’ll have cash burning a hole in your pocket waiting to be spent on driving lessons.

So, first of all, cost. By hopping into the car with your parents you can save the cost of having to pay your instructor for the lesson, perhaps just having to front your parents some money for fuel.. Simple enough.

I know your next thought; you’re thinking about the cost of insurance to learn to drive legally on the roads. Funny you’re thinking that, because here at Veygo we have learner driver insurance that can be bought from as little as 1 hour! A great way to get the hour or hours in!

Freedom

When learning to drive with an instructor you’re very limited to what they tell you, “Go here”, “go there”, “that’s enough practice doing that”, “I think you need more time behind the wheel”. So, being able to practise with your parents gives you that ability to explore and rehearse the things you don’t feel too confident with.

Where to go

When learning to drive, typically you’ll be cruising around the areas where your test centre is.. And in all honesty that makes sense.. to basically learn the test centre (as they say you really learn to drive after you pass your test). There may be some routes you know you’ll be regularly driving after you pass, and by getting behind your parents’ wheel this gives you ample opportunity to do so!

Practice

When driving with your instructor you’ll be practising manoeuvres, clutch control, and emergency stopping (among other things). So, you’ll be repeating certain manoeuvres multiple times.

When practising you may nail the move a few times and the instructor will tell you you’re fine doing them, however, being able to do them and being confident doing them are different. With your parents you can rinse and repeat the move until you’re super confident doing each one!

Post test

Having passed your test, you’ll want to get on the roads as soon as possible! But if you haven’t found the perfect car you’re struggling to find the perfect car, there are plenty of ways to go about buying a car. Try looking for the cheapest way to buy a car as a good place to start.

So, let’s pretend you haven’t found the perfect car but you’re keen to get on the roads, that leaves you with one option! Your parent’s car!

It’s often said that you don’t actually learn to drive until after you pass your test, so you really don’t want to put off getting on the roads for very long. So let’s discuss getting insured on your parent’s car!

First of all, make sure you have their permission and you’ve discussed it with them!
Secondly, consider the amount of time you’re going to be without your own car. It’s highly recommended that you don’t spend much longer than a month or two borrowing a car as it can become very frustrating very quickly.

So, considering this, a great solution to make sure you kick it up a gear and only spend a couple of months driving your parent’s car, look into getting Veygo’s temporary insurance. It’ll keep your parent’s car safe and give you the chance to get on the roads practising.

It’s not just the practice while driving your parents’ car temporarily that is necessary, you may have passed your test close to starting uni or college where you may not need a car, but could want your own way to get about. Another reason why getting insured on your parent’s car could be essential!

Whatever reason you have for getting insured on your parents’ car always remember:

Yes, you can drive your parent’s car with a provisional licence.
And, no, you can’t drive your parent’s car without insurance.

But always remember if you have a provisional and looking to practise or passed your test and need your parents’ car for any reason then look at purchasing some of Veygo’s temporary car insurance or the learner driver insurance by hitting the button below!

Get a quote

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Cheapest cars to insure for learner drivers

Sean O'Neill — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:06:21 +0000

Cheapest cars to insure

So you’re looking for car insurance, whether that be a full policy for the year, temporary car insurance, or learner driver insurance. If you own a car or are looking to buy one, knowing what cars are cheapest to insure is always good knowledge to have in the locker!

With the current cost of living crisis buying your next car may make you think more than usual as any savings made can be super beneficial. So here is a list of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK.

So what makes a car cheap to insure?

The cheapest cars to insure usually have similar features, these break down into a few notable features such as, engine size, safety features, emissions and so on..

So when looking at these cars don’t expect anything that’s going to do 0-60mph in less than 8 seconds, however, you won’t have to worry about safety, and mileage.. particularly with the prices of fuel these days!

The Cheapest Cars to Insure

Fiat panda

The Fiat Panda has something more to offer than just cheap insurance, it gives you the offer of a modern day car with cheap insurance and plenty of space for any kind of cargo. Typically people will assume that this means the car only has larger boot space in comparison to its competitors, but it doesn’t stop there. The inside cabin of the car also offers plenty of space both for the passenger and any variety of luggage.

Hyundai ix20
The Hyundai ix20 is considered to be quite a low key car.. It’s perfectly fit for purpose. It offers great practicability and real comfort in the cabin. The main thing to consider about the ix20 is that it isn’t a standout car, it blends in comfortably with its appearance, but does nothing wrong. It truly is an all rounder, good performance, quality, comfort, colours, and is particularly affordable!

Volkswagen up!
Everyone has their verdict when it comes to a compact car, and the stereotype probably isn’t different for this little beast, smaller cars are shaky at higher speeds, or useless on the motorway. Things are a little bit different for this car, one of its standout features is how sturdy it feels (“not just for a smaller car”). Despite the dazzling review of its motorway driving this car was initially built for city driving and held its own at the top of the city cars category. With a smart interior and the option to upgrade to a GTI model the Up! truly is a beast.

Hyundai i10
When thinking of the smaller cheaper cars, the Hyundai i10 is definitely one of the more known cars. It comes down to availability and affordability. It also comes with a built in satnav system which is super easy to use and has no issues when connecting your phone to it. With its newly upgraded interior this car has a super sturdy feel to it, due its compact build.

Chevrolet spark
The Chevrolet spark stands out a bit more than the others as it’s probably one of the lesser known smaller cheaper cars. However, don’t let that put you off it, despite being less known it’s definitely one of the more stylish cars. The style doesn’t end with its outside appearance, it also has a nice futuristic interior to match its stylish robust look. As most of the cheaper cars go, it has a nice smooth city feel to it, allowing you to whip around town in style and comfort.

Renault twingo
This is one of Renaults smallest cars, but don’t let that fool you, there’s still plenty of passenger room for you and all your friends to go on a road trip. With it being Renaults answer to a city car, you can expect some modern features, with the smartphone app by Renault, you can instantly create a touchscreen display for your car to navigate the GPS and car stereo. The Twingo emphasises its cabin space making it comfortable for 4 people to sit fine, however, the luggage/boot space doesn’t seem to have much going on so that is the compromise you make with this small but mighty Twingo.

Suzuki splash
This Suzuki is making a splash among the city cars, like many others on the list this is a smaller car perfectly suitable for city and town driving. Throughout its lifetime it’s had a few upgrades from different engine sizes and different interiors, but the ultimate takeaway from its time is that it now has very decent fuel economy, adding to the insurance savings you could be making. Again, like others on this list, the car has a decent cabin size, especially when looking at the size of the car from the outside.

Skoda Yeti
This is a great option if you’re looking to get an SUV but don’t want to spend SUV money. With the Skoda Yeti you get exactly what you pay for, it’s nothing particularly special or out of the ordinary but it does what it says on the tin! But getting to the interior, the car pretty much has all the bells and whistles, making it a complete SUV on a budget. Possibly one of the best features about this cheaper car is the look, it does have a much different feel to the others simply resembling a smaller SUV.

Ford KA
The KA is one of the more notorious cheap cars, the KA has been a servant to the list of smaller cars, and first time cars. Originally the KA was known more for being just a ‘decent little runaround’ car, but the newer model is now actually considered a tidy car. Speaking of it as its most recent model, not only did it become much nicer to look at, but the overall handling and performance of the car has become much better and smoother.

Kia Picanto
Kia’s Picanto, like many other popular cars on this list has undergone some major transformations. By the end of reading this you should be very familiar with what a city car is due to most of the cars on this list being one. Nothing changes with the Picanto, it’s absolutely Kia’s answer to a sleek city car that handles lovely. Don’t think the Picanto is the same as all the cars on this list, as it does offer a much larger engine size and with that comes a few different variations of the car, with some higher spec models on offer to get you from A to B in a quicker fashion.

FAQ’s

Are these cars definitely the cheapest to insure ?

Not necessarily, if you got to Veygo’s quote engine you can find out what’s cheapest for you!

Do all the cheapest cars to insure have to be small?

Just because a car is cheap to insure it doesn’t mean that it’ll be a smaller car.

Best ways to get cheap car insurance ?

Paying by the year, rather than the month
Better security for the car
Telematics (black box)
Have some named drivers with plenty of experience and no claims
Have a smaller car/ more economical car
Update your policy each time (don’t let it auto-renew)
Take an extra driving course, double check it helps reduce insurance cost

Looking to get cheap short term cover or find the best quotes for learning to drive ? Then look no further, Veygo offer a great way to get on the roads quick and easy!

Get a quote

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Tips for traveling with pets in hot weather

Sean O'Neill — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:42:34 +0000

Tips for traveling with pets in hot weather

The hot weather is an inspiration to get outside and bring your furry friends with you. As the weather gets better, it’s more of a reason to get down the beach, go to the park, or even go on a walk somewhere.

Not all of the best places to take your pets are going to be walking distance, there may be a nice beach you have to drive to, the dog friendly park may be in another town or village, or maybe you live in a town centre and want to take your pet somewhere more rural.

Let’s explore the best tips and advice to take your pets out when the weather starts to get good.

Can I leave my dog in the car

This is the standard rule when it comes to travelling with pets. Although there is always the misconception of leaving the window cracked open, this shouldn’t be done, cars can heat up quite intensely when it’s hot outside and leaving a window open (especially stationary) doesn’t cool the car down enough!

This can lead to serious health issues for your animal if they’re left in a hot car as PDSA gives more in depth advice about looking after your dogs health in the hot weather when it comes to travelling.

What are the rules for my dog in the car

This is pretty simple, just making sure that wherever you chose to put your pet in the car, that they’re comfortable. For some this may mean leaving them in a cage of some kind, this may mean giving them freedom within the car (making sure they don’t distract you), or maybe even the whole boot to themselves so that they can just chill out until you arrive at your destination.

Despite not many people doing it, there are options to buy a harness that can be fixed into the car so that when you are travelling your dog/ pet is secured by a seatbelt essentially, this will offer the most comfort and protection for your furry friend.

When you’re outside the car it’s important you understand how hot the ground is that your pet could be travelling on. There are plenty of options, buy some protective footwear (this may require training), carry them to a safe place, or if you’re feeling extra, then a stroller or a pram could be adequate to get your pets about in the scorching weather.

Well trained pets

As mentioned above, when you have your pets in the car with you, they can’t be a total distraction as that will definitely be dangerous whilst driving. If your dog or whichever pet you have with you is secured in your car they could get over excited as they don’t understand the concept of dangerous driving.

So it’s important to make sure that you’ve got them adequately trained to listen to you when you tell them to behave.

Familiar locations

This is more optional for you, but bringing your pet to a familiar location is a safer bet as they will know the journey better and are less likely to get upset or nervous and cause any problems.

It’s also just a comfort feature for your pet as if they know the place they’re going, you’re more likely to let them off their leash and can go wild instead of having to explore the whole area first.

Catering for you pet

When travelling with pets, making sure that they’re watered and fed is important, not only is this in relation to cooling down when it’s hot, but their bodies will also need fuel, not only to help them in the heat, but also so they can enjoy wherever you’re taking them!

Vet check ups

This is simply a precaution, making sure that your pet has had regular check ups at the vet and that they’re fully insured. This way, should anything happen then you’re covered and won’t have to worry about taking them to the vet.

Although having insurance won’t help prevent anything from happening to your best friend, it should help with peace of mind should it happen.

Equipment Checklist

This will vary from person to person, even though it’s mostly applicable to dogs, people still use different equipment for their pets and have different ideas of what’ll be good or useful when taking your pets out and about. Let’s take a look at the essentials;

Lead/harness
Bags for their waste
Sufficient water supply
Sufficient amount of food
Some toys
Towel, or something to protect the car seats(especially if water is involved)
Feet protection

FAQ’s

Is it illegal to leave my pet in the car ?
It’s not illegal to leave your animal in the car, however, it is your legal responsibility to look after your animal. So if leaving them in a hot car causes illness or risk to your animal you could face animal cruelty charges.

Does my pet need to be fastened when travelling with me ?
The highway code does state that the animal needs to be reasonably fastened to prevent it causing any distractions to you whilst driving and make sure that it doesn’t injure you, or get any injuries should an emergency stop happen.

Is it safe to take my pets in the car with me ?
Yes, as long as you meet the standards for comfort and safety and ensure you never leave them alone in the hot weather.

What to do if you see a pet in a locked car ?
Call 999, despite wanting to do more you will need to make a clear and correct assessment before taking matters into your own hands (like breaking a window) as this could lead to charges against you as well.

Do dogs enjoy being in the car ?
Dogs seem to love going for a ride in the car (especially listening to stereotypes!)

If you are off somewhere nice this summer with your furry friend and don’t want to be the only one driving around, then be sure to check out our temporary car insurance for excellent short term cover!

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Provisional Driving Licence

James Armstrong — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:23:14 +0000

So, you’ve decided you’re going to learn how to drive, you’ve seen your friends starting and you want to get involved in all the excitement. You can taste the independence, smell the freedom and it’s making you hungry to learn.

Learning to drive is a step-by-step process, it only requires a few stages to get through. Acquiring a provisional licence, passing your theory test, passing your practical test, and getting your car.

So, let’s look at the first stage, obtaining your provisional driving licence.

What is a provisional licence?

To put it simply, a provisional licence allows you to be able to practise driving in the UK. So, you’ll be able to drive on all public UK roads besides the motorways. As standard with a UK driving licence you should have it on you at all times when driving on UK roads.

To be able to drive on UK roads you will need either; a driving instructor, or someone who’s been driving for at least 3 years and is also over the age of 21.

Who is eligible for a provisional licence?

If you’re a UK resident, then you’re able to apply for a provisional driver’s licence.

How old do I have to be to apply?

In the UK the minimum age to apply for a provisional driver’s licence is 15 years and 9 months of age. However, the licence will only work as identification until you turn 16 which is when you’ll be able to finally use the licence properly.

How much does a provisional licence cost?

If applying online then the cost of a provisional licence will cost you £34, but if you’re applying via postal service then the cost could be up to £43.

How do I apply?

There are a couple of ways to apply, the quickest way is to apply online, this is a faster process and it’s the cheapest. The other way to apply will be to get postal forms, these can be sent to you, or you can go to your local post office and pick one up.

When applying you’ll need a couple of things. Some form of ID, so this could be a passport, or a birth certificate, if using a birth certificate then you may be asked to back this up with something, usually proof of a national insurance number.

You’ll also need to prove your address for the last three years or addresses if you’ve lived in more than one in the last three years.

Finally, you’ll need a small picture of yourself that will be displayed in your ID.

The picture

For those of you who’re worried about looking your best, don’t. It’s simply a small picture that’s supposed to be the most accurate version of you to be placed on the front of your ID and is barely noticeable.

The picture itself does have a few requirements, and if they’re not met then your provisional licence will be delayed. So here are the requirements:

Must be full colour.
45mm x 35mm.
The photo looks exactly like you.
The background must be light and plain. Meaning no textures or patterns. Light grey or cream.
No disruptions like shadows, try and use a natural light source, try and stand around half a metre away to help prevent any shadows.
You should be around the same distance (0.5meters) away from the camera.
Your head, shoulders, and upper body should all be visible in the image, and you should be looking straight at the camera.
No facial expression and eyes open – simple as that, nothing more, nothing less.
Hair out of your face.
No kind of glasses whatsoever.
Headwear is only appropriate for medical purposes or religious beliefs.
Do not crop the image, send the original as it is.

For those who aren’t sure where to get the image, you can use digital ones as long as it meets the requirements stated by the DVLA. If you’re unable to sort a digital image, then most large supermarkets have photo booths that can provide the exact picture with settings that you’ll need.

Refer to Nidirect for exact specs for the picture.

Can I get a provisional licence with disabilities?

It’s important to remember when thinking about learning to drive that a disability doesn’t prevent you from driving. However, when applying for a provisional licence you’ll need to check to see what disabilities need mentioning. It’s worth checking Nidirect to see which ones will affect your provisional licence as if you happened to get pulled over this could cause complications with authorities.

FAQ

How do I apply for a provisional licence online?

Simply go to GOV.UK and follow the steps online. It’s a good idea to have a payment card, a couple of forms of ID, and the photo you’re going to use ready.

What happens if I lose or damage my provisional licence?

Again, it’s fairly simple, go to GOV.UK and they have a page about this information with easy, step by step guides.

What are the benefits of a provisional driver’s licence?

The main benefit will be allowing you to drive on the roads (with an instructor or someone who meets the requirements), you have a proper form of ID, and for those who are under 17 it gives you the opportunity to get on the roads driving a 50CC moped/bike if you want to.

How long does my provisional licence last for?

You roughly get 10 years to use your provisional licence before you have to renew it.

How long does a provisional licence take to be delivered?

You can apply for your provisional licence online. It should take about a week to be processed and sent to you.

If you’ve made an application by post, allow about three weeks.

When you apply, keep hold of your 14-digit reference number. This will come in handy if you need to track your driving licence application.

Please note: At the time of writing, there may be a delay in receiving your licence, due to a DVLA backlog. Please make sure you apply in good time!

What happens to my provisional licence when I pass my test?

Your driving examiner will take it off your hands and have it sent off to the DVLA and you’ll receive your pink licence in the post.

Can I still get points on my licence even if it’s a provisional one?

Yes, you are able to get points on a provisional driver’s licence. However, it’s a different system and you’re able to receive 11 points and still be able to take your test. For a full breakdown read Veygo’s ‘Provisional Licences and Penalty Points’.

Learner Driver Insurance

If you want to make the most out of your provisional driving licence then why not check out our learner driver insurance?

Our learner driver insurance lets you practice in a friend or family member’s car from 1 hour right up to 180 days. They don’t need to worry about their annual policy, because with Veygo, the owner’s no claims bonus is completely protected.

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Driving in hot conditions

Simon Jones — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:31:57 +0000

Driving in Hot Conditions

With summer just around the corner and the weather starting to pick up, it’s time to start thinking about driving in the heat! When the weather is nice there’s nothing better than getting to a nice beach or going for a cruise, music playing, and vibes are on point!

From ‘appropriate’ clothing to selecting the right routes, here are some of the best ways to drive as comfortably as possible in the blazing sun!

What clothing to wear when driving in the heat

Obviously in the summer the idea of wearing layers upon layers doesn’t seem quite right, so make sure you dress ‘appropriately’ in the heat. This is by no means a rule book on what you have to wear, but a guide to keeping you comfortable!

Shorts, t-shirts, comfortable footwear, sundresses, and whatever else you can think that would help keep you cool in the sun. Ideally you won’t be wearing a hoodie and jeans as this will make it really uncomfortable for you.

Whatever you wear, the idea is to stay cool and enjoy yourself!

Can you wear sunglasses when driving

Sunglasses.. There are a few questions surrounding this topic at the moment, are you allowed to wear them? Am I going to get fined if I wear them? Well good news, there is actually a way to tell, if your glasses allow 80-100% light transmission then you should be ok wearing them.

So basically no black out glasses, stick with a light tint on them to make sure you’re safe as you don’t want to be landed with a ridiculous fine.

Is it illegal to drive in flip flops or sandals

No.. the simple answer to the question “is it illegal to drive in flip flops or sandals?” However, just because it isn’t illegal that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate or safe.

When driving in either flip flops, sandals, or barefoot make sure that it doesn’t hinder you ability to drive and that you’re still able to operate the pedals properly.

Tips to plan a journey

Plan your journeys ahead! Meaning, if you know you’re going to be driving long distances in the heat, perhaps look at your route and see if there’s anywhere you can pull over and either get a few minutes in the shade, or even somewhere to buy a nice cold drink. Granted most cars have air con and you’re able to roll the windows down, but just being in the sun can drain you so stay alert!

Car maintenance

Although your car should always be fully maintained, it’s always good to have it checked over just to make sure that you aren’t going to break down in the middle of nowhere and be stranded roadside in the boiling sun.

Whatever your plan was, it’s going to be ruined. It’s also a good idea to double check the air con and windows are working fine as it would be horrible cruising along in the sunshine but you’re roasting inside your car.. Definitely a vibe killer.

It’s a good idea to make a checklist of what your car will need to be topped up on when driving in the heat, the “FLOWER” check is always a good way to make sure your car can be running as smoothly as possible. We have a checklist that will help you when you are doing your car maintenance checks.

Air conditioning vs windows down

This is always the debate when its scorching hot outside “close the windows, the air con is
much better” or “open the windows, the air con uses too much fuel”. This is definitely one of preference, on the one hand you have air conditioning, a great way to completely cool the inside of the car, and in most cases it’s far quieter than having the windows open.

Then windows down.. this is what is referred to as immaculate vibes, windows down, tunes blasting, cruising and all your friends enjoying.. There really isn’t much better than that! But you also have to consider noise from the wind flowing through the car, hair in your face, and potential things flying into the car (mostly insects). So just consider which you prefer as it’s ultimately up to you how you handle the heat.

Bank holidays

With bank holidays in mind it is essential that you remain safe when on the
roads, as not only could the heat be a potential problem, but the roads will be far busier
than usual.

With it being warmer weather and busier, this means you’re likely to get caught in traffic in the heat. If you’ve prepared well, here is where you’ll be thanking yourself, whether it being extra drinks, a bag to keep drinks cool, or keeping the air con on, be safe!

On a lighter note, the good weather is a chance to go and have some fun in the sun. If you’ve read carefully and prepared well then the bank holiday is your oyster, pick a good destination, windows down, music up, and make the most of it!

Tips when driving in the heat

Thermal water bottle, this is an ideal way to keep water cool in your car conveniently.
Alternatively, if you have a cool bag and some ice packs, then that would also be ideal for storing cold drinks.
Using a visor for your car when it’s parked in the sun, this will help to reduce the inside
temperature of the car, so hopefully you’ll be able to touch the steering wheel without burning yourself!
This next trick will depend on what car you have, but some cars now can be remotely operated, this gives you the chance to get the windows down or the air con flowing(or both) a few minutes before you get in the car, hopefully cooling it down somewhat.
Be prepared! Not only for whatever destination you’re getting to, but also for anything that could potentially happen, be stocked up with the correct resources, and if you’re only using the car for the weekend, check out Veygo’s temporary car insurance to make sure you’re fully covered.

Driving in the heat FAQ’s

Do I need to refuel my car more often in the hot weather ?
Not necessarily, warmer air makes fuel last longer.. A simple google search will give you the science behind it or check out Green Car Reports take on it. However, with the weather being nice, you may want to do some exploring. Just because the article claims you get more miles for your money this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to refuel. You should always make sure you have plenty of fuel for your intended journey and some.

Can I get sunburn through car windows?
Although it isn’t guaranteed you’ll catch the sun through your car window, there is definitely a chance of getting caught off guard.

How to keep children happy in the car when it’s hot?
There’s not really an ultimate secret to this, but there are definitely some things you can do to keep them happy and reduce distractions. Try and play some classic mindless games like ‘I can name’ and ‘I spy’, this way you’re interacting with them and it shouldn’t cause too many distractions whilst driving.

Keeping them comfortable, if possible try and keep the temperature at a good level, make sure they’ve had plenty to eat and drink, make sure they’re wearing sunscreen to avoid burning, and if possible use sun visors.

How to prevent glare?
This will mostly come down to car maintenance, but the best ways to reduce and remain
unaffected by glare.

Make sure your car windows are as clean as possible, make sure they don’t have any chips and cracks, wear sunglasses, and when possible use a sun visor, could be the one in your car or maybe even a hat (as long as it doesn’t reduce visibility).

Temporary car insurance

If you are going to head to a festival with mates this summer and want to share the driving, our temporary car insurance covers drivers from 1hour and you can be on the road in minutes.

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Temporary van insurance | Cover from 1 day

Simon Jones — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:19:00 +0000

What is temporary van insurance?

Temporary van insurance is a simple solution to using a van for a limited period of time. As not everyone drives a van or has immediate access to one, a lot of people may need to hire one, or borrow one from a friend. This will then lead to needing insurance in case anything goes wrong. So temporary can mean several things, an hour, a day, a week, or even a month, and even short term! The list can go on. So the idea of getting temporary van insurance will be to save cost on getting a full policy (while being fully comprehensive) and needing to cancel at the end, it’s really there for your convenience.

When would you need temporary van insurance?

Moving/Removing furniture – Everyone knows the fuss and the hassle it is to move furniture, and how much more effort it can become when you don’t have the most convenient means to transport it around. However, the experience can be made much better by having the suitable transport for moving it, like having your own van.. So, whichever way you’ve obtained the van you’re going to need some cover for it, and that’s exactly why we provide van insurance cover for as little as an hour so no matter how long you’ll be using the van, you’re covered.

Sports – Some sports do require larger equipment, surfboards, mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, and even fishing. Typically these kinds of sports are generally held as events and aren’t usually local and will require some travel, this can mean a few hours or even a few days, so you shouldn’t miss out just because getting insurance on your van was an issue!

Building – You may not be the usual designated van driver and are having to take over for a certain amount of time, or perhaps you’re doing something to your home, like renovating a room or the entire house.. Whatever reason it may be that you’re building or constructing, you’re going to need that van insurance and that is where we can offer you it for the time that suits you best.

Borrowing – This covers all of the above plus more! When borrowing a van in the UK you’re going to need insurance to avoid any complications, so whatever your needs are, make sure you’re insured!

Why sign up for temporary van insurance?

Quicker, getting temporary van insurance can be much faster than sorting out a
full policy for van insurance.
Pay for what you get, you don’t have to worry about overpaying for a full policy when buying temporary van insurance as you only pay for the time you’ll be using the van.
Zero cancellation fees, you don’t have to worry and stress about cancelling the policy
as temporary van insurance is purchased with an end in mind.
More affordable, not having to pay for a full year or have a pesky cancellation fee
means less payments down the line.
Your own policy, signing up to your own policy means that in the unfortunate event of
having to make a claim whilst using someone else’s van, this still leaves them with their
no claims bonus intact. This is due to it being a separate policy to theirs so any actions
made by you only affect you.

So, what vans do we cover with temporary van insurance?

So, Veygo as a whole does cheap temporary insurance and learner insurance, so when it comes to vans, it’s typically the vans with a shorter wheelbase, anything that isn’t super big and that drives similarly to a car, to give an example of what kinds of van we insure (with a few exceptions);

Vauxhall Combo
Citroen Berlingo
Peugeot Partner
Mercedes Citan
Vauxhall Corsa
Renault Kangoo
Citroen Nemo
Fiat Doblo

As you can see there is a trend with the kind of van that gets insured, all smaller and have that car look to them. If you’re unsure of which type of van you’re trying to insure and need a guide helping you to distinguish a long wheel base vs a short wheel base Mercedes offer a great article.

What isn’t covered with our temporary van insurance?

So as it is typically shorter wheelbase vans that are covered this doesn’t usually include larger vans with a longer wheelbase, these kinds of vans are usually associated with people who use their vans daily, typically tradesmen. When thinking of a van with a longer wheelbase think of vans similar to the Mercedes Sprinter, using this as a guide it will give you an idea of larger vans. For an idea of what else isn’t covered by our policy here are some things listed:

1. Wear and tear, in the generic sense.

2. Driving without a Licence.

3. Driving under the Influence, any damages or injuries caused whilst under the influence,
or reckless driving.

4. Intentional and reckless damage.

5. Merchandise delivery.

6. Hire and reward, this is when your car is used in money making i.e. renting out the car,
or using it like a taxi.
7. Dual insurance, we will not pay a claim if any loss, damage or liability covered under this
policy is also covered by any other insurance policy.
8. Modifications.
9. Racing.
10. Personal Belongings.
11. Unauthorised use.
12. Mis-fuelling.
13. Poor security

Tool cover – For personal tools/belongings we’ll cover you up to £150, however, if the tools are used in connection to a trade or a business then you won’t be covered unfortunately.

To find out the full dos and don’ts that we actually cover in our temporary insurance please look at the following:
Product Information Document | Policy Booklet

As a growing company Veygo may not be able to provide insurance for your van, so head over to Admiral van insurance as it is very likely they’re able to provide you with what you’re looking for!

What is a car derived van or dual purpose vehicle?

‘car-derived van’ means a goods vehicle which is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and which has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2 tonnes.’

What does a car derived van look like?

Typically it will look similar to a car in size and model, but will have some more defining
features such as:
1. No rear seats, seatbelts or their mountings.
2. It will have a payload area with a floor panel in the back of the van.
3. No side windows in the back, or if it does have side windows they’ll usually be filled in (opaque and fixed, unable to see through.)

Can I get van insurance for 1 day?

Yes, you are able to purchase short term van cover from as little as 1 hour!

Van speed limits

Car derived vans are the only light commercial (goods) vehicles which are subject to the same speed limits as a car.
1. 50mph on single carriageways.
2. 60mph on dual carriageways.
3. 70mph on motorways.

What to do if you think your vehicle has been incorrectly registered?

If you think your vehicle is a car derived van and isn’t registered as such then:
1. Check with the dealer, this is for new vehicles
2. For older vehicles check with the manufacturer
3. However, if you’re driving what you believe to be a car derived van but it’s registered as
a goods vehicle (not a car derived van) then you should stick to the lower speed limits
assigned to goods vehicles which are defined by exceeding 2 tones when fully loaded and has doesn’t fit criteria of a car derived van. Check the speed limits here.

What about dual purpose vehicles?

A dual purpose vehicle is a vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods and designed to weigh no more than 2,040 kg when unladen, and is either one:
1. Constructed or adapted so that the driving power of the engine is, or can be selected to be, transmitted to all wheels of the vehicle.

2. Permanently fitted with a rigid roof, at least one row of transverse passenger seats to the rear of the driver’s seat and will have side and rear windows – there must also be a minimum ratio between the size of passenger and stowage areas.

For full details of car derived vans and dual purpose vehicles visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles/car- derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles

Do I need van insurance to drive a work van?

Yes, no matter what you’re using your van for you’re going to need insurance to drive it on public spaces and roads.

Who can use temporary van insurance ?

Anyone over the age of 17 up to the age of 75 with a full driving licence, although between 17 and 21 you need have held your full driving licence for at least 6months, if insuring your own car, this doesn’t apply if borrowing a car.

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Highway code changes

James Armstrong — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:54:29 +0000

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering what the new highway code changes are, well so are a lot of other people. On the 29th of January 2022 there were some 50 changes to the highway code that have caused some discussion in the media and on social channels, so we thought it would be good to take a look at 4 of these changes.

What are the new changes to the highway code

Whether you’ve already passed your test or you’re a learner driver looking to take your
theory test these new changes are important, and not just from a driving point of view. Below we’ll cover 4 of these new changes and how they may affect you out on the roads…

1. The dutch reach

The dutch reach was actually something we highlighted last year as a great way to protect
cyclists out on the road. This is guidance rather than law, but with more and more cyclists on
the road, a slightly different way of opening the door could save people getting seriously
insured, and savings on your insurance costs going up.

What is the dutch reach?

Step 1: Reach
Reach across to your car door handle with the hand that is furthest away from the door.
Step 2: Swivel
Reaching across with your arm will force you to swivel your body so you can look into your
rear view mirror and out the side of your window.
Step 3: Look back
Look over your shoulder to see if there is any oncoming traffic.
Step 4: Open slowly
Once you’ve checked the road is clear, slowly open your car door and step out facing the
traffic.

Want to know more about what it is and where it comes from. Well, you’re in luck as you can read all about the dutch reach here.

2. Ban on use of mobile phones

It was already illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving. But with the new changes,
drivers will now also be banned from taking pictures and videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games. Makes sense! We’ve also covered the questions most people have…

Can I still use a phone hands free?

Yes, you can if you’re using…

● A Bluetooth headset

● Voice command
● A dashboard holder or mat
● A windscreen mount
● A built-in sat nav

Can I use my phone if the car has stopped?

No, not if you’re…

● Stopped at traffic lights
● Queuing in traffic
● Supervising a learner driver

That said, there have been questions around paying for food at drive-thrus like McDonalds, KFC… you know the ones. In this instance, if the car is at a window and is ‘stationary’ you are allowed to use your phone to pay for those chips!

When can I use a hand held phone?

You can use a hand-held phone if…

● you’re safely parked
● you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

What fine would I get if caught using a phone while driving?

You could land yourself with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone
when driving. Don’t forget you can also get points on a provisional licence when learning to drive! This will also affect your insurance costs for up to 5 years. These come into effect on 25th March 2022

3. Priority at junctions

Up until now if say a car was turning left (unless there was a zebra crossing or set of traffic
lights giving priority to the pedestrian) the car was free to make the turn, but now this has changed to give priority to the more vulnerable. The rule says: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

According to the highway code this should make things clear for…

● When people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give
way
● If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people
crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
● People driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra
crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing
A parallel crossing is similar to a zebra crossing, but includes a cycle route alongside the
black and white stripes.

4. Hierarchy of road users

The last of our 4 on this article. Like we said at the top, it’s important for learner drivers to
make sure they are aware of all these new rules before taking a theory or practical test. If
you need any other tips on how to pass your driving test first time we’ve got you covered.
The introduction section of The Highway Code has been updated to include 3 new rules
about the new ‘hierarchy of road users’.

It’s important that all road users:
● Are aware of The Highway Code
● Are considerate to other road users
● Understand their responsibility for the safety of others

Learner driver insurance

If you want to pass your driving test, why not consider private practice? Just make sure you’re insured before getting behind the wheel.

Get a quote

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