Obtaining adequate HGV insurance for your business is essential after all the hard work and money you will have put into growing it. Putting your insurance requirements into the hands of specialists may be the most suitable way of obtaining not only comprehensive cover, but also a competitively priced policy. But what do you need to take into account when considering a policy for your HGV business?

Types of cover you may get in your insurance

There are many factors to take into account when considering purchasing a policy. Polices also vary depending on where you take it out. This may include what is covered in the policy. With a specialist insurance provider you may be able to get insurance that typically offers:

• protection for driving your HGV in the UK;
• cover for driving your lorry in Europe, if you travel outside of the UK of course;
• insurance to cover from a single truck to 100 plus trucks;
• protection when carrying goods that are deemed to be hazardous;
• insurance for the goods that you are transporting in your truck;
• a policy for covering both smaller trucks and trucks weighing 60 plus tonnes;
• insurance to cover many different types of HGV. Generally this includes refrigerated, flat bed, gritter trucks and more;
• breakdown of the truck;
• legal expenses and liability insurance.

Some of the above may be included in a standard insurance policy for HGV vehicles, others you may have to include in the policy as extras. Breakdown insurance for example is generally not included in the standard policy, but may be added-on.

Different levels of truck insurance

HGV insurance isn’t just about providing protection for losses associated with your business. Insurance is needed legally for you to drive on the roads. Finding a policy that is suited to your needs is typically easier when you take the advice of a specialist insurance provider. There are different levels of insurance and generally these include:

• comprehensive;
• third party;
• breakdown;

Comprehensive insurance – Total peace of mind

As the name might suggest comprehensive insurance is a policy that offers the most comprehensive cover out of the choices for insurance for your HGV. According to the experts at Simplex Group, this type of policy will generally offer complete protection for your HGV. As an HGV lorry is generally very expensive to purchase and replace, with comprehensive insurance you have peace of mind.

Third party insurance – The minimum insurance

Third party insurance is generally cheaper than comprehensive, but then you don’t get the level of protection for your HGV that a comprehensive policy offers. Third party is the minimum amount of insurance you need to drive legally on the road.

Breakdown insurance – Don’t get stranded

It goes without saying that you while you don’t want your HGV truck to breakdown while carrying a load to its destination, it is a possibility. Recovery of your truck is typically expensive and this is where breakdown insurance can give huge peace of mind and security.

Contents insurance – Protection for your goods

You may be carrying expensive loads in your truck. Imagine the loss you would be faced with financially if anything happened to the goods you were transporting. They may be stolen from your truck, spoiled and damaged whilst in transit. Again you could be looking at severe financial loss. With contents insurance you have peace of mind with protection for the contents.

Ways to save on insurance for HGVs

While there is no getting away from the fact that you need insurance for your HGV, there are at least some ways that you may be able to keep down the costs of insurance …

• secure your HGVs to reduce the risk of them being stolen;
• fit a dashboard camera to the vehicles;
• cover multiple vehicles with a fleet insurance policy;
• pay annually instead of monthly (typically, if you pay by monthly direct debit, your insurance provider may charge you more);
• get quotes from a standalone insurance provider who specialises in HGV vehicle insurance so they can tailor your quote to meet your exact needs.

HGV insurance is needed from a legal standpoint, but a policy may also save you a great deal of money in the long run as well as offering peace of mind.

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1. Car Wraps

Car wraps are a powerful method used to reach audiences and advertise brands. Most businesses that have used car wraps on their vehicles can attest to the power of this method to increase brand awareness. First impressions make for effective advertising, and it does not matter if you use the whole car body or use just a small part of the car. Using vibrant colors and powerful messages for the car wrap will grab everyone’s attention.

2. Invest in a Customized Magnet

If a car wrap feels like an expensive investment, or if you like to have the option of driving an ad-free car or van, then a customized car magnet is for you.

A magnetic vehicle sign is a large magnet that you can affix on to the back or side of the vehicle, which transforms your car into a moving advert. The magnet includes a logo, services, or products you offer, a phone number and, or a catchy phrase that will catch people’s attention. These magnets give you the flexibility of removing them any time without damaging your vehicle’s paintwork.

3. Rear Window Decals

Rear window decals are very popular with vans, small cars, or utility trucks. If your advert or logo is displayed on your window, it becomes more visible to drivers driving behind you. Rear window decals are safe and do not obstruct your rear vision as they are printed on a one way-vision vinyl. The vinyl is self-adhesive and perforated, which allows you to see through it when using the rearview mirror.

4. Vinyl Vehicle Lettering

One of the most cost-effective advertising techniques is vinyl vehicle lettering. The lettering makes it easier to advertise, but you need to follow some basic lettering requirements such as:

• Use large fonts with your preferred custom vehicle graphics
• Use colors that highly contrast with your van’s body color.
• Use minimal wordings that can be read quickly by others
• Keep the lettering simple, with only your business name, one advertising line consisting of four to five words, your web address, or phone number.
• Use an outline effect on the main lettering line for more attention
• Use retro-reflective vinyl whose color tone is rich by day and reflects at night.

5. Use a Customized Car Cover

When your car is not in use, a customized car cover is an excellent way to advertise. A custom vehicle cover is customized to fit the size of your vehicle. The covers are made from high-quality materials, which protect your car from UV rays, debris, and dust. The customized cover is printed all over with your logo or your advertisement of choice, which helps in promoting your brand awareness.

Conclusion

Advertising takes many forms, and your vehicle can help you to promote your brand wherever you go. Car wraps, customized magnets, rear window decals, vinyl vehicle lettering, and customized car covers.

The post 5 Ways You Can Promote Your Business on Your Car or Van appeared first on All About Horse Power.

If you have never stopped to think why it is so important that you check the oil levels in your car so regularly, it may be time that you did. To help you understand better why this is so crucial, that’s what we are going to discuss in the following post.

What Checking Your Car’s Oil Can Tell You?

The oil in your car is one of the most important components of the engine as it provides lubrication for the moving parts. This lubrication reduces the amount of friction there is and therefore the amount of heat generated by the moving parts. Without the oil there to do its job, your car’s engine would start to overheat which could lead to very pricey repairs and even the need for a completely new engine.

There are still high heat levels present in your car’s engine though. Even if it’s very healthy. Over time, the oil burns off, and the total volume of oil there is in the system reduces gradually. If you are not careful and don’t replace this oil soon, then all the different parts of the engine that are so important for it to run properly and efficiently become exposed and are more susceptible to damage by corrosion and heat.

When you keep a close eye on your oil, checking it regularly, you will find out what the level is that you need to worry about, when there is not enough oil in. This is the point at which you must replenish it and fill it up with more.

How do you check your oil? 

The first step is to find the dipstick. There is normally a little ring which is usually yellow. You need to pull that and wipe the dipstick of any excess oil and then push it back in the hole you pulled it from. Now, pull it out again and see where the oil is on the stick. There are markings on the stick. If it looks like it is lower than it should be, then you need to fill up your oil. Do it in small volumes so you don’t overfill it. whereas if the dipstick is fine, you can just put it back and continue as normal, remembering to check the oil again in a couple of weeks

How Do You Know the Right Oil to Fill Your Car With?

The spot where you need to add oil for your engine is where you will usually find the information about the kind of oil it requires. Just as you know if your car is a petrol or diesel vehicle, and that it can be dangerous to use the wrong type of fuel, the same is true of oil. You could cause your car and its engine some serious damages, so if you are unsure, there is no harm in getting an expert to check for you.

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Another huge stick in the mud for other people is the reputation of luxury sedans not being particularly reliable, especially when bought used. However true this is of many car models, there are still some out there that will stand the test of time. After all, just because the manufacturer spent a lot of money on cutting edge technology and luxury interiors, it does not necessarily mean it will not stay roadworthy and in good working order for a reasonable length of time.

To help you out if you are in the market for a used luxury car, in the following post we have highlighted 5 of the best.

Infiniti G37

One of the great things that you will benefit from immediately from investing in an Infiniti G37 is the low ownership costs. This is due to the fact the vehicle shares many of its key parts with Nissan models. Therefore, reducing the price you may have to pay a mechanic for any work that needs to be done. With the 2008 to 2013 Infiniti G37 models, you get the benefit of specs that meant great fuel economy and a vehicle that was awarded constantly high-reliability scores. In terms of performance, it is powered by a V6 engine and features rear-wheel driving capabilities too.

Hyundai Equus

Hyundai cars have a reputation for lasting a considerable amount of time. which is why if you are looking to invest in a great value luxury sedan, you should consider the Equus. It’s amazing to think that if you aim to get yourself a model that’s around 3 to 5 years old, you could be still driving it for a further 10 years. With the full-size version, you get such luxury features like a navigational system that’s voice-controlled, heated seats wrapped in leather and a massage seat for the driver to sit at. Probably the key thing to note is that it’s powered by a V8 engine capable of 385-horsepower.

Buick Enclave

The Enclave is a masterstroke of genius from Buick. It scored a high-reliability rating from JD Power that put it above average compared to others and the parts are easy to get a hold of. We really like the fact it comes with automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch wheels to give it a real eye-catching SUV feel.

Honda Acura TL

The Honda Acura TL is considered by many to be one of the most luxurious models ever produced by the company. It is also one of the most cost-efficient and reliable. The repair costs on this beauty are low compared to others in the same class. The V6 engine makes it attractive as it provides 280-horsepower and the automatic climate control, sunroof, leather seats, and vibrant xenon headlights make this one you will not want to miss.

Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ, though, is almost in a class of its own with a huge engine, and a combination of affordability and reliability. One of the best places in Lynchburg to find used luxury cars is Berglund Luxury Lynchburg, who happens to specialize in Lincolns, along with BMWs and Mercedes. Having made their name as a new luxury vehicle dealership, they should be one of your first stopping points when looking for a quality used car.

The post 5 of the Best Used Luxury Cars on the Market appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Chevrolet Spark Hatchback 2020

One of the cheapest new cars available in 2020 now is the Chevrolet Spark. Although it does mean you only get a meager 1.4l inline4 capable of 98 horsepower, this is still a bargain of an automobile. Some of the standard features include the OnStar connectivity suite that can work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the small engine still achieves an estimated EPA of around 29 miles to the gallon through the city and 38 on the highway.

Nissan Versa 2020

Although the Nissan Versa used to be one of the cheapest cars on the market, it has gone up in price point in recent years. However, it is with good reason. For one thing, you get the benefit of a meaty 1.6l I4 engine which produces 122-horsepower with 114lb-ft of torque, making it a reasonably powerful car compared to many at the same price point. While it’s true that the car comes as a manual, there are a lot of intriguing special features that come as standard. Including the 7-inch touchscreen display and 3 USB ports, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking technology.

Hyundai Accent Sedan 2020

The Accent Sedan is the smallest automobile produced by Hyundai over here, and as such, the price tag is also smaller than other models. Don’t let the low price fool you though, as it still benefits in all three new trims of the car, from a 1.6l I4 that produces a respectable 120-horsepower with 113lb-ft of torque that is routed into the six-speed manual transmission that comes as standard. Also standard with this model is a high-quality 5-inch touchscreen display and USB port, steering wheel controls and powered windows. It also performs well in the fuel efficiency side of things with an estimated EPA of 29 mpg through the city and 39 mpg on highways.

Honda Fit 2019

As the new 2020 Honda Fit is having a redesign, you could find that the 2019 model is available for a very reasonable price. While it looks like a very small car from the exterior, the interior is a lot roomier and more open than you may think. To get the benefit of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay you will need to upgrade, as is the case if you are looking to take advantage of automatic emergency braking and want to be able to open the doors without the use of a key.

Considering how reliable a model it is though, some of the major sacrifices that come with getting the standard model are worth it, as are the extra expenses required for the upgrades.

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What we are about to suggest may not sit well with some of the die-hard purists, but we reckon Nissan offers some of the most exciting sports cars on sale anywhere right now. Are we serious? We certainly are, so let’s start by looking at the Nissan 370Z.

The Nissan 370Z

Ok, so why the 370Z? Because, quite simply, it’s what sports cars are meant to be about! It’s powerful – with a 3.7-litre V6 engine up front – and is engineered to handle in a taught and precise fashion, just as you’d expect from a car like this. Plus, you get electronic stability control for even better handling, and you can have it in automatic or manual specs, too.

If you’re in the market for a soft-top, the Nissan 370Z comes in drophead form, too. There’s nothing like the feeling of wind in the hair motoring, after all! Superbly built, and coming with the legendary Nissan reliability, the 370Z is also sensibly-priced in the market, and represents a true sporting vehicle with just the right amount of power for all the fun you need.

The Nissan GT-R

Taking things up a level and we come to the Nissan GT-R. A magnificent example of superb engineering, complete with all the driver aids you need – or don’t, should you want to turn them off and sample the ‘Track Edition’ – the GT-R is a beast that you can tame, and one offering performance far in excess of sports cars costing much more.

What’s more, you can visit your local car dealer in Auburn and take a closer look at both of these superb cars – in both 2019 and 2018 specifications – and they will be more than happy to help answer any questions you have, and arrange for you to get close to the cars and take a test drive.

Dynamic Performance

Japanese sports cars have taken on a new level of respect in recent decades, and these two quite stunning Nissans really do represent some of the best in their class on the roads today. Unlike sports cars of old, you also get the added bonus of reliability, which comes as a given with Nissan vehicles today.

Talk to Lynch Nissan of Auburn about the Nissan 370Z and GT-R, and ask if they can let you try one. You never know, this could be the unexpectedly thrilling, exciting and invigorating sports car you’ve been looking for, and it’s right here close to you!

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Various Great Models To Choose From

When many people hear the name Jeep, they instantly think of the classic Wrangler. We don’t blame you, though, as the Wrangler is an awesome piece of automotive engineering. However, there is more to Jeep than just the Wrangler. In fact, 8 different models. These range from the very compact, but feisty Renegade to the fast Grand Cherokee SRT and the and very tough Wrangler.

So, there’s something for everyone.

Off-Road Ready

One of the things that makes Jeep vehicles stand out from a lot of models from other manufacturers is that all their vehicles are designed for use in off-road settings. They all feature generous ground clearance, durable tires, tow hooks, skid plates and water fording. It doesn’t really matter which model you prefer, as there is one trail trim option at the very least for each.

Feature-Full

What’s fun about an off roadster that does not have any exciting features? Absolutely nothing at all. Fortunately, if you choose a Jeep as your next vehicle, you will get the benefit of a plentiful array of features. That includes the standards that all models come equipped as well as the more specialist options such as stylist customizations and off-road-specific functionality.

Removable Doors

Need we say anymore really? If you are looking to experience the true exhilaration of an authentic off-road experience, the Wrangler from Jeep delivers. It is at present the only SUV available right now that comes with doors that can be easily removed. You are advised to only drive your Jeep Wrangler in off-road conditions with the doors removed, but there is really something special about driving this way. That feel of the wind in your hair, not encumbered by a window, doors and no top.

Amazing Handling And Very Easy to Drive

Look at any review for modern Jeep models across the 8 on offer and you will see the same phrases mentioned again and again. ‘Great handling’ and ‘easy to drive’ are phrases that go hand in hand with Jeep vehicles. Add to all that the fact that you get a meaty 3.6-liter V6 engine as the standard engine in many models and you have a beast of a vehicle that not only handles well and is an absolute dream to drive, but also has the power to keep up with just about any of the competition both on traditional roads and out in the sticks.

The post Why A Jeep Should Be Your Next Vehicle appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Sterling Reputation When it Comes to Quality

Nissan has a sterling reputation and has done for some time when it comes to their commitment to designing and building high-quality cars. For over 75 years, therefore, the brand has become synonymous with quality construction and style. Nissan has teams and teams of people dedicated to testing the quality of their cars, always tweaking them to ensure they are as good, durable and robust as they can be.

Great Value for Money

Another commitment Nissan has kept over the years is to create cars that offer buyers great value for money, regardless of their budget. They always look to design and build cars that not only perform reliably, but that are able to maintain a reasonable resale price and go above and beyond to give you experience that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Extremely Safe

Nissan is famous for designing and manufacturing cars that exceed industry standards for safety. Consider the Safety Shield, a detailed set of features for protecting drivers and passengers. There are three specific tiers that the Safety Shield is based around – Protect, Respond and Monitor.

Cutting-edge Technology

Nissan and technology go hand in hand together. One development by the company is the Nissan Connect feature. This combines the communications, navigational and audio features, and facilities a car offers into one central control hub on the dashboard. This enables you to sync it up with your smartphone, so you have full control over your device, even when you are on the road.

A leader in the Style Department

Another thing that Nissan is known for is their attention to the finer details when it comes to the style and aesthetics of their vehicles. With every new release from Nissan, it seems as if they can push things forward even further. Whether it’s the rugged and masculine Rogue Crossover or the very cultured and sophisticated Altima sedan. There is something for everyone in the Nissan family of automobiles. Even the most discerning car owner.

Energy-Efficient and Fuel Economy

Nissan has a very strict policy when it comes to the environment. As part of their commitment to creating eco-friendly vehicles, they have improved the fuel economy of their trucks and cars across the family. The Nissan Leaf, for example, the all-electric vehicle is continuing to be the popular choice for those looking to improve and reduce their carbon footprint. They also have also manufactured hybrid versions of the popular Rogue and Pathfinder models.

Finally, it is fair to say that Nissan is known for making some of the most reliable vehicles on the planet.

The post Reasons You Should Consider Investing in a Nissan appeared first on All About Horse Power.

It can also mean you get more bang for your buck; a new car with all the trimmings and extras you want may be beyond your budget, but a two or three year-old model with everything you want might not!

There are some things you should check when looking at a used car, whether a private sale or from a dealer, so here are the most important things to look for:

Finance – Check if the dealership offers finance on used cars. People only think that finance is available on new cars, but quite often its available direct from the dealership and they can sometimes help you out no matter what your situation is.

The VIN – let’s begin with the most important thing, the Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique identifier given to every vehicle manufactured anywhere in the world. Find an agency that can check it for you and for a small fee you can find out everything about the car, from where and when it was manufactured to its specifications, and check its history thoroughly.

View in Daylight – make sure you view the car when visibility is good; you need to look for any signs of damage – the VIN should return if the car has been damaged and repaired at any time – and ask about them. On older cars, you can expect some blemishes and marks that come about from daily use. Also, make sure you can start the car from cold, even dealers will warm up a car so that any problems when cold cannot be noticed. Check the tyres for wear as some sizes can be expensive, and remember to check the spare too.

Drive it – never buy a used car without a test-drive. Remember to run some distance with the window lowered to listen for any untoward sounds. Read up about the model beforehand and learn how it should feel – road tests are abundant and are very useful – and test the brakes and steering, plus the overall ride of the car. Look also for warning lights on the dashboard.

Service History – a used car of just a few years old should come with a full service history – as well as the handbook and spare keys – so walk away if this cannot be provided. This is very important, as it signifies the car has been well-maintained.

Does Everything Work – electronics on modern cars can be very difficult – and expensive – to fix, so check that windows, lights, wipers, air conditioning is gassed or needs re-gassing, sunroofs, in-car entertainment and any other such features are in working order. Don’t take any excuses, you want to buy a car that is fully operational and won’t cost you money to fix!

Safety – Older and used cars do not boast the safety aspects that modern cars do, and while owning a vintage vehicle is the dream for many, you must also ensure that the setup is safe to drive. This will give you more confidence behind the wheel (as well as anybody in the passenger seats), and reduce the risk of encountering issues four hours into a 12-hour road trip. As car laws have changed over the past 50 years, you’ll need to make sure the car is Street Legal. This includes removing or remodeling anything that does not align with vehicle regulations, so you won’t get pulled over the first time you get on the road.

The basic rule is to examine every feature of the vehicle. Read up about the model and what to look for – the internet is a wonderful resource for this – and remember to take someone with you who understands cars if you are not confident.

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We had a look around at the used car market and did our research as to the makes and models that are recommended for youngsters, using the following criteria:

• Cost – we have looked at models from the 2013 to 2015 model years, so depreciation has done its worst!
• Reliability – these are models with proven reliability
• Safety rating – all of these choices are considered safe vehicles

Let’s have a look at the most frequently suggested used cars for teenagers.

Buick Verano – 2014 – 2015

One of the most popular of all used cars, the Buick Verano is quite a stylish model for a small car, and is very highly rated in terms of crash testing and reliability. Both model years score 4.5/5 in the J.D. Power ratings – an authority source – so you can rest assured it will get your kids home! These are well-equipped cars too – look for a model with rear-view camera and parking sensors, forward collision warning and other driver aids, and you should be prepared to pay around $14,000 for a good 2014 model.

GMC Terrain – 2014

The SUV is a trendy vehicle for a youngster, and the GMC Terrain is the best choice of small SUV as a used vehicle. Good, chunky and solid looks make it popular with youngsters, and it has enough space inside to make it a fine family vehicle – so you can share and save money. Search carefully as there are many for sale, and look for features such as forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and more driver aids. This one gets a J.D. Power reliability rating of 5/5 – a perfect score – and you should pay around $16,000.

Toyota Camry – 2015

Toyota has become a byword for reliable and dependable cars, and the 2015 Camry is a very fine choice of medium-sized car for a young driver. It’s a good-looking car so your kid can impress his or her friends, it comes with a 4.5 reliability rating, and with a rear view camera as standard. There were many more driver aids available as extras, so look for a model with these included. You might also want to check out the Camry Hybrid, which returns very impressive economy, Be prepared to pay around $16,000 for a car which is the outstanding model in this class.

Those are the three most commonly recommended used cars in three different classes of vehicle, and each is a very good choice for drivers new to the road. Each is also a very popular model so you have a buyer’s market – shop around and you’ll find a model that suits you perfectly, at a sensible price.

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