A Guide to Buying Your First Minibus
If you’re planning on buying your first minibus then there are certain things you should be aware of. Minibuses come in various sizes and whether you need a special licence or not will depend on how you plan to use it.
Below is a guide to buying your first minibus that includes where to buy, getting a licence and where to get cover.
Where to buy
If you’re purchasing a minibus for the first time then you have a few options. If you can afford to buy a new minibus then this would obviously be ideal since it’s going to be in the best condition and come with guarantees.
If you decide to buy used then sites like Auto Trader make it very easy to narrow down what you’re looking for by using search options such as engine size, number of passenger seats, year, make, model etc.
When buying used, whether it’s from a garage or private seller, be sure to properly inspect the vehicle for any signs of damage and also make sure all the necessary paperwork, including the service history is present.
Getting a licence
When it comes to the licence you need to drive a minibus it depends on how you plan to use it. If you’re not using it for hire or reward i.e. you’re not receiving any payment from passengers, then you should be able to drive a minibus for up to 16 passengers with your regular driver’s licence.
If you are planning to use your minibus for profit then you’ll need to get a minibus provisional entitlement.
Whatever you use your minibus for you’ll need to meet the following criteria to be able to drive it legally in the UK –
- Be at least 21 years of age
- You’ve had a licence for at least 2 years
- You aren’t using it to tow a trailer
- You meet the correct medical standards if you’re over 70
- It doesn’t exceed more than 4.25 tonnes
Getting insurance
In order to make your minibus road legal you’ll need to get minibus insurance. You can get the same types of cover for a minibus as you would for a car i.e. third party only, third party, fire and theft, fully comprehensive.
When looking for minibus insurance it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a lot of different providers to ensure you get the best deal. You can get minibus insurance at cleangreencars.co.uk
The type of cover you need will depend on what type of minibus you get. For smaller minibuses you’ll need to get 9 seats + minibus insurance cover.…
A Guide to Buying a Thatched Roof Property
If you’ve ever considered buying a thatched roof property then you’re not alone. A lot of people dream of owning a thatched roof home due to their unique style and charm.
Before you take the plunge though, there are certain things you should be aware of so you can make an informed decision.
Below is some key information. You can also find some excellent info regarding thatched roof property insurance here – http://www.thatchedinsure.co.uk/thatched-roof-insurance-what-you-need-to-know/
Maintenance is key
When you own a thatched roof property, maintenance is extremely important. This means ensuring that the thatch is in good condition as well as having a full electrical inspection carried out. One of the major concerns for thatched roof owners is fire safety. Therefore having a thorough chimney inspection as well as an electrical inspection is key.
Get a lot of quotes for thatching work
It’s not unusual for thatched roof properties to need some work doing on the roof when you first buy them. Thatching work can be expensive and quotes can vary a lot so it’s always recommend that you get quotes from multiple people when you’re looking to have any thatching work carried out.
Consider privacy
If privacy is important to you, then this is certainly something to consider when buying a thatched roof property. Thatched roof homes tend to be in more rural areas but this isn’t always the case. If you want to add extra privacy to a property, then bifold door blinds are an excellent way to do this. When choosing blinds for your bifold doors, you should think about the decor of the property and pick something that works well with it.
Getting the right type of insurance
Due to the specialist skills required to build a thatched roof, it’s necessary to get a special type of policy for a thatched roof property. This is one of the things you must take into account when considering if a thatched roof property is worth the investment. It isn’t just the initial cost of the property you need to consider but also the cost of maintenance and insurance.
If you want to get thatched roof insurance quotes then you can get them quite easily from sites such as ThatchedInsure.
The main types of cover you can get with a thatched roof property insurance are –
- Building cover – Building cover is a fundamental part of any property insurance policy. It will cover your property for structural damage that might occur as a result of fire, flooding or extreme weather conditions. Thatched roofs can be very expensive to rebuild so it’s vital that you have building insurance in place to cover the cost of repairs.
- Contents cover – Contents cover is another type of insurance you can get with a thatched roof property policy. It will cover the contents of your home for theft.
You can also get unoccupied property insurance for a thatched roof property if you’re going to be away for an extended period of 30 days or more.
When looking for a thatched roof property insurance policy you should always make sure to shop around. Quotes can vary a lot so getting a lot of them is very important if you want to save money.…
A Guide to Minibus Insurance
People who own minibuses often use them for their job, as in the case of taxi drivers. However there are many people who own a minibus simply because of the extra room such a vehicle gives them.
If you do own a pleasure use minibus then you’ll need to get the right type of insurance for it. Below is a guide to minibus insurance, including the types of cover you can get and ways to keep costs to a minimum.
Types of cover
- Road risks – Road risks is the basic type of cover you need when insuring any vehicle. You can choose what level of cover you want to get depending on your budget and how much protection you think you need. A third party only policy is the cheapest option but it will not provide any real protection for your own vehicle; rather simply allow you to drive legally. A comprehensive policy is your best option if you want full protection.
- Windscreen repair – Windscreen and glass repair is a very useful type of cover that’ll you certainly be thankful for if the time comes that you need it.
- Breakdown assistance – Breakdown assistance is always important to have when you own a minibus. You may already have breakdown assistance from another company but it’s a good idea to see how much extra it would be to have it included in your policy since you might be able to save money.
Saving money
- Shop around – Getting quotes from many different providers is one of the best ways to save money on minibus insurance. Sites such as Insure Minibus make the process of getting quotes incredibly quick and simple.
- Make your vehicle secure – Making your minibus as secure as possible is a great way to save money on insurance. In addition to installing a tracking device and immobiliser, you should also make sure to park your minibus safely when it’s not being used.
- Pay annually – If you can afford to pay for your insurance annually rather than monthly then you’ll be able to make a decent saving on the overall cost.
Working as a Freelance Recovery Truck Driver
If you’ve ever considered working as a freelance recovery truck driver then you might have talked yourself out of it because you think the challenges will too great – whether it’s the initial investment required or being able to find enough clients.
Working as a freelancer comes with a lot of challenges but most freelancers find it to be worth it for the freedom it brings.
Below is a guide to becoming a freelance recovery truck driver.
What you’ll need
- A truck – Of course the most fundamental thing you’ll need to work as a freelance recovery truck driver is a truck. When it comes to buying a recovery truck, there are a few key things you need to decide. One of the most important things is the size of truck you’re going to buy. Recovery trucks vary a lot – some are capable of transporting multiple vehicles while other are designed for just one car. A bigger truck will mean you can transport more vehicles at one time but it will also cost more and be harder to drive. It’s often a good idea to start with a smaller truck so you can get used to it and see if you can make your venture a success before moving onto a larger vehicle.
- Clients – The most vital part of being successful as a recovery truck driver is the ability to find and maintain a client base. Many people find this to be the most challenging part of working as a freelancer.
- Insurance – You’ll also need to get truck insurance cover to cover you for the biggest risks that come with the job, such as road risks, liability claims and breakdowns.
Saving money on recovery truck insurance
- Get multiple quotes – One of the best ways to save money on recovery truck insurance is to get quotes from different providers. This will ensure that you don’t overspend on cover you could have gotten cheaper elsewhere.
- Get a limited mileage policy – If you only use your recovery truck at certain hours or at certain times of the year then you could save a considerable amount of money by getting a limited mileage policy.
Choosing the Right Premises for a Motor Trade Business
When you run a business, especially one in the motor trade, it’s always incredibly important to find the right premises. The right premises will depend on the type of motor trade business you run but there are certain factors that are always important.
Below are some key things to consider –
Size
Size will always be a key consideration when looking for a business premises. If you run a business such as repair shop then you’re probably not going to need as much space as a car showroom. You should think about how much space you’ll need to work comfortably, including your office, supply room etc. You should also take the parking space into consideration as this will be very important for your customers.
To buy or rent
Another key consideration when looking for a premises is whether you will buy or rent. In most cases, it’s a good idea to rent for a period of time first to check that you’re happy with the premises and there are no unexpected problems with it. Once you’re certain that you’re happy with it, you can then buy it further down the road.
Security
Security s certainly a key consideration when choosing a premises for your business. Look for key security features such as security lighting, an alarm and CCTV. You should also look for any access prevention measures that are installed, such as barbed wire or security spikes. Motor trade businesses always have to be wary of the risk of theft and damage to their vehicles so this is very important.
Blinds are a good way to improve privacy and therefore security at a commercial premises too. Check out https://www.blinds4bifolds.co.uk/ for different types of bifold door blinds.
A secure premises will not only reduce the chances of theft and vandalism but also help to reduce the cost of a motor trade insurance policy. Click here to get motor trade insurance quotes now.
Location
Location is always important with any type of property you’re considering investing in. When choosing a business premises, the location of it can be the difference between success and failure so it’s an extremely important thing to think about. Ideally your premises will be located in an area that has plenty of traffic passing by, that is easy to find and access.
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Getting Insurance as a Young Van Driver
If you are under the age of 25 and plan to purchase a van then you might be worried that you won’t be able to get cover at a reasonable price. It’s certainly true that insurance providers charge more to those under the age of 25. This is simply because younger drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions. However getting van insurance as a young driver isn’t impossible.
There are a number of specialist providers of van insurance for young drivers who can offer you cover at a reasonable rate.
Why get cover online?
If you’re looking for young van drivers insurance then there are a few good reasons to get it online. These include –
- Get the exact type of policy you want – When you look for insurance online, it’s very easy to add and remove cover options as you need. You can also easily find out more details about different cover options to help you decide if you need them or not. This is very useful since it’s easy to end up paying for additional cover that you don’t need or fully understand when taking a policy out over the phone.
- Save time & money – Another key reason to get insured online is that getting quotes is very easy. Getting quotes from different insurance providers is one of the best ways to save money and using an online insurance comparison service makes getting quotes a very quick and simple process.
- Get cover instantly – When you make your first payment for your policy, you will then be covered immediately and be sent your documents by email as well as by post. This gives you peace of mind that if you were to be involved in an accident or pulled over by the police, you would have proof of coverage.
What are some good ways to save money?
Below are a couple of drive ways to save money on young van drivers insurance –
- Increase excess – Increasing your excess is a very good way to lower the cost of your premium when you first take out your policy.
- Limit cover options – If you’re happy with a third party only policy then this is another great way to keep the cost of your insurance to a minimum.
Choosing an Office for a Mini Cab Firm
Running a minicab firm comes with many challenges. In addition to keeping your business competitive and dealing with customer and driver issues, you must also make sure you have a good location for your head office.
Some of the key things questions to ask yourself when choosing an office for a mini cab firm are –
- Is there enough space? – Space is always going to be important when choosing a mini cab office. You want to be sure that there’s enough space and light for your operation to be run from it without any problems.
- Is it in a good location? – Location is another key factor. Since you’ll need to communicate with your drivers while they’re on the road, the office should be located on high ground, or at least not in a dip.
- Can I afford it? – Knowing that you’ll be able to afford the rent is another key consideration. Depending on how established your company is, you might decide to invest in the premises, especially if you’re sure you’re happy with it.
Keeping your insurance costs down
A big part of running a successful mini cab firm is to keep the cost of your mini cab insurance to a minimum. Below are some of the best ways to do this –
- Be selective with who you hire – The drivers you hire to work for you will always affect the cost of your mini cab insurance. This is why most mini cab firms will not hire drivers who are under the age of 25. Age isn’t the only factor though. You also want to consider the experience and attitude of any drivers you hire. Insurance providers will assess your drivers and consider how likely they are to be involved in an accident when coming up with a price for your policy so always bear this in mind.
- Get quotes from different providers – Getting quotes from different insurance providers will enable you to easily compare them and choose the policy that’s right for your business and at the most competitive price.
- Pay upfront – Most firms will choose to pay for the mini cab insurance on a monthly basis so there’s no major upfront payment. Although this makes sense, if you can pay for your policy in one lump sum, you’ll be able to negotiate a better rate with insurance providers.
Finding an Office for A Taxi Firm
When you run your own business, choosing a good premises is vitally important. This is certainly is true if you run a taxi firm and are looking for a new head office.
All the administrative side of things are done from your office so you want to be sure you pick a premises that’s conveniently located and that is secure. Below are some of the most important things to consider when looking for an office for your taxi firm.
Things to consider
- Location – Location is extremely important when choosing an office for your taxi firm. Ideally your office will be located on high ground and also be in a location that’s convenient for people to get to and with plenty of foot traffic. A good location can make or break a business so you definitely want to take the time to choose a premises that’s well situated.
- Cost – Cost is another key factor when looking for a new head office. You should think about how much you’re able to spend and also consider renting a location for a few months first so you can decide if you’re happy enough with it to buy it.
- Security – If a building has good security features already in place then this is a great bonus. Things like security lights, a security alarm and working CCTV all help to make a building much more secure and will also lower the cost of your insurance.
Getting insurance
When you run a taxi firm you have a few different options when it comes to getting insurance. You can choose to get a combined motor trade insurance policy that will cover all your vehicles as well as your premises, stock, tools and cash.
The other option is to get a separate building insurance policy for your office and get your vehicles covered by a taxi fleet insurance policy. Which is the better option will depend and usually it will come down to which is the least expensive. Whichever you decide, you should always make sure you get plenty of quotes from different insurance providers and make sure you have insurance for private hire or public hire as well.
Some great ways to save money on taxi fleet insurance include –
- Be selective with your drivers
- Limit cover options
- Pay annually rather than monthly
- Get quotes from many insurance providers
Things to Consider When Letting Commercial Property
Many landlords stick exclusively to letting residential property, particularly those who are new to it, however there is a lot of money to be made by letting commercial property providing you go about it in the right way.
To help you get started with letting commercial property below are some of the biggest things you need to consider.
Getting the right property
- Type of property – The first thing you need to decide when looking for a commercial property to invest in is the type of building you’re looking for. A lot of people instantly think of office buildings when they think commercial property but there are many other types of property you can get. Smaller commercial buildings that can be used by shop or restaurant owners can be a very wise investment, particularly if they’re in a good location.
- Size – The size of the property is obviously a big consideration. Generally the larger the property is the more you can expect to pay. A multi-story office building will obviously require a more substantial investment then a smaller building on a single floor.
- Location – A good location is vital when investing in commercial property. You need to do as much research as possible and find out what the tenant demand for different types of property is in that particular area. Commercial property can be a big money sink if you’re not able to secure tenants quickly.
Your responsibilities as a commercial landlord
- Health and safety – As a commercial landlord it’s your responsibility to ensure any property you let out is safe. Things like asbestos, fire safety and repairs to the building are all things you need to take responsibility for.
- Gas and electricity – Gas and electrical safety are your responsibility as a commercial landlord too. You will need to have both gas and electric regularly inspected by qualified engineers on a regular basis in order to ensure the building is safe. As far as electrical or gas appliances go – they would be the responsibility of the tenant.
- Maintenance – You will need to make sure the building is properly maintained too. This means if there is any damage to the structure of the building then it falls on you to ensure it’s repaired.
- Fixtures and fittings – Fixtures and fittings can be a tricky area when it comes to commercial property. Any fittings that were already installed when you let out the property will generally be your responsibility whereas those that the tenant fitted after will be theirs. It’s a good idea to make it clear upfront exactly what is your responsibility and what isn’t in the lease. Things like bifold blinds can add a lot of appeal to a property but they also need to be maintained to ensure they’re safe and work properly.
- Insurance – you need to make sure you are insured adequately for for specialist thatched property insurance or standard all risks/standard buildings cover.
How to Make Your Motor Trade Premises Secure
If you have a motor trade business then it’s extremely important that you take any measures you can to make your premises as secure as possible. Unfortunately theft and vandalism are always a risk for business owners but there are steps you can take to help reduce these risks.
Below are some of the most important things to consider –
Have your premises assessed
If you want to find out what the most vulnerable parts of your premises are then you should consider having a full assessment by a security firm carried out. They will be able to let you know exactly what areas of your current security set up need improving. This might be something as simple as getting better locks on the doors and windows of the property to investing in electronic security measures such as CCTV and electronic access control.
Invest in security measures
There are two main types of security measures you can invest in for your premises – physical and electronic. Below is an overview of both –
- Electronic security measures – The two main types of electronic security measures are CCTV and electronic alarms. CCTV is incredibly useful for helping to prevent crime at your premises, particularly when used alongside security guards. A good electronic alarm system is also a great investment. When getting an alarm for your premises make sure it conforms to British Standard 4737 specifications and ideally connects to an Alarm Receiving Centre rather than just making a noise.
- Physical security measures – Useful physical security measures include good locks for doors and windows and perimeter control measures such as barbed wire. The latter is particularly useful since it prevents any would-be thieves or vandals from being able to get near your premises out of hours. You might also consider investing in steel grilles for the insides of any windows of your premises.
If your business manages customers details electronically, as a growing number of motor trade businesses now do, then you should also strongly consider investing in IT security measures for your business computers.
Get the right cover
Getting the right insurance might not make your premises more secure but it will ensure that you’re compensated if your business is broken into or stolen from. The best type of cover to get when you want to protect your premises and its contents is combined motor trade insurance.
www.traders-insurance.com traders cover enables you to get combined UK traders insurance quotes from specialist providers very easily.
…Convicted Driver Insurance FAQ
What are the most common driving convictions?
By far the most common driving conviction in the UK is for speeding. This is true for both men and women.
After this common convictions include driving without insurance, being distracted by using a mobile phone and drink driving.
Why do convictions affect the price of car insurance?
The reason that convictions affect the cost of car insurance is because insurance providers perceive drivers with convictions to be greater risk. When calculating the cost of an insurance policy, providers will take many factors into account to determine how likely it is that a person will make a claim on their policy.
What other things affect price?
Some other important factors that affect the cost of car insurance are –
- Age – Age is one of the biggest factors that affects the cost of car insurance. It’s well-known that younger people pay considerably more for car insurance than those over 30. This can seem unfair but it’s simply based on the fact that statistically younger drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions.
- Driving experience – It’s not surprising that newly qualified drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents that people with experience. Therefore the amount of driving experience you have will certainly determine how much your cover costs.
- Value of vehicle – The value of the vehicle you want to insure is a huge factor and for good reason. If you car needs to be replaced, either because it’s written off or stolen, then your insurer will need to pay out. This being the case, the more your car is worth, the more you can expect to pay.
- Where the vehicle is parked – Where your car is parked when you’re not using it another factor that affects cost. People who are able to keep their car parked in a secure garage for example, will pay considerably less than those who park their car on a public street.
Where can I get convicted drivers insurance?
Websites such as http://www.convictioninsure.co.uk/convicted-driver-car-insurance enable you to get quotes from specialist providers of convicted drivers insurance very easily.
What are some ways to save money on convicted drivers insurance?
A couple of good ways to save money on convicted drivers insurance are –
- Get a third party only policy – A third party only policy will provide you with enough cover to drive your vehicle legally and also works out considerably cheaper than a comprehensive policy.
- Pay upfront – Although insurance providers might consider you greater risk if you have a conviction, most should still offer you a good discount if you pay on an annual basis rather than monthly.
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Setting Up A Motor Trade Business
If you have a passion for cars and like the idea of starting your own business then setting up a motor trade business could be the perfect fit for you.
Below are some of the most practical things to consider.
What you need to get started
- A plan – You’ll certainly want to think about how you’ll make your business a success before you get started. You don’t necessarily need to write out a hyper-detailed business plan but you should at least outline things like what your biggest overheads will be, what competition you’ll have and how you’ll go about finding customers.
- The right insurance – As soon as you start operating as a motor trade business, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered by getting a good motor trade insurance policy. Motor trade insurance is typically very flexible and you can even get part time policies from sites such as https://www.cleangreencars.co.uk if you don’t intend on working full time as a trader to start with.
- Expertise – In order to make your business a success, you’ll certainly need a minimum level of expertise. In order to work as a mechanic for example, you’ll of course need to have a trained and have a good working knowledge of cars and other types of vehicles. Even if you intend to buy and sell cars i.e. something that doesn’t necessarily need technical skills, you’ll still need to know where to buy, what models you can make the most profit from and how to deal with the legal side of things.
Expanding your business
Once you’ve established yourself a bit, you’ll want to expand your business. There are a couple of ways to do this, including –
- Hiring employees – Once your business has enough customers, you’ll want to take on employees to help you run it. When looking for employees you’ll typically want people with the right attitude, who have a good amount of experience in the industry and who don’t have any past convictions.
- Getting a premises – Getting a premises for the first time can be a daunting step for any new business owner but providing you go about it in the right way and do your research, it doesn’t have to be a stressful thing.
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