Pay Per Mile Schemes: A New Way to Pay for Car Insurance

In today's fast-paced world, driving has become a normal part of life. But have you ever thought about how much you truly drive? That's where pay-per-mile schemes come into play. This fresh approach to car insurance charges you based on how much you actually drive. Let’s break it down!

What Are Pay Per Mile Schemes?

So, what exactly are pay per mile schemes? Simply put, these insurance plans charge you for each mile you drive. Instead of paying a flat fee, you pay a small amount for every mile you hit the road. This type of insurance is perfect for folks who don’t drive very often and want to save on costs.

How Do They Work?

Getting started with a pay per mile scheme is usually pretty simple. You sign up with an insurance company that offers this option, and they’ll often give you a device to track your mileage. Or, they might ask you to use an app on your phone to keep tabs on how much you drive. The less you drive, the less you pay!

For example, if you only drive 5,000 miles in a year, your bill could be much lower than someone who drives 15,000 miles. Isn’t that neat?

Who Benefits from Pay Per Mile Insurance?

Many people can benefit from pay per mile schemes. If you work from home, take public transport, or only drive on weekends, this insurance could save you cash. It's like only paying for the gas you use—why pay for a tank if your car’s mostly parked?

Moreover, this type of insurance can appeal to younger drivers or those with less driving history, where traditional insurance can be pricey.

Pros of Pay Per Mile Schemes

1. Cost Savings

One of the biggest perks is the potential for cost savings. If you drive less, you could see significant reductions in your insurance fees. Think of it like paying for your gym membership based on how often you actually go. If you rarely hit the gym, you shouldn't pay a high fee!

2. Encourages Safer Driving

With pay per mile schemes, there’s a built-in incentive to drive safely. Since you want to keep your miles low, smooth driving can lead to fewer accidents and claims. It’s all about driving with a purpose!

3. Environmentally Friendly

Less driving means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. If you care about the planet, choosing a pay per mile scheme can help you feel good about your impact. You’re saving money and being kinder to Mother Earth at the same time.

Cons of Pay Per Mile Schemes

1. Not Ideal for Heavy Drivers

If you’re someone who drives a lot—like for work or long commutes—this option might not be for you. The costs could rack up quickly, and you may end up paying more than you would with traditional insurance.

2. Tracking Concerns

Some people may feel uneasy about being tracked. While most companies ensure your data remains private, the idea of someone always knowing where you are might not sit well with everyone.

Is Pay Per Mile Insurance Right for You?

To sum it all up, pay per mile schemes offer a modern solution to car insurance. They can save money, reward safe driving, and help the environment. Think about how much you actually drive before deciding if this type of insurance is the right fit for you.

In the end, it’s about choosing what works best for your lifestyle and budget. Are you ready to hit the road and only pay for the miles you use?

 

Pros and Cons of Learning to Drive in Automatic Car.

The latest data from the DVSA reveals that automatic driving tests are at an all-time high. There was an increase of  40%  in new drivers taking automatic driving tests since last year.

Here are some differences that should be taken into account when deciding whether to learn in automatic car or manual car.

When learning how to drive, there’s are many  decisions to be taken , one of them being the type of car you want to learn in. And it’s important to make the right decision for you.

The key difference between a manual and an automatic car is how much work you will need to do as a driver. In a manual car, there are three pedals – accelerator, brake, and clutch, using the gears to increase or decrease your speed.

In an automatic car, there are only two pedals – an accelerator and a brake, with the automatic gearbox doing the hard work for you.

So, with automatic cars seems doing all the hard work, it’s important to understand the pros but also the cons of learning in an automatic before taking final decision.

The pros of learning in an automatic car

1. No clutch control required

Being able to stop/start the car without the added stress of using the clutch can be beneficial for new drivers. As an automatic car will change your gears for you, you don’t have to worry about gear changes in busy traffic.

2. Automatic cars are more inclusive

Automatic cars are a great choice for those learning to drive who have physical disabilities or medical conditions. Especially for those who have limited mobility, the two-pedal option is a great choice instead of 3 and gear box.

3. Less risk of stalling

Something that is really common when learning to drive is stalling. There is very little risk of stalling an automatic as there is no clutch, which some learners prefer.

4. Easier to drive

An obvious pro is of course, that an automatic is easier to drive. With the car changing gears for you, this gives you more time to focus on manoeuvres and other aspects of the driving test.

The cons of learning in an automatic car

1. Higher car costs

Automatic cars are usually more expensive to buy than manual, so be prepared to pay a little more when it comes to buying your first car.

2. Expensive Driving Lessons

Generally  driving lesson rates for automatic cars are higher than manual cars and you can  pay around £10-20  per hour more for driving lessons in an automatic car.

2. More expensive to repair

With more advanced technology and complex mechanics, automatic cars are usually more expensive to repair. So, these costs are definitely something to budget in when planning to purchase your first automatic car.

3. Limitations in the future

If you choose to learn in an automatic, this does limit you to only driving automatic cars in the future. While electric cars continue to rise in popularity, passing your driving test in a manual car still offers more flexibility, as it allows you to drive both manual and automatic car models in the meantime.

Motorists to tax vehicle without log book and tax reminder letter

 

Motorists applying for a duplicate V5C (log book) can now tax their vehicle without needing to wait for their log book to arrive.

V5C - Log Book

DVLA has announced a new service update that allows motorists to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Previously, customers who had lost these documents would have had to wait up to 5 days for a replacement V5C to arrive, or phone DVLA’s Contact Centre to tax their vehicle. This latest update will allow customers to apply online for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time.

This is the first time that DVLA has linked their online registration service with their online licensing service, allowing the customer to self-serve through the 2 digital channels in one seamless customer journey.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists. This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.