With Pace Hire, you’re guaranteed brilliant deals on whatever your pco rental of choice will be. But the money saving doesn’t stop there – as promised, we provide more top tips on how to save money – because every penny counts!
1. Claim for Pothole Damage
According to Potholes.co.uk, as many as one in ten mechanical failures in the UK are caused by potholes, which costs motorists up to £730 million in damages every year.
However, compensation can be claimed on car damage in such circumstances! If the pothole is known by the local council and hasn’t been dealt with, you are eligible to be paid for your troubles.
2. Add Family Members to your Car Insurance
If you add your partner as one of the drivers on the family car, you can reduce your premium. You can also transfer your partner’s no claims bonus if you’ve not yet built up your own.
But be warned: adding a young or inexperienced driver is likely to increase your premium, as the insurer bases their cost on the driver with the most risk.
3. Appeal Against Parking Tickets
According to the Money Saving Expert, 56% of motorists who appealed their parking tickets were successful in their claim.
If you believe you’ve been given a parking ticket unfairly, provide evidence, check the terms and conditions and present a balanced case. You just might have your ticket overturned!
If you’ve been issued a ticket fair and square, bear in mind that some fines are reduced by 50% if you pay them within 14 days – at the least, paying them within the usual 28-day deadline avoids any additional fines.
4. Use Apps to find Cheap Parking Spaces
Avoid using the closest carpark you can find without a thorough search first. Mobile-phone apps such as Parkopedia can help you find the cheapest car parks within whatever area you find yourself in.
5. Don’t Overestimate your Annual Mileage when Buying Insurance
Always provide your insurance company with the most realistic estimate of miles you expect to drive per year. Don’t underestimate – this could leave you without cover – but don’t overestimate either, as you could end up paying a higher-risk premium.
6. Avoid Driving on the Kerb!
By driving up and down kerbs, you’re likely to damage the metal wires in the sidewall of the tyre, as well as the alloy wheel itself. This will lead to punctures, forcing you to spend money on repairs.
7. Park Away from Other Cars
Cars on finance will have their condition reviewed when you hand them back; if any damage occurred during your use, you’ll incur charges.
One tip is to park as far away from other cars as possible; this avoids you getting knocked or scraped when other cars try to drive out of tight spaces for example.
8. Buy a Smartphone Holder
Using your phone whilst driving can result in a £200 fine and up to six points on your license. This in turn might increase your insurance premium, further increasing motoring costs.
The solution is to purchase a good quality smartphone holder, which will set you back between £10 and £20. A small price to pay to avoid a fine!
9. Don’t Use your Windscreen Wipers on Ice
Windscreen wipers wear out very quickly if you use them on ice or in cold weather – and you even risk tearing them entirely.
Replacing wipers will set you back £20 or more – in comparison, an ice scraper can cost as little as £1.
10. Check for Obvious Faults Ahead of Your Car’s MOT
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), up to 1.5 million vehicles fail their MOT due to faulty bulbs, tyre tread and empty washer fluid bottles – simple things to sort out.
Before the MOT test, check the following:
• All the bulbs are working
• The tyres are in a good state
• The windscreen wipers are not worn out
• The washer bottle contains fluid
Checking the above helps you avoid failing your MOT due to minor faults.
Stay tuned for part 3 of this money-saving series – pco vehicle rental need not be an expensive form of employment, and if you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to save a nice lump sum of money, year in, year out!
