Is tyre advice to be believed?

Surely the restrictions imposed on tyre outlets when changing tyres need to be considered.

Advice from tyre manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and road safety groups tells us to always change tyres in pairs, never fit different brands/models of tyre on the same axel, and to rotate our tyres to put the new rubber where it gives most benefit.

Yet the tyre service providers cannot replace tyres in pairs, nor rotate tyres, meaning in my own case I am soon to have tyres from three brands on my car, all at differing levels of wear.

I am left wondering whether my vehicle is safe or is all the advice not to be believed?

Pauls (posted online)

New insurance rules prompt accident policy advice 

We read with interest your story on the new insurance rules that could lead to a cut in premiums.

We have a view that there are three key areas for companies to consider and review in the run-up to this April 30 introduction of the new legislation by the Ministry of Justice:

  1. Introducing a robust new process around the First Notification of Loss (FNOL)
  2. Introducing KPIs with insurers to ensure they meet these standards
  3. Gathering accurate management information that provides live tracking of all incidents

The speed and clarity with which drivers report accidents is vital and companies may have to re-educate drivers on the importance of this process, as if an injury has occurred and is reported by a third party, the stage one 15-day clock has already started ticking.

Therefore, having a clear understanding of liability surrounding an accident will ensure more cases will qualify for resolving in the 15-day period.

Out of nearly 2,500 incidents Total managed during January, 99.3% achieved a liability decision on the first call, which reinforces the importance Total Accident Management pays to the FNOL process and the success of quickly assessing liability.

With most insurers and claims handling operations already having large caseloads of existing claims, fleet operators will need to ensure they have agreed measurable KPIs to protect themselves against increased claims costs as a result of poor claims handling.

On the flip side, your insurer may also introduce penalties or hike premiums if you have not reported accidents quickly and efficiently.

The only way that companies are going to keep track of whether their claims process is adhering to the new regulations is through live and accurate management information

Only through visibility of this management information will you know whether this new legislation is helping you control or reduce your claim costs, cycle times and insurance premiums as a result.

David Hughes, operations director, Total Accident Management