What Does it Take to Become a London Black Cab Driver?

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a London black cab driver then the first thing you should know is that it’s not easy. In addition to meeting the minimum requirements to apply for a taxi driver’s licence you must also be able to demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the capital’s roads and landmarks as well as being equipped to deal with the stresses that driving in such a congested city brings.

Requirements

Below are some of the key requirements to work as a black cab driver in London –

  • You must be at least 21 years old – Although you can apply for a taxi driver’s licence from the age of 18, you cannot actually be licensed until you’re 21.
  • You must be eligible to live and work full time in the UK – It stands to reason that if you want to work as a black cab driver in London then you’ll need to be legally able to work in the UK on a full time basis.
  • You have a full UK driver’s licence – This is another minimum requirement to apply for a taxi driver’s licence.

Further requirements include –

  • Passing the ‘Knowledge’ test – All London black cab drivers must pass the Knowledge test, which shows they have comprehensive knowledge of London’s roads and landmarks and what the best route for a particular journey would be.
  • Being in good physical health – You must also pass a medical test that shows you’re in good enough shape to work and not suffering from any serious medical conditions.
  • Not have any serious convictions – If you have any serious convictions on your record then it’s very unlikely that you’ll be cleared to work as a black cab driver.

Getting black cab insurance

If you work as a black cab driver, then you’ll need to get black cab insurance to cover you for road risks, liability claims, loss of licence etc. There are many excellent sites where you can easily get black cab insurance quotes, such as Clean Green Cars Black Cab Taxi Insurance comparison sites like this enable you to get quotes from different providers by filling out one simple form.

Getting quotes from different insurers is just one of the ways you can save money on black cab insurance. Other ways include –

  • Having somewhere secure to park your cab when not in use
  • Installing security features
  • Paying for your policy annually rather than monthly
  • Increasing your excess
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A Guide to Motor Trade Insurance

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

Any businesses that deal with vehicles, whether it’s working on them, cleaning them, transporting them, buying and selling etc. has to have motor trade insurance.

Motor trade insurance is a type of cover that provides protection for the common risks that are involved in running a business in the motor trade.

If you are thinking of starting a motor trade business or are just interested in how motor trade insurance works then below is a guide to help you.

Types of motor trade insurance

  • Road risks – This type of cover is vital when you work in the motor trade. It will ensure that you and your employees are able to work on and drive customer vehicles. You can choose what level of protection you want from third party only; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive.
  • Liability claims – Liability claims are a risk for all types of businesses, especially those that are in the motor trade. Having a good amount of public liability cover included in your policy is therefore always recommended.
  • Part-time motor trade insurance – If you work in the motor trade only part-time then you can get a policy that covers you only for when you need it.
  • Combined motor trade insurance – A combined motor trade insurance policy enables you to protect all aspects of your business together. This means you can get cover for road risks as well as protecting your premises, tools, stock and cash.

Some of the benefits of getting quotes online

  • Save time – A big benefit of getting motor trade insurance quotes online is that you can save a lot of time. Usually it’s simply a case of filling out one quote form to get quotes from several different providers. This is much easier than calling different providers by phone.
  • Save money – By getting quotes very easily, you can compare them and pick the one that’s the best value for money. This is one of the best ways to make sure you get the best deal on motor trade insurance.
  • Easily adjust your policy options – Getting cover online means you can easily add and remove cover options as you desire.
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Working as a Courier in London

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

The internet has had a huge impact on the food delivery industry and as a result the demand for food couriers is higher than ever.

If you own a motorcycle and are interested in working as a food courier, then below is a guide to help you get started.

Finding work

The first thing you’ll need to do is find work, whether it’s working freelance or for a company. Check online job sites and local newspaper listings for food delivery jobs regularly. Food delivery work is usually not too hard to find, especially in London. Although it will certainly be easier to find work if you have experience, it’s still possible to get work even if you’re a young driver with little-to-no experience in the food delivery industry.

Getting insurance

Something you will definitely need in order to work as a motorcycle courier is the right type of insurance. A typical courier insurance policy will include the following types of cover –

  • Road risks – You can choose from the usual types of cover here – third party only; third party, fire and theft; and fully comprehensive.
  • Public liability – Liability claims from the public are always a risk when you drive for a living. If you were involved in an incident where a member of public was injured or killed then you could easily end up having to fight a liability claim so this type of cover is highly recommended.
  • Breakdown assistance – If you don’t already have breakdown assistance for your bike then you can have it included as part of your insurance policy. Sometimes it’s cheaper to get breakdown assistance as part of your insurance so it’s definitely worth enquiring how much extra it would costs.

Practical aspects of the job

  • Road safety – Road safety is extremely important when you work as a food delivery courier, especially when you’re using a motorcycle. On a motorcycle, you’re completely exposed and cars often can’t see you so you need to take extra car when on the roads, especially during rush hour traffic.
  • Hours – Although a lot of food delivery is done during peak hours around dinner time, this isn’t always the case and you may have to work anti-social hours depending on the type of business you work for.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Minibus

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

Owning a minibus can be a great way to make a living or just help out your local community.

If you’re considering purchasing a minibus then it’s a good idea to know what things to take into account so you can make an informed decision.

Below are some of the biggest things to consider.

The price

Price is always going to be a big consideration when you’re making a large purchase such as a minibus. Minibuses generally aren’t cheap but price can vary a lot depending on the brand, the size of the vehicle and whether you choose to buy new or used.

If you’re buying used then you might be able to haggle for a lower price depending on where you get it from. Always be sure to check any vehicles you’re considering for faults or damage.

The number of seats

The number of seats a minibus has is another important consideration, particularly if you’re going to be using it for commercial reasons.

Larger minibuses will generally cost more to insure. You can help to keep the cost of insurance to a minimum by comparing minibus insurance companies.

The cost of insurance

The cost of minibus insurance will depend on a few key factors. These include –

  • The size of the minibus – The size of the minibus you’re insuring is certainly something that insurance providers will take into account. If you want to keep costs to a minimum then, you should consider a smaller vehicle of say 9 seats.
  • Its value – The value of the minibus will affect the cost of insurance too. This is especially true if you take out a comprehensive policy where your vehicle is covered even in accidents where you’re to blame.
  • The level of cover you take out – The level of cover you take will of course affect what you pay for insurance too. If you want to get the cheapest cover possible then a third party only policy is what you’ll want to go for. If you want to get more protection you can also add options such as public liability and breakdown assistance.
  • Where you park it – Where the vehicle is parked is always something insurance providers pay close attention to since it will have a big impact on how much risk there is of theft/damage. Ideally you would have a locked garage or at least a driveway where you can park your minibus.

 

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Buying a Thatched Cottage – Key Questions to Ask

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

If you’re thinking of buying a thatched roof cottage then it’s important to be aware of the most important questions you need to ask.

Thatched properties are different from regular domestic homes in that the roof requires special expertise to build as well as there being a greater risk of fire if the property isn’t properly maintained.

Below are some of the most important questions you should ask when buying a thatched roof cottage.

Is the property listed?

This is a very important question to ask if you’re looking to buy a thatched roof cottage. Listed buildings are considered to be of great cultural or historical value and therefore if you own a listed building it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s kept in optimum condition.

It’s also important to find out if the cottage is listed as you’ll need to seek permission from the council if you want to have any structural work carried out on the property.

How are the insurance costs?

The cost of thatched cottage insurance cover can be quite high when compared to more conventional properties

The cost of repairing the thatch isn’t the only thing that insurance providers take into account of course. There are also other consideration such as –

  • Where the property is located
  • The size of the property
  • How secure it is
  • How often the chimney is cleaned/inspected

If you get chance to speak to the current owners then you should certainly find out roughly what insurance costs since it might be outside your budget.

If you get contents cover, then the furnishings inside the property can also affect the cost of your insurance. Things like bi fold doors blinds, bookcases, beds etc. can affect how much you pay for cover.

When did the property last have an electrical inspection?

Fire safety is always a key concern for owners of thatched roof properties. It’s often assumed that the main danger for fire comes from the chimney in a thatched roof property but the wiring can be just as big a concern.

For this reason you want to find out when the cottage last had a proper electrical inspection. If it was a considerable amount of time ago then you certainly want to make it a priority to get one done by a fully qualified professional. This will not only give you peace of mind but also help to lower your insurance costs.

When was the chimney cleaned last?

Another key question to ask when you’re buying a thatched roof cottage is when the chimney was last cleaned. Chimneys can pose a big risk for thatched roof property owners since a build up of soot in the chimney flue can easily lead to a fire breaking out.

It’s recommended that you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year when you have a thatched roof property.…

A Guide to Truck Insurance

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

Whether you are an owner driver or have your own trucking firm, you must make sure that you’re protected by getting a good truck insurance policy.

To help you make the right decisions, below are the different types of truck insurance available as well as some great ways to keep costs down.

Types of truck insurance

  • Road risks – Road risks insurance is a necessity for all vehicles in the UK in order for them to be road legal. When getting road risks cover for your truck(s) you can choose from a third party only policy; third party, fire and theft; or fully comprehensive.
  • Fleet insurance – If you have a number of trucks that you need to insure together then you can do this by getting a fleet insurance policy. Fleet insurance often ends up being cheaper than getting individual policies too so it’s a good way to save money.
  • Liability claims – Liability claims are something that all business owners must be prepared for. You can get a good amount of liability cover included in a truck insurance policy to ensure your business is fully protected.
  • Legal expenses – Fighting liability claims in court can get very expensive so having legal expenses included in your policy is certainly not a bad idea.

Ways to save money on truck insurance

  • Get a lot of quotes – Getting a lot of quotes will help you to save money on truck insurance since it will prevent you from overspending on a policy you could have gotten cheaper from another provider. Sites such as Clean Green Compare make it very easy to get truck insurance quotes from different providers.
  • Hire good drivers – When you’re hiring drivers, you always need to think about how they’ll affect the cost of your insurance. Reliable drivers that have plenty of truck driving experience and don’t have any convictions will be the cheapest to insure.
  • Secure your premises – Making your premises secure will also help to lower the cost of your insurance since you’re less likely to have your vehicles damaged or stolen.
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Driving For a Living in London

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

Although there are countless office jobs in London, not everyone likes the thought of being stuck behind a desk for 8 hours a day. If driving is something that you enjoy then below are some of the main types of driving jobs you can do in London.

Types of driving jobs

  • Taxi driver – Black cabs are everywhere in London. If you want to work as a private hire taxi driver then you’ll need to get a private hire licence and pass the Knowledge test. You’ll also need to get A good thing about working as a taxi driver in London in comparison to a lot of other cities is that there are a lot of dedicated taxi lanes.
  • Courier – Another type of driving work you can get in London is working as a courier – either for a major courier firm or as a freelancer. Couriers are more in demand now than ever thanks to the explosion of online shopping. In order to be successful as a courier you will need to work long hours as it’s not a particularly well paid job in most cases.
  • Food delivery – Food delivery is big business in London so you also have the option of working as a food delivery driver. This job is actually very similar to being a courier in that you’ll probably need to work long/anti-social hours to make it worth it. An advantage of doing food delivery of working as a courier is that you don’t have to carry heavy parcels around.

Things you need to be prepared for

Image result for london traffic

  • Stressful driving conditions – It almost goes without saying but in order to work any kind of driving job in London you’re going to have to be prepared to work in stressful driving conditions. London is notorious for its traffic, with countless cars, buses, taxis, vans etc. clogging up the roads. You also have cyclists and couriers on mopeds to worry about.
  • Getting your own insurance – Although some companies will have their own vehicles with insurance, in most cases you’ll need to get your own cover when working as a driver in London. For example if you work as a minibus taxi driver then you’ll need to get a private hire minibus insurance policy from a site like Insure Minibus.
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Is it Harder to Get Insurance When You Have a Conviction?

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

If you have a conviction, whether it’s for a motoring offence or other type of crime, then you might worry that getting insurance for your home and your vehicle will be more challenging. It’s certainly true that insurance providers consider people with convictions to be higher risk and that some won’t even consider insuring you if you have a criminal conviction.

That being said – there are ways around this problem and finding both home and car insurance at a reasonable price needn’t be an impossible task.

Car insurance

If you have a vehicle then car insurance is a must in order for it to be road legal. By far the best way to get car insurance when you have a conviction is to go to a specialist provider. There are many providers of car insurance for people with convictions who will take the unique circumstances of your conviction into account (including insurance for and IN10 conviction) when calculating the cost of your policy.

Home insurance

Image result for home uk

Another thing that can be challenging to get from a mainstream provider when you have a conviction is home insurance. Luckily there are also many providers of home insurance for people with convictions so this isn’t an issue.

Why get cover online?

There are some compelling reasons to get insurance online when you have a criminal conviction. These include –

  • Getting quotes easy – One of the main reasons that getting insurance online is a good idea is that it makes getting quotes incredibly easy. There are plenty of insurance comparison sites out there where all you need to do to get quotes from different providers is fill out one form.
  • Tailor your policy to your exact needs – When getting cover online, you can clearly see what cover options are on the policy as well as other details. This makes it very simple to see what you want to add or take off the policy so it suits your individual needs.

Ways to save money

  • Get quotes from a lot of providers – This is one of the best ways to ensure that you get the best deal on both car and home insurance.
  • Pay for the policy annually – If you can afford to pay upfront then be sure to negotiate the best deal possible for the policy.
  • Make security a priority – Making your home and car secure will certainly help to reduce the cost of your insurance.
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Insuring a Mini Fleet

Insurance by Eve Taylor0 comments

Whether you have a personal collection of cars or you run a business that relies on the use of 2-5 vehicles, mini fleet insurance provides a way to insure your vehicles together in a way that’s cheap and convenient.

There are now many great places you can find mini fleet insurance online, so getting a policy at a reasonable price should not be an issue.

If you’re considering getting mini fleet insurance then below are some of the biggest advantages of it.

Why consider mini fleet insurance?

  • It’s cheaper – One of the most obvious benefits of mini fleet insurance is that it usually works out cheaper compared to insuring your vehicles on separate policies. The cost of a mini fleet policy will depend on various factors, including how many vehicles you’re insuring, the value of the vehicles, how secure they are and the named drivers. However in most cases a fleet policy will be cheaper.
  • It’s easier – Another big benefit of mini fleet insurance is that it’s easier to manage. Having one policy for all your vehicles rather than separate policies for each means there’s less paperwork and it’s easier to make a claim.
  • A great option for small business owners – If you run a small business with between 2 and 5 vehicles, whether they’re vans, cars or any other type of vehicle, then you can get them insured together under one convenient policy.

Ways to save money

  • Hire reliable drivers – If you’re getting mini fleet insurance for your business then one of the best ways to save money is by hiring reliable drivers who are over the age of 25. The age of your named drivers always makes a big difference since younger drivers are much more likely to be involved in a collision statistically.
  • Secure your vehicles – Making your vehicles secure is another way to cut down the cost of mini fleet insurance. The vast majority of modern vehicles come with an alarm as standard but you should also make sure the vehicles are securely parked when not in use.
  • Get quotes from different insurance providers – Getting quotes from different insurance providers is easier than ever to do now and is one of the best ways you can save money on mini fleet insurance.
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Starting a Motor Trade Business in London

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

When a lot of people think of starting a career in London, they imagine working in an office for a big corporation. However it’s certainly possible to start your own business in the capital and if you have a passion for cars, then a motor trade business could be the perfect fit.

Below are some of the main types of motor trade businesses you can choose from as well as some of the practical considerations.

Types of motor trade businesses

Image result for mot garage

  • MOT garage – If you have experience working as a mechanic then you might consider opening your own MOT garage. You will of course need a premises for this, as well as staff so it’s not viable in every circumstance.
  • Breakdown recovery agent – You might also consider working as a breakdown recovery agent. The good thing about this type of business is you can start it with relatively little investment, work as a freelancer and don’t require your own premises. You will have to be prepared to drive in the London’s notoriously stressful driving conditions on a daily basis however.
  • Mobile mechanic – This is another type of motor trade business you can run without the need for a premises or too much initial investment.
  • Vehicle sales – Buying and selling cars is another very viable way to make money in the motor trade. You will need a good knowledge of cars to make it a success though. 

Practical considerations

  • Choosing a premises – Depending on what type of motor trade business you want to start, you might need to get a premises. You should think carefully before investing in a premises and make sure it is in a good location and has adequate space for your needs.
  • Paying tax – When you run your own business, even if it’s as a freelancer, you need to make sure you are paying tax at the right rate. Failure to do this can land you in legal trouble and also put your business in jeopardy so it’s very important to take care of.
  • Getting insurance – In order to operate a motor trade business you’ll also need to get a motor trade insurance policy from a site such as Traders Insurance. A motor trade policy will protect you for road risks as well as providing cover for your premises itself if you choose to get a combined motor trade insurance policy.
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Becoming an Uber Driver in London

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

Since it was first launched in 2009, taxi booking app Uber has become popular in many countries around the world.

It’s popularity continues to grow in the UK and in particular in London, where many residents have opted to become an Uber driver.

If you have thought about becoming an Uber driver in London then the guide below should prove very helpful.

Requirements

The are certain requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to work as an Uber driver. In addition to being at least 21 years old and having a full UK driver’s licence, you must also have the required amount of driving experience.

Because Uber taxis are private hire, you’ll also need to hold a private hire taxi driver’s licence.

Getting a licence

In order to get a private hire licence, you’ll need to apply to TfL for it. To qualify for a private hire licence you’ll need to pass a medical test, be of good character and also pass a competence test.

You’ll also need to have a driver’s licence and be at least 21.

Getting a vehicle

If you work as an Uber driver then you’ll need to have your own vehicle. Uber requires that their drivers have a car that is 2008 or newer. The vehicle must be either a 4 door car or minivan, be free of cosmetic damage and have no commercial branding on it.

Uber offer a number of buying and rental deals for drivers that don’t already have a suitable car.

Getting insurance

There are many insurance providers who offer Uber insurance and you are able to get the exact level of cover you require depending on your budget.

The cheapest type of cover you can get is a third party only policy. Although this provides no real protection for your own vehicle it does make your vehicle road legal.

You can also add other types of cover to an Uber driver insurance policy, such as breakdown assistance, personal injury, legal expenses and windscreen repair.

If you want to save money on cover then below are some good ways to do this –

  • Get a lot of quotes – Getting quotes from many providers is an excellent way to save money on Uber insurance since it prevents you from overspending.
  • Pay upfront – If you’re able to pay for your insurance at the beginning of the policy for an entire year rather than monthly then most insurance will offer you a good discount.
  • Increase excess – Increasing the excess on your policy is another easy way to save money.
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Working as a HGV Driver in London

Career Advice by Eve Taylor0 comments

Working as a HGV driver in general can be very stressful but when you add London driving conditions into the mix, it amplifies that even more. That being said, working as a HGV driver does come with some benefits. If you enjoy being on the road and don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day then working as a HGV driver could be the perfect career for you.

Below are some of the practical things you need to consider as well as some advice on getting HGV insurance.

Things you need to consider

  • Suitability for the job – One of the most important things you need to think about is your suitability for the job. Not only will working as a HGV driver in London be very stressful at times but you’ll need to have a good amount of experience either working as a HGV driver or have done plenty of training. If you don’t deal with stress well then it’s almost certainly not the job for you.
  • Available hours – You also need to consider whether you’re prepared to work long and anti-social hours, as this is often expected of HGV drivers.
  • Insurance – Another thing you may need to take care of in order to work as a HGV driver is insurance. There are some companies who cover their drivers but if you need to take care of it yourself then you’ll need to think about the cost and exactly what type of cover you need to get.

Where to get HGV insurance

There are many places you can get HGV insurance quotes online, including sites such as Clean Green Compare. When looking for quotes it’s always important to get them from specialist providers.

You should also take any steps you can to lower the cost of HGV insurance. Getting a lot of quotes is a very good way to do this. Other ways to save money on HGV insurance include paying for your policy upfront, making your vehicle more secure and getting a limited mileage policy.…