DRIVING TIPS FOR A RAINY DAY

Driving in the rain is never a fun thing but we are forced into driving by our daily obligations to move from one point to another. For most people, driving in the rain can be scary and nerve-racking experience.

To manage the anxiety and stress, we have to give our undivided attention and reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio volume down or turning off our phone to keep our attention fully on the road.

Here are some driving tips for a safe drive on a rainy day;

1. Keep your car clean and maintained

a.    Keep your windows clean and clear

b.    Maintain your headlights

c.    Maintain your tyres

2. Drive with care when it’s raining

a.    Turn on your windshield wipers

b.    Slow down as the road is wet and slippery

c.    Stay focused as visibility is dropping

d.    Turn your headlights on whether it’s day or night

e.    Drive with both hands on the wheel

f.     Maintain a 3-4 second gap between your car and the car in front of you.

g.    Avoid slamming on the brakes, better still just ease of the accelerator instead.

h.    Take turns or enter corner slowly

i.      Do not use cruise control as that can lead to Hydroplaning

j.      Park off the road if necessary

Keep in mind that sometimes the best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road completely until the weather clears.

We wish you safe and comfortable driving during the rains. However for a more comprehensive protection during this season and all year round, check out our variant of motor insurance products: goo.gl/Cvv29y & goo.gl/4bk3th

Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

            & facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance covers at: www.consolidatedhallmark.com

WHY YOU SHOULD UPGRADE TO COMPREHENSIVE MOTOR INSURANCE

Mr. Peter came out of his apartment after a heavy storm to observe that his car has been damaged by the fallen trees. He felt bad and worried about how he would get the money to fix the damage.

Mr. Tunde just concluded a deal with a client but on getting to his car parked outside the client’s residence observed that his right side mirror and headlight have been smashed. Engulfed with anger and worry of how he would get it fixed in this recession.

Mrs. Mary came out of her saloon to see that the left door of her car has been dented. She started crying and distressed that she cannot afford the repairs with her current finances.

Looking at all the above scenarios, I believe you can all relate with them and probably might have fallen into one or two category. 

They all have car insurance at least a third party motor insurance as required by law.

Mr. Peter, Mr. Tunde and Mrs. Mary would not have felt bad, gotten angry and cried respectively if they had purchased comprehensive motor insurance. With a comprehensive motor insurance the stress, anger and cry of an unfortunate event will automatically be transferred to their insurer.

Now, let's take a look at some common questions asked about Comprehensive Motor Insurance.

What makes comprehensive motor insurance more stress-relieving and comforting than third party motor insurance?

As already briefly stated above, third party motor insurance only cover the damage done to another person’s car/property. However, comprehensive motor insurance being the highest level of protection would cover the damage to your car and also cover the damage done to another person's car/property.

Why should I upgrade to comprehensive motor insurance?

With comprehensive motor insurance, you can claim from your insurer for all unexpected accidents that are deemed to be your fault. 

It also applies when fault can't be proven, e.g. if you return to your car after shopping to find that someone has hit you and driven off like in the case of Mr. Tunde above.

Without comprehensive insurance cover, you risk having to spend for repairs yourself. Worse still, if your car is written off you'll have to pay for a brand-new car.

A comprehensive policy gives you that added level of protection and peace of mind that you won't necessarily have should you need to pay for expensive repairs.

What does comprehensive insurance really cover?

The cover or benefits offered by comprehensive motor insurance which is a lot more embracing include:

• -       Loss of or damage to your vehicle as a result of accident
• -       Loss or damage to your vehicle resulting from Fire
• -       Loss or damage to your vehicle due to theft
• -       Damage by your vehicle to another up to N1,000,000
• -       Damage to Third Party property by your vehicle up to N1,000,000
• -       Damage to Third parties by your vehicle which caused bodily injury and death is Unlimited
• -        Medical expenses to you or your driver or any occupant of your vehicle to the tune of N10,000
• -       Passenger Liability (N75,000 per person and a maximum of N300,000 per vehicle)
• -       Damage resulting from Riot, Strike and Civil Commotion (SRCC)
• -       Towing Limit up to N10,000 

Where does comprehensive insurance fall short?

Despite its name, comprehensive insurance policy cover in itself is a standard cover that can be enhanced with certain policy extras to meet your needs at additional charges.

Here are a few of those policy extras or add-ons:

Excess Buy Back

Many insurers use the excess proportion to make the vehicle owner conscious to try and prevent losses by making the insured bear part of the claims arising from such accidents. You can buy off this excess at inception of the cover at additional charge.

Courtesy car

Many insurers let you use another car while yours is being repaired, but not all of them. It’s also worth noting that courtesy cars usually aren’t provided if your car is written off. This policy extra is at additional charge.

It’s always best to check the policy details before you buy – don’t assume that you’ll be entitled to all the bells and whistles.

For more inquiries, you can contact us on our  phone - 09056037852
                                                                      twitter handle - @con_hallmark

                                                                      & facebook page – conhallmark

Also visit our website for more tailor-made insurance coverage at www.consolidatedhallmark.com 

10 SAFE DRIVING STEPS YOU MUST KNOW.

The rainy season is back and the risk factor while driving on Nigeria road would increase significantly as records have shown that more vehicle accidents takes place due to the heavy flood and faulty cars.These are some General tips which can ensure you are safe while driving in this season, they are:

1.  Drive slow on rainy days when the roads are still wet as the stopping distance usually increases considerably on wet roads. Also, brakes may be slightly less effective on rainy days as water generally seeps into the brake pads and disks.

2.   In case it is raining heavily and you cannot see ahead, turn on the headlights and fog lights and drive at a cautious speed.

3.    The Air conditioner should be maintained properly and to use the demister, set the fan speed to low, turn the vent control to windscreen, set control to fresh outside air, and turn on the AC and it will help the car glasses from fogging up.

4.   If you are to drive through stagnant water, do not panic. Put the car in first gear and move ahead gently. Do not drive fast and once you step into stagnant water do not stop your car, just keep moving or water might get into the tail pipe.

5.  Battery condition should be checked, and a coat of petroleum jelly should be applied to the terminals.

6.   Drive only if it’s necessary - Yes, you’ve heard it on the weather forecast all the time, but people say it for a reason. Put simply, if you don’t go out, you can’t come to any harm on the road. Is your journey really that urgent or important?

7.  Maintain proper following distance (3 seconds rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.

8.    Be more alert watching for brake lights in front of you.

9.   Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely, because the spray created by their large tires can reduce vision.

10. Drive in the tracks of a vehicle ahead of you.

We wish you safe and comfortable driving during the rains. However for a more comprehensive protection during this season and all year round, check out our variant motor insurance products: goo.gl/Cvv29y & goo.gl/4bk3th

Follow us on our twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

& facebook page - conhallmark

Visit our website for more tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Car accidents can be a very scary experience, which could either be a little bump from behind or a terrifying crash. The frightening noise, the shattered glass, and the panic that accompanies the terrifying experience can make each moment feel horrific. It actually requires a diligent level of calmness and some preemptive planning to be able to spring back into action in both physical and financial means after the such unfortunate event. Most motor insurance company in Nigeria do promise to help with your accident, but you may also need to take these few steps to help hasten the process of ensuring you get back on the road as soon as possible.

Here are the steps you need to consider before, during and after an accident;

Be prepared

The time to start planning for an emergency is not while it is happening you need to be prepared way before an accident occurs and one of such preparation is having an insurance cover. Be prepared by getting your documents ready. Place your insurance papers and any pertinent medical information in your glove box. If you have medical issues, make them known. If you think that by having your info in your wallet is enough, consider that a wallet or purse can tumble around in an accident while a glove box will remain stable.

First step

If you can move after a crash, move to the accident lane. An injury can prevent you from moving; stay in the car as immobile as possible until help arrives. Being immobile on the expressway may add to your anxiety, but a minor injury can be elevated to serious in nature with a few small movements. Move to the designated accident lane, or at least not in the middle of the road. Get out of the flow of moving traffic.

Stay calm

Being angry is a natural reaction to someone hitting your car. Keep your emotions in check; what you say can be held against you. A polite apology will be interpreted as an admission of guilt. If you rage against the other driver, however justified, your mental state can be questioned. Promptly move to the next step and remember that staying quiet is your best option after asking if the other driver and/or passengers are okay.

Exchange information

Yes, it can be awkward to ask for information after an emotional experience. Stay calm and ask for the following list:

1.    Name

2.    Address

3.    Phone number

4.    Email

5.    Make of car

6.    Model of car

7.    License plate number

8.    Insurance carrier

9.    Insurance policy number

Take picture

After an accident is no time for selfies, but it is a good opportunity to whip out your smartphone and document the damage. Technology can be a blessing when you need proof. The other driver may not appreciate it, but take as many pictures as possible of both cars. A video may be best if the other driver is not cooperating. Contact the police for a police report of the accident.

Report the incident

Make sure to call your insurance provider immediately the accident occurs notifying them of all what happened that lead to the accident and asking them what you need to do for easy and speedy claims payment. It is best to have your insurance provider contact as one of your speed dial number on your mobile device. 

With these steps, you are well prepared and aware of what to do whenever an accident occurs. The often reaction of fist fights or struggling among drivers when an accident occurs would no longer play out. 

If you do not have insurance and would like to be insured, please call 09056037852 and we would be happy to give you the best option that suits your budget.

For more information, follow us on our social media platforms; 

    twitter handle - @con_hallmark 

    & facebook page - conhallmark

 OR

Visit our website for tailor-made insurance covers at www.consolidatedhallmark.com