Weight or waist… Which is the best indicator of health?

Posted on by Dr Sally Norton

As a doctor, I have known for some time that carrying excess fat around your middle is bad for your health. However, in recent years, science has shown a worrying extra bit of research that suggests you don’t have to be overweight for your waist size to affect your health!

So, what is it about belly fat that makes it so intrinsically linked with our health?

You can probably tell just by looking around that there are two main types of fat distribution. Some people (usually women) carry their fat around their bottom and thighs but their upper body is relatively slim – the classic pear shape. Others – we call them apples – carry their fat around the middle and often have fairly slim legs. It’s the classic ‘beer gut’ shape that many overweight men have.

Although any excess weight can cause health problems for your joints, your breathing, your risk of developing some forms of cancer and many other issues, the so-called ‘belly fat’ is associated with a particular pattern of health problems that we call the ‘metabolic syndrome’. That includes type-2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. In this situation, the fat isn’t so much laid down beneath the skin, but is found in increased amounts inside your body cavities – in and around your vital organs. Whilst it’s still not clear why fat accumulates in different ways and places around the body – we do know that the stress hormone ‘cortisol’ can increase central fat deposits. Another reasons to try and combat those stress levels!

weight lost

Is weight as a measurement useful in itself?

Many people, doctors included, focus on weight as an indicator of health. However, weight obviously varies with height. Therefore, we often use a measure called Body Mass Index or BMI, which takes into account your height by providing a ratio of weight to height. To work out your BMI you need to divide your weight in kg by your height in metres. Then divide the answer by your height in metres again.

So, for example, a 100kg woman with a height of 1.6m will have a BMI of 100 /1.6/1.6 = 39kg/m2.

Depending on your BMI, you will then fit into one of the following categories, which reflect the potential health risk. Any BMI over 35 is a serious risk to health, so much so that people may be eligible for surgery to reduce that risk.

However, before you get hung up on the BMI scale – it has its limitations. It is not as useful for children for instance, nor for athletes who may have a high BMI but very little fat… all their weight is muscle!

Measure your BMIWaist measurement is better

So, a lot more focus is now placed on waist measurement as an accurate measure that correlates better with health risk. The study I mentioned earlier assessed data from over 650,000 people and found that the risk of disease increased consistently with every 5cm increase in waist measurement – to the point where they predicted that those people with the largest waist measurement would die 3-5 years earlier than those with the lowest! It was worrying to see from this and another review, that even people with normal BMI but increased waist measurement had a 20% increased risk of dying early than people with normal BMI and normal waist circumference. So it seems our waist measurement really is the one to keep an eye on. Being a ‘healthy weight’ is not enough anymore!

The waist-to-hip ratio is an even more useful indicator that someone has an “apple” shape. If your hip measurement is a lot smaller than your waist measurement, you are in trouble! Another study of 32,000 women found that women with the highest BMI and waist:hip ratio were 29 x more likely to have diabetes than the women with lowest BMI and waist:hip ratio.

So what can we do?

First of all, be aware – waist measurement may be a more useful measure of your health and well-being than weight alone. To see if you have a potential problem, work out your waist : hip ratio as your waist size can vary considerably depending on your sex, height and build.

If your waist : hip ratio is over 0.85 for women or 1 for men, you need to try to reduce your waist circumference. Overall weight reduction will obviously help. Also, studies have shown that aerobic exercise is effective at reducing central obesity and liver fat…so no excuses! On your bike! (or whatever exercise you fancy!).

So, the message is clear – if you are struggling to do up the button on your trousers, your health is at risk. Don’t buy a bigger size – lose the waist instead!

A step-by-step guide to measuring your waist and calculating your waist to hip ratio

It’s not as easy as it sounds – particularly if you don’t have a clear waist!

1. To find the right place to measure, feel for your hip bone on one side then feel for your bottom rib.
2. Halfway between is where your waist should be – it may be level with your tummy button – unless your tummy is heading towards the floor!
3. Ideally, your waist should measure less than 32” (80cm). 32-35” (80-88cm) is high – anything over that is very high.
4. Then measure your hips. This is the widest point, incorporating your buttocks, which may be a bit below your actual hip bones!
5. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement to get your waist-to-hip ratio.

References:

Cerhan JR, Moore SC, Jacobs EJ, Kitahara CM, Rosenberg PS, Adami HO, Ebbert JO, English DR, Gapstur SM, Giles GG, Horn-Ross PL, Park Y, Patel AV, Robien K, Weiderpass E, Willett WC, Wolk A, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Hartge P, Bernstein L, Berrington de Gonzalez A. A pooled analysis of waist circumference and mortality  in 650,000 adults. Mayo Clin Proc. 2014 Mar

Lee S, Deldin AR, White D, Kim Y, Libman I, Rivera-Vega M, Kuk JL, Sandoval S, Boesch C, Arslanian S. Aerobic exercise but not resistance exercise reduces intrahepatic lipid content and visceral fat and improves insulin sensitivity in obese adolescent girls: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2013

Koster A, Leitzmann MF, Schatzkin A, Mouw T, Adams KF, van Eijk JT, Hollenbeck AR, Harris TB. Waist circumference and mortality. Am J Epidemiol. 2008 Jun

Björntorp P. Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities? Obes Rev. 2001 May

Folsom AR, Kushi LH, Anderson KE, Mink PJ, Olson JE, Hong CP, Sellers TA, Lazovich D, Prineas RJ. Associations of general and abdominal obesity with multiple health outcomes in older women: the Iowa Women’s Health Study. Arch Intern Med. 2000 Jul

Car theft on the rise, but you can stop it!

Posted on by Vavista
It probably feels like cars are safer and more secure than they’ve ever been, however, this is sadly not the case. Car theft on the rise, but you can stop it!
 
If you’ve had your car stolen, you’ll know it can be a very stressful experience. Even if you’ve never been a theft victim, car theft can still impact you with increased premiums.
 
The good news is, there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself against car crime.

Did you know car theft is on the rise?

In the first quarter of 2019 The Association of British Insurers reported car insurers paid out more theft claims than they had in over 7 years.
 
A payment went to to a car crime victim every 8 minutes in 2019 and cost £108 million. This works out at over £1.2 million paid to policyholders every single day.
 
The cost of motor theft claims has doubled in the last four years. This passes down to you in the form of higher premiums.

How can I protect my car?

1. Don’t forget the basics

Simple old fashion methods still have their place.
  • Don’t forget to ensure your car is properly locked.
  • Make sure all your windows are up to the top with no gaps.
  • Don’t leave valuables on view (if you do need to leave valuables in the car, put them out of sight in the boot).

Car theft on the rise, but you can stop it! - A thief is taking a handbag from a car out of the open passenger side window

2. Secure your keys

Keep your keys out of sight of doors and windows. Thieves can be opportunists and will take a chance if it’s given to them on a plate. They have been known to use a coat hanger to hook keys through the letterbox!

3. Use anti-theft devices

Physical deterrents are still available, like:
  • Steering wheel locks,
  • a driveway parking post,
  • or even a wheel clamp still have their place and can be a good theft deterrent.
Most high street car accessory stores such as Halfords have a great range.

4. Do you have a garage? Use it for your car!

A surprising number of people have a garage but still leave their car on the street. For the sake of a few minutes, you can add an extra level of security for your car by putting it away (if the garage is alarmed even better!). If you are using it for storage, it could save you a lot of money to clear it out and secure your vehicle.
 
If you only have a driveway, then a motion-activated security light can be a good deterrent to car thieves.

Car theft on the rise, but you can stop it! - A man is clicking a button held in his hand to close his garage with his car inside

4. Watch where you park

The RAC recommend when you’re away from park:
  • under a street light
  • in a secure car park
  • or even on your friends or families driveway if you can.

5. Add a tracking device

Fitting your car with a tracker is an excellent deterrent. Tracker state that vehicles fitted with its tech have a 96% recovery rate when stolen. Other brands of tracker are available, just make sure yours is properly fitted and functioning.

6. Buy a signal-blocking pouch

If you have keyless entry on your car, a signal blocking or Faraday pouch is essential. The pouches are made of signal-blocking materials, that stop your key transmitting its security code.
 
Keeping your key in one of these can stop thieves from detecting and amplifying its signal and driving away with your car. Carbuyer magazine has reviewed the best here.

7. Update your cars software if you need to

Ensure your car has the latest software updates. Producers are working on software to combat keyless theft. Having the latest software can help protect your car.
 
Finally, be on the lookout for unusual activity in your area. and keep your neighbours and if necessary, the police, informed.
 
Want to learn some more useful information? Check out our blog on what to do if you have an accident.

How to clean your car at home

Posted on by Vavista

Keeping your car clean not only makes it look cool and shiny, but can also burn a surprising number of calories. The average person can expect to burn around 103 – 178 calories for 30 minutes of  car washing. Everyone is different though and if you work up a sweat or do more than one car it could be more! [1]

Here is everything you need to clean your car at home.

What products do I need to clean my car at home? 

You don’t need much to achieve that showroom shine, but there are a few things you’ll find helpful:

  • A pressure-washer is great, but if you don’t have this then a garden hose with a spray gun attachment will do just fine.
  • Two buckets, yes two! You can get these pretty cheaply and it will become clear why two are essential.
  • A wash mitt or a big soft sponge, some car shampoo and a microfibre drying towel. Again, you don’t have to spend a fortune and can pick these up cheaply.

A wash mitt, some car shampoo and a microfibre drying towel.

How much time do I need to clean my car at home? 

Firstly, you need to give yourself enough time if you want really good results. An hour should be sufficient.

Avoid rainy days as it marks the finish. If it’s sunny, try to work in the shade, as car shampoo dries too quickly in the sunshine and can leave streaky marks on your paintwork.

Step One: Pre-rinse

Before you wash the car, you want to clear the bits that could get stuck in your wash mitt and scratch the paintwork. Using your pressure washer or hose, start at the top of the car and work down, spraying off all the loose grime and dirt. This will save you time during the actual wash too. While you’re there you can wash the insides of the wheel arches to avoid corrosion.

Pro tip: you can get alloy wheel cleaning sprays, and if you want a real sparkle to your wheels, spray them once you’ve rinsed the car and leave to soak in for a few minutes.

Step Two: The wash

Here is where the two buckets come in! Fill one with car shampoo and water, and the other with clean water. Simply wash the car using the shampoo bucket, but, before dipping the mitt back in the shampoo bucket give it a quick rinse in the clean water to remove any dirt particles.  Again, start at the top, work down and repeat until you’ve done the whole car.

Pro tip: you can go a step further with your clean water bucket and get a gravel guard. This sits in the bottom of the bucket to catches any dirt and gravel so it doesn’t end up in the shampoo bucket.

Step Three: The rinse

Like step one, use your pressure washer or hosepipe to rinse the shampoo from the car; again working top to bottom. Use the microfibre towel to dry the car off – you might need more than one to get the car totally dry.

Pro tip: you can get a post wash wax from most car stores. This is sprayed on the car when still wet then wipes off with the microfibre towel and gives the car a nice shine with minimal effort.

Step Four: The inside

So, that’s the outside done! The inside is a little easier but just as important.

  • Give the glass a clean with a glass cleaner product, but try to avoid furniture polish as this can cause smears and obscure your vision
  • For the interior trim, use a damp microfibre cloth, or there are interior cleaners which remove slightly more dust and dirt. Try to avoid cleaning products on the steering wheel, gear stick, and brake – these can leave them clammy or slippery in your hands.
  • Finally remove any car mats, shake them off, and give them a good vacuum along with the carpet inside your car.

As you can see it’s pretty easy to clean your car at home. The steps are easy when you break them down, and you can burn a decent number of calories while you do it. So, the only question is, who is going to look better, you or the car?

If you want some more car tips, check out our blog: Is premium petrol worth the extra cost?

  1. Calories Burned While Washing A Car – Weight Loss Made Practical

Taking the stress out of making a claim

Posted on by Vavista

Accidents happen, and when they do, the aftermath can be overwhelming. We understand that an accident is stressful enough without the added worry of navigating the claims process. That’s why we’ve designed our claims procedure to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible – taking the stress our of making a claim.

In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step through what to do if you find yourself in an accident. From immediate actions to filing your claim and getting your car back on the road, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to provide the information and reassurance you need to handle the situation with confidence.

Did you know?

Government data indicates that 333,296 road traffic accidents occurred across Great Britain in 2022 [1].

So, what should you do if you’ve had an incident?

Whether it’s a small bump or a more serious collision, having a car accident can be very upsetting. However, there are a few things you can do to be safe and, also gather the right information to make a claim:

  • It’s very important that you report a claim as soon as possible, but when it is safe to do so
  • Remain calm and don’t accept liability at the scene of the incident
  • Exchange details with the other party. Remember to include names, phone numbers and addresses, make, model and registration number of the vehicle, and their insurer details
  • Take down details of any witnesses or police officers that attended the scene
  • Take photos if you can, of all vehicles, damage, the road, and conditions

had an incident?

How do I report a claim quickly and easily?

Well, there are several ways you can report a claim but it’s very important that you do as soon as possible. Even if you don’t intend to make a claim it’s best to report it, especially if someone else is involved.

The Somerset Bridge Limited Claims Team is available to support you 24/7 and you can speak to them by calling 0344 840 9537. If you have your policy details and incident details to hand, this will speed up the process. Don’t worry if you don’t – your address, car registration, etc. will be just as useful.

If easier, you can also report a claim via this link online. Here you can fill in the main details of the incident in a matter of minutes, and one of our claims handlers will call you back ASAP.

So, what happens next?

We understand that making a claim can be stressful and we are committed to providing excellent service, as is our partner company Somerset Bridge Limited, where claims are handled by an experienced claims handler, who will guide you through the process.

Finally, beware of Claims Management Companies (CMCs)!

Be careful when you search for us on the internet. Some companies pretend to be us, and you could end up giving all your details to a Claims Management Company. They may only want to arrange expensive hire cars and refer you to a personal injury solicitor. Their service might sound great, but they might abandon you if your claim isn’t straightforward. Watch out for misleading ads during your internet search, and make sure you’re on the right page or call us on one of the numbers above.

Read our blog on the Top 5 Most Common Car Insurance Claims.

Get a quote for your car insurance today!

[1] UK Accident Report | Compare the Market
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

How to deal with road rage

Posted on by Vavista

Imagine you’re walking along the street and you accidentally walk in front of someone. What generally happens? Assuming either of you even notices, the chances are you’ll apologise and carry on without giving it a second thought. Now picture the same scene in a car. It’s likely that it ends up with you or the other driver gesturing, shouting or sounding their horn, right?

So why is there such a change in our attitudes when we get behind the wheel? There are lots of theories but one thing is certain: it’s a very real problem and it’s getting worse.

In line with our commitment to looking after your health as well as your insurance, here at Vavista we have looked at how to handle road rage starting with actions you can take to avoid it, what to do during a road rage incident, and things you can do afterwards, so you can put it behind you and avoid the harmful stress that it generates.

If you suffer from road rage

Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey: Road rage is caused by anxiety, so knowing where you’re going and how you’re going to get there removes uncertainty. This in turn can prevent drivers feeling tense and minimises the chances of them becoming aggressive.

Be forgiving: Cut other drivers a little slack. We are all human and all make mistakes at the wheel. Their behaviour might be irritating, but are you going to change it or make the situation better by getting wound up? Probably not, so it’s best to chill out.

It’s nothing personal: That driver who’s doing 20mph in a 40 zone? Maybe looking for an address. The other one who’s driving too close behind you? Maybe they’re late for a life-changing meeting. Again, we have probably been in that situation ourselves and it’s nothing against you personally, so relax.

What to do during a road rage incident

How to drive: If someone’s driving aggressively behind you, just find a safe place to pull over and let them go. Don’t inflame the situation by braking suddenly or stubbornly maintaining your position in your lane.

How to act: If someone does display road rage try apologising, even if it’s not your fault: there’s a very good chance it will pacify the other person and could prevent the situation escalating to a confrontation.

If they get out of their car to remonstrate with you, ignore them. Don’t be tempted to unlock your door or open a window to remonstrate back. Don’t make eye contact or react in any way that they can see.

What to do: If the other driver follows you, drive to a well-populated area like a petrol station. They’ll have CCTV cameras which gives you time to call for help and wait for the police from the safety of your car while being observed on camera.

Is it you? If road rage keeps happening to you, it might be down to the way you drive. Maybe you’re overly assertive or have fallen into some bad driving habits that wind others up, like not indicating. If it’s happening often, think about how you engage with other road users, or take a refresher driving course.

What to do afterwards

Feeling a bit shaken up? pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can and take a quick walk to burn off some of the adrenaline that’s coursing through your system. Maybe call a friend and talk about it if you can.

Distract yourself: listen to the radio so you can move your mind onto something else and not dwell on the incident.

Could someone else be at risk? If you feel the other driver was overly aggressive, consider reporting the matter to the police.

Reflect on the experience: Try to understand how it happened and what you could do differently? Was your driving to blame? Did you inflame the situation at all? Was there anything you could have done differently?

 

Keyless theft is on the rise!

Posted on by Vavista

Cars stolen via keyless theft are on the rise, but what exactly is keyless theft? Can you protect yourself against it? Vavista has the answers.

What is keyless theft?

The way criminals steal a car via keyless theft is actually quite simple. First, they buy a relay amplifier and transmitter; these electronic devices are available from the darker corners of the internet.

Next, they look for a house with a nice car outside and can detect if the car has a keyless entry and go system (i.e. you press the key fob to unlock the car, and have a start button instead of an older style key start).

The transmitter is held by the car, while the amplifier is waved near the house. If the car key is close enough the amplifier will detect its signal, amplify it and send it to the transmitter. This transmitter effectively becomes the key, and tricks the car into thinking the real key is nearby.

So the thieves simply open the car, get in, and drive away. The whole thing can take under a minute in near silence, and as the engine won’t cut out when the key is out of range, there is little to stop them.

Did you know?

Recent years have seen a spike in vehicle theft, with the last five years witnessing a 48% increase in the number of cars being stolen. Part of this is due to the rising popularity of keyless entry and go systems.

Research by a German motoring organisation found of 237 keyless systems tested, only three could completely fend off keyless attacks – the latest models of the Discovery, Range Rover, and Jaguar i-Pace. Of the UK’s top-selling cars, only the Vauxhall Corsa was deemed safe – it is not actually available with keyless entry and ignition.

How can I protect my car?

Keyless theft almost sounds like there is nothing you can do to stop it, but there are several steps you can take to minimise the chances of it happening to you;

Do the easy stuff – simple old fashion methods still have their place, so don’t forget to ensure your car is properly locked. Keeping your keys far away from doors and windows can minimise the chances of your key’s signal being scanned, and is generally good practice as it can prevent thieves from breaking in and taking them along with your car.

Go old school – Aftermarket devices such as steering wheel locks; a driveway parking post; or even a wheel clamp still have their place. Scanning your keys is no use if the thieves can’t drive the car away.

Add a tracking device – Tracker states that vehicles fitted with its tech have a 96 percent recovery rate when stolen. Not only is a tracker an excellent deterrent, but if the worst happens there is a far better chance your car can be recovered.

Buy a signal-blocking pouch – a signal blocking or Faraday pouch is made of signal-blocking materials that stop your key transmitting its security code. Keep your key in one of these and is can stop thieves from detecting and amplifying its signal.

Is there anything more you can do?

Ensure your car has the latest software updates. Car manufacturers are working on countermeasures to combat keyless theft, with new frequency technologies, software and keys among the developments taking place. Having the latest software can help protect your car.

Finally, remain vigilant for unusual activity in your area and keep your neighbours, and if necessary the police, informed.

The best driving roads in the UK

Posted on by Vavista

When you think of best driving roads you probably think of driving through the coast of Italy, the Pacific Coast Highway in California, or the stunning scenery of the Swiss alps. But you can find some great driving roads much closer to home right here in the UK. Here at Vavista we’ve found you our 10 favourites for (responsibly) putting your foot down….

Red Truck on Serpentine Road Among Green Landscape of Peak District National Park in UK

Did you know?

The Department of Transport has estimated the UK’s road network to be 250,000 miles in length. If you could drive them all at the UK speed limit it would take you almost 150 days of non-stop motoring to cover them all.

Unidentified car driving on a road going through Scottish Highlands

 

Our 10 driving roads in the UK

HORNCASTLE TO LOUTH:

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the A153 is a winding 13-mile journey connecting the market towns of Horncastle and Louth in the Lincolnshire Wolds and a true delight to drive.

CAT AND FIDDLE:

The Cat and Fiddle is named after the pub at the summit of the A54 – A537 from Buxton to Macclesfield, and must be the most famous road around the Peak District; particularly for bikers.

FORRES TO ALFORD:

This is a great driving road with bends almost all the way and vistas in all directions. It runs through the Cairngorms National Park and Strathdon or the alternative route over the Cairnwell into Glenshee. The route stretches either 82 miles, or 110 miles if you take the alternative Forres to Blairgowrie road. A joy no matter which route you take.

BLACK MOUNTAIN PASS:

Possibly the best road in Wales, this route wrinkles over the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons: the A4069 connects Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen in Wales. Watch out for stray sheep and sudden hairpins!

THE LLANBERIS PASS:

The A4086 takes you from the village of Capel Curig, to the Royal Town of Caernarfon, past the Glyderau and one of Britain’s most famous mountains; Mount Snowdon!

GLASGOW TO FORT WILLIAM:

If you want to drive the shores of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, you need the A82 in your life! It is probably the most important trunk route serving the West Highlands of Scotland, and the route includes pieces of road first built in the 1750s.

ABERYSTWYTH TO LLANGURIG:

Running through some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales, the A44 is a 25 mile stretch running from the seaside town of Aberystwyth to the small village of Llangurig. Spectacular!

THE SNAKE PASS:

Often driven in conjunction with the “Cat and Fiddle”, The Snake Pass was listed as one of the best driving roads by Auto Trader magazine in 2009 and is the name of the A57 road where it crosses the Peak District between Manchester and Sheffield. The name usually refers to the section between Glossop and Ladybower reservoir and at its highest point, it is 512 metres (1679 feet) above sea level.

ST IVES TO ST JUST:   

If 13 miles of sweeping bends, short straights and tight turns is your thing, the B3306 from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall is among the South West’s finest. The views aren’t too bad either!

THE CHEDDAR GORGE:

Another great driving road situated in the West Country is a route that incorporates the amazing Cheddar Gorge. This road is just 10 miles south-west of historic city of Bristol, and 8 miles east of the seaside favourite Weston-Super-Mare.

 

beautiful asphalt road in green valley, travel concept, summer l

Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

5 Tips for Cheaper Motoring

Posted on by Vavista

Running a car isn’t cheap. Even if you buy an economical car, the cost of fuel, tax, insurance, MOTs, etc. can soon run into the thousands.

In fact, one survey revealed that it costs on average £3406.80 a year to run a car in Britain. Or if your car is on finance, you could be forking out £5744.40 a year. [1] But little changes can equal big savings.

So we have put together 5 Tips for Cheaper Motoring, see if you can put any of these in place to save some cash.

Did you know?

Over a third of cars fail their MOT first time! But there are easy checks, outlined below, you can do to avoid the most common failures.

How can I save?

  1. Avoid an obvious MOT fail by checking for the three most common faults below:

  • Are all your bulbs working? These are easy to change, and a lot of shops where you buy motor bulbs will do this for you if you ask.
  • Check your tyres, are they inflated to the correct pressure? And are the treads legal? You can find some useful guidance on the standards they need to meet here.
  • Are your lights clean? Buff them before you send your vehicle to the garage, as this can be a fail.
  • Are your windscreen wipers working properly? Again, they can be easily replaced at a motor shops.

  1. Don’t assume third party insurance is cheapest.

    Traditionally, third party insurance (or third party, fire, and theft) always used to be the cheapest way to insure your car. But bizarrely, this isn’t always the case: in a lot of circumstances someone who insures their car fully comp is considered a better risk. Our tip – next time you are insuring take a look at both options and decide which is best for your needs.

  2. Earn cashback on petrol and diesel.

    Fuel in your car is one of the biggest household monthly expenses after a mortgage and food shopping. So it makes sense to pay for this on a debit or credit card that gives you cashback. There are a lot of well known websites which highlight the best deals. Our tip – remember always pay the balance back in full or the interest will offset any cashback you might earn!

  3. Don’t risk losing your car, tax it!

    Since the tax disc was abolished, the number of cars that are untaxed has tripled to over 750,000 [2]. Whether this is people forgetting as they don’t have the permanent reminder in the windscreen, or just not paying, it’s a £1,000 fine. Our tip – make sure you use the DVLA website and not a third party, which looks the similar but can charge up to £100 to do the same thing.

  4. Putting premium fuel in a standard car? Forget it!

    You’ve seen it at the pump, high performance or cleaner fuel, which is slightly more expensive. Unless you have a high performance or a sports car where this type of fuel is recommended, forget it. Even the AA says that pricey fuel is not needed for your standard family saloon. Our tip – ditch it. If you do feel you need it, just fill up with performance fuel every 4th or 5th tank to maintain the savings.

 

If you are trying to save money, why not get a quote from us here at Vavista and see if you can save?

References: 

[1] What Is The Cost Of Owning A Car In The UK? (nerdwallet.com)

[2] Tax disc: Car tax evasion triples after paper version scrapped – BBC News

Driving Abroad

Posted on by Vavista

Embarking on a journey across Europe? Whether you’re planning a scenic drive through the Italian countryside, a beach holiday in Spain, or a wine-tasting tour in France, ensuring your trip is both safe and compliant with local regulations is paramount.

Here at Vavista, we’ve got you covered with essential tips to make your European road trip a breeze…

Traffic in Europe

Did you know?

While many European Union countries adhere to the same driving regulations, there are distinctions in laws such as speed limits and mandatory equipment. It’s prudent to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of your destination.  A recent study showed that 15% of people questioned, admitted to driving in Europe without this equipment [1].

The RAC provides helpful checklists for various countries, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your journey.

Person enjoying the scenery whilst driving abroad

What do you need to drive abroad?

Ensure you have the necessary documents on hand, including:
  • Valid comprehensive car insurance, and check if an international driving permit is necessary
  • National insurance number
  • Proof of vehicle insurance, valid tax, and MOT for the duration of your trip
  • Valid identification (typically a driving license, though some countries may require a passport)
  • V5C car registration document and travel insurance documents, including EU cover
  • Travel insurance documents
  • European Breakdown cover policy details

Adjust your headlights to comply with local regulations. Specific beam deflectors are available at reputable motoring stores, such as Halfords.

Carry essential safety equipment, including:

Keep emergency contact details in your passport and share your itinerary with someone. Additionally, carry extra funds for unforeseen circumstances, including a mix of currency and traveller’s cheques (remember to record the cheque numbers)/pre-paid debit cards.

British Passport

We also recommend assembling a comprehensive driving/travel kit, including:
  • Refreshments and plenty of water
  • Replacement bulbs, engine oil, and water (check these before traveling and monitor throughout your journey)
  • Fire extinguisher and spare fuel can
  • Sunscreen, refreshments, a blanket, and a torch
  • Satnav or spare maps
  • Entertainment for passengers, such as games for children
  • Extra medication you may require, as it may not be readily available abroad

Someone reading a map whilst driving abroad

Most of these items are either already in your possession or easily obtainable at minimal cost. Remember, it’s better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

Enjoyed this blog?  Check out our tips for Healthy Road Trip Habits.

Wishing you safe travels and enjoyable driving experiences!  Make sure you’re properly insured, get a quote today!

[1] Driving Instructors Association
Disclaimer: Articles are for general information only – customers should always seek their own independent advice. Vavista is not affiliated with the organisations/businesses mentioned and does not recommend or endorse any of the included products or services. For more information, click here.

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas Opening Hours

Date Claims Team Sales & Customer
Service Team
Mon 23rd Dec 9am – 5:30pm 9am - 7pm
Christmas Eve 9am – 12:45pm 9am - 4pm
Christmas Day CLOSED CLOSED
Boxing Day CLOSED CLOSED
Fri 27th Dec 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 7pm
Sat 28th Dec 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 6pm
Sun 29th Dec 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 4pm
Mon 30th Dec 9am – 5:30pm 9am – 7pm
New Year’s Eve 9am – 12:45pm 9am – 4pm
New Year’s Day CLOSED CLOSED
2nd – 3rd Jan 9am – 5:30pm 9am - 7pm

  1. Date

  2. 23rd Dec
  3. Christmas Eve
  4. Christmas Day
  5. Boxing Day
  6. 27th Dec
  7. 28th Dec
  8. 29th Dec
  9. 30th Dec
  10. New Year’s Eve
  11. New Year’s Day
  12. 2nd – 3rd Jan

  1. Claims Team

  2. 9am – 5:30pm
  3. 9am – 12:45pm
  4. CLOSED
  5. CLOSED
  6. 9am – 5:30pm
  7. 9am – 5:30pm
  8. 9am – 5:30pm
  9. 9am – 5:30pm
  10. 9am – 12:45pm
  11. CLOSED
  12. 9am – 5:30pm
  1. Sales & Customer
    Service Team
  2. 9am - 7pm
  3. 9am - 4pm
  4. CLOSED
  5. CLOSED
  6. 9am - 7pm
  7. 9am - 6pm
  8. 9am - 4pm
  9. 9am - 7pm
  10. 9am - 4pm
  11. CLOSED
  12. 9am - 7pm

Which customer portal would you like access to

As you may have seen in the press Debenhams brand was recently acquired by another retailer. You can find out morehere

Or