What are the big NO’s when intersection traffic lights are not working?
We would like to share the above mail shot sent by Arrive Alive road safety partner Eqstra to their clients!
Google backs weather insurance startup
Google on Monday was among investors pumping $42 million into a climate change inspired technology startup that calculates the chances of crops being ruined by weather.
WeatherBill launched Total Weather Insurance in 2010 as a way for US farmers to protect themselves against being devastated by weather, which the US Department of Agriculture blamed for 90 percent of crop losses last year.
“The flip flop of weather from one year to the next is the biggest challenge farmers face,” said Steve Wolters, a farmer who grows corn, soybean and wheat in the US state of Ohio. “It makes sense to me to take advantage of WeatherBill’s automated weather insurance programs that pinpoint the weather conditions expected to affect my land and pay me if they happen.”
WeatherBill continuously aggregates weather data and runs large-scale weather simulations on its computers.
The automated system lets farmers or others customize insurance policies to the amount of rain or seasonal temperatures they need for fields to flourish. Policies are paid out if the weather doesn’t measure up to specified standards.
Those taking part in the startup’s second round of funding with Google Ventures included Khosla Ventures, First Round Capital, Index Ventures, and Allen & Company. Total investment in the compa
Before Heading to Newly Re-Opened Egypt Tourist Sites, Invest in Trip Cancellation Insurance
While everyone has paid close attention to the events unfolding in Egypt over the past few weeks, you may have missed the news that many of Egypt’s tourist-focused attractions are again open. While the attractions of Egypt are certainly amazing and of great historical importance, traveling to the country for sightseeing is likely not at the forefront of most tourists’ agenda. However, if you are in fact interested int planning a trip to the country soon, be sure to buy trip cancellation insurance before heading out.
According to CNN.com, Zani Hawass, Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities, has announced his desire for tourists to add Egypt to their list of destinations once again in the near future. Read more…
Big Brother vehicle telematics can deliver cheaper car insurance premiums
The car insurance industry is highly competitive and it is a constant battle to deliver affordable insurance products whilst also focusing on risk. More and more insurers are looking at vehicle and insurance telematics as a way to better evaluate risks – and are rewarding those drivers who drive safely in an effort to avoid incurring claims risks.
We have discussed on the car insurance blog the terms Pay As You Drive, Usage based insurance etc. W
Gender discrimination for pension annuities and motor insurance premiums
Millions of men approaching retirement could be left thousands of pounds worse off if a European court rules on 1 March that insurance companies can no longer use gender to calculate annuity rates and insurance premiums.
Young women drivers will also be hit hard if “gender discrimination” is ruled illegal. An Association of British Insurers research paper claims some under-25s may face motor insurance increases of between 50% and 60% almost overnight – which could translate into an extra £500-£1,000 a year.
Many in the UK insurance industry believe it is likely the European court of justice (ECJ) will ban insurers from taking a person’s sex into account when setting premiums. Such a ru
Do I have to keep the yellow reflective tape on my minibus?
Question:
I hope we can get some clarity on these issues. We are an NGO with an education component where children are transported in our recently acquired Mercedes Sprinter 21 seater bus. We need the following questions answered please:
1) does this passenger bus require reflective tape around the whole vehicle? (bearing in mind transport is not for profit); We wish to place vehicle logos on the car, but are unsure of whether we can place these over the reflective tape;
2) apart from the driver having a PDP, code 10 and our NGO having pblic liability insurance in case of an accident, what OTHER lawful requirement are there for us transporting children?
Answer:
Yes in terms of the legislation your vehicle is a bus and needs yellow contour markings on the rear and side.
Entry Procedure Reminder for UK visitors
If it’s your first time visiting the U.S., or it’s been a while since your last trip, don’t forget the steps you need to take to enter the country. Making sure you’re up-to-date with the current requirements for non-U.S. citizens from the UK travelling to the United States will avoid any pre-flight panics.
UK visitors must apply online for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/). ESTA was introduced in 2009 and is obligatory for travelers under the ‘visa waiver’ program. As of 2010, you need to pay a fee using a credit card when applying for the ESTA.
If you don’t have a valid ESTA you won’t be able to board your flight to the U.S. – claiming igno