UK Motoring & Travel Guides
Your complete resource for advice on fuel, EVs, insurance, maintenance and more.
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Petrol vs. Diesel Cars
Petrol Advantages:
- Cheaper to purchase
- No Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues
- Smoother & quieter engines
- Generally lower maintenance costs
Diesel Advantages:
- Better fuel economy (MPG)
- Ideal for long motorway journeys
- Higher torque, good for towing
- Lower CO2 emissions
Guide to Electric & Hybrid Cars
Considering the switch from petrol or diesel? Here's a look at the pros and cons of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Advantages:
- Lower running costs (electricity vs fuel)
- Zero tailpipe emissions (for pure EVs)
- Exempt from ULEZ/Clean Air Zone charges
- Quiet and smooth to drive
- Government grants may be available
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial purchase price
- Range anxiety and reliance on chargers
- Charging can take a long time
- Battery production has environmental impact
How to Improve Fuel Economy
Get more miles from every litre with these simple tips:
- Check Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase drag. Check them monthly.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh braking and rapid acceleration. Anticipate the road ahead.
- Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your boot or car.
- Limit Air-Con Use: Air conditioning uses engine power and increases fuel consumption.
- Remove Roof Racks: Take off roof racks and boxes when not in use to reduce wind resistance.
Car Insurance Explained
Understanding car insurance can save you hundreds. Here are the key things to know:
- Types of Cover: Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Third Party Only.
- No Claims Bonus (NCB): A discount on your premium for each year you go without making a claim.
- Voluntary Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess can lower your premium, but make sure it's affordable.
- Telematics (Black Box): Often used for young drivers, this tracks your driving to base premiums on your actual behaviour.
Travel Insurance
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Had to cancel your holiday? Lost your luggage? Suffered an accident abroad or fallen ill? A single trip policy can provide peace of mind for a specific holiday.
- Trip cancellation & curtailment cover
- 24/7 medical assistance
- £20,000,000 Emergency Medical expenses Cover
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
If you travel often, an annual policy can offer great value and convenience, covering you for multiple trips throughout the year.
- Up to £20,000,000 for emergency medical expenses
- Cover for lost or stolen baggage and personal money
- Personal Accident & Personal Liability cover
Business Travel Insurance
Specialised cover for when you are travelling for work, ensuring you and your business equipment are protected against unforeseen circumstances.
Get a QuoteWinter Sports and Ski Insurance
With medical costs escalating, it pays to ensure you have the right cover for your ski or snowboarding holiday.
- On and off-piste activities including heli-skiing
- Mountain search and rescue expenses
- Piste closure & cover for ski equipment
- Medical treatment and repatriation to the UK
Guide to Breakdown Cover
A breakdown can be stressful and costly without cover. Modern cars are reliable, but being prepared is essential.
Already Covered?
Before purchasing, check if your bank account, car manufacturer, or insurance policy already includes breakdown cover.
Types of Breakdown Cover
UK Breakdown Cover
The most common policy type, providing assistance anywhere in the UK. You can choose to cover a specific vehicle (and any driver) or a specific person (in any vehicle). Includes options for roadside assistance, national recovery, and help at home.
- Covers cars up to 16 years old.
- Unlimited call-outs during the policy term.
- Options for Homestart, Onward Journey, and overnight accommodation.
European Breakdown Cover
Essential for driving abroad. These policies provide multilingual claims handlers to assist you with roadside assistance and recovery to a local garage in most European countries.
- Annual policies cover vehicles up to 9 years old.
- Single trip policies cover vehicles up to 13 years old.
- Covers up to 60 days of travel per year (max 31 days per trip).
Van Breakdown Cover
Specialised cover for light commercial vehicles, crucial for professionals who rely on their van for work. Ensures you can get back on the road and minimise disruption to your customers.
- Covers vans up to 3500kg, 5.18m long, and 2.44m high.
- 24/7, 365-day helpline.
- Includes a message relay service to inform your clients of delays.
Motorcycle Breakdown Cover
Tailored assistance for motorcyclists, whether you're commuting or touring. Covers a wide range of issues from flat batteries to running out of fuel.
- Covers motorbikes with engines over 120cc.
- Assistance available anywhere in the UK and throughout Europe.
- Choose from different levels of cover, including Homestart.
Fleet & Commercial Breakdown Cover
Ideal for businesses running multiple vehicles. Provides cover for fleets of any size, consisting of cars, motorcycles, or light vans, ensuring your business operations keep moving.
- Covers fleets of any size (cars, bikes over 120cc, light vans).
- Vehicle size limits apply (under 3500kg, 5.18m length).
- Quick quotes based on a list of vehicle registrations.
Car Parts
High Quality Car Parts For A Wide Range Of Makes & Models - Offered At The Lowest Prices.
Understanding Fuel Costs
The price you pay at the pumps is influenced by various factors:
- Global crude oil prices & exchange rates
- Distribution expenses & retailer profit margins
- Fuel duty (a fixed tax, currently 52.95p per litre) & VAT (20%)
Local competition is the main reason prices vary by location—areas with more supermarkets often have cheaper fuel.
Fuel Cards Explained
Fuel cards offer an efficient way for businesses to manage petrol and diesel expenses. They work like a credit card for fuel, providing itemised billing, potential discounts, and enhanced security for company vehicles.
Our detailed guide answers common questions about how they work, who can get one, and whether they are a worthwhile option for your business.
Read the Full Guide on Fuel CardsBasic Car Maintenance Checks
Regular checks can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Here's what to keep an eye on:
- Fluids: Regularly check your engine oil, coolant, and screenwash levels.
- Tyres: Check pressure and look for wear and tear. Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
- Lights: Walk around your car and check that all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights) are working.
- Wipers: Check for any splits or damage to the rubber on your windscreen wipers.
MOT Guides
Ensure your vehicle passes its MOT with our detailed guides on common pitfalls and vehicle reliability.
Lost and Stolen Car Keys
Stolen Keys:
- Park your car away from your home
- Use a steering wheel lock
- Contact the police immediately
- Keep house and car keys separate
Lost Keys:
- Consider using a key tracker like Tile
- Check insurance policies for key replacement
- Get spare keys cut by reputable services
Other Driving Topics
Misfuelling
Put the wrong fuel in? Do NOT start the engine. Petrol in a diesel car is more damaging. You'll need to have the tank drained professionally.
E10 Petrol Explained
E10 is the standard unleaded petrol, containing up to 10% bioethanol. Most cars made after 2011 are compatible, but it may slightly reduce fuel economy.
Smart Motorways
These use technology to manage traffic flow. Always obey the overhead signs and never drive in a lane with a red "X".
Top 10 Car Essentials
- High-visibility jacket & warning triangle
- Torch with spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Water and non-perishable food
- Blanket for cold weather
- Physical road map (as a backup)
- Ice scraper and de-icer (in winter)
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Copy of insurance details
- Fully charged phone & power bank
Airport, Port & City Parking
Pre-booking your car parking in advance can save you up to 60%. BCP has been an airport parking specialist since 1978, helping over a million customers a year find the right parking option.
Home & Boiler Protection
Boiler Cover
Protect your home and family from the cold with specialist boiler and heating cover. Avoid unexpected, costly repair bills and enjoy peace of mind with a reliable, nationwide network of engineers.
Find Out MoreHome Cover
Get complete protection for your entire home. Our comprehensive cover includes your boiler and heating, plus plumbing, electrics, pest control, and much more, ensuring your home runs smoothly.
Find Out MoreLandlord Boiler Cover
Safeguard your rental properties and keep your tenants happy with our comprehensive landlord boiler cover. Ensure you meet your legal obligations and protect your investment from unexpected heating breakdowns.
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