BLOG: Covid-19 and Motorists Essentials
The Coronavirus affects the Car industry & Motorists. Here are the Essentials:
The world has been made aware in a sudden fashion- capitalising is usually the aim, but in this case, we cannot be out buying: instead we keep safe. Excellent news though- you can still buy a car online. Doing this digitally is not so different. Find your new car & let it sell itself to you.
Amidst the effort to curb the virus, a second lockdown has been put in place- from 4 November to the 2 December. This means travelling must be essential. You have two options for travel: The car or the train.
Buying cars online offers an advantage. No hassle of meeting salesmen, no walking around various showrooms to make sure the car meets your needs. It's quite easy.
This article will tell Motorists exactly what you need to know, in this second Covid-19 Lockdown:
A Pro to the Fiasco
Another pro to this year is the fact that cars have become increasingly wanted, as opposed to public transport. The risk of close encounters with C-19 sending them towards the option of contract or purchased cars. People are seeking an asset without the risk of buying. Therefore contract hire is a highly attractive option for travel.
Digital Sellers
Ford, Kia, Darcia and Jaguar already allow you to buy a car on their website, the deal is done swiftly with online selection, payment and an arranged delivery. Due to lockdown Number 2, this is the current safest way to buy your car. The status of the motor industry and car buyers remains the same as it has always been.
NHS Advice - What to do
Dealerships and businesses were forced to close in June, but online, the business continued. This may happen again, but not to worry. You can have it delivered to your home, or pick it up from our premises. This is officially classed as contactless payment, or collection from a showroom. If you don't feel like dealing with unwanted contact, this could be your better option.
Petrol Station Caution
Fuel nozzles are not able to be cleaned after each use, therefore posing a virus threat. Motorists are being urged to wear gloves when they top up on petrol. It's a smart idea to be extra careful at fuel pumps and paying, as the virus can live on surfaces. The main advice given is to use gloves, and wash your hands as quickly and thoroughly as you can afterwards. Various petrol stations have stated that cleaning service organisations are prioritising the NHS facilities which of course, is needed. This means making sure the fuel pumps are cleaned after use by either staff or ourselves when handling the fuel pump, gloves are worn, and wear a mask when paying at the station.
This has had a trigger effect on some fuel stations deciding to only accept card payment, but this will very likely not be ruled the modus for all stations due to the unrealistic statistics that not all motorists carry card payment on them.
Thinking of Your Finances
There are some advantages if you look for them. While it's easy to worry about money, employees in the dealership sector should be paid by the Retention Scheme the Government is re-introducing. Working from home should also prove to save money by travel expenses not taken.
MOT Services
No need to worry about servicing, garages and MoT services will remain open featuring similar safety guidelines. It's widely expected that garages and service centres will remain open.
DPF Advice
The terms of Lockdown 2 are likely to mean that motorists will not use cars as frequently, make smaller trips. The only trips you can make are for exercise, medicine, and food. Extra details are yet to be made clearer by official government guidelines. One rule though: avoid travelling out of your local neighbourhood.
The Impact on Car Leasing
Contact your lender quickly if you require help for your vehicle, if you experience financial issues. It's possible assistance or holiday plans may be available to you.
Driving Lessons Suspended
Lessons & tests are set to be suspended during lockdown. The DVSA (The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) have confirmed this. So if you are a current learner, think about suspending your time out and about just for these few weeks.
Car Road Safety
During lockdown, you may want to consider getting SORN, this means you can apply for a Statutory off the Road Notice. You can take your car off the road. No road fines or letters will be sent from the DVLA for not taxing your car, until you decide to put your car back on the road.
Car Insurance
Young drivers may be in luck with their monthly insurance pay-out. The virus could reap a benefit, as car insurance premiums could decrease.
If you are Furloughed
Head of Motor at Comparethemarket.co, D. Hutson, informed Driving.co.uk told them something all Motorists will want to hear ‘Insurance premiums are likely to go down in concert with the number of claims'.
Decreasing your premium is the aim. Is working from home in your near future? Or furlough/leave? A smart idea would be to contact your provider- asking if you could get a reduction. If your commute has been cut, then why not try?
Do you Need a Fresh Engine Filter?
What we all need- but what is this? Loose dust and dirt can easily fall into this filter overtime, making it paramount that you either replace or clean it. It is designed to take air directly into the centre of the engine, so just taking immense care of your lungs, the engine filter is needed for your car to breathe- so to speak.