Category: Blog

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Breakdowns are a nuisance for every driver, but there’s no escaping them. No matter how new or well-maintained the car is, it can break down.

If your car doesn’t start or breaks down on the side of the road, you should ring your insurer, as most will have a breakdown assistance team to assist you back on the road.

If you’re with KennCo Insurance, then breakdown assistance comes with all of our car insurance policies.

What Does KennCo’s Breakdown Assistance Include?

• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Recovery Service
• Get-you-to-your-destination Service
• Message Relay
• Home-Start

Who Should I Call if I Breakdown?

24-Hour Breakdown Assistance Number: 01 499 8316

What Details Do I Need?

Please have the following information at hand before you call:

• Policyholders’ name
• Policy number and car registration number
• Make, model and colour of your car
• Location of breakdown
• Contact phone number

Your breakdown assistance only covers repair work from one of our approved agencies. You must call KennCo so they can arrange for your vehicle to be fixed.

What Should I Do If I Breakdown?

• If you can, pull off the road and park in a safe place
• Turn on your hazard warning lights
• Put a warning triangle on the road 45m behind your broken-down vehicle
• Lock the doors and call for help on either your phone or a nearby payphone

Breakdown Advice

The following is advice if you have broken down in any of these areas.

Remote Area Breakdown

It may be scary and lonely if you break down in a remote area away from people, and it is a lot safer than you think.

You should do this:

• Call your insurance provider to send help to your location
• Call a friend/family member who can come and wait with you
• Stay in the car and wait for the breakdown assistance. Lock the doors if it makes you feel safer
• Switch on hazard lights

City Area Breakdown

When you break down in a city, it can be stressful. You may be obstructing other drivers or delaying road users.

You should do this:

Get your car into a safe spot away from others

• If causing an obstruction, put on your hazard lights
• Call your insurance provider for help
• Call a family member/friend and let them know where you are
• Show others you have broken down by opening the bonnet. Otherwise, people may think you’ve stopped for a call

Motorway Breakdown

Busy roads are the most dangerous to be stranded, so you must try to follow these steps.

You should do this:

• Pull onto the hard shoulder
• Turn your front wheels towards the hard shoulder
• Stop near an emergency phone if possible
• Get out on the passenger side of the car
• Keep passengers or pets away from the motorway
• Walk to an emergency phone if you can. These phone calls are directed to the police, who can find where you are. It is advised to use these over the phone if you can
• Place a warning triangle 45m behind your broken-down car
• Wait outside the car behind a barer if there is one there

Have you ever experienced a car breakdown?

Car Breakdown FAQs

What should I do if my car breaks down on the road?
If your car breaks down on the road, the first thing you should do is move your car off the road, if possible, to a safe location. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Can I leave my car if it breaks down?
It is generally not a good idea to leave your car if it breaks down, especially if it is on the side of a busy road. If you must leave your car, lock it and take any valuable items. If you cannot safely leave your car, it is best to stay with it until help arrives.

What should I do if I break down in a remote area?
If you break down in a remote area, try to remain calm and assess the situation. If you have a phone with you, try to call for help. If you do not have phone service, try to find a way to attract attention, such as using reflective materials or a flashlight to signal for help. If you are unable to get help, it may be necessary to try to walk to a nearby location for assistance.

What should I do if my car breaks down and I am stranded in bad weather?
If your car breaks down and you are stranded in bad weather, try to stay with your car if possible. Run the engine and heater for short periods of time to stay warm, but be sure to crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If you have a blanket or other warm materials, use them to keep yourself warm. If you must leave your car, dress in layers and seek shelter from the elements.

Get a car insurance quote here.

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First Cars in Ireland

Until 1898, there were no cars in Ireland. The first car imported into Ireland was a Benz Velo which arrived in 1898. Cars were costly, and in 1904, only 38 motor vehicles were registered. This had risen to 5,058 by 1911 and 19,554 in 1914. This also increased the number of petrol dealers in the country, which doubled between 1901-1914.

In 1917 Henry Ford established Henry Ford & Son Ltd. It began as a private venture and later became a division of the Ford Motor Company. Ford had over 7000 employees in Cork by 1930 and continued manufacturing vehicles in Cork until 1984.

The introduction of the Motor Car to Irish roads led to an increase in the number of fatalities. In 1914 there were 110 fatalities on our roads. 47 by Horse-drawn vehicles, 53 by motor vehicles and 8 involved bicycles.

Motor Legislation

In 1903, legislation made it compulsory for car drivers to hold a licence. Owners also had to register their cars with the country council. The Motor Car Act of 1903 (UK legislation which would have been operative in Ireland) also introduced the crime of reckless driving and imposed penalties. The qualifying age to drive a motor car was 17, and 14 to drive a motorcycle. A driver didn’t have to do a test, but they had to buy a license from the county council for 5 shillings.

On public highways, speed limits were raised to 20mph. Previously they had been 14 mph under the Locomotives and Highways Act of 1896. Up to this point, there was still no requirement to have an Insurance Policy on your motor car or motorcycle. It was not until 1933 that the state introduced legislation which stated that vehicles had to have some form of Insurance in place. The 1933 Act required that all drivers of mechanically propelled vehicles in public places to at least have third-party Insurance or to have obtained an exemption (by depositing a large sum of money with the High Court as a guarantee against any possible claims). The then Minister for local government and health, Sean T O’Kelly, introduced The Road Traffic Act of 1933.

Road Structure

With all of the extra vehicles, there was also a need to improve the road infrastructure and the quality. Up to the early 1900s, most roads were built to facilitate horse-drawn carriages and mail coaches. In 1831. The Board of Public Works was set up to build roads and bridges. A road board was established in 1909 to improve roads. A motor fuel tax and a licence duty on cars initially funded this. The money raised from this duty paid for improvements to road surfaces.

According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in 2021, there were 1,881,700 motor vehicles licensed in Ireland. Of these, 1,739,300 were private cars, 76,400 were goods vehicles, and 66,000 were buses. Thanks to EU funding, our road network includes more than 1100km of motorways and 5300km of National Primary Roads. The following link gives the CSO statistics of vehicles registered by county in both 1915 and 2014. www.cso.ie

What type of car do you currently drive?

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Thieves have gotten very smart in recent years, with smart keys becoming a big problem for many drivers. Thieves are using these smart keys to steal vehicles, then switching out the license plates to avoid theft detection. So how do you keep your car safe from theft? You should be taking preventive measures to secure your car. Here are some tips on how to keep your car safe.

1. Always Lock Your Doors

Get in the habit of checking if your car doors are locked before leaving your car. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to lock their car doors when we’re in a rush, i.e. to get to work. This is what a thief wants. You should always ensure that all windows are up as well, as this will provide even more opportunities for thieves.

2. Remove Your Keys

If you’re leaving your car at all, never leave your keys in the ignition. Often we see cars with no driver in them, and the engine is running. In this situation, thieves don’t have to go through too much trouble to steal the vehicle. Even if they don’t steal it in that moment, if a thief notices your car is lying idle, they may mark it for future theft.

3. Park in a Safe Spot 

It may be convenient when you’re in a rush to park your car in any available location, however it is always important to think about where you leave your car, so it’s not in a vulnerable spot. The following are a few tips to avoid parking in dangerous areas:

• Don’t park in dark car parks or in spots near trees. You should look for well-lit spaces where thieves are less likely to rob your car and belongings due to having nowhere to hide. If you have to park in these dangerous areas, make sure that there’s CCTV in the area.
• If you’re parking your car in your own driveway, you should park facing the wall or garage and put your wheels on full lock. Thieves are after easy targets, so often they won’t take the risk reversing or making complex maneuvers for fear of being caught.

4. Don’t Leave Your Belongings On Display

The worst thing you can do is leave your valued belongings on display in your vehicle. Wallets, phones, and money can all attract thieves. If you must leave belongings in your vehicle, then store them in a safe location such as your glove box or in a boot. 

You should also not leave any paperwork lying around in your vehicle. If you’re vehicle gets stolen, thieves can use bank statements and important documents to possibly steal your identity. Identity theft is a massive issue. Try not to leave secure documents in your vehicle, but store them somewhere safe if you have to.  

5. Improve Your Security

Most modern cars are fitted with alarms and immobilisers, but you should take extra steps to keep your car secure. There are plenty of options to choose from, which include:

• Tracking devices. New high-end cars such as Mercedes already have anti-theft software installed, but if you’re driving an older car, you might consider investing in a tracking device. If your vehicle is stolen, the Gardaí will be able to see its exact location and hopefully recover your car in one piece.  
• Steering wheel locks. The more challenging you make it for thieves to steal your vehicle, the more the risk of having your vehicle stolen decreases. These locks are fitted over your steering wheel and lock it in place. You can also see from the outside that the steering wheel has been locked, which hopefully will be a deterrent for potential thieves. 
• Window Decals. Another possible protective measure to take is applying warning stickers to your window. It will let people know you have a tracker or alarm fitted on the car. When thieves see this, they will hopefully be put off and retreat from their robbery. These decals will hopefully make thieves think twice about if your vehicle is worth the risks to steal.

Keep Your Keys Secure

After parking your car in a safe location, you should store your keys in a secure place in the house. Do not leave them near your front door, as thieves could look through the letterbox and spot them. You should also keep them away from the back door as they may also see them there. You should have a specific place in a cupboard or your room where you keep them.

What is your primary method for preventing car theft?

What To Do If Your Car is Stolen

If you are in the unfortunate situation where your vehicle has been stolen or robbed, you should take immediate action. You should ring the Gardaí as soon as you notice the car is missing or has been tampered with. You should have the following information on hand to give to them:

• Color, make and model of the car
• License plate number
• Contact details
• Address of theft
• Photograph if your car if you have one
• Logbook and VIN number

It may also be helpful to take a photo of where your car was parked to show your insurer and the Gardaí.

Tracking Your Car 

As we said earlier, many newer cars are fitted with very sophisticated tracking devices used by the Gardaí to find stolen vehicles and retrieve them. If your car has one fitted, you should give the Gardaí your tracking information so they can start investigating the crime as soon as possible. Time is key for stolen cars, so the sooner you contact the Gardaí, the better their chances are of finding your vehicle. 

For extra peace of mind and security, contact KennCo today for a secure, quick car insurance quote. 

 

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The big day is nearly here. You studied and passed the theory test, and your attention then turned to the driving test. You have completed your driving lessons, studied the rules of the road and practised as much as you can on the road. You will naturally feel nervous and anxious about your driving test, but this is normal. You can do a few things to prepare for your driving test, and we’ve created a list to help you. Read over our tips before your driving test, and get ready to pass your Irish driving test. 

1. Complete All of Your Driving Lessons

Before applying to do a driving test in Ireland, you are legally required to complete 12 essential driver training lessons with an EDT-approved driving instructor. You don’t have to stop at 12. This is only the required number of lessons. If you feel you need a few more lessons to build your confidence, then you should do so. You will become more comfortable driving with an instructor, which gives you a feel for what it will be like on the day of the driving test. 

2. Learn the Rules of the Road

There are theory questions which you will be asked, such as rules of the road and road signs. You should aim to get all these correct, so you start confidently before stepping foot in the car. It is based on information from the RSA’s Rules of the Road guidebook. Read over it and become familiar with each section. It will also help you with decisions on the road.

3. Do Some Pre-Tests

Aim to take at least one or two pre-tests. They give you a good indication of what to expect in the test and should help remove some of your worries. Completing a pre-test will also help highlight any bad habits you have before the test so that you can work on them before you step in the car with a real inspector.  

4. Have All Your Documents

Ensure you have all the correct documentation and that your car is ready a few days before your test. You don’t want to panic last minute looking for something. The documentation you will need is:

• A valid learner permit
• Valid original insurance disc 
• An in-date motor tax disc
• Valid NCT Disc
• L plates on both front and rear

Along with all the documentation, your car should be in good working order, so there are no engine lights or damage to the vehicle. You must also be accompanied by a fully licensed driver before and after the test, even if you pass.

What aspect of the Irish driving test did you find most challenging?

5. Practice the Bonnet Check

Before you start driving and once the weather is dry, you will be tested on an under the bonnet check. This is a show or tell section. You don’t touch any part of the car. You will be asked to locate specific parts and asked some technical questions.

You should read your car manual to see where the following items are located because they will differ from car to car. Your driving instructor may also help you with this. In your last lesson, ask them to go through a bonnet check with you. You may be asked to locate the following:

• Engine Coolant Reservoir
• Engine Oil Level
• Brake Fluid Reservoir
• Windscreen Washer Fluid Level

Along with the location, you could be asked how to check each level. It may be a visual check, or you may have to use a dipstick to see if the level is between minimum and maximum, such is the case with the engine oil level. You don’t have to perform it. You simply explain the process.

6. Arrive Early at the Test Centre

You should arrive at the test centre early, so you are not under pressure or worrying about times. You should wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes. Flip-flops will not do and may result in failure. We recommend driving around the area before your test to eliminate any nerves. If you can do a pre-test before, do so, and you’ll be fully prepared for the driving test. 

7. Be Observant

Driving inspectors will want you to be observant, so constantly looking around you and using your three mirrors.

Be prepared for sudden movements from other drivers, and be aware of your surroundings.

Ensure you don’t miss a stop sign, red light, etc. Match your driving to suit the conditions such as weather, road and traffic. 

 

 

8. Keep Your Distance 

It is recommended to keep your distance from the car in front of you. You should leave at least 2 seconds between you. Keep up with traffic and don’t leave too big a gap. You must be seen to make progress on the road, so do not hold cars up by leaving too much space. 

9. Be Careful with Your Driving Style

Be extra careful with your driving style during the driving test. Do not coast on the clutch inspectors do not like seeing it. Excessive coasting can cause you to fail the test as it can be hazardous. Do not rest your hand on the gear stick. It’s a bad habit that your inspector will mark you on. 

10. Don’t Worry if You Make a Mistake

Mistakes are normal during a driving test. Nobody is perfect, and with nerves may come small mistakes. Don’t be hard on yourself. They are typically not as bad as you think. You should keep driving with confidence for the rest of the driving test. 

If you fail the driving test, it’s not the end of the world. You may re-sit in a few weeks, and you will know what to expect the next time. You may not have as many nerves the second time too. Just take the mistakes you made on board and see how you can rectify them for your next test. 

If you pass your test, switch to KennCo Insurance for a great car quote. Get an online quote in a matter of minutes. 

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What does Breakdown Assistance Include? 

KennCo Insurance provides breakdown assistance with all of our car insurance policies as standard. So you can rest assured knowing that you’re covered no matter what if you have an unexpected breakdown.

As well as including breakdown assistance automatically with every policy, we also include home start. Unlike with other insurance companies, if your car breaks down when it is parked at your home you’re still covered! 

What does Breakdown Assistance Include?

• 24 Hour Roadside Assistance
• Recovery Service
• Get-you-to-your-destination Service
• Message Relay
• Home Start 

 

Breakdown Assistance Contact Numbers

KennCo Insurance Motor Policies 24-Hour Breakdown Assistance Number:	01 499 8316
KennCo Motor Policies through Footprint/R&Q/Accredited  24-Hour Breakdown Assistance Number:	Footprint and R&Q: 01 908 9030 Windscreen Repair: 01 908 9030

Breakdown Assistance Opening Hours

Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

What Should I Do in the Event of a Breakdown?

If your car breaks down or your tyre puncture, please call one of the phone numbers above, depending on your location. Please have the following information at hand before you call:

• Policyholders’ name
• Policy number or car registration number
• Make, model and colour of your car
• Location of breakdown
• Contact phone number

Once we have obtained your details and a description of your breakdown, we will send one of our approved agents to your location as soon as possible. Please be aware that you must contact us directly before making arrangements to fix your car. Your breakdown assistance only covers repair work from one of our approved agencies. 

Do you have car breakdown assistance cover?

Will my car be fixed at the scene of the breakdown?

If your car will take longer than an hour to repair, we can arrange for you and your car to be taken to a competent repairer or if it is nearer, your home address. If the car cannot be repaired the same day as the breakdown, we will pay for one of the following:

• Transport for you to your destination. Limits apply.
• Car hire for 48 hours so that you can continue on your journey.
• The cost of overnight accommodation.

At all times we will decide the best way to provide assistance. 

Do I need to stay with my car when it is being repaired?

Yes, owners must be present at all times.

Are you getting more punctures that you should be? Check out our article on tyre maintenance.

Looking for a car insurance quote that fits your budget and needs? Let KennCo guide you to the right coverage. Simply contact us today for a quick, reliable quote.

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Switching from Company Car Insurance to a Policy in your Own Name

If you’ve been driving a company car for more than 2 years, you may find it difficult to get car insurance when you switch back to an insurance policy in your own name. 

Many insurance companies in Ireland will charge you higher premiums or refuse to quote you if you do not have a no claims bonus (NCB). However you must have an insurance policy in your own name to earn a NCB in Ireland which often isn’t possible when you’re driving a company car. Company car insurance policies are usually under the company’s name or through an ‘open driving’ insurance policy. So despite being an experienced driver with a clean driving record, you may not receive any discount on your own car insurance policy.

Named Driver Experience

This also applies to drivers who have been driving as a named driver on a family member or friend’s policy.

Drivers regularly expect to have built up a no claims bonus after driving as a named driver on someone else’s policy. But similar to a company car policy, you cannot build up a NCB unless the car insurance is purchased in your own name.

If you have a company car, how familiar are you with the insurance policy details?

How to get Car Insurance in Your Own Name

Unlike other car insurance companies, KennCo Insurance are happy to provide you with a quote if you’ve been insured on a company car or as a named driver previously.

All we need is a letter from your previous insurer or your company with your driving history details.

We’ll take all of your historic driving information into account when we are providing you with a quote so you won’t be treated like a new inexperienced driver.

Call KennCo Insurance to discuss your driving history with an insurance agent on 01 409 2600.

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Reduce your Costs by Increasing Car Fuel Efficiency

Keeping a car on the road can be expensive. Motor tax, insurance and car maintenance all add up on a yearly basis. Taking a step back to see where you can save is always worthwhile. Shopping around for car insurance and purchasing a reliable car are some ways to keep your budget lower, but how do you keep it down on a continual basis? One way to reduce your bill is to increase your car’s fuel efficiency. Below we’ve listed some easy ways that you can reduce your fuel consumption and lower your costs.

1. Keep Your Tyres at the Correct Pressure

Keeping your car tyres properly inflated is not just for safety purposes. It also helps to increase your fuel efficiency. You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month to make sure they’re at the correct pressure. If not, you can go to your local fuel station, where you can inflate your tyres for free.

2. Don’t Spill

When you’re topping up your car with fuel, don’t pull the fuel nozzle away too early. We’ve all left a fuel station at some point with diesel/petrol stains streaming down the side of our car. When you’ve finished pumping fuel into your car, allow a few seconds for the remaining fuel in the hose to pour into your car instead of onto the ground!

3. Is your Air Filter Clean?

Your air filter might not be something you think about very often, but dirt and dust can build up in your filter and prevent it from working at its best. Having a dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your engine so if you’re driving in a dusty environment often, get it checked. 

4. Get in Gear

If you’re increasing your speed, increase your gears to reflect this. Driving at a higher speed using a low gear can dramatically increase fuel consumption. Most new cars come with shift indicators that tell you when the most efficient time to change gear is. You should shift to new gear at approximately 2.000 RAM or follow the quick guide below:

1st Gear              Taking Off

2nd Gear            10-20 kph

3rd Gear             30-40 kph

4th Gear             40-50 kph

5th Gear              50+ kph

5. Take the Weight Off

If you’re home from golfing or shopping, the sooner you take your golf bag or groceries out of your car, the better. By decreasing the load, your car has less work to get from A to B. Keeping your boot empty is not the only way to do this, don’t forget to remove the roof rack and bike holder when you’re not using them too.

6. Are You Cool Enough?

Turn off the air conditioning system if you don’t need it. Fuel efficiency reduces when the air conditioning is on, so when your car is at the right temperature, turn it off and keep the windows up.

7. Stay Smooth

Try to think of the journey ahead. If you’re approaching traffic lights, don’t speed up and then decelerate quickly. Accelerating and breaking quickly is not an efficient way to drive your car. If you stick to a smooth speed, it puts less pressure on your car and keeps your fuel tank fuller for longer.

What is your most effective method for improving your car's fuel efficiency?

8. Two for One

If you’re heading to the shop for milk and picking up the kids from school in two hours, try to combine your trip instead of doubling your fuel consumption. It might not seem like much saving, but it adds up over time.

9. Shop Around

At the start of the year, diesel prices varied from €1 to €1.16 per litre across Ireland. If you’re filling your car up (although it’s more efficient if you just half-fill it), that difference adds up. It’s a good habit to keep an eye on different fuel prices, even when you’re not buying, to get a general idea of the cheapest fuel provider in your area. But travelling 50 kilometres for slightly cheaper fuel isn’t the most fuel-efficient approach you can take!

10. Turn It Off 

Don’t leave your engine on if you’re stuck in traffic for a long time. Your engine uses extra fuel when it starts however, if your car is idle for over a minute, it burns more fuel. So if you think you’re going to be there for a while, switch it off. In recent years, car brands have fitted their cars with a stop/start device that automatically shuts your car off when you’re in idle traffic.

11. Use Cruise Control on Motorways

Cruise control can aid fuel efficiency when driving on a constant flat surface which is perfect for motorway driving. It helps save fuel as you are driving at a constant speed. Although be aware that you should not use cruise control in wet weather or run the risk of aquaplaning.

12. Remove Roof Bars 

You should remove them if you don’t need roof bars or boxes. They can cause wind resistance, and this will lead to you using more fuel as your car is dragging. The faster you drive like this, the more fuel you will ultimately use. 

13. Clean Out Your Boot

Car owners tend to hoard things in their car boots, which starts to build up. All that added weight is slowing down your car. You will have to drive harder and thus use up more of your precious fule. Only take essentials that you need in your boot. Remove any items that you are not using.

Another way to reduce fuel costs is by switching to a hybrid or electric car. Read our article on realistic alternatives to diesel-burning cars.

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Car Windscreen Cover

It happens to most car drivers at some stage. You’re driving along, minding your own business, when a truck full of gravel zooms by and cracks your car’s windscreen. We don’t know why truck drivers don’t just cover their trailers, but what we do know is that it’s not a pleasant experience. Apart from having to endure that unnecessarily loud scream of fright from one of your passengers (there’s always one), there’s that stress of wondering whether that crack is going to expand out across your screen, shatter the whole thing or how much it will cost to fix it. That’s where windscreen cover steps in.

You’ll be glad to know that nearly all windscreens nowadays as designed to shatter instead of smashing into sharp pieces of glass. This means that if your windscreen does become fully shattered, you aren’t likely to be cut or hurt. The chances of your windscreen totally shattering are actually quite low. In most cases, if a heavy object hits your windscreen, it will chip in one area without spreading out.

Windscreen Repair or Replace?

Having a crack on your windscreen doesn’t always mean that you need to get a new windscreen. Windscreen repair companies claim to be able to repair your windscreen without replacing it if the crack is smaller than a €2 coin and not too close to the edge. Repairing a windscreen can be completed in about 30 mins so it is much more time and cost-effective to repair instead or replace.

What’s Covered?

Of course, it is not always possible to repair your car windscreen. In some instances, a full replacement is necessary. If you window has a large crack, it’s better to get it repaired, sooner rather than later. Most drivers aren’t aware that their windscreen also supports the roof of their car and is an important protective feature of a car. Below are the answers to queries you may have regarding replacement.

Is windscreen cover included with my car insurance policy?

KennCo pay for accidental damage to your car’s windscreen or windows if you have comprehensive car insurance

Will my No Claims Bonus be affected?

Once you are only claiming for damage to windows, you no claims bonus will not be affected.

Is there a limit to the amount of times I can make a windscreen claim?

There is no limit on windscreen cover if: In any one Period of Insurance the windscreen or window is replaced or repaired by our approved supplier. Otherwise, the maximum amount we pay is €100 in any one Period of Insurance if any other supplier carries out the repair or replacement.

Windscreen Maintenance Tips

• Wipers:Check and clean your wipers regularly. A buildup of sand and dirt can scratch your windows which results in poor visibility.
• Ice Removal:Only use purpose made ice scrapers. Believe it or not, spatulas and CDs aren’t the best option and can actually damage your windscreen.
• Use deicers to remove ice instead of hot water. Hot water poured on ice cold windows is never a good idea.
• Keep your distance from the car ahead if you’re driving on a road with loose chippings.

In KennCo, we have an in-house claims team, including specialist handlers for first notification of claims. When it comes to windscreen claims we are partnered with Mr Windscreen, who deal with our customers who need to make these specialised claims. Along with Mr Windscreen, we recently took a deeper look into our customer’s claims related to windscreens and the categories of damage that occur most frequently during 2020. It may surprise you to hear that when it comes to car insurance, roughly half of KennCo claims are Windscreen claims.

The results were interesting to see with 90% of damage being caused by Stone/Debris/Branch and 4% to the category vandalism. Interestingly, 4%  were put into the unsure category. Unsurprisingly, the front windscreen was the most claimed for with 82% of claims related to this glass type.

See our full infographic below, you may be surprised at some of the figures. If you found this interesting feel free to share on social media with your friends and family.

Please include attribution to www.kennco.ie with this graphic.

© Kennco.ie

Tips to Protect Your Windscreen

The windscreen is one of the most essential parts of a car. You should treat it with all the care and attention it needs. Keeping your windscreen protected should be top of your list when maintaining your car. 

Windscreen glass is manufactured differently than regular glass. It is constructed this way so that in the event of an accident, it doesn’t shatter like the glass in your home. It is a far more durable glass than others. For this reason, the glass may not chip or crack when a pebble hits it, although it is possible. 

Your windscreen is not indestructible. Damage can occur if you have the vehicle for an extended period. Damage to your windscreen is a hazard and can obstruct your driving. If your crack is bad enough, driving may even be illegal. Although it may be impossible to prevent cracks and chips in your windscreen at all times, such as during a storm or a rock hitting your car, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of windscreen damage. 

We all have to take care of our windscreens as effectively as possible for the safety of ourselves, our families and other road users.

Here are some tips to protect your windscreen. 

Stay Safe When Driving in Gravel 

We all may face a gravel road once in a while, especially when heading out to the more rural areas in Ireland. These roads tend to be rough and loose, which is a nightmare for windscreens. It can cause havoc for both your car and its windscreen. When you face this gravel road, you shoudl slow down considerably as it can reduce the risk of gravel flying up. These pebbles can chip or crack the windscreen. You should keep an extra safe distance from the car in front of you. Typically, pebbles can get lodged in their tyre and hurl them at your windscreen at full speed. Keep the speed down and give lots of room from other cars. Keep your vision and your windscreen safe with these precautions. 

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Does your car insurance policy include windscreen cover?

Keep an Eye on Temperature Changes

Your windscreen will both expand and contract due to temperature changes. Extensive heat on your windscreen will weaken the glass over time. It may not be such a big issue in Ireland, but with the warmer summers we’ve been having, why take the risk? Park in the shade to avoid direct sunlight on the car. 

This also goes for putting hot water on your frosty car in the colder months. Never pour boiling hot water over the windscreen. The extreme change in temperature could cause the windscreen glass to crack. You should always use lukewarm water to pour over your icy windscreen. 

Window shades are helpful but will not protect your windscreen from the sun. What they do instead is protect the dash and interior from any sunburn. 

Repair Chips ASAP

People tend to be easygoing when seeing a small chip on their windscreen. They may think it’s tiny, so it can’t cause much harm. This is the wrong attitude to take. When your windscreen has a chip, it will grow bigger and bigger until there’s a proper crack in your windscreen. 

To avoid this, get it fixed as soon as you can. It will cost you considerably less to fix a chip than to replace a whole windscreen down the line. 

Replace Windscreen Wipers 

If you notice that your windscreen wipers are struggling to push away water on the glass, you need to look at getting a replacement. The wipers will lose their shape over time and pressure certain areas on the windscreen. Broken or poor windscreen wipers won’t exactly damage your vehicle but will reduce the strength o your glass over time.

Don’t Use Chemicals

A common mistake drivers make is using lots of chemicals to clean their windscreens. You may think you’re doing the right thing, but ultimately, you’re not. Why’s that? Well, using harsh chemicals lead to colour fading and discolouration. It can even strip away the protective coating on your glass. You don’t need to be using any fancy chemical sprays. All you need is a vinegar and water combination. This will help clean your windscreen. 

These chemical sprays are harmful to your windscreen because they contain ammonia. Ammonia dries out both vinyl and plastic. It could cause severe damage to your glass. 

Treat Your Vehicle With Care

In times of anger, we may take our frustrations out on the car. We may slam a door or hit an object. Don’t do this. Treat your car with care. 

If you slam your door, it could weaken the glass due to the shockwaves it sends. Once or twice, the glass will withstand, but it could cause big problems down the line if you keep slamming the doors. Children are also prone to slamming the door so just make sure they’re closing it gently. 

If you need to make a windscreen claim, all our contact numbers are on the contact us page.

To make a claim you can take the below simple steps:

1. Call  014994600 and select option 2
2. An agent will take all your incident details including date and cause of damage. You will need your policy number, make, model and registration number of your vehicle to hand for this call.
3. An agent will validate your claim and will send you to our partnered repairers.

Our Comprehensive KennCo car insurance policies have windscreen cover included as standard, with our approved repairer. KennCo will cover accidental damage to the insured vehicles windows and windscreen. As our customer, you can claim for one windscreen claim within your period of insurance and your no claims bonus will not be affected.

If you have a crack in your windscreen and new a replacement, call us today on the relevant below number. We’ll have you car back on the road in no time!

Calling from Ireland: 01 499 4600 (select option 2)

Calling from outside Ireland: 353 1 499 4600

A.

It can be frustrating when you’re in a rush to work and suddenly realise you can’t find your keys. You probably have the house torn apart looking for them. We’ve all been there. It can become more serious when you know they’re lost, and you have no way of driving your car.

You may be wondering who has them, or were they stolen? It will be even more frustrating because now you can’t drive to work. 

Don’t worry. Help is here. We will give you information on what to do next and how to get back on the road quickly. 

How To Get a Replacement Key

If you still can’t find your key, then you’re going to need a replacement key. You have two options to choose from for getting a replacement key. You can either go to a locksmith who deals with vehicles or go to your car dealers.

There are plenty of specialist car locksmiths around the country, and they can create a replacement key in a few minutes. It is often the cheapest option, although prices can vary depending on the car and the complexity of the key. 

You also have the option of going to your car dealer. They are the best source of information on your vehicle. While it may be expensive, they will do everything to help you get back on the road fast. 

What Are The Types of Car Keys?

You may be surprised, but there is a wide range of keys used. The price you pay will depend on what type of key you need to be replaced. 

Traditional Car Key: This is the most basic key. It is a small metal rod. It’s very cost-effective because of the quick turnaround time. 

Car Key Fob: These keys are actually quite inexpensive to replace. There’s no specialist equipment needed to reprogram these fobs. 

Switchblade Key: They compare the features of a traditional and fob key. They are more expensive because they combine the two features. 

Transponder Key: They are brilliant anti-theft devices. An internal computer chip allows the car to start. It is a pretty complex piece of tech, and you’ll pay over €100. 

Smart Key: This key works remotely. It’s like something from the future. When your car is within range, all you need to do is press a button on your car to start the engine. You’re looking at over €150 to replace this snazzy key.

Have you ever lost your car keys?

Stolen Keys

If you believe your keys were stolen, then you may need to do more than just replace the car key. You will also have to look at replacing the door and boot locks and other essential car parts to ensure your car’s safety. 

You can see how much hassle and money a stolen key can cost you. We have come up with a few tips for our customers on how to avoid losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves. 

Tips on How To Avoid Losing Your Car Keys

There are some simple steps to take to reduce the headache that is losing your car keys. We also include some preventative measures you can take so your keys can’t be stolen.

Store in a secure spot

You should always have a safe place to store your car keys. When you’re at home, keep them in a safe place out of sight from people outside. When you’re out and about, store them in a safe compartment in your bag. You are more likely to notice they’re missing when you store them in the same location every day rather than putting them on the kitchen table or the counter. 

Get a tracker

There are a number of trackers available that can attach to your keys. They can help you locate your keys if they’re missing. Some great tracking products for car keys are Tile, AirTag and SmartTag.

Have a spare set

You may think, well, getting a spare set won’t prevent me from losing a key? That is correct, but it will save you the headache of not being able to drive until you find your get or get a replacement one. 

Here at KennCo Insurance, we cover the loss of keys, which is one of the many benefits of joining us for your car insurance needs. Get a secure online car insurance quote today or call us today on 01 409 2600.

 

A.

Do you know how to change a car tyre? KennCo Insurance includes breakdown assistance with all of our car insurance policies as standard.  One of the most common call outs requests that we receive is to change a car tyre. Causes of punctured tyres include incorrect tyre pressure, sharp objects and worn tyres to name a few.  Our breakdown assistant repairers are usually out to an incident within the hour. But what happens if you phone is out of coverage or you’re travelling with someone who doesn’t have breakdown assistance?

We’ve created a step by step guide on how you can change a car tyre correctly and safely. 

Identifying a Punctured Tyre

Deflated Car Tyre

Having a deflated tyre, doesn’t always mean that your tyre is punctured. If your car hasn’t been used in the while, the tyres may deflate slightly. When you re-inflate you tyres, they should maintain their air pressure without needing to be repaired. 

Slow Tyre Puncture

If you re-inflate your car tyre and notice that the air pressure reduces again after a couple of days, you may have a slow puncture. This can usually be fixed at your local tyre garage for approximately €12. After you inflate your tyres, you can drive to the garage yourself and the air pressure reduces very gradually. You should aim to mend you tyre as soon as you notice that it has a slow puncture, as driving on a damage tyre can be dangerous and may result in the puncture becoming larger and more costly to mend.

Sudden Tyre Puncture

In the event of a sudden puncture, the steering on your car will adjust abruptly. Your steering wheel will become more difficult to turn and your control of the car will be greatly reduced. Some cars even have a tyre pressure monitoring system that tells you if your tyre press has dropped in a particular tyre. If this happens, try to slowly manoeuvre your car to the side of the road and stop as soon as possible. The longer you drive on a punctured tyre, the more damage it creates. If you continue trying on a punctured tyre, you may even damage the rim of the wheel.

 

Changing a Punctured Tyre

Preparing your Car

• Once you’ve pulled over to the side of the road, ensure that the hand-break is applied and that the car is in first gear.
• Most cars come with safety triangles included now so you should place up to 15-20 metres away from your car.
• It’s also a good idea to keep a Hi-Vis vest in the boot of your car to wear in such instances.
• Before you start taking off the punctured tyre, check that you have a spare tyre that is fully inflated and unload from car along with necessary tool including car jack, tyre bolts pin (if required), wrench.

 

Removing the Punctured Tyre

Removing hubcaps or nut covers

Before you can start to unscrew the wheel bolts, you will usually need to remove either the car’s hubcaps or nut covers.

• Hubcaps are sometimes secured using cable ties, so to cut these off, you will need a sharp knife or scissors. Once these are off, pry around the edges of the hubcap with a screwdriver and apply pressure until it pops away from the tyre. If you feel that the hubcap is going to break, move to a different spot before reapplying pressure.
• Nut covers are usually found on alloy wheels and are used as an anti theft measure and for aesthetics reasons. Most covers can be removed by using a wire removal hook. This small wire pin is usually found along with the rest wheel repair equipment in your boot. Please consult your owner’s manual for the exact location. To remove the nut covers, insert the pin into the nut cover and pull until the cover detaches. 

Once you have removed any covers over the wheel nuts, you can then start to loosen the nuts. You should loosen the nuts before you jack the car up. But do not totally loosen the wheel nuts or remove them until the car has been raised up using the car jack. Removing the car nuts before the car is raised, may result in the tyre unexpectedly falling off and causing injury or car damage. When you loosening the nuts, you start on the first one and move to the opposite secondly and so on.

How comfortable are you with changing a car tyre?

Jacking up your car

Try to ensure that you car is on a flat surface before you jack your car up. If possible, place a block or log in front of the two wheels at the opposite end of the car you are lifting.

Correct jack point

Before you lift up the car with the jack, you will need to locate the correct area to place the jack. Your car has certain areas that are reinforced so that they can take the weight of the car. If you use the jack in the wrong area, it may cause damage to the outside of your car. These areas are usually on each side of the car beside the wheels but your user manual will specify the exact points. 

 

Removing the punctured tyre

Once your car has been raised off of the ground, remove the nuts that have already been loosened and lift the tyre from the wheel. Tyres can be heavier than you expect so to protect your back by bending your knees instead of your back. Keep the wheel nuts safe as your move the punctured tyre out of the way. Wait until the car has been lowered before you place the punctured tyre back into your boot.

 

Placing the spare tyre on the wheel

• Position the spare tyre in front of the wheel and lift the tyre onto the bolts.
• Screw the first nut on followed by the opposite nut and so on. Tighten the nuts enough to keep the tyre in place but do not use excessive force while the car is still suspended on the jack.
• Lower the jack slowly and remove the jack from underneath the car.
• Tighten the nuts as much as you can.  

 

Tyre change follow up

Visit a tyre garage as soon as you can. Spare tyres are of poorer quality than you original tyre and have a speed restriction of 80km/h. Get your old tyre mended and refitted to your car at a garage . Place your spare tyre back in your boot for future use.

There you have it. You now know how to change a car tyre.

Want to reduce the chances of having to change a car tyre? Check our out blog on tyre maintenance.