Category: Blog

Q. Car Insurance going up?

Wondering Why Your Car Insurance is Increasing?

Car Insurance increasing is a hot topic right now because everyone is feeling it in their pockets. Here are a few reasons why this change has happened.

Firstly, most insurers in Ireland were pricing car insurance too low for a number of years so as losses mount, they inevitably have to recoup these losses.

But while lots of journalists like to write their articles from the ‘man on the street’ view in order to ingratiate themselves with their readers, under-pricing is not the reason for the big increases.

Since 2012, the increase in the number of ‘whiplash’ injury claims being made is up massively. As a rule, whiplash is actually quite rare and is almost non-existent in many European countries. Yet in Ireland, every day of the week, in very minor collisions, there are people running off to their solicitor with so called ‘whiplash’. They’re then sent to a doctor, who’ll pocket around €250 for writing a one page report which simply repeats the complaints made by the ‘whiplash’ patient. This so called medical then gives the solicitor what he needs – a doctor agrees in writing that my client is ‘injured’.

So then the solicitor has to process the claim firstly through the Injuries Board. However many of them see this as a stepping stone. They advise their client not to show up for the medical examination arranged by the Injuries Board (another doctor who pockets huge fees for more or less doing the same thing as the claimants’ doctor) which means the Injuries Board can’t make a realistic award. Happy days, it’s now out of their clutches and the solicitor gets to demand a ridiculously large sum of money for someone who is clearly either not injured at all or heavily exaggerating while at the same time charging massive legal fees for very straightforward work.

So why do the insurers pay these large amounts? Because judges hearing these cases appear only too happy to dole out even bigger money once it reaches court. It also costs a fortune to run a case. And even if you win, you lose as the insurer because the cost of running a case you win can’t be recovered from the claimant who will plead they’re skint and can’t pay it. Even when judges do find the claimant to be fraudulent, they don’t believe it’s a criminal matter and simply dismiss the claim and off heads the fraudster to think up another way to make money.

Insurers aren’t white knights by any means but the argument is always made so simple – bloody insurers!

Alan Shatter was determined to increase the jurisdiction of the courts and he was successful so now all awards have gone up and why? Because the judges can simply make bigger awards in their courts now, no other logical reason.

So the Injuries Board was meant to take solicitors out of the equation but failed badly.

Doctors only ever see injured victims

Judges don’t seem to care about fraud and appear happy to give out huge sums of money for no good reason

But, it’s all the insurers’ fault, right? What do you think?

Kennco Services

Q. Alternatives to Diesel Cars

For two decades, the Irish people have had a love affair with diesel cars and the savings they provide in fuel costs. However, with the recent VW Group scandal & increased uncertainty over Diesel powered vehicles, many Irish drivers appear more open than ever to the idea of looking for an alternative to diesel cars. Despite the recent advances in petrol powered cars and improvements to their fuel efficiency in particular, it is their hybrid-powered relatives that may make more sense.

Here, we take a look at the current hybrid vehicle options:

Toyota Prius

The post-2009 spec Prius was a huge improvement on the original in terms of both interior and exterior looks. It has proved itself to be very reliable and matches the majority of its diesel fuelled competitors for both efficiency and comfort.

MPG: 72 (average combined)

Engine: 1.8 VVTi Hybrid

Emissions: 89g/km (Annual Tax €170)

* The Toyota Auris is also available with the Hybrid engine and provides the same performance as the Prius for those who may prefer the looks of a hatchback.

For more information check out the their website www.toyota.ie

Honda Insight

The Honda Insight was launched in 2009 and provided a very affordable alternative to hybrid car buyers. While it is not as refined or attractive as its main rivals, it more than makes up for it in fuel efficiency and the savings provided when purchasing in the first place.

MPG: 68 (average combined)

Engine: 1.3 IMA

Emissions: 96 g/km (Annual Tax €170)

* Honda also offer the Hybrid powertrain in their sporty 2-door CR-Z which was around between 2010 and 2013.

For more information check out www.honda.ie

Lexus CT200h

Based on the Toyota Prius, Lexus launched the very stylish CT200h in 2011 with the view of turning the heads of the large diesel-powered market. Using the very reliable and efficient chassis of the Toyota Prius, the Lexus provides a luxury alternative to its rivals. This, of course, does mean a higher price tag to begin with.

MPG: 74 (average combined)

Engine: 1.8 VVTi Hybrid

Emissions: 87g/km (Annual Tax €170)

* Lexus also offer a 3.5 litre Hyrbid option in their RX SUV range should your budget allow. Despite the large petrol engine, the Hybrid technology allows the RX to reach 44mpg on average.

For more information check out www.lexus.ie

Although it is unlikely that Hybrids take over the market in the next couple of years, it certainly is welcome to finally have genuine alternatives to diesel cars. You can also be safe in the knowledge that whether you’re a fan of hybrid, diesel or petrol powered cars, KennCo will have you covered with our range of Car Insurance policies.

Kennco Services

Q. Has Your Car Insurance Increased? – Whiplash Ireland

There are thousands of accidents every year in Ireland where injured or allegedly injured parties seek compensation. Most of these accidents involve cars or vans. Claims reported as ‘whiplash’ or ‘soft tissue’ make up 80% of these claims. Why is that? Well the answer is unfortunately very obvious – you can’t clinically disprove a soft tissue injury complaint, no more than you can prove it does exist. Car insurance increased to reflect the rising number of claims being made.

So there are 3 essential elements;
1. The injury can’t be disproved
2. It pays handsomely
3. The culture of a country. This will then decide whether the first two points make it an attractive proposition as it will usually involve exaggeration.

An Irish Neck is Worth 5 Times That of a British Neck?

The Irish have always been great at telling a good story and perhaps it’s a throwback to being colonial subjects that we wish to rebel and take from the establishment. But one thing is for sure, we the Irish have incredibly delicate and expensive necks.

Having spoken to several orthopedic surgeons on this matter, it’s very interesting to note that when they see ‘injured’ passengers arrive in A&E or at their clinics, the driver who was at fault (and therefore who can’t claim compensation) NEVER has whiplash complaints. Furthermore, when there are other injuries such as broken bones, the claimant NEVER complains of whiplash. Strange that, eh?

According to most of these medical experts, whiplash CANNOT occur in most accidents. Relatively minor accidents cannot provide the kind of velocity required to lift a person from their seat and push the cervical vertebrae together.

The typical complaint of being pushed back and forth is simply not enough to cause such complaints as whiplash. Most claimants don’t even worry that the impact wasn’t a rear end collision or that it didn’t involve enough impact. Unfortunately neither do THEIR doctors, lawyers or ultimately the judiciary. The Irish have one of the largest rates of soft tissue injury complaints and claims in the world. Along with this we’ve without a doubt one of the highest award systems, be it through the Injuries Board or our courts. Ireland is supposed to be part of the EU ‘standard’, yet an Irish neck is worth 5 times that of a British neck?

Whiplash Abroad

Whiplash barely exists in France for example. How is it they don’t feel the same aches and pains the Irish do? When you look at Canada, the French speaking part of Canada similarly has little or no whiplash yet the Anglo/American part suffers hugely with it.

There is almost no whiplash in certain Eastern European countries but when they drive on Irish roads, their necks become very susceptible to whiplash.

With whiplash accounting for 80% of claims, its makes up a huge percentage of the total amount insurers pay out. This has had a massive influence on the size of insurance premiums and why car insurance increased in recent years. Furthermore, these claims take up a huge amount of time and cost in the courts.

Furthermore certain ethnic groups essentially make a living out of fraudulent accidents. They’ll typically have the car packed with passengers and allege they hit a wall or ditch on some lonely country road and that everyone has whiplash. Or they’ll involve 2 cars, minor damages, no guards called and everyone has whiplash.

Are Doctors to Blame?

They attend doctors around the country who have never been challenged on the fact that they simply repeat the complaints that these people make. They then diagnose an expected recovery in 12 to 18 months time. Doctors charge a fortune for this one page report and insurance companies and judges have a problem. If doctors are prepared to put in writing that the claimant has whiplash, it’s very difficult and expensive to defend that case.

When an “injured party” is advised to take anti-inflammatories or to have physio sessions to relieve and cure the “pain”, they almost never take this advice. If you were in serious pain, would you ignore the doctor’s advice to take pain killers and have physio? It’s common sense that you’d do all you could to alleviate the pain yet we’re to believe these people when some 18 months post accident, they allege to still suffer “while driving or have disturbed sleep, a fear of driving, can’t do heavy lifting, feel pain first thing in the morning” or whatever else their lawyer has hinted they should complain about.

Ultimately the doctors, lawyers and the courts wouldn’t matter if the “compo culture” didn’t exist in the first place. As a society, are we happy to accept the fraudulent and exaggerated claims .

Rising Premiums

How about if we all agreed to trial something. Let’s say everyone insists that we take out the ‘award’ element of whiplash claims for anyone complaining of these injuries. Instead we offer loss of wages, cover all medical and physio bills and we provide rehabilitation help. BUT no compensation – what do think would happen? I’d venture a guess that we’d suddenly become like our friends in France. This would bring insurance premiums down and free up courts, making them far more efficient and cost effective. This results in a win-win for the vast majority of honest drivers and the general public.

Has the time come to stigmatise the fraudsters in a similar way that smoking became socially unacceptable? This would result in lawyers and doctors still making a great living accept through alternative jobs to dodgy whiplash claims.

The chances that your car insurance increased this year are higher compared to previous years no matter which insurance company you are with. Until Ireland’s claim culture is addressed, the compensation paid out will keep increasing. Or is it the insurers fault that your car insurance increased? What do you think?

Kennco Services

Q. Insurance in 1916 – Who covered the cost of rebuilding?

This year marks the centenary of the 1916 rising. Countrywide, there are events to commemorate the rising. Museums have exhibitions with all the memorabilia on show, Glasnevin Cemetery have special 1916 tours to show the graves of the heroes and ordinary people who died that week. Primary schools have been issued with packs which include copies of the proclamation and Irish tricolours so that our youngest generations can learn about their heritage. There have been TV programs and documentaries made. If you want to buy a book about it you will be overwhelmed by the amount of historical and human interest books on the shelves of bookshops around the country.

1916

But what about Insurance? What role did Insurance have to play in the rebuilding of Dublin after the week of fighting in April 1916? Dozens of buildings were destroyed, business owners had their shops looted of stock, windows were broken on Moore Street, O’Connell Street and surrounding areas. Who paid for rebuilding? And what about the shops that could not open during the week of the siege? Did they have business interruption Insurance? Did such policies exist? Who Insured the traders, and did the Government step in to compensate?

Much of O’Connell Street (Sackville Street) was reduced to rubble, the damaged areas including the whole eastern side of the street as far north as Cathedral Street, and the terrace in between the GPO and Abbey Street on the western side. The events had a disastrous impact on the commercial life of the inner city, with many businesses forced to close for up to six years for rebuilding, or some never even reopened

There are very few records of who the main Insurers at the time were, but Commercial Union (also known as British General) were one of the main Insurance Companies (Later Hibernian, and now Aviva) with an office in Dublin, they attempted to use a force majeure clause to avoid paying out for damage caused by “war or invasion”. In an effort to address the problems faced by traders and in an effort to restore some semblance of normality, the Dublin Fire & Property Losses Association was formed on 8^th May 1916. They advertised in the Irish Independent, inviting business owners to submit claims for damaged property, with the government agreeing to indemnify the losses. It is difficult to ascertain who exactly paid for the rebuilding, and if it all fell to the Dublin Fire & Property Losses Association, the following link makes interesting reading, uses information gleaned using records from the property losses committee, and outlines claims made by the traders, from glass breakage, to total roof repairs and claims for entire stock being stolen by looters.

KennCo Insurance provide great value Insurance on a range of different products, why not call us now on 01 409 2600 to find out more information.

Q. Car Stars of the Big and Small Screen

Famous Car from Movies and TV

Who doesn’t like the movies? We all have our favourite actor or actress that we love to see on screen. But over the years there have also been some much loved famous car stars. While they may not have been the best cars on the road, they had big screen presence and character.

The Delorean DMC-12 Car

This is arguably one of the most recognisable cars on the list. Made in Belfast this was one of the stars of the Back to the Future films. It had a number of unique design features such as the gull wing doors, the brushed stainless steel body and the rear mounted engine. While movie fans loved the car, it was slated by critics and the company that made the car went into liquidation after only a couple of years of manufacture.

Pontiac Trans Am Car

General Motor’s trans am is a well used car for film and TV. It made an appearance in all three Smokey and the Bandit movies, a trans am firebird featured which was driven by Burt Reynolds as the Bandit. A modified version of the trans am car was also used for the Knightrider car in the TV series as well as the movies as the talking car KITT.

VW Beetle Car

The VW Beetle car has been around since the late thirties right up to the mid noughties. It was designed to be literally the People’s Car. It was rear engine with the luggage compartment at the front of the car. It appeared in the Disney movies as the much loved Herbie. Herbie always had a big personality for such a small car, had a mind of his own and was capable of driving himself. Through out the Disney franchise Herbie had the distinguishing number 53 on the front with red, white and blue racing stripes running from front to back.

GMC Vandura Van

Although most people would struggle to come up with the make and model of the van used by members of The A Team, the familiar black van with the red stripe is easily recognisable to any child of the 80’s. It made a return to the big screen with the remake of the show. Although most people think the van is black with a red stripe the top half of the van above the stripe is actually metallic grey, a fact lost on most toymakers who made models of the van uniformly black.

Aston Martin DB5 Car

When you think of James Bond and the car he drives, you automatically think of Aston Martin. The Aston Martin DB5 car first appeared in the film Goldfinger and has appeared in many other Bond films including the most recent outings. Since Goldfinger Bond has driven many cars but Aston has always been synonymous with 007.

If you liked this article, read our follow up article Famous Cars of The Big and Small Screen Part 2

No matter what car you drive check out our competitive car insurance rates today, why not call us on 01 409 2600 to speak to one of our customer representatives or go to our website kennco.ie to get a quote today.

Kennco Services

Q. Have You Heard About KennCo Insurance?

KennCo’s Story

A quick KennCo Insurance Review

You may have noticed KennCo appearing in your online insurance searches lately and wondered who are they? Are they reliable? What do they offer? Below, you can read our quick KennCo Insurance review to find out a little more about us.

We’ve actually been providing car, home, van and travel insurance in Ireland since 2008. Since being founded, we’ve grown steadily and now employ over 50 skilled and experience members of staff.

Since 2016 our new website allows customers to obtain an immediate, reliable quote and arrange cover in minutes without going through a broker. KennCo underwrites your insurance policy so you can rest assured knowing that you get the same security, stability and great service that makes KennCo a favourite throughout Ireland. After all, we are Ireland’s largest insurance underwriting agency with some of the biggest insurance companies in the world backing our products.

What Makes Us Different?

Unlike some insurance companies who charge extra for any additions to your policy, we’ve included extra features as standard. You can avail of 24-hour breakdown assistance, no loading for up to five penalty points, no claims protection for fire and theft and much more as part of your standard policy.

From the moment you contact us to the day you renew with us, we take great care of you. That’s the KennCo service promise.

KennCo’s Staff

KennCo Insurance is always growing and expanding and we now have over 50 employees based in our Dublin office. Each of our employees have years of experience under their belts which means we can promise that you’ll always speak to an expert when you get in touch. Whether you’re dealing with our sales team or claims team, all of our staff receive regular training to keep on top of market changes and offers. Which means that they can review your needs and find the right cover for you.

If you’d like to contact with our dedicated customer service team you can do so online or by calling us on 01 409 2600. To find out more about KennCo or to leave a review on our Facebook page please click here.

Q. Famous Cars of the Big and Small Screen Part 2

Has you favourite car made the list?

As a follow up to the last blog about famous cars here are some more cars that have been stars of film and TV over the years.

Reliant Robin

This little three wheel car was first built in the early 70’s. It was originally designed to be able to be driven and taxed on a motorcycle licence. During the 70’s fuel crisis they gained popularity for the savings the produced in terms of tax and fuel economy. A variant of the Reliant, the Reliant Regal is widely recognised as the car driven by the two brothers, Del Boy and Rodney, in the television show Only Fools and Horses. The car also featured in the Mr. Bean series being crashed into, pushed and bullied by Mr. Bean in his Mini.

Mini Car

The mini has been around since the late 50’s and is still being made today . It’s been a British Icon for decades. It was voted the 2nd most influential car of the 20th century just behind the Ford Model T. It has starred in several films including The Italian Job both the original and the remake, The Bourne Identity, Austin Powers and Mr. Bean.

Dodge Charger Car

The Dodge Charger was first built in the mid-sixties and continues to be produced today. It has been included in countless movies and television shows over the years. One of the most iconic and recognisable Chargers is the one from The Dukes of Hazard known as The General Lee. Famous for its colour, confederate flag on the roof, long stunt jumps and the welded shut doors, what child of the 70s and 80s didn’t try and emulate the Duke Cousins climbing in through the window of their parents car? A heavily modified Charger was also crashed at the end of the Fast & the Furious movie.

Ford Mustang Car

The Ford Mustang is the definition of a movie muscle car. Fast and sleek with a big powerful American made engine, they were a draw for action movies. One of the greatest car chase movies of all time, Bullitt starred Steve McQueen. It features a highland green Ford Mustang Fastback being driven at high speeds up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco.

Volvo P1800 Car

The Volvo P1800 is a two door sports car with a front engine and rear wheel drive. It started production in the early 60s for more than a decade. It was more of a stylish car rather than an out and out sports car. It gained notoriety as the car driven by Simon Templar in the TV show The Saint.

Ford Gran Torino Car

The Ford Torino was made from the late sixties up to the late seventies. The car is well known as the ride of choice of the American cop duo Starsky & Hutch. It was a bright red with a characteristic white stripe. It was nicknamed the striped tomato by David Soul who played Hutch. The Torino is another example of a much loved car which turned out not to be very good. A lot of the cars suffered badly from rust and corrosion.

Check out our competitive car insurance rates today, why not call us on 01 409 2600 to speak to one of our customer representatives or go to our website www.kennco.ie to get a quote today.

Kennco Services

Q. Why Cheap Car Quotes are NOT Always the Best Option

Why has Car Insurance Increased?

As we all know, car insurance prices have been rising steeply in the last few months. We’ve previously looked at some of the main reasons for this.

However it is important that when you are shopping for insurance to make sure you don’t just choose the cheapest quote you find.

It’s easy to forget the fact that Quinn Direct and then Setanta Insurance collapsed in recent years. It’s because of Quinn we’re all paying an extra levy on our premiums and it’s because of Setanta that many believe prices will increase substantially again next year. This is because the High Court bizarrely decided recently to make all Irish based insurers pay for the €100M+ bill for unpaid claims left behind by the insolvent Setanta insurance company. And so this cost is passed onto the customer.

Do you know your Car Insurance Company?

So will other insurers trading in Ireland fail, leaving claims unpaid? It’s more than possible but one way to ensure you’re protecting yourself properly is to insist that the insurer you buy from is a financially rated insurer. Any EU insurers can trade into Ireland with ease since they’re ‘passported’ in here. They’re still therefore regulated by their own regulator, which may be in Gibraltar or Malta for example. Passporting means they can trade in any EU state but the country from which they’re based may have a light touch regulatory environment and that same company might not pass a stress test by our own regulator. Setanta was regulated from Malta yet didn’t even trade in Malta; in fact the only country they did trade in was Ireland!

Car insurance costs are getting dearer but they were too cheap for too long to cover the cost and frequency of claims. So we all need to get used to the higher prices and they will get more expensive next year as well.

However it’s because of this that we all also need to be more careful than ever when choosing who to insurer with. If you’re being urged to take a price that is cheaper than everyone else and yet they’re not a financially rated insurance company, you could find yourself paying a hell of a lot more in the long run. Remember what insurance is for. OK it’s compulsory and no one likes having to spend on car insurance. However you pay it to fully PROTECT yourself. You must ask yourself or your broker if this is the case each time you take out an insurance policy.

Would you buy an expensive watch from a street trader with no comeback or would you prefer to get it from an established jewellers?

It’s the same question for your insurance cover. At KennCo we give you that peace of mind because we represent the interests of large, financially rated global insurers only along with great service and good prices. So whether you buy from us or anyone else, just make sure you’re happy with who is meant to be protecting you.

Kennco Services

Q. Cars for the Family

In recent years, one of the big changes in the car market has been the dramatic rise in sales of small SUVs which at first look would seem to be achieved at the expense of the MPVs. Cars like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai IX35 and Ford Kuga cars are now the family transport of choice replacing MPVs like the Renault Scenic and Opel Zafira.

But what if want to transport larger numbers of people and their luggage? The MPV continues to offer flexible solutions and are worth considering if you in the market for a family friendly solution.

Here at KennCo we have looked at 5 MPV’s that we believe tick all the right boxes when it comes to space, comfort and safety.

Ford S-MAX MPV

This is a brilliant MPV that combines driving quality with the highest levels of space, comfort and innovation. There is an impressive amount of legroom that can comfortably sit 5 people but it can be easily transformed into a seven seater vehicle. The seats can also fold flat to create a well shaped boot. The dashboard is stylish and easy to use. The drivers seating can be easily adjusted and the windscreen pillars are thin so visibility is very good.

The S-Max comes with dual climate control, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and electric windows.

The safety features include front and rear airbags with window airbags for the front two rows as well as an airbag to protect the driver’s knees.

The Ford S-Max prices start from €32,334 with annual road tax costing €330.

Seat Alhambra

This is a spacious and practical MPV that will make family life easier. The driver’s seat is supportive and the dashboard controls are simple to use all well placed and within easy reach. It has large windows and the entire all round visibility is excellent. The Alhambra can fit up to 7 people, the 5 rear seats can all be folded flat when you have more luggage in the back. The most basic version of the Alhambra is equipped with Alloy Wheels, three-zone climate control, Bluetooth and front and rear parking sensors. It’s big on safety as they all come with stability control, a tyre pressure-monitoring system and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee bag and curtain airbags that run the full length of the cabin all of which helped gain its 5 star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Despite the size of the MPV it still manages to return a respectable 5.5 litres/100km due to the stop-start system that cuts the engine while stationary. It comes in as tax band C (€330) this is good value considering the older capacity based system cost €660. The starting price for a new Alhambra is €38,995. This is a car that you and your family will enjoy.

Peugeot 5008

The 5008 has a great blend of comfort, quality and space all of which is suited to a family with children. This MPV has a spacious cabin and user friendly seating which can be easily adjusted. All of the engines are low on CO2 emissions and 1.6 litre diesels averages more than 50mpg.

The 5008 has enough space for 7 people and all rear seats can fold away to give you a long, flat area for extra luggage and shopping.

It has a 5 star Euro NCAP crash test rating, due to some of the safety features that are included such as, front and side airbags and curtain airbags that run the full length of the cabin, a security kit, traction control, Isofix child seat fixtures and electronic brake force distribution. The starting price of a new 5008 start from €27,690 and qualifies for Band B (€225) annual road tax.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

The C4 Picasso has a spacious and practical cabin that helps make carrying your family very easy. This is another 5 seater MPV that can comfortably make room for 7 seats. The rear seats can fold away which gives a lot of space for luggage and buggies in the boot. It has thin pillars and a huge panoramic windscreen which improve visibility.

It consists of six airbags, stability control, hill start assist and Isofix fittings on all three middle row seats.

The starting price on a new Grand C4 Picasso is €26,795. All engine variants are taxed in the A2, A3 or A4 band which means you will pay between €180 to €200 on annual road tax.

This is a nice looking and versatile MPV and ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety as it’s highly scored in the Euro NCAP crash testing.

Volkswagen Sharan

This is a comfortable, roomy seven seater that makes it easy to get kids in and out of tight parking spaces due to its sliding doors. The driving position is elevated and can be easily adjusted to help you get comfortable. The five rear seats can be easily folded flat to make a bigger boot. It has clear instruments, unambiguous controls and switches with words and pictograms that indicate exactly what each item is.

The Sharan has a 5 star Euro NCAP crash test rating and every model comes with stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and seven airbags including a full length curtain airbag that runs through the inside.

It has a reasonably low CO2 emissions level of 130g/km.

The VW Sharan prices start at €41,990 and come in at tax band C (€390 per annum). If you are looking for a classy seven seat MPV with loads of space and high quality materials then the Sharan is for you.

Whatever car you decide to buy KennCo are always on hand to offer you quality car insurance cover at an affordable price backed up by first class service. Our team are here to help you get the policy and cover you need.

For more information please visit our website or call us on 1890 252025 to talk to one of our Insurance advisors.

Kennco Services