laimeduck
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Posts posted by laimeduck
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24 minutes ago, Fred Duck said:
I'm 72, Mrs. FD 69. We do have some medical things to report but all stable and nothing to really frighten the horses. We've booked a trip to the USA for 17 nights in September. Goodtogo wanted £1400 for our travel insurance. Staysure, £1100. In the end we've joined the NFOP and signed up for their travel insurance scheme. £499 for an annual policy for the both of us and as long as we keep paying each year, no upper age limit. If we only use it for the one year it's less than half what Staysure wanted for 17 nights. No medical checks and as long as we don't have significant breathing issues (we don't), are not awaiting test results and are fit to travel, all good. Appreciate you can't join initially unless you are under 74 but, if you fit their criteria, it seems a no brainer.
FD
I am also going to go with NFOP ... I phoned them and their age limit is under 75 ...ie you can still join if you are 74. Also worth noting that the membership runs for 12 months from 1st March ...so that is the time to join to get full benefit.
Jeremy
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Derek - it is happening on various threads eg
The following posts are LHS justified
"Breakdown"
DavyS post at 10.44 on 21/02/24
Laimeduck post 13.38 21/02/24
"Electric Bike Insurance"
The Bishbus 10 hrs ago ~08.41ish 22/02/24
Laimeduck 5hrs ~13.41ish 22/02/24
On these two topics all other posts are normal justified
Jeremy
UPDATE
And just checked another topic, "Fiat Ducato Alternator"
Mtravel is LHS and Keithl is LHS ... all others normal.
Jeremy
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9 hours ago, laimeduck said:
The other advantage of the Nationwide breakdown policy is that all vehicles registered in the policyholders name are covered plus any vehicle he/she is travelling in is covered.
For me that means 5 vehicles are covered for in the UK & Europe - Benimar motorhone, Honda Civic, Citroen 2CV, Sachs Madass motorbike, & my daughters car.
Plus of course all the other benefits of the Flex plus policy including a bank account. (£13.00 PCM)
HOWEVER!!! Nationwide are changing the Insurer for Travel/Medical, from UK Insurance Ltd to Aviva with effect from August 2024 and certain restrictions will then ensue. (I intend to join Pension Insurance Corporation PIC at their anniversary date in March, so this will have no effect on me).
Jeremy
Just to clarify a big error I made on this page ..... I meant NFOP ( National Federation of Pensioners) not PIC who are a Pension provider!
Apologies for the error
Jeremy
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1 hour ago, paul2 said:
Laimeduck when i read the posts on here sometimes you are in the middle and sometimes on the side but so are Keith ,Derek and lots of others
Thanks Paul ...that means it's not my home system at fault, it must be a glitch in the forum site?
PS
And I've just checked this post and it is displaying OK!
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4 hours ago, thebishbus said:
Jeremy . Have a look at "cycling UK" see if its worth joining for their insurance. They cover bikes up to £15000.And they give you third party cover.
Brian B.
Brian thanks - yes that is a possible, but we still need the buildings cover, so that is an additional £63/84 pa.
My wife has just found a buildings policy with MBNA which appears to cover the bikes plus liability for about £90
If it looks OK after a bit of research we'll probably go with them.
Jeremy
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5 hours ago, Basil said:
Ours are covered under our house insurance with LV, so far they have been consistently less costly than others at every renewal.
Bas
Basil thanks ..... but I don't think that includes liability cover? It's just theft away from home as far as I can see from their website.
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Thanks guys for your input - I've just posted under "Breakdown" again and the post is fine?
Other peoples postings are also exhibiting LHS justification, but it seems quite random?
Spooky .... perhaps it's the swirling mists and sound of muffled hooves and scarecrow figures down here on Romney Marsh!
Stop press !!! This post is now displaying LHS justification! OOOeeer guv!
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The other advantage of the Nationwide breakdown policy is that all vehicles registered in the policyholders name are covered plus any vehicle he/she is travelling in is covered.
For me that means 5 vehicles are covered for in the UK & Europe - Benimar motorhone, Honda Civic, Citroen 2CV, Sachs Madass motorbike, & my daughters car.
Plus of course all the other benefits of the Flex plus policy including a bank account. (£13.00 PCM)
HOWEVER!!! Nationwide are changing the Insurer for Travel/Medical, from UK Insurance Ltd to Aviva with effect from August 2024 and certain restrictions will then ensue. (I intend to join Pension Insurance Corporation PIC at their anniversary date in March, so this will have no effect on me).
Jeremy
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At present we have our bikes covered under our Household insurance with Aviva which includes liability and use in Europe. We carry our two bikes in our Benimar. Aviva are discontinuing this policy and we are finding it difficult to get equivalent cover.
Has anyone any suggestions please?
Thanks Jeremy
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54 minutes ago, Keithl said:
Your post appears perfectly normal to me so maybe a setting at your end?
Keith
Did you check the "Breakdown" posting I did?
This "Question" posting displays correctly but the "Breakdown" one does not? ...... see images
Jeremy
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When I now post a topic or reply to a topic, the format of my post is left justified and my avatar is top centre?
Most others have a margin LHS with their avatar in this margin.
I can see no way of changing this format?
Jeremy
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43 minutes ago, John52 said:
Nationwide Flexplus Account and the AA (which Nationwide use) came out best in the Which Report
And they include motorhomes and LGV up to 3.5t in basic cover.
AA were very good to my sister and her mate when they broke down in an old VW campervan in Spain 30 years ago
When I saw the state of it I said the AA will never cover that but they did
Flew them both back, and transported the campervan back, free of charge
But, as Brian Kirby pointed out, they won't bring the vehicle back if its ok and you have no one able to drive it.
John I think you will find that at present the Nationwide breakdown cover also includes motorhomes over 3.5t.
It is buried in the small print of the policy:-
2. Weight and size restrictions (including any load carried) We cover vehicles highlighted in section 1 of these vehicle terms and conditions providing that they comply with the limitations and vehicle type, weight and size restrictions, and other conditions as set out below. The trailer, caravan and its load must also comply with the size and weight restrictions below, or unfortunately the AA will be unable to recover your property. • Maximum vehicle weight: 3.5 tonnes (3500kgs) gross vehicle laden weight • Maximum Vehicle Weight for Motorhomes ONLY: 7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight • Maximum vehicle length: 8m (26.2ft)* • Maximum vehicle width: 2.55m (8ft 3in)* *These dimensions will be calculated taking into account anything attached to your vehicle and any trailer or caravan, including but not limited to towing equipment, any carriers or racks (e.g. bike or luggage), or anything else attached to the vehicle or the carriers/racks.
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The cost of changing a logo is enormous!
Think all advertising has to be re-done, all letter headings and printed matter has to be changed, all signage has to be changed and graphics on buildings, vehicles etc. etc. etc.
And to what benefit? Will it bring in more income for a cost of several 10's of £thousands? I very much doubt it!Jeremy
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41 minutes ago, Brian Kirby said:
One thing no one has mentioned so far is emissions. Obvious, I know, but the number of LEZs in UK and around Europe is proliferating and, so far as older, particularly diesel powered, vans are concerned, liable to become increasing restrictive.
This may affect the anticipated "freedom to roam" expectations of the owner, but will also, I suspect, begin to erode the resale value of older vehicles apart from those relative few whose hobby is the vehicle itself, as opposed to its use.
So, especially if your BiL has his sights on Europe, I'd suggest he looks for base vehicles with at least a Euro 5 emissions designation to minimise the need to tip-toe around LEZ restricted routes and stopovers. Even if he presently thinks he'll stay in UK it is odd how, once the bug bites, the lure of those "faraway places with strange sounding names", that others reference in glowing terms, begins peek one's curiosity! 🙂
Or alternatively buy an older cheaper motorhome/panel van and stay in the country and tow a small car or carry a scooter/motorbike for sightseeing. We effectively part do this with our small MadAss 125cc motorbike and foldup electric bikes. We bought the bike for £700 in about 2010 and it lives in our Benimar garage, but could easily go on a trailer.
I personally have no desire/need to drive my motorhome into large cities anyway, but I don't think you've said how your brother-in-law wants to use the van?.
Jeremy
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There are many types of "bioplastics" * and large companies have been falling over backwards to use them to promote their "Green" credentials. Soy based bioplastic is a "protein" composition and once that protein is purified it is mixed with other chemicals eg starch (carbohydrate and plasticisers eg glycerins/ols/cellulose) to make it pliable. It's main disadvantage is that in its basic state it is hygroscopic ie it absorbs water.
Ford used this in seat cushions and other components about 10 years ago. About 8 years ago Ford also undertook a study with Jose Cuervo to use agave off-cuts to produce bioplastics.
The partnership is looking into using leftover agave fibres in heating and air conditioning units, wiring harnesses and storage bins. Ford says that the move could reduce the weight of its cars, improving fuel economy, as well as decreasing reliance on petrochemicals.
For those who are unaware Jose Cuervo are a major Tequila maker.
Let's hope OneCal's apocryphal Soy loving mice don't also want a quick shot as well?
* https://europlas.com.vn/en-US/blog-1/how-different-types-of-bioplastics-are-produced
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2 hours ago, onecal said:
Hi
I know they have and they do , but you tell that to those who own vehicles that have soy based wiring in their vehicles that have been damaged by rodents by them eating the wiring of such vehicles . It's much more common I think all those that have been affected if it is proof if you are looking for that there are many article on same ,if you wish to look. I have to deal with the proof in front of me when I have to repair the issue Older wiring never had such as big an issue but yes of course been damaged as well from rodents keeping their teeth short so as they can survive . Why is it much more prevalent with vehicles parked side by side and they destroy the vehicles wiring with the soy covering and sometimes leave the others untouched or with so much less damage . I have seen this often, so that proof in itself is proof enough for me, and indeed others that have been affected I am not just quoting from other sites or what I read , I am quoting what I come across that I have to repair. Again my comment was ......
Regards
I am very sorry Onecal but I will also repeat ... I do not think it is very helpful to simply repeat anecdotal stories that have not one iota of scientific evidence to support them.
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1 hour ago, onecal said:
Hi
They adore soy based wiring, if fitted to your new motorhome. With costly consequences
Regards
OneCal you keep banging on about this.... there is no proof that I can find, nor in my 50 odd years of experience, that Soy based wiring covers are any more susceptible to rodent damage than other oil/plastic based covers. They have been chewing wires since wires were first invented!
Ford have been using soy based seat cushions foam since 2010 and lots of other bioplastics are used in floor liners, vent louvres etc.
Not many reports about those being chewed?
They chew to keep their teeth short so they'll chew anything and everything. It's a texture thing more that what the thing they are chewing on is made of. In the wild they chew cob nuts, hazel nuts, beech masts, - in vehicles they chew wood, plastic covered wires. In industry and homes they chew food packaging, foam insulation, loft Insulation. I have even seen rats chew through md steel kick plates at the bottom of a door in a flour mill.
They do not eat what they chew so what it is made of is neither here nor there.
I really do not think it is very helpful to keep re-iterating this merely anecdotal story without definite proof.
Jeremy
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Mags
The dealer is talking rubbish. Mice don't necessarily enter a structure for food, they also need shelter. So ... they enter places where there is no food!
IF there is a source of food nearby, then then they might remain in the structure and eat out!
I would take the dealer to task and ask him to prove that the van is clear of mice by having an expert of your choice examine and test bait the vehicle. Obviously ...At the dealers expense!
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25 minutes ago, Derek Uzzell said:
Definition of HASEL here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HASELL
Could have some relevance to motor homes...
No Derek that won't do at all ...that's for aerobatics! Don't want to do Spins and stalls in my van?
How about a specific one for motorhomes?
GHASTLEY?
Gas
Hatches
Awning
Step
Tyres
Levelers
Electrics
Yerwife!
Jeremy
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1 hour ago, flyboyprowler said:
Our very first outing in our first motorhome was to a site near Alicante to try everything out and after extending the awning, having a nice "tapas" supper, I took the awning in and went to bed. That night a flash storm blew up, and in the morning the devastation was obvious with broken awnings, ripped safari rooms but boy, was I glad I took the awning in, and indeed learned a valuable lesson for the future!
Today here in Spain it is blowing a hooooley and we are warned of 80km gusts, but it is sunny and warmish. The weather seems to have changed over the years with many more odd occurrences, and plenty of "flash" happenings.
Incidentally, we lost the bathroom window in the Flair en route last year. It hadn't been secured properly and a passing lorry's vacuum sucked it out and ripped it off. Still waiting for the insurance to pay, but at over €600 and having to be supplied from Niesmann, another expensive lesson. I also have a checklist with "doors and windows closed" but on this occasion, the window was missed!
Having dabbled with a pilot's licence in my younger days, I use the "pre-flight check" routine each day when touring. I physically walk round the motorhome and tap each window, check each skylight, check gas off, waste water tap closed, , EHU disconnected, mirrors and rear view camera cleaned. I have a "remove before flight" flag which dangles from drivers sunvisor for any other bits.
The whole operation only takes a couple of minutes.
Jeremy
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Yes - We experienced this in September last year when we drove from Split to Krk on the E65. Where the road crosses the Velebit range just near Jesenice our 3850Kg van Mabel was dancing around like a Whirling Dervish! They had dropped the speed limit to 60kph, 40kph in places. The only respite was in the tunnels.
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1 hour ago, ColinM50 said:
John 52, it must be some time since you crossed the Thames, the Dartford toll booths disappeared in 2014, so ten years ago.
Yes but were replaced by number plate recognition ...so no real change?
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2 hours ago, Basil said:
However my experience both approaching Lille and on another occasion Lyon it started with large matrix boards saying, obviously in French and translated by my co-pilot, High Pollution reduce speed to 50kph. The next said Vehicles Crit Air 3 all others leave at next junction. I am not aware of what happens when you leave at the junction as we were compliant. I did observe gantries with cameras covering all lanes after the junction but I am not aware what these were for.
With the Lyon one we did take the diversion as there was an extreme amount of traffic on the road we intended to use and it basically put us onto another Autoroute that circled further out from Lyon with Matrix boards notifying where you should go.
The only thing I would say is if you are alone and only have the grasp of French that I do, it could be difficult!
Bas - thanks for that info. It does raise another query for me though?
We try to avoid all motorways, so the roads we use tend not to have overhead gantries. How Would I know a zone was active then?
Jeremy
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28 minutes ago, Basil said:
In answer to laimeduck's point, yes I totally agree that some vehicles would not be allowed through the variable zones, I did as much say that in my comment, the areas are not as you state 'can be designated' they ARE designated with a variable limit that applies to those vehicles at the time. Surely the fact that you can't enter the relevant zones that is the essence of the OP's question?
Clearly those that are unaware of them being used have not driven past Lille or Lyon at the times they have been activated, I have so know that they are being used.
Anyway I personally don't care one way or the other whether someone does or does not want to spend a tiny fraction of money, it's as always personal choice but I do believe the OP should have the benefit of any available information and then make their own decision!
I also remember now why I stopped participating in this forum.
Bas
Bas I think you may have misunderstood me? I willingly paid for and do have the Crit Air sticker for my vehicle - but having it does not mean I can enter the affected ZFE city zones ..., I can't! I am permanently excluded! I also got one for my Motorbike which we take in the garage of our van.
Interesting that you have experienced the ZPA zones in action. How did you know the zones were active? Are there signs up saying "No" (eg) "Crit Air 5 vehicles in this area"?
I can find no definitive source of how I, as a traveller through France, would know if a zone was active or not?
Jeremy
BREAKDOWN INSURANCE - RECOVERY TO WHERE?
in Motorhome Matters
Posted
Brian ..... Came through in an e-mail on 17th Feb.
It relates to some upgrades we have for my age at 74 years and for extending the time away from 30 to 45 days. There are no pre-existing Medical Conditions. The opening line is:-
On 28 August 2024, when your current travel upgrade expires with U K Insurance Limited, the provider of your FlexPlus Travel Insurance will change from U K Insurance Limited to Aviva Insurance Limited (Aviva).
The rest of the blurb then goes on to say......
Your standard travel cover will be replaced with your new Aviva policy. Aviva will contact you before your upgrade expires inviting you to purchase a new upgrade with them. For any future pre-existing conditions upgrades, you will need to complete their medical screening. This is so Aviva can offer you the right level of cover.
The details of the new Aviva policy coming in are in these 2 links
https://documents.nationwide.co.uk/2024/02/c5c19d8a0abef09701d330a234bc4472.pdf
https://documents.nationwide.co.uk/2024/02/dd18466fb82af7f407aa0669ad3a1084.pdf
We are going to change to National Federation of Pensioners NFOP after 1st March anyway as I will be able to get Travel insurance with them after I am 75 next year. You have to take out the policy while you are 74 or before.
We have read about the eyewatering amounts people are being asked to pay and the difficulty they have in obtaining cover, so this seems the most sensible thing to do for us.
Jeremy