3 minute read – Veygo

Weekend road trip inspiration in the UK

Angharad Evans — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:52:03 +0000

Looking for the perfect weekend road trip in the UK? Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply in search of breathtaking views, the UK has so many scenic drives, charming towns, and hidden gems to explore within just a few hours’ drive from most cities.

Here’s our take on some of the best road trip routes in the UK that will make your weekend getaway unforgettable. From the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the quaint villages of Cornwall, here’s your guide to the ultimate UK weekend road trip.

The Lake District: A scenic escape into nature

Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lake District National Park is a top choice for a weekend road trip, offering picturesque views, tranquil lakes, and rolling hills. Known for its stunning landscapes and charming villages, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and cycling.

Highlights:

Lake Windermere: The largest lake in England, perfect for a boat ride or a lakeside walk.
Grasmere Village: A charming village famous for being the home of poet William Wordsworth. Don’t forget to try the famous Grasmere gingerbread.
Helvellyn Mountain: A popular hike with spectacular panoramic views (for more experienced hikers).
Castlerigg Stone Circle: A prehistoric site with amazing views of the surrounding hills.

Cornwall: Coastal charm and hidden coves

Best For: Beach lovers, history buffs, foodies.
Cornwall is renowned for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient castles, or indulge in delicious Cornish pasties, this south-west gem has something for everyone.

Highlights:

St Ives: A picturesque seaside town with golden beaches, charming streets, and art galleries.
Land’s End: The famous westernmost point of England offers dramatic views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Tintagel Castle: A historic site linked to the legend of King Arthur.
Padstow: Known for its seafood, this charming town is perfect for food lovers looking to sample local delicacies.

The Cotswolds: English countryside bliss

Best For: History enthusiasts, couples, slow travellers.
If you’re looking for quintessential English countryside charm, the Cotswolds is the perfect weekend road trip destination. With its rolling hills, historic market towns, and thatched-roof cottages, this area feels like stepping into a storybook.

Highlights:

Bourton-on-the-Water: Often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” this village is known for its picturesque riverside setting and charming bridges.
Bibury: A beautiful village with traditional stone cottages and the iconic Arlington Row.
Stow-on-the-Wold: A charming market town with antique shops, cozy pubs, and stunning architecture.
Broadway Tower: A unique tower that offers spectacular views of the Cotswolds and is perfect for a photo op.

Northumberland Coast: A quiet retreat

Best For: History buffs, nature lovers, beachgoers.
For a more relaxed and off-the-beaten-path road trip, head to Northumberland, which offers a blend of rugged coastline, medieval castles, and sandy beaches. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in natural beauty.

Highlights:

Alnwick Castle: Famous for being featured in the Harry Potter films, this medieval castle is a must-see.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne): A tidal island accessible by causeway, home to an ancient priory and a rich history.
Bamburgh Castle: Perched on a cliff, this dramatic castle overlooks miles of pristine coastline.
Beadnell Bay: A stunning and peaceful beach ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.

The Scottish Highlands: Majestic and remote

Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, nature lovers.
The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes in the UK. From rugged mountains to remote lochs, this region provides a true escape into nature.

Highlights:

Loch Ness: Explore the iconic lake, famous for its mythical monster and stunning scenery.
Ben Nevis: The UK’s highest mountain, perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking for a challenge.
Glen Coe: A hauntingly beautiful valley with dramatic landscapes, ideal for photography.
Isle of Skye: Known for its rugged coastline, fairy-tale castles, and the famous Old Man of Storr rock formation.

Peak District: A hidden gem for outdoor lovers

Best For: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, families.
The Peak District is one of the UK’s oldest national parks and offers an abundance of natural beauty, with rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and charming villages. It’s an excellent destination for a weekend road trip if you’re seeking outdoor adventures and peaceful countryside.

Highlights:

Bakewell: A charming town known for its famous Bakewell tart.
Chatsworth House: A grand stately home with beautiful gardens and impressive art collections.
Mam Tor: A popular peak offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Derwent Reservoir: A peaceful spot perfect for walking, cycling, and picnicking.

So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside escape, an adventurous hike, or a charming village to explore, the UK offers a variety of road trip destinations that can be enjoyed over a weekend. Pack your bags, hit the road, share the drive with Veygo’s pay-as-you-go car insurance and explore some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Ready to plan your weekend road trip? Choose your destination, get your car ready, and start your adventure today!

The post Weekend road trip inspiration in the UK appeared first on Veygo.

A guide to becoming a confident and safe driver

Angharad Evans — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:35:38 +0000

The journey to becoming a confident driver

Becoming a confident and safe driver is a journey that all learner drivers embark on. Whether you’re about to take your driving test or just starting your lessons, the road to getting your driver’s license can feel overwhelming. However, with the right preparation, practice, and mindset, you can succeed and become a safe, confident driver.

Understand the basics before hitting the road

Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the basic rules of the road. The Highway Code is always a good place to start. Knowing the following will help you feel more confident when you start your lessons:

Traffic signs and road markings: Learn the meanings of common traffic signs, road markings, and signals. Understanding these is essential for navigating the roads safely and passing your driving test.
Speed limits: Different roads have different speed limits. Make sure to familiarise yourself with local speed regulations and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
Know your car: You may be taking driving lessons with an instructor, as well as private practice with family or friends, which means you’ll be learning to drive in different cars. If this is the case, then make sure you familiarise yourself with the car you’re in before you start.

Choose the right driving instructor

Selecting the right driving instructor is an important step for any learner driver. Consider the following factors when choosing yours:

Certified instructors: Ensure your instructor is qualified and experienced. Look for instructors who are patient, clear in their explanations, and able to tailor their lessons to your learning style.
Lesson flexibility: Choose an instructor that offers flexible lesson times. It’s easier to schedule lessons that fit into your daily routine, especially if you’re balancing work, school, or other commitments.
Reviews and recommendations: Read reviews from other learners or ask for recommendations from friends or family. Positive feedback from previous students is a good indicator of a reliable instructor.

Regular private practice

Consistency is key when learning to drive. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become. The DVSA Ready to Pass? campaign recommends 22 hours of extra private practice between driving lessons. Flexible learner driver insurance means you can get cover in just a few minutes, for as little or as long as you need. Here are a few tips to maximize your private practice sessions:

Go out when you can: Aim to practice regularly to build momentum. Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long gaps in between sessions.
Practice with someone you’re comfortable with: If possible, practice driving with a trusted family member or friend. Make sure they are patient and experienced enough to guide you through different driving situations. Don’t forget, they must be over 21, be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you’re learning in and have had their full driving licence for three years. More information can be found on the UK Government website.
Practice in different conditions: Try to practice driving in different weather conditions as this will help you become a well-rounded driver. But don’t forget to always be safe on the road.

Master key driving skills

As a learner driver, it’s important to focus on mastering the fundamental driving skills. Here are some of the key skills you should work on:

Steering and control: Practice keeping a steady grip on the steering wheel and making smooth turns. This is essential for staying in your lane and driving safely.
Parking and manoeuvring: Parking, parallel parking, and performing three-point turns are essential skills that will be tested during your driving test. Practice in different parking scenarios to gain confidence.
Understanding road positioning: Pay attention to road positioning when turning and overtaking. Good road positioning improves your safety and awareness.
Speed control: Learn to adjust your speed according to traffic conditions, road signs, and the flow of traffic. Practicing smooth acceleration and braking will help you maintain control of your vehicle.

Prepare for your driving test

Proper preparation is key to passing your test with confidence. Here are some tips:

Familiarise yourself with the test route: If possible, try to drive along routes that are commonly used for driving tests. Knowing the area can help reduce anxiety on the day of your test.
Mock tests: Many driving schools offer mock driving tests, which simulate the actual driving test experience. These are a great way to get feedback on areas you need to improve before the real test.
Stay calm and confident: On the day of your driving test, stay calm, take deep breaths, and trust your training. Remember, everyone makes small mistakes – what matters is how you recover and continue driving safely.

Drive safely

Once you pass your test, you’ll still need to be cautious and continue improving your driving skills. Here are some tips:

Stay focused: Avoid distractions – never use your phone or eat while driving. Staying focused on the road is crucial for responding quickly to any hazards or changes in traffic.
Keep a safe following distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to react in case of sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
Use mirrors regularly: Always check your mirrors before making any changes to your speed or direction. Proper mirror use can prevent accidents and help you stay aware of your surroundings.
Don’t rush: Whether you’re driving on a busy street or a quiet road, take your time and avoid rushing. Safe driving involves patience and always being aware of your surroundings.

Stay patient and keep practicing

Becoming a skilled and confident driver takes time and dedication. As a learner driver, focus on building your skills, practicing regularly, and staying calm during your lessons and driving tests. For more hints and tips on top to pass your driving test, visit the Ready to Pass? website.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so if you need to squeeze in more practice ahead of your test, get a quote for flexible learner driver insurance.

The post A guide to becoming a confident and safe driver appeared first on Veygo.

Flexible, student-friendly car insurance

Angharad Evans — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:04:17 +0000

Moving away to university is an exciting milestone. It usually marks the first time you live away from home, often bringing new adventures and new friends. But, with the rising costs of everyday living, it can also be a really challenging time to manage expenses. Students are having to be more and more savvy when it comes to saving money and we know that plans change and that not everyone wants to be locked into long-term fixed costs. That’s why Veygo has flexible cover to suit students’ ever-changing needs.

For those last-minute road trips, the dashes home to get your washing done, the shared journeys you’ll remember forever and even the occasional ‘big shop’ – we know that sometimes only a car will do.

Whether you’ve just started learning, recently passed your test or been behind the wheel for a while, you’ll know that getting yourself insured to drive can be difficult and expensive – something you really don’t need when you’re a student. So, what’s the hack?

Go flexible with Veygo

Veygo’s flexible car insurance can be arranged in minutes, for as little or as long as you need, to drive your own car or someone else’s. So, you can cover yourself on a friend’s car for a day, or on your parents’ car for a reading week at home or even organise a monthly rolling subscription for the long summer holidays.

Got the L plates on?

No problem. Veygo’s learner driver insurance is specially designed for provisional licence holders looking to get in some extra practice. If you’re practicing in someone else’s car, then it’s an alternative to you being added as a named driver on their insurance. And it removes risk to their no claims bonus.

Just passed?

If you’ve just passed your test, you’ll know how hard it is to get affordable insurance. So, we’ve designed new driver cover just for you. And it’s available from the moment you pass your test. We even have cover that rewards safe driving, so that the better you drive, the more you can save.

Been driving a while?

If you’ve had your licence for more than 12 months, we offer a range of flexible, affordable and easy options to insure yourself on your own car or someone else’s for as little or as long as you need. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for pay-as-you-go cover for an hour, day or week, or if you need longer cover on our monthly rolling subscription that you can cancel for free, at anytime. Veygo has a range of flexible cover options that can fit around your lifestyle.

How does it work?

Whatever your level of driving experience, Veygo can help get you covered in just a few minutes. And, don’t forget, we can insure you on your own car, if you’re lucky enough to own one, or we can insure you to drive someone else’s. And the big bonus is that if you’re borrowing the car, you can protect the car owner’s no claims bonus. It’s super flexible and easy – you can get cover in minutes for as little or as long as you need.

So, if you want to share the drive with a mate during term-term or need to use your parents’ car when you’re home for the holidays, get a quote for pay-as-you-go cover or a rolling monthly subscription now at veygo.com or download the Veygo app.

The post Flexible, student-friendly car insurance appeared first on Veygo.

Road Safety Week 2024

Angharad Evans — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:12:44 +0000

What is Road Safety Week?

Road Safety Week is an annual campaign dedicated to promoting road safety awareness and advocating for safer roads and responsible driving behaviour. This week-long event aims to shine a light on road safety, with the purpose of reducing road accidents and saving lives by educating all drivers on the importance of responsible driving, pedestrian safety and the need for improved road infrastructure.

According to road safety charity, Brake, every year more than 1,700 people die on UK roads, with another 30,000 receiving serious, life-changing injuries. The numbers are shockingly high and have remained at a consistent level for a long time, impacting not just the casualties but also their families.

For this year’s Road Safety Week, Brake will be revealing the stories behind the statistics – including the families of those who’ve been impacted by road accidents – and calling for the highest standard of care for every road victim.

How to Participate in Road Safety Week 2024?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a learner driver, new driver or experienced driver, everyone can sign up to take part in Road Safety Week 2024. You can sign up here.

For Road Safety Week 2024, Brake will be doing the below:

Leading on the development of a Road Victims’ Charter, calling on the new government to provide sustainable funding and parity of care for road victims and their families, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whether or not a crime has occurred.
Bringing communities together to remember loved ones who have died or suffered life-changing injury in road crashes.
Helping children and young people learn about the people who help us after a crash.
Helping organisations that employ people who drive for work to learn why we need robust investigation into the causes of road crashes, so we can understand why they happen and prevent future road death and harm.
Helping people whose lives have been torn apart by road crashes to talk about their experience.
Showcasing the work of Brake’s National Road Victim Service, which provides expert emotional and practical support to thousands of road victim families during their darkest and most difficult times.

Here are some ideas on how you can get involved:

Observe Safe Driving Practices: Practice responsible driving by following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic rules.
Promote Pedestrian Safety: Educate pedestrians about safe crossing and encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Support Road Safety Campaigns: Participate in or organize road safety awareness campaigns and educational events in your community.
Advocate for Safer Roads: Advocate for improved road infrastructure, including better signage, lighting, and pedestrian facilities.
Conduct School Programs: Engage with schools to teach students about road safety and encourage safe behaviours among young pedestrians and cyclists.
Drive Responsibly: If you drive, set a positive example by always wearing your seatbelt and refraining from texting or using your phone while driving.

So, make sure to encourage your school, university, place of work or community to support the initiative by sharing important road safety messages.

Don’t forget to visit the Veygo Hub for loads of important information on how you can keep safe on the roads, including guides to help you understand key things like stopping distances, reversing around corners, driving at night and understanding speed limits.

The post Road Safety Week 2024 appeared first on Veygo.

Staycation driving guide. Veygo’s advice to help young drivers at higher risk of fatigue.

Angharad Evans — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:05:59 +0000

While road trips can be exciting, research shows that the risk of driver fatigue is particularly high for those under 30 – the age group most prone to accidents caused by tiredness and boredom. Data suggests this is because young people can’t cope as well without adequate sleep and the fact that the area of their brain that deals with driving-based decision-making is still maturing.

There are four main warning signs of fatigue you should look out for when driving. They are:

Difficulty concentrating
Yawning
Feeling like your eyelids are ‘heavy’
Experiencing your eyeballs starting to ‘roll’

With the above in mind, here’s Veygo’s practical advice to ensure your safety on the road and help you manage fatigue before and during your drive:

Take regular breaks: If it’s a long journey, plan to take a break at least every couple of hours. Rule 91 of The Highway Code advises that for every two hours of driving you should take at least a 15-minute break.
Share the drive: If a passenger has also passed their test, consider splitting the drive. Opting for a flexible insurance option, such as Veygo’s temporary car insurance, means a driver can be insured within minutes, for as little or as long as is needed.
Plan for shade: Driving in hot weather can be exhausting. Before setting off, look at your route and see if there’s anywhere you can pull over and either get a few minutes in the shade outside of the car.
Stay hydrated: Having a thermal water bottle is an ideal way to keep water cool in the car. As fatigue can occur because of dehydration and thirst is a sign of mild dehydration, it’s essential drivers drink water before they feel thirsty.
Get plenty of sleep before setting off: Prevention is better than cure. Aiming to get eight hours of sleep before driving will set you up for safe driving success.
Recognise the signs of fatigue: Fatigue is easy to identify as there are four main warning signs. These include difficulty concentrating, yawning, feeling like your eyelids are ‘heavy,’ and experiencing your eyeballs starting to ‘roll’.
Avoid driving at night: Driving at night has its risks, particularly as data shows 40% of road collisions occur during darkness. Driving after sunset means road markings, pedestrians and cyclists can be harder to see, and it can be harder to judge distances and speeds.
Use caffeine wisely: Energy drinks are a tempting tool to stay alert, however, drivers who are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine could face serious side effects including reduced alertness, control, and mood. Consume caffeine in moderation as it’s not an alternative to sleep or rest.
Stay engaged: Actively scanning the road, anticipating hazards, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings are crucial. If a driver finds any of these difficult, it’s a sign they need an immediate break at the first safe opportunity.

Hopefully these tips help you stay safe on the road when you venture on your next road trip or staycation. Don’t forget, longer car trips are far more manageable and enjoyable when you share the journey. So, if you’re heading on a staycation with your friends or family, make sure you get Veygo’s flexible temporary car insurance, so you can split the drive, helping you have a safe trip.

Get insured within minutes, for as little or as long as you need, to share the driving load on your next staycation.

Get a Quote

The post Staycation driving guide. Veygo’s advice to help young drivers at higher risk of fatigue. appeared first on Veygo.

What affects your car insurance costs?

Angharad Evans — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:28:41 +0000

We know that car insurance costs can be confusing, whether you’re looking for learner insurance, new driver insurance or pay-as-you-go, temporary car insurance. There are lots of factors that can impact your quote – anything from your area to the vehicle you’ll be driving, to how the wider insurance market is performing.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our simple guide to some of the things that affect car insurance costs:

The driver

Things like your age, how long you’ve been driving, where you live and your occupation will all be taken into consideration.

The vehicle

We look at factors like the type of car you’re going to drive, including its engine size. We also consider things like the cost of the car and the claims history for that type of car.

Claims and convictions

It’s important for us to know if you’ve previously been involved in an accident and whether or not you were at fault. We have to consider your driving history, including any non-fault accidents. You’ll also need to share any previous claims with us.

What if I’m not eligible for cover?

While we always want to get you covered and on the road, we’re not a guaranteed form of insurance, so we won’t always be able to insure you, unfortunately.

Our eligibility criteria changes regularly and is based on multiple things including industry data. As our criteria changes regularly, being rejected today doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to get insurance with us tomorrow. Always give us a try if you need insurance as our eligibility criteria is regularly updated.

Sometimes, you might not be eligible for cover because of the car you want to drive. So, if you have access to another car, we suggest you do a simple re-quote with the other car as we may be able to offer you cover on that one instead.

Due to our changing eligibility criteria, you may encounter occasions where we’re unable to cover you. We understand how frustrating this might be, however as our eligibility criteria is continually updated, there will be occasions where you may have had cover in the past but you’re now being rejected.

Indicative pricing

We display your indicative price throughout the quote journey. This is likely to fluctuate, based on the details you input at each stage. This means that you may see a difference in your final quote compared to your initial quote.

Hopefully some of these pointers help you in understanding what can affect your insurance costs and eligibility to keep you covered. To get a quote for our learner insurance, new driver insurance or temporary insurance, head to our website for more information.

The post What affects your car insurance costs? appeared first on Veygo.

Adding a driver to your car insurance: What you need to know

Angharad Evans — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:58:08 +0000

Car insurance is a critical aspect of being a responsible vehicle owner. It not only protects you and your vehicle in the event of an accident but also ensures that you comply with legal requirements. Adding a new driver to your car insurance policy is a common option, whether you’re a parent adding a teen driver or sharing a vehicle with a friend or family member. But is it always the best option for you?

Understand the Necessity

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the need for insurance. If someone who isn’t insured gets into an accident with your car, your insurance might not cover the damages. Therefore, making sure the driver is insured ensures that they’re protected, and your coverage remains valid.

Determine Who Needs Cover

Identify the individuals who need to be covered to drive your car. Common situations include:

Adding a spouse or partner: you may want to share a car either permanently or on a temporary basis
Adding a teen driver: As your child becomes a licensed driver, it’s essential to add them to make sure they’re insured. Keep in mind that young and inexperienced drivers often result in higher premiums if added to your policy.
Adding a family member or friend: If you plan to share your car with someone, such as a sibling or close friend, you need to ensure they are covered.

What will you need?

Any insurance provider will request specific details about the driver you wish to add to a policy. Be prepared to provide information such as:

The driver’s full legal name
Date of birth
Driver’s licence number
Their driving history, including accidents and penalties

Your insurance provider will provide you with the required documentation to add the driver. This may include a policy endorsement or an updated declaration page. Make sure to review these documents carefully to confirm that all the information is accurate.

Understand the Cost Implications

Adding a driver to your car insurance policy can affect your premium. The cost depends on various factors, including the driver’s age, driving record, and the type of vehicle they’ll be using. Young and inexperienced drivers often result in higher premiums due to the increased risk associated with this demographic.

Could my no claims bonus (NCB) be affected?

Yes, if you add a named driver to your insurance policy it could impact your no claims bonus if the named driver made a claim. Even if the person you add to your policy is a responsible driver, you can’t control the behaviour of other drivers. This is one of the main downsides to adding a named driver to your policy

What other options do you have?

If you don’t need to add someone to your policy for a long period of time (such as a year) it could be much cheaper and safer to use a Temporary Car Insurance policy.

Consider Temporary Car Insurance if:

The driver you are adding doesn’t use the car everyday
The driver you are adding doesn’t need to be added to the policy for a full year
You don’t want to risk affecting your no claims policy
You want to save money
You want flexibility on when the additional driver is insured

Conclusion

Adding a driver to your car insurance is a straightforward process that ensures both you and your designated driver are protected in case of an accident. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to understand why you need to add a driver, determine who should be added, and provide accurate information to your insurance provider. Remember that this may result in increased premiums and there are other options. You can get temporary car insurance so we’d recommend you get a quote for this option before committing to adding someone to your own policy.

The post Adding a driver to your car insurance: What you need to know appeared first on Veygo.

A guide to rural driving

Angharad Evans — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:59:40 +0000

Rural driving can be a unique experience compared to driving in urban areas. The roads are often less crowded and the speed limits are higher, but there are also other challenges that you may not encounter in the city.

Let’s think about a few factors that may come into play before discussing rural driving. You have to think about whether you know the area or not, car size, changing speed limits and always be aware of different spots to pull over incase of oncoming traffic. So, here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate rural roads safely and confidently.

Animals

When rural driving animals are going to be there, it’s essential that you’re aware of wildlife. The smaller animals are typically the ones hardest to spot as they dart out quickly into roads and can cause you to potentially slam on the brakes, or swerve. Not only that but some animals like badgers can damage the car badly if they’re hit so it gives more incentive to avoid them!

Animals such as deer, cows, and horses can also wander onto the road unexpectedly. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of wildlife and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary. If you do see an animal, try to avoid hitting it by braking and sounding your horn

Other drivers

Watch for slow-moving vehicles. You may encounter tractors, trailers, and other slow-moving vehicles on rural roads. Be prepared to slow down and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Always use your turn signals and make sure the road is clear before you pass.

Road conditions

Stay alert for curves and hills. Rural roads are often winding and hilly, which can make it difficult to see what lies ahead. Slow down and be prepared for unexpected turns or inclines.

Be mindful of weather conditions. Rural roads are often exposed to the elements, which can make them slippery or icy in the winter. Slow down and be extra cautious in bad weather. You should also take note that these kinds or roads are usually more shaded and get far less attention from local councils to get salt or grit down on them.

Keep your distance. Rural roads often have fewer cars on them than urban roads, so it can be tempting to drive too closely behind other vehicles. However, it is important to keep a safe distance to give yourself time to react if something unexpected happens.

Check your tires. Rural roads can be rough, with gravel and potholes, so it is crucial to make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle and prevent a tire blowout.

Use your headlights. Even during the day, it’s a good idea to turn on your headlights when driving on rural roads. This will make you more visible to other drivers and help you see the road ahead.

Pay attention to road signs. Rural roads often have signs that warn of potential hazards, such as sharp turns, bridges, and steep grades. Be sure to pay attention to these signs and adjust your speed accordingly.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Rural roads can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and always have a full tank of gas and a spare tire. Similarly, to bad weather conditions, rural roads usually get less attention from councils and are typically in a worse condition, so things like potholes may be more prevalent.

Stay calm and take it slow. Rural roads can be challenging, but they can also be beautiful and peaceful. Stay calm and take your time, and you’ll be able to enjoy the journey as well as arrive safely.

For a nice visual overview of rural driving why not check out our helpful learn video to give you an idea of what it’ll look and feel like driving down the back roads!

So, thinking about rural driving requires a different set of skills and mindset. Watch out for wildlife, slow-moving vehicles, curves and hills, weather conditions, and unexpected hazards. Keep a safe distance, check your tires, use your headlights, and pay attention to road signs. Stay calm and be prepared for the unexpected. Remember that rural driving can be a unique and enjoyable experience if you approach it with caution and patience.

The post A guide to rural driving appeared first on Veygo.

Driving home for Christmas!

Angharad Evans — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 15:57:27 +0000

Driving home for Christmas can either be considered exciting or worrying. Exciting because you’re going to see everyone like your family and friends, but worrying, because you just know you’ve got so much to do in such little time.

So here at Veygo we know the stress of travelling around the country trying to visit all your family and friends, and trying to get everyone everything they deserve, so we’re going to throw a few things together in this article to help you out!

Know your journeys

So as simple as it sounds about driving home for Christmas it may not just be from point A to point B. Home may just mean a town or a county where all of your friends and close family live. Or maybe you’re heading somewhere where part of your family lives and then you may be travelling to a different area to see other parts of your family.

Family

So, first of all, let’s talk about going to see family. If you’re travelling back, you’ll probably want to see your parents. You may be at the age where siblings are a bit older and moved out and want to visit them, or maybe even go see grandparents who live in a close area.

As you get older you realise Christmas is less about getting gifts and more about giving and having a good time with your family. So, make sure to set time aside and visit everyone you can. This way everyone is happy, and you can rest easy.

Friends

It’s that time of year where most people are super busy and excited so you’re going to want to optimise your time and efforts to enjoy the holidays as much as you can! As much as it may sound like it’s not fun, some careful planning can help you to efficiently get around to see and enjoy with everyone.

Not only should you make the effort to see your family but spending time with friends is a good way to make use of your time during Christmas! As nice as it is to see family, you don’t want to be thinking “Wish I had made time to have fun with friends” as Christmas is a great time for going out and celebrating and enjoying!

Home from uni

This is really a combination of the two, but it’s its own category, as you’re likely to have plenty of free time (not forgetting your assignments). So, this gives you ample opportunity to get about and see everyone!

One way to take advantage of this would be to get on some of Veygo’s temporary car insurance. Doing this is a great way to get insured on someone else’s car over Christmas giving you the freedom you need to see everyone!

Once you’re home…

When you’re eventually home, you’re going to need to get about. That’s where we at Veygo come into it! You may have taken public transport or a lift to get to your destination, that’s fine, but when you’re in said location, you’re going to want some means to get around.

As previously mentioned, we offer temporary car insurance, purchasing this will allow you to get insured on a friend or family member’s car from as little as 1 hour to 60 days, which is the ideal time frame for when you’re visiting home for Christmas!

Getting temporary insurance with Veygo is more than just being able to drive someone else’s car while you’re home for Christmas! It saves you having to get about on public transport.

Public transport this time of year is potentially at its worst, not only is it always busy and loads of people everywhere, there’s cancellations and not to mention how cold and wet the weather is! Compare that to sitting in your own car with a bit of Chris Rea on and the heating on full whack! Two completely different experiences..

Not only avoiding the inconvenience of public transport, but also if you’re travelling far, you may be able to save some money or effort by sharing a lift. If you’re car sharing not only will you be able to split the cost of fuel, but share the effort of driving.

With Veygo temporary insurance you’d be able to get both people insured on the car and do half of the journey each! So not only do you save yourself some inconvenience, but there’s also ample opportunity to save some money!

If you plan well and set times to see everyone this means that not only, will you be able to get around everyone, but can also help you to get about more safely. A part of driving this time of year isn’t just to have fun, you’ve also got to be considerate to others (on the roads as well as getting them gifts).

For some tips on driving this winter check out the following article Driving in winter: tips for driving in rain, snow and ice.

Going away for Christmas

Very similar to driving home for Christmas you’re going to need to plan, however, going away somewhere usually means you’ve planned ahead! You’ve likely sorted a way there and some accommodation, probably some activities as well!

Let’s talk a little bit more about the planning, one thing people usually forget about is parking. Not only is parking an issue when going away, but knowing where’s safe to park is always helpful. Making sure your accommodation has parking is pretty simple, just contact whoever owns the accommodation and they should be able to help. Alternatively do a thorough search online and you should be able to find somewhere!

An advantage of scouting the area online for parking is finding recommendations of what to do in the area. This time of year, you’ll almost certainly be looking for a Christmas market, even if it’s just to walk through and have a quick gander. But also finding other places to visit like fun activities or nice places to go out for a meal.

Despite having access to live maps on your phones or sat navs having a rough idea of the route ahead is useful, just in case of any accidents or needing alternative routes, so maybe familiarise yourself with some hotspots in and around the area you’re planning to go to.

Finally, whoever you’re going away with, consider splitting the journey, it’ll prevent either driver from getting too tired and make it safer! You can simply do this by buying some temporary car insurance with Veygo, and it’s really cheap and simple to do!

This applies for the drive home, possibly even more so as you’re more likely to be tired after a trip away and will want the journey to be as safe as possible!

And as always, if you’re a learner driver just looking to get some extra practice in or already have a licence and looking to use another car, Veygo offers both learner driver insurance and temporary car insurance for any situation!

Get a quote

The post Driving home for Christmas! appeared first on Veygo.

Manual vs Automatic – Which to learn to drive in

Angharad Evans — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:17:03 +0000

When it comes to learning to drive you essentially have two options, you can either learn to drive in a car with an automatic gearbox, or a manual gearbox. Typically you’ll learn in a manual car as it’s more common for cars to have a manual gearbox and it’s kind of a special request to learn to drive in an automatic car.

So, what’s the difference ?

When learning to drive a car with a manual gearbox, you’ll notice that you have to be able to control the revs, clutch, gear stick, and just managing shifting gears. This is why it’s called manual. As much as it sounds once you get into the groove of learning to drive these things will become second nature, as you notice the sound of the revs and instinctively find the biting point on the clutch.

Automatics, as it may seem somewhat obvious as to why they’re called this, basically automates the process of shifting gears and having to control a clutch. In an automatic car you’ll notice the gear stick wont have as many numbers on it and may have some letters such as D, R, P, and N.

D – Drive, this will be the selected gear that allows you to drive forwards.

R – Reverse, this is the gear that will allow you to.. You guessed it, Reverse!

P – Park, this is the parking gear, so whenever you park the gear you’ll need to select this gear.

N – Neutral, this just chucks the gearbox into neutral so it can move either forwards or backwards if needed.

Different types of cars

When it comes to what cars are manual and which ones are automatic there isn’t a huge difference. If you can find a car in manual, you’ll typically be able to find it in automatic.

The only issue you’ll find is when looking for certain cars that are automatic, you may not be able to find it manual. This will usually be if you’re looking at electric cars as they don’t use a conventional engine so they don’t require gears.

Veygo short-term cover and learner driver insurance

Here at Veygo we offer two types of insurance, learner driver insurance and temporary car insurance. Both of our types of insurance policies offer cover for both manual and automatic cars, in 2022 we sold over 162,955 automatic policies and more than 696,037 manual policies.

Automatic cars

There are definitely pros and cons to driving automatic cars, these fall under a few different sub categories, learning to drive, driving, finding automatic cars, and buying automatic cars.. Not to mention future proofing them. So let’s look through some of the pros..

Pros

Easy to get the hang of when learning
No need to shift gears
Less chance of you ruining the clutch
An automatic gearbox is more reliable than a manual as it involves less human error.
It’s a way to future proof your driving habits

As mentioned it does seem like it would be worth signing up to drive an automatic car as there are some real pros worth considering for it, however, there are definitely drawbacks (whether convenient or not..)

So let’s quickly dive into what isn’t so great about automatic transition

Cons

The idea that it isn’t “real” driving.. Feels more like a game or go-karting.. (it’s definitely real so still be as careful as you would in a manual.)
If you’ve passed your test in an automatic car, then you’re limited in what cars you can drive.
Typically an automatic car is more expensive to buy (especially second hand)
Cost of repairs are usually more expensive, this is due to being more complex than a manual transmission gearbox.
Breakdown/recovery can sometimes be much more complicated.

Despite there definitely being pros and cons to what type of transmission your car has, they’re definitely worth considering when you look at what type of car you want to drive. But with that being said some of the views of driving an automatic mostly come down to stigma. Automatic gearboxes these days are super efficient and with the way the world of cars is going it’s looking like electric is the way forward, meaning nearly every car is going to be automatic transmission eventually.

Manual cars

Just by looking at the numbers it’s clear that manual cars are by far the more popular one! It would be far more popular as the manual transmission gearbox has been around for far longer.

As we just mentioned manual cars have the advantage of feeling like you’re really driving. This stems from being more difficult to learn in and not to mention professional motorsport, seeing and knowing your favourite drivers shifting gears is bound to give you the urge to want to feel like that (no matter your age!).

After thinking a little bit about manual cars let’s dive right into the pros and cons..

First off, you’re not limited to what kind of car you can drive.
finding /purchasing a manual car is far easier in the UK.
“Proper” driving, more of a feel of actually driving, or more interesting to drive.
Repairs are far more common in a manual car, meaning it would probably lower the cost.
Unlike an automatic car, recovery is consistently simple. (or as simple as a breakdown and recovery can be)

As fun and convenient driving a manual can be, let’s not forget about the cons..

Can be considered slightly more difficult to learn to drive in.
Potential to burn out the clutch
May not be the way forward as it seems most cars are going in the direction of electric motors.
Having to change gears while driving..

Which is best ?

It’s very easy to look at the pros and cons when considering what type of car to drive, and again it’s very easy just to think “I’ll learn to drive in an automatic, it’ll be quicker and easier”, but it’s not always as simple as that.

It may be a bit easier to drive an automatic when you first start driving but there are definitely other factors to think about. For example when learning to drive there are far fewer driving instructors that teach in automatics, purely because of availability. This then leads to longer wait times which in turn results in a longer wait to get on the roads.

On the other side of that coin you may be thinking about learning in a manual, but you may take ages to get the hang of driving a manual car, this will then result in more time in driving lessons, and more money spent paying an instructor for extra lessons.

However, you could get around paying your instructor to take you out driving by purchasing some of Veygo’s learner driver insurance, buying this will allow you to get out on the roads, and you can pay for as little as one hour so you don’t have to over spend on an extra driving lesson or buy a whole learner policy.

Speaking of insurance, don’t forget to think about how much you’ll have to pay after your test. Typically a manual car is cheaper on insurance than an automatic, but this isn’t the deciding factor on what makes a car cheap to insure!

If you’re unaware of what you want to drive or when you’ll be looking to purchase your full policy, then here at Veygo we offer temporary car insurance, you’re eligible to purchase this after you pass your driving test and can just roll around in your parents car while you decide which car you’ll be driving.

Just a final reminder, if you’re learning to drive and need to get more time in to practise on that pesky clutch then our learner driver insurance is a great option for you to get the hours in without breaking the bank!

Get a quote

The post Manual vs Automatic – Which to learn to drive in appeared first on Veygo.