I am getting my first car soon...

[pyrate83]

I pay 575 every 6 months on my car. Full coverage 500/500 deductibles. Not bad, I'm only 24. One more year and then it goes down... yes!

Mine went down when I turned 21. Is 25 the next increment I can look forward to?

[Cobra]

I'll be 21 in September, so next year's insurance shouldn't sting so badly.

If I were 21 and taking out the policy right now, it would be £742. When I come to take it next year, provided I have no accidents and so get one year no-claims, it will be £400! WOW!

[lordsmurf]

I used to think my insurance was expensive. No more. You guys are all getting f*ck*d royally, without lube. Now I'm glad mine is "so cheap".

[pyrate83]

without lube

I pay $1200/yr but I really hope it drops some more over the next couple of years. No tickets and no accidents as of yet.

[Cobra]

I wish they'd give young drivers a chance with low premiums, but if they become boy racers and crash, they should pay massive premiums. I don't see why I should be penalised for their stupidity.

I know the point of insurance is to spread the cost so everyone can drive, but when these prats abuse it.....

[BJ_M]

and his name was cobra

[Cobra]

Sorry BJ_M - in a slow mood yet again.....

(I don't get it!)

[BJ_M]

think past tense

if they become boy racers and crash

[shelbyGT]

I pay 575 every 6 months on my car. Full coverage 500/500 deductibles. Not bad, I'm only 24. One more year and then it goes down... yes!

Mine went down when I turned 21. Is 25 the next increment I can look forward to?

Yeah, 25 is next. It might drop a little each year if you're good, but not drastically until 25.

And I'm not getting fvcked compared to my age group, that's pretty in line. However, as a group, all of our butt's hurt.

[pbhalerao]

pbhalerao - what's on the M25?

Those f*&#$g speed cameras around Heathrow - Junction 10 to 15. I got a ticket there and the unfairness of all was what really bugged me no end:

I was living at Woking and dropping off a friend for an early morning international flight out of Heathrow. It was 3:30 AM or so and I was doing 60-70 mph. I did not realize the "40" board after Junction 10 and the camera caught me speeding. I slowed down immediately but I was trapped already. I was slapped with a £220 fine. I argued my case later - it was 3:30 AM, there was not traffic, there were no workmen around the construction site, etc. To top it all I had never had tickets on my license - be it India, USA or UK. But the authorities refused to listen

I had always suspected that traffic cameras in UK aimed at collecting maximum fines instead of regulating traffic. This just confirmed my suspicions.

[Cobra]

pbhalerao,

Couldn't agree more. There was one case where they were really taking the piss that I have seen. I was driving up to Scotland, and there was a bend in the road. Actually ON the bend, they put a 30 limit board for roadworks but toed it in so you had to be right on the bend to see it. About 10m up from it sat a big, nasty GATSO merrily snapping every single driver. I saw the reflection of the flash on the cars ahead and there was nobody behind me so I stamped on the brakes and let the ABS take care of the rest. I escaped, luckily.

They do things like putting them just after the crest of a hill where people are likely to just exceed the limit due to the extra power needed to climb the hill, place them around corners and limit signs on the corners...

I hate speed cameras, but I can see how they can also be a good thing in towns and cities where they help maintain the 30 limit. I just don't like it when they are unfair.

Sorry to hear you got hammered. You wouldn't just pay for the ticket though, would you? You get three points on your licence and your insurance goes up, too......

Well, it's a world of fun, is driving.

[zzyzzx]

pbhalerao - what's on the M25?

I had always suspected that traffic cameras in UK aimed at collecting maximum fines instead of regulating traffic. This just confirmed my suspicions.

In Washington DC the city council has discussed adding yet still more cameras with the expressed purpose of balncing their budget.

Get the photo radar spray. Is it availabele in the UK?

[zzyzzx]

http://www.photoradarspray.com/

I think you can even buy this in the stores here.

[BJ_M]

they tested that here and said it doesnt work - cus they just use the negitive of the image and could see the numbers ... they use high res BW video camera here - but not for speed, for toll ..


i have no idea if it does or doesnt work ..

[bugster]

http://www.photoradarspray.com/

I think you can even buy this in the stores here.

As I said in the other thread, that stuff doesn't work. If a person can read your plate, so can a camera. That stuff supposedley 'blinds' the camera by reflecting too much of the flash. The newest cameras in use in the UK are forward facing (face the front of the car, get you as you approach) and do not use a flash for obvious reasons. They are also digital and send the images straight to the processing centre so you can get your ticket in the post in just a day or two, no human involvement in most cases, its all done by computer! (Don't you just hate those things )

[pbhalerao]

Sorry to hear you got hammered. You wouldn't just pay for the ticket though, would you? You get three points on your licence and your insurance goes up, too......

Well, it's a world of fun, is driving.

Hi Cobra,

I had to pay the fine but I was a temporary visitor in UK and driving on my Indian license, I am OK with the points and insurance. But £220 is a lot of money and ten months down the line, I am still smarting.

There is also a lot in what you say about camera posted on "strategic" points - just after the crest of a hill, blind corners, etc. In the US, they have more police and they also dish out fines but I have always seen them take a proper judgement before handing out the ticket.

As bugster said the whole system is computerised and you can only argue after getting the dreaded post - I guess that once everything is in the system, there is nothing anyone can do. I did not have the time to fight the case in court and paid up.

But, a very happy driving to you and may your car serve you as much as it did to your parents.

Regards,

[Cobra]

Thanks, pbhalerao.

I just spent £816 on my first year of insurance - Third Party, Fire & Theft.

I will be going home to pick up the car this time next week!

Cobra

[smearbrick1]

I was really impressed with my most recent insurance quote. I added a 1995 Ford Probe GT to my policy on Monday (liability only) and it will only cost me an additional 16.00 a month. I was very surprised considering the rating of these types of cars. I had an Eagle Talon (non-turbo) that cost a fortune to insure. For that price, I may upgrade to comprehensive.

[Guest]

Not my first,but am thinking about leasing this.

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-75031_sctid-12001,00.html

Anyone have feedback on this model?

[BJ_M]

Not my first,but am thinking about leasing this.

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-75031_sctid-12001,00.html

Anyone have feedback on this model?

you can get it with skid plates -- like anyone going to take it off road


nice SUV , get spinners for it though

[Guest]

Not my first,but am thinking about leasing this.

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-75031_sctid-12001,00.html

Anyone have feedback on this model?

you can get it with skid plates -- like anyone going to take it off road


nice SUV , get spinners for it though

You might be suprised what I do with leased suvs Definately wouldnt want own one of mine

[shelbyGT]

Not my first,but am thinking about leasing this.

http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-75031_sctid-12001,00.html

Anyone have feedback on this model?

For me, I wouldn't want to pay the gas for that sucker.

But, if you can afford that car, then you can afford the gas. So have at it!

[BJ_M]

Cobra's REAL first car :P

[Tool Man]

Got my renewal quote yesderday for my 1994 Ford Probe GT, £630. I think that would be about $1100.

[richdvd]

edit!