16th of December towing rules

[Justme]

4 minutes ago, scbk said:

Does that mean all pre-97 licence holders will now be uninsured for towing a trailer, as they haven't done any training either?

 

What about vans/pickups/4x4s/campers/tippers etc. Most people will have passed their driving test in a small front wheel drive petrol car, and never had any training in anything bigger.

 

Insurers will always find a way out of paying for claims, or increasing premiums.

That is a very interesting question.

Currently my info is that the insurance world was not happy with the removal of the test & that they are looking at what they will do re this. Things that have been mentioned are, insisting on training (which is assumed will be the gov scheme), increasing premiums (which is what I think they will do as its the easiest for them & makes more money) or not covering towing without further costs & or proof of training. Time will tell. They might do nothing but I can see that it would be an easy way to increase fees that I cant see them missing.

 

The other big question is how will the rest of the world treat people that have been given the BE when they have to take a test to get it. Currently no one knows.

 

Re the cars the test was for all vehicles up to 3500kg. You can take the test is most sub 3500kg vehicle, I have seen a few do it in vans. The few learners I do take to test do it in a 4x4 thats about 2800kg so not your standard learner shopping trolley car. 

[PeteB]

That very interesting question also throws into the pot of the pre 97 folk who tow, have towed, without training or issue going forwards?

 

I've towed since 82, without an issue, as the then licence allowed so why should I now be penalised by insurance companies who were happy to previously take my coin?

[Big J]

13 minutes ago, PeteB said:

That very interesting question also throws into the pot of the pre 97 folk who tow, have towed, without training or issue going forwards?

 

I've towed since 82, without an issue, as the then licence allowed so why should I now be penalised by insurance companies who were happy to previously take my coin?

 

It's all a bit daft. 

 

Perhaps what we need (and bear with me, because this is a bit 'out there') is some sort of training, and possibly a test so that we can determine who is safe to tow a heavy trailer on the road....

[LGP Eddie]

Can’t see insurers doing anything on Trailer towing with regard to training requirements for ordinary users, but it would be very simple to split off towing entitlement into an add on that you were charged extra premium for should they see an increase in incidents.

 

The database is all there if drivers are stopped to see if they’ve paid the additional premium, although as we know many think actual insurance is optional anyway.

 

Employers should check any restrictions they may have applied to policies like ages, and they have a duty to provide some form of training as it’s work equipment.

 

I’m no fan of the ticket for everything, industry riding on the back of everything, type culture, but a full day for a trainer to do a few guys shouldn’t break the bank and you may just learn something.

 

 

Eddie.

 

 

 

 

[muttley9050]

It's naive to think you will take a hit when it comes for driving with no insurance.

That hit could easily turn into millions and a sentence for man slaughter.

[Dbikeguy]

Quite correct. I don’t really care. I’ll take the hit if/when it comes. Much rather that than line a hawkers pocket. [emoji4] 

Agreed. taxing us for a license they have voted to be not needed.