Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Congratulations to Snows Vauxhall and Citroen Basingstoke for becoming the latest Bumper partner to be crowned Dealership of the Month. 

The site uses Bumper’s PayLater product to split aftersales customers’ bills into interest-free monthly payments. Increased payment flexibility at the checkout leads to a higher number of drivers taking recommended repair work. 

Since taking a proactive approach to offering PayLater, the site has seen a huge 36% increase in their red work conversion. 

Excellent customer service and digitalisation is at the heart of everything this site does with PayLaters processed on-site by the service team and through Bumper’s CitNOW integration. 

Ewan Greening works on the service team at Bumper. He said, ‘Having Bumper as a payment option has honestly eased any sort of painful phone call when a customer needs a big repair. 

‘When customers come in for a small job, such as an MOT, they don’t necessarily expect to spend a lot of money. 

‘But when their MOT fails and they need a lot of work doing, having Bumper as an option just makes it all little bit easier’. 

Mutual Snows and Bumper customers praised the flexible instalment option and the team’s excellent customer service. 

‘I had my Vauxhall Astra in for an MOT and service at Snows Basingstoke today, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. The service was absolutely fabulous - professional, efficient, and friendly from start to finish’, said one customer. 

Another driver commented, ‘Very quick, simple, uncomplicated form and process, I was delighted to find such a great service. Thank you Bumper, you’re awesome.’ 

Congratulations to Tony Wilson, Ewan Greening, Alexanda Locke, Emma Edmunds, and the whole team at Snows Vauxhall and Citroen Basingstoke.

Snows Vauxhall & Citroen Basingstoke earns Dealership of the Month title 

Every year we have to pay for insurance to legally drive our cars on the road, but what do we actually get for our money? Insurance pays out if we have a crash, but does it also cover repairs caused by wear and tear? We explain it all.

Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your car through an accident (regardless of fault or how many parties are involved), theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters (such as floods or hail). It does not cover any part that failed due to age or normal usage.

If you only have third-party fire & theft, then your car repairs will not be covered in the event of a crash, it only covers damage or loss due to fire or theft, and any other cars involved (third parties).

How Do Car Insurance Companies Decide on Repairs?

After a road traffic collision, the insurer will either send an investigator or take your car away to be evaluated. The insurer will consider the level of damage, the age of the car and the mileage on the car, as to whether they consider it a write-off or not. 

Does it Matter Who's at Fault in an Insurance Claim?

Regardless of who’s at fault, if you have comprehensive cover, you will be compensated for your car and the costs of personal injuries. The fault only determines who's insurer ultimately pays for the repairs.

Not all insurance policies are equal, when buying you can select the level of coverage you need, there are three types of policies to pick from:

This is the minimum level of cover required by law to drive on the road in the UK. It covers any third parties in the event of a crash. This is used to cover costs for someone else’s vehicle or property, it also covers injuries to other people; both in other cars or your passengers. 

Third-party insurance does not cover your vehicle, or injury to yourself in any way. 

Third-party insurance is not commonly available, most insurers offer one of the other two cover levels explained below.

Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance Cover

In addition to everything on a third-party-only policy; other people’s cars, property or personal injury, TPFT insurance, as it is commonly known covers your car in the event of theft or fire damage. 

This level of cover does not include damage to your car from an accident, nor personal injury sustained to you (the driver).

The highest level of cover, comprehensive cover includes everything from both third party and TPFT, plus damage to your own car, too. Regardless of fault, comprehensive cover will replace or reimburse you for damage to your vehicle, from a small scratch to a complete write-off. 

Comprehensive cover also includes accidental damage, such as scratches obtained whilst parking, or dinging your door on a wall.

Insurers will not cover any damage or injury, regardless of the level of cover, for a number of reasons, these can include:

 You caused an accident - this could be through moving from your lane on a roundabout, pulling out on a car at a junction, or colliding with a slower car in front whilst in traffic.

 If you are deemed to be at fault, your comprehensive insurance will cover the repairs to both vehicles and any personal injuries caused. 

 Any third parties will claim through your insurance to recoup the costs of the incident, including car repair, hire of a car in the interim, and any personal injury claims.

Example 2: An accident where both parties are at fault - 50/50 split liability claim

 Another car is reversing out of a parking space, and you collide with them. Both parties could have prevented the accident. It is decided between the insurers that liability is to be split 50/50.

 Your car and any injuries to persons in it (including you) will be covered fully, with 50% coming from your insurer and 50% from the third party.

50% of the costs of the accident to your car and persons will be covered from the other party’s insurance, and your insurance will cover 50% of the third party’s costs, but none of yours.

If your insurance isn’t covering the cost of repairs, or your car needs maintenance or mechanical work, using Bumper’s zero-interest repair finance is a great way to spread the cost over many months. Find your nearest Bumper 

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

Tyre Tread depth is one of the most important things to check on your car, it can be the difference between having a safe car that can brake and steer in wet weather, and a dangerous one.

This blog will focus on what the term “tread depth” means, how it’s measured and how it can affect the safety of your car.

Tyre tread is the grooved surface that runs around the perimeter of the tyre, its purpose is to disperse water as the wheel rolls along the road. 

Not having tread would mean the tyres would struggle to get traction, and braking and steering would be extremely difficult, especially in wet conditions. The risk of understeer and aquaplaning would be significantly increased.

As the tyres do their job, the forces from accelerating, steering and braking wear away the outer layer of rubber. As the grooves that create the tread are only around 1 cm deep, at some point the tread will be worn away completely, leaving a smooth surface. 

The remaining depth of these grooves is referred to as the Tyre Tread Depth, and there is a legal limit at which the tyres must be changed.

Keeping track of the wear level of your tyres is something every driver should know how to do. Not only is it dangerous to drive on worn out tyres, but it can land you with some pretty hefty fines too. There are a few ways to check tyre tread depth:

If your tyre tread is deeper than the border, you don’t need to replace your tyres yet. If the edge of the border is visible, your tread depth is below 3mm and should be replaced soon.

Tread depth gauges are readily available from car accessory retailers and even most petrol stations or supermarkets. They are basically a small sliding ruler, with an arrow that allows an accurate measurement to be taken. 

Follow the instructions for your particular depth gauge, again measuring each tyre in at least two places, and all tyres on the car - even the spare if you have one.

As well as the two methods above, a quick and simple method is to check the tyre’s wear indicators or wear bars.

Look for a bar inside the tread grooves, that runs across the width of the tyre. If this bar is level or flush with the outermost tread surface, your tyres need to be replaced. 

 Many tyre brands have a small mark on the sidewall showing where the wear bars are, Michelin has a little Michelin Man symbol, and other brands such as Continental have the letters TWI in line with the bars. 

Tyres with less than 1.6mm of tread are illegal and should be replaced. The general guidance is to replace tyres when they have less than 3mm of tread - this is where the 20p coin trick comes in handy.

Driving with tyres worn below the legal limit can result in a fine of up to £2,500, and 3 penalty points, per tyre! That along with the reduced control and braking distance, means keeping on track of your tyre wear is by far the most cost-effective solution.

Why Do You Have To Check Tyre Tread Depth?

We’ve discussed what tyre tread is, and how to check it, but why should you regularly check your tyres?

As we’ve touched upon, the link between tyre tread depth and vehicle safety is significant. Tyres need to be able to disperse standing water from puddles, rain or poor road conditions. If they can't, the grip is easily lost.

This can be catastrophic if you need to brake or turn whilst driving on wet roads, worn tyres also make aquaplaning much more likely - this is when your car rides over the surface of standing water rather than pushing it aside, resulting in a total loss of control.

Cost Implications of Not Monitoring Your Tyre Tread Depth

Aside from reducing the likelihood of having an accident, there are other areas where checking your tyres can save you money.

Like any maintenance on your car, being able to plan it in advance can allow you to shop around, finding deals or better places to buy from. Needing tyres urgently is a good way to end up paying a premium for them.

, we’ve partnered with hundreds of tyre garages across the UK, allowing you to spread out the cost.

Further to that, If you’re caught driving on the road on tyres below the legal limit you may well face a significant penalty of up to £2,500 per tyre, as well as an increase to your insurance premiums in future years.

What Is The UK's Legal Tread Depth?

In today’s competitive automotive market, value-added products (VAPs) offer car dealers a fantastic opportunity to enhance the ownership experience. 

From extended warranties, insurance products and paint protection to stylish accessories and interior upgrades, these products do more than just add to the sale—they provide customers with peace of mind, comfort, and a sense of pride in their purchase. 

In many cases, they can positively impact the residual value of the customer’s vehicle. 

To truly make the most of this potential, dealers need to adopt a thoughtful and strategic approach to their VAP offerings. 

Having worked with various dealership groups and OEMs across the UK and Europe, I’ve identified some essential principles for a successful VAP strategy. 

This guide explores the importance of focusing on value, investing in staff training, ensuring inclusivity, maintaining clear communication, and offering flexible payment options. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for VAP success. 

A trusted Bumper partner recently demonstrated these points to deliver a significant increase in their product performance. They saw the average profit per unit increase by £87. Following these steps could have a significant impact on your business’s overall profitability. 

The first step in developing an effective VAP strategy is to remember that sometimes, less is more. A wide array of products can be overwhelming for customers, leading to confusion and indecision. 

Instead, dealers should concentrate on a select few offerings that genuinely enhance the customer experience and provide real benefits. It’s about identifying those key products that resonate with buyers and add meaningful value. 

Your sales team plays a crucial role in promoting value-added products. If they don’t believe in the benefits these products provide, customers won’t either. Regular training sessions should go beyond the features of VAPs and focus on their value propositions. When staff understand how these products can improve the customer’s experience, they’re better equipped to engage with buyers and foster trust. 

Every customer should have the opportunity to explore products that meet their specific needs and requirements. It’s essential to avoid making assumptions about who might be interested in what. 

By adopting a culture of inclusivity and compliance, dealers can ensure that all products are presented consistently and fairly. Digital tools can help streamline this process, providing tailored recommendations while reducing the chance of human error. 

It’s all too easy to make assumptions about people. However, this can lead to missed opportunities. Training your team to approach every customer without bias creates an environment where individuals feel valued and informed. Empowering customers with knowledge allows them to make decisions that suit their needs, helping them recognise the true value of VAPs. 

Clear and consistent communication is vital for building trust with customers. Inconsistent messaging at various stages of the customer journey can erode confidence and lower conversion rates. Regularly reviewing all customer touchpoints—from initial inquiries to post-sale follow-ups—ensures a uniform brand voice that highlights the value of VAPs across different platforms, whether in person or online.

How products are paid for can greatly influence a customer’s decision. Providing various payment methods, including split payments and flexible financing options, can significantly boost conversion rates. 

By accommodating different customer preferences—such as credit cards, digital wallets, or payment plans—dealers can make the purchasing process more accessible. This flexibility not only drives VAP sales but also encourages long-term customer loyalty. 

Successfully selling value-added products involves more than just offering a range of options. It requires a customer-centric approach that communicates value, empowers staff, prioritises compliance, and simplifies payment processes. 

By focusing on these key principles, dealerships can enhance their VAP sales while building lasting relationships with their customers—essential in an industry facing constant change. The potential for growth is significant, and it all begins with a commitment to value, understanding, and connection.

Jack Allman is the Co-Founder and CCO of Bumper, a digital payments provider built specifically for the automotive industry. Jack has over 10 years of experience working with some of Europe’s top dealership groups and OEMs, helping them to optimise their sales funnels with flexible payment options.

6 Steps to unlock the potential of value-added products with Bumper’s Jack Allman 

If you’re anything like most drivers, as soon as you pass your test everything you learnt goes straight out the window.

At least that’s what a recent survey asking drivers what common road signs meant has revealed.

The shocking survey results showed just how many drivers have no idea when it comes to road signs, with many not being able to identify the simplest ones.

With so many not knowing what the meaning of these common signs are, you wouldn’t be blamed for not wanting to get back out on the road any time soon.

This simple sign was particularly troublesome for survey respondents with a massive 62% unable to identify it.

The white rectangle on a red circle is in fact the no entry sign. You may see this sign when you’re driving around town. This sign is telling you no vehicular traffic can enter an area.

A slightly more forgivable one next on the list here. This red cross on a blue background means no stopping at any time. 42% of respondents didn’t know what this meant and with so many rules and signs around stopping and parking, we’re not too sure we can blame them.

3. Single diagonal line on a blue background

Perhaps responsible for the confusion over the no stopping sign, this red and blue symbol looks very similar. It also has a similar meaning – no waiting. 

You can stop on the road briefly, for example to drop off or pick up a passenger, but you cannot linger there.

Now we certainly think there are a few drivers who don’t know what this sign means.

The white number on a blue background is there to tell you the minimum speed you should be driving. 

A shocking 70% of drivers didn’t know the meaning of this sign. So that’s the reason for those slow drivers in front of me on a Monday morning!

Hmm. It must be something to do with a bus. Right? 

It may seem obvious but a shocking 79% of respondents didn’t know that this sign was a ‘with flow bus and cycle lane’. 

Simply put, this is a lane buses and bikes use, and it goes in the same direction as the other traffic.

6. Bus behind a dashed line on a blue background

Similar to the previous example, this sign is also to do with bus lanes. Unbelievably, 72% were unable to identify this meant a ‘with flow bus lane’ was ahead. 

Sometimes these signs are accompanied by a time when the bus lane is active (usually during rush hour) so make sure to check to avoid any fines!

Those of you who like to take your push bikes out for a spin should recognise this one. 

This white bike on a blue background simply means a recommended route for pedal cycles on a road. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for any unaware drivers on your next cycle, however, as 57% didn’t know what this sign indicated.

8. White arrow pointing left on a blue background

This white arrow on a blue background simply means turn left. Signs in blue circles always indicate you must do something. This sign with an arrow is clearly telling you to turn left.

54% of drivers didn’t know the meaning of this sign.

9. White arrow pointing towards the bottom left on a blue circle

This sign looks pretty similar to our last one, so you couldn’t be blamed for thinking they have similar meanings – and they do!

This sign is telling us to keep left and is often used on roundabouts, road work signs, and at the start of dual carriage ways.

41% of drivers didn’t know the meaning of the keep left sign.

This one is an incredibly important sign to look out for. Scarily, 43% of respondents didn’t know that this sign meant they were approaching a level crossing without a barrier. 

Make sure to look out for these, particularly in rural areas.

So there you have it, 10 common road signs that drivers don’t know the meaning of. Make sure to look out for some of these on your next journey. 

Plus, keep an eye out for the 54% of drivers who didn’t know the turn left sign meant ‘turn left’!

People don’t know what these common road signs mean 

With modern cars being safer than ever, some buyers tend to overlook the safety ratings, but you may be surprised to know that not all cars meet the highest safety standards as assessed by the Euro NCAP organisation. 

In fact, there are some cars released very recently that have fallen short, with some very poor ratings. In this blog, then we’ll take a look at which cars on sale today are the safest, ranging from family hatchbacks to SUVs.

BYD Seal - £42,985 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

A new player in the market, BYD are making some of the most innovative, and safe, electric vehicles. The new SUV; the Seal is no exception. It received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, with great accident ratings.

 comes with emergency braking assist that registers not only pedestrians and other cars, but motorbikes and vulnerable road users. It also comes equipped with side, chest and pelvis airbags for front passengers. 

Volkswagen Golf - £27,035 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

 has been a common sight on UK roads for the 50 years it’s been in production, and for good reason. As well as being just the right amount of car for a small to medium-sized family, the Golf has great safety features and ratings.

Achieving 95% for adult safety and 89% for child safety in NCAP’s testing, the Golf is a safe bet in more ways than one. Additional features such as auto emergency braking, that’s sensitive to pedestrians, cyclists and cars, and driver drowsiness alerts contribute to your peace of mind whether on a long drive or the school run. 

Ford Focus - £28,500 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

 is very much VW's direct competitor. Whilst starting prices are slightly higher, standard specifications do tend to be higher with Ford vs Volkswagen, for instance, the basic Focus comes with keyless entry and cruise control.

In terms of safety features, the Ford is pipped slightly by the VW, with 84% and 87% in adult and child safety respectively. However, even the basic model comes with side, chest and pelvis airbags.

Volvo XC40 - £35,254 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

An article about car safety wouldn’t be complete without a Volvo, the brand has been focused on safety since before most others even considered seat belts a necessity. 

 is Volvo’s smallest SUV, with the XC60 and XC90 being its larger siblings. 

Despite its relatively small size, the XC40 packs in a lot of safety tech, which grants a 97% adult safety rating and 87% child safety, one of the best on this list. 

That’s probably due to it having every airbag available, including knee, side head and pelvis airbags for driver and passenger. 

Cupra Formentor - £34,190 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

, so it's a bonus that it also boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating too. It has a higher child occupancy rating than most at 89% and a very respectable adult rating of 93%. 

Auto emergency braking is standard, helping to prevent front-end impacts with other vehicles, pedestrians and motorbikes. 

Alongside this, the Formentor comes as standard with e-call, an SOS service that detects serious accidents and phones for help.

Volkswagen Tiguan - £34,075 - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*

Volkswagen’s answer to the small-medium SUV sector is the hugely popular 

. It combines a higher driving position with VW reliability and build quality. Available with a 1.5 petrol, 2.0 diesel or a plug-in hybrid, there should be one to fit your needs. 

The adult occupancy rating is not as impressive as some here, at 83%, but the child occupancy rating of 88% is up there with the best. 

The Tiguan comes with all but knee airbags and has forward collision control as standard. 

In our opinion, it has to be the Mercedes E-Class (£55,120) - Euro NCAP Rating: 5*.

 is ubiquitous with luxury and quality, it stands to reason then that it should also be the safest car currently on sale, receiving incredible ratings of 92% and 90% for adult and child occupancy respectively. 

It achieves this by being able to deploy one or multiple of its numerous airbags, the E-Class ticks every box on this front, from front and side head protection, and knee airbags for the driver and passenger.

All the expected safety equipment is present too, with emergency braking assistance as standard, alongside a very sophisticated lane guidance system and driver drowsiness detection.

Whilst all manufacturers do their best to improve their cars and make them as safe as possible, the more expertise, investment and time a company has, the more safe their vehicles will be. 

Some manufacturers have spent decades perfecting their systems. These are the brands to look for when buying the safest car possible:

The Euro NCAP, or New Car Assessment Programme, is a testing organisation paid for by various governments across Europe. Their mission is to thoroughly and strategically test as many new cars as possible, on metrics such as occupant safety, pedestrian safety and overall safety. 

They do this by crash-testing hundreds of cars every year and using sophisticated monitoring technology to assess the damage to the car, occupants and even third parties, such as pedestrians or cyclists. 

Alongside physical testing, NCAP delves into the electronic assistance technology of a car, such as emergency braking, stability control and ABS. Once a car has been tested in all aspects, it is given an overall star score out of 5, and ratings for specific categories. 

Most of the occupant safety of a vehicle is derived from the bodywork and structure of the car. In crash protection, slowing the car down as slowly as possible is key, this means absorbing the energy in whatever way is effective. Significant and well-designed crumple zones are the most common way of attenuating the force from a crash. 

However, crumple zones can only go so far, alongside making the body and structure of the car good at absorbing energy, the passenger compartment should remain as intact as possible, to avoid direct impact to the people inside. 

These physical technologies have been around for a few decades now, but in more recent years electronic aids also play a big part in helping to avoid collisions in the first place. Systems such as stability control and emergency braking assist can reduce the likelihood of a crash significantly. 

Hopefully, this has helped narrow down which car is the best bet to protect you and your family should the worst happen. From sophisticated electronics to numerous airbags, the modern safety systems can be bewildering. 

For more information on car safety, we’d recommend checking out the 

 for the latest news on testing and development.

Keep your vehicle safe, reliable and on the road with regular servicing. 

 allows you to split the cost of additional service and repair work into monthly payments at no extra cost to you.

Apply online in just a few clicks and choose from 1000s of dependable garages and dealerships across the country.

The Safest Cars To Buy In The UK

MOT tests are legal requirements for cars and vans over three years (or four in Northern Ireland). They ensure the vehicle is fit for the road and maintained to a safe standard. Regular maintenance is vital to passing.

 or not notice that the certificate has expired, leading you to ask, "Can you drive without your MOT?" 

Whether you want to avoid accidentally driving without an MOT or are worried about driving to your test, we’re here to help. This article covers whether you can drive your car without an MOT, what happens if you fail your test and other MOT-related FAQs. 

 However, it’s not always that simple. 

For example, you can drive to a pre-booked MOT test at an authorised centre. But you can’t pop down to the shops. 

Driving without a valid MOT - What you need to know

Here are a few common scenarios to help you understand when you can or can’t drive without an MOT. 

If you miss your MOT and have an expired certificate, you will be prosecuted if you’re caught driving. 

Book in for an MOT as soon as possible and keep your car serviced to ensure it’s road-safe. 

Bumper is here to help you split with 0% car repair or service finance. 

Sometimes, cars fail the MOT test even though the current certificate is still in date. 

In this situation, only ‘dangerous’ problems mean you can’t drive the car. You can drive the vehicle home and to repairs if it only has minor issues.

 at all times. Your mechanic will inform you if this isn’t the case.

Most cars only require an MOT certificate on their third registration anniversary (In Northern Ireland, four years). So, there’s no need to worry about MOTs for the first three years.

However, if you’ve bought a second-hand car, make sure to check its MOT status and plan ahead for the next test as soon as you take ownership. The next test might be sooner than you expect. 

Faults and vehicle recalls invalidate your current MOT certification. 

Recalls don’t happen without thorough research. If you’re unsure, contact your manufacturer. Otherwise, you should assume the problem is serious and affects the car’s safety.

Still unsure? Let’s take a closer look at the most common FAQs and when it’s fine for your car to have no MOT.

Can I drive my car without MOT if it’s booked in?

Yes, you can drive your car to a booked MOT test if your current certificate isn’t valid. 

However, you should check your insurance before you do so. Some insurers don’t cover driving the vehicle without an MOT, even if it’s just for the next test.

 on how far you can drive without a certificate. But you should always try to book an MOT nearby to minimise the distance. 

Can you drive your car after a failed MOT?

Driving after a failed MOT depends on whether your current MOT certificate is valid and if any major faults were found.

If your car has ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ issues, you can't drive it until these problems are professionally fixed. 

In such cases, you’ll be given a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate,’ but this won’t be recorded in the MOT database.

Don’t be tempted to drive after a failed MOT. You’ll get three points, a driving ban, and a hefty £2,500 fine.

Yes, your car can fail an MOT due to damage that wasn’t your fault. 

If you get into an accident, you should contact your insurance company. They will assess your damage and categorise the car into A, B, S or N. 

It depends. The DVLA uses a point system to determine whether your modifications will require a new registration number. 