New coach insurance scheme launched

A new insurance scheme specifically for bus and coach companies has been launched.

The new programme has been set up by insurance broker Belmont International in conjunction with the GreenRoad Safety Centre and aims to reduce driver premiums over time.

Coach and car hire drivers at participating companies will be offered continuous real-time training to improve driving skills, which will provide the insurer with better fleet risk management data to negotiate better premiums.

David Hinton, deputy managing director at Belmont International remarked that the new scheme could be beneficial during the financial downturn.

He said: “At a time of financial uncertainty, with the potential for higher insurance premiums and fuel costs, we have been looking for ways to reduce the impact on our clients.

“With our GreenRoad proposition we have secured the support of leading insurers which will enable the delivery of this product and on going risk management advice.”

The scheme will focus on coach companies with a fleet of up to 100 vehicles.

Figures released by the Department of Transport show that the number of uninsured drivers on the UK’s roads has fallen by 0.7 per cent over the last two years.

Liz Hurley tops red carpet poll

Liz Hurley’s black Versace frock worn to the premiere of the British hit film Four Weddings and a Funeral has been voted the best red carpet gown ever in a poll. Liz H

According to the survey of 3,000 women by Debenhams, the gown worn by the then 29-year-old in 1994 has never been bettered by any celeb stepping out onto the red carpet from their limousine or chauffeur driven car hire.

The dress was characterised by a series of giant safety pins that ran down the exposed sides of the dress under each of the model’s arms.

To find a red carpet outfit that even begins to measure up to Liz’s effort, according to the poll, we have to return to Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy dress worn to the 1954 Oscars, which came in second.

“Liz Hurley’s daring safety pin dress is one of the most famous black dresses worn on the red carpet, which made her a household name overnight,” a spokesman from Debenhams remarked.

Hurley, who appeared on the red carpet alongside then partner Hugh Grant, has since split from her long-term beau.