Just become an associate of the IAM
Discussion
After a very informative drive with Nick from Chelmsford IAM over the weekend I have a decided to become an associate.
The values that came across over the drive were much as I expected from an advanced driver - increased awareness and observation, a certain ammount of mechanical sympathy and an emphasis on making rapid, but relaxed progress. As well as the obvious roadcraft, it struck me that a lot of this would have translated onto the track (for example, eliminating small repeated steering inputs to maximise steering feedback) Although not always obvious at first, the topics touched on in our brief drive all seemed to be common sense - there was a logical reason for everything and never just IAM favoured convention.
I do a lot of driving, both for pleasure and my job, so a little more training to develop my skills seemed like a good idea. Plus as a young (male) driver with a passion for fast cars the possibility of insurance benefits is also a bonus.
The values that came across over the drive were much as I expected from an advanced driver - increased awareness and observation, a certain ammount of mechanical sympathy and an emphasis on making rapid, but relaxed progress. As well as the obvious roadcraft, it struck me that a lot of this would have translated onto the track (for example, eliminating small repeated steering inputs to maximise steering feedback) Although not always obvious at first, the topics touched on in our brief drive all seemed to be common sense - there was a logical reason for everything and never just IAM favoured convention.
I do a lot of driving, both for pleasure and my job, so a little more training to develop my skills seemed like a good idea. Plus as a young (male) driver with a passion for fast cars the possibility of insurance benefits is also a bonus.
Good luck with it!
I signed up with the idea that it would form the base of some performance driving courses at a later date (HPC etc).
Tip - better observation makes identifying the unmarked police car behind you easier! Just watch their roadcraft if you are lucky enough to follow one. Keeping up whilst staying within the speed limits ain't easy...
I signed up with the idea that it would form the base of some performance driving courses at a later date (HPC etc).
Tip - better observation makes identifying the unmarked police car behind you easier! Just watch their roadcraft if you are lucky enough to follow one. Keeping up whilst staying within the speed limits ain't easy...
Excellent.
Now, is anyone else in the Essex area interested in an informal drive to see if you would be interested in doing some training with the IAM. Note that you can be assured of a completely "dogma-free" experience!
If you decide it's not for you - no problem. On the other hand, you might find that it's one of the best things you ever did, at least with regard to driving ;-)
regards
Nick
Now, is anyone else in the Essex area interested in an informal drive to see if you would be interested in doing some training with the IAM. Note that you can be assured of a completely "dogma-free" experience!
If you decide it's not for you - no problem. On the other hand, you might find that it's one of the best things you ever did, at least with regard to driving ;-)
regards
Nick
Chris71 said:
.... Plus as a young (male) driver with a passion for fast cars the possibility of insurance benefits is also a bonus.
Don't hold your breath!I've not saved anything on my premium but take the view that with less chance of being involved in an accident I can risk a higher policy excess.
You're probably right in thinking that it's not easy to get discounts by being a member of the IAM. However, the method I use will generally shave 5 to 10% off the premium.
Essentially, you get the quotation, and then ask the telesales person how much that will be reduced by virtue of being an IAM member. You will often find that this will result in 5-10% off the quoted premium.
You are of course right in saying that the easiest way of saving money is to have fewer claims.....
Also, you'll no doubt enjoy your driving more and, when all's said and done, who wants to be be less skilled than they could be at something they enjoy doing?
regards
Nick
Essentially, you get the quotation, and then ask the telesales person how much that will be reduced by virtue of being an IAM member. You will often find that this will result in 5-10% off the quoted premium.
You are of course right in saying that the easiest way of saving money is to have fewer claims.....
Also, you'll no doubt enjoy your driving more and, when all's said and done, who wants to be be less skilled than they could be at something they enjoy doing?
regards
Nick
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