Every year, twice a year, the registration plates on cars will change. This isn’t news; of course, it’s always been this way. But we understand that actually, it can be pretty confusing if you don’t understand how it works. So, here is a brief explanation of how exactly registration plates work…
Understanding car registration plates Read More »
Did you know that 61% of motorists in the UK say that they have suffered from a road rage attack while driving? This can be either physical or verbal, and three-quarters of drivers said they have experienced a “threatening gesture” from another user. That means that 80% of drivers, four out of every five drivers, have experienced road rage aggression. Interestingly, only 6% of these incidents get reported to the police. So what causes road rage? And, if you suffer from road rage, how do you overcome it? In this article, we look at what causes road rage, and some things you can do to stay calm on the road.
What causes road rage? How can you overcome road rage? Read More »
According to ABI, there were 125,000 dishonest insurance claims in 2016, these were valued at £1.3 billion. 57,000 insurance fraud cases were down to opportunists, making claims when they shouldn’t be. Despite the high numbers, there are many who do not know about the different types of insurance fraud, and how to spot if they have been a target. So what are the different types of vehicle insurance fraud, and how do you know if you’ve been a victim of insurance fraud? In this article, we look at the different types of insurance fraud, the signs you have been a victim of insurance fraud and how to avoid being a victim of insurance fraud…
What are the different types of vehicle insurance fraud? Read More »
If your lease agreement is coming to an end, then you will need to arrange for the return of your lease vehicle. You will also have to start looking for your new vehicle.
The question is, when do you start this process?
We always recommend the sooner the better. Modern life is busy, and leaving it until the last minute can cause undue stress and panic, but how early you start the process really depends on you and the vehicle that you want.
So in this article, we look at when to arrange the return of your current vehicle, and when you should start looking for your next vehicle.
When you are looking at getting a new car, you will be considering how to finance it. There are a few ways you can finance your vehicle, and it’s important that you know which finance option you are going to go for and how you are going to go about getting finance for this vehicle, and who to go through. So who are the best car finance providers? In this article, we are going to go through the best car finance providers, the best finance companies and the best finance rates…
Best car finance providers Read More »
If you are a business, you might be looking at getting a van, or multiple vans. However, there are so many things to consider, that it can often be difficult to even know where to start. In this article, we go about looking at van leasing solutions, from where to look for vans and how to finance them…
Van leasing solutions Read More »
With the rise of car leasing comes the rise of car lease providers. If you are new to the concept of leasing, then the amount of information, companies and providers offering you all sorts of deals and offers can be overwhelming. We understand that it can be overwhelming, which is why we try and make leasing as easy, and as smooth, as possible. And we know that you are going to want to try and find the best car lease providers for you. So in this article, we are going to go through the best car lease providers, as well as the best places to find lease prices and programmes…
Who are the best car lease providers? Read More »
Who said Estate cars had to be ugly? The new Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer is one of the most handsome,
Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer Review Read More »
The Mitsubishi Group is a multinational company and are involved in everything from real estate to food and beverages to telecommunications and of course, automobiles. And of course, it’s the automotive side of Mitsubishi that we are interested in. Mitsubishi Motors was, as of 2011, the sixth biggest Japanese automaker and the sixteenth biggest automaker worldwide by production. So where did it all begin? In this article, we look at the history of Mitsubishi Motors, from its conception to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance…
A brief history of Mitsubishi Motors Read More »
When you lease a car, you will have to put down an initial payment. This is also referred to an initial rental, or a deposit. It can also be called a down payment, it varies depending on who you talk to. Many think they are interchangeable, and in the context of leasing they do essentially mean the same thing, but there are key differences that you should know about. In this article, we are going to look at the difference between the two, and whether a lease deposit is refundable…
In recent years, Kia have become hugely popular in the UK. The rise of the crossover SUV has meant that the Kia Sportage is a common sight on British roads. The success of the Sportage has led to a rise in other Kia models, including the Rio and Optima. Kia are not only known for their success in the crossover market, they are also well-known for their reliability and their impressive seven-year manufacturer warranty. Regardless of why Kia are popular, you might be wondering if Kia is the right manufacturer for you. In this article, we look at Kia lease deals, and think about whether Kia might be right for you.
Kia Lease Deals: Is Kia the Right Manufacturer for Me? Read More »
Whether we like it or not, 2017 is approaching its end. The John Lewis advert premiered not too long ago, and that’s a sure indicator of the fact that we are nearly at the end of the year. This year has been an interesting one, and despite uncertainty, car leasing has still maintained the popularity it has been enjoying the past few years. Both private leasing and business leasing are still hugely popular and continue to be on the rise. If you are considering refreshing your fleet, or even getting your first ever fleet, you might be wondering which vehicles to get. And, looking at the best vehicles of the year by sales is a good place to start. In this article, we look at the best fleet vehicles of 2017 to hopefully help you make a decision as to what fleet vehicle might be right for you.
Best-selling fleet vehicles of 2017 Read More »
Renault is one of the best known car manufacturers in Europe, as well as one of the oldest. Groupe Renault is a multi-national manufacturer, producing cars and vans. In 2016, Renault were the ninth biggest automaker in the world by production volume, and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi-Alliance the fourth-largest automotive group in the world. But how did Renault become the automotive machine it is today? We look at a brief history of Renault.
A brief history of Renault Read More »
Peugeot are one of the biggest car manufacturers in Europe and have been around since 1810. Of course, they weren’t a car manufacturer then. In fact, they started off by manufacturing coffee mills and bicycles. So how did Peugeot become the huge brand they are today? In this article, we look at the history of Peugeot, from coffee mills to Groupe PSA…
A brief history of Peugeot Read More »
Porsche are one of the most well known brands in the world. Synonymous with luxury and style, Porsche have become just as much of a status symbol as designer clothes or luxury holidays. But how did the car manufacturer become the luxury icon it is today? We look at the interesting history of Porsche…
A brief history of Porsche Read More »
Lotus are a classic British company, and one that have been around for over half a century. Originally manufacturing sports and racing cars, Lotus have a cult following and some very loyal drivers. But how did they gain such a cult status? We look at the interesting history of Lotus…
A brief history of Lotus Read More »
Honda are known for their well-built, reliable cars, and are hugely popular across the world. Whether you enjoy the sportiness of a Civic or the reliability of the Accord, Honda have a vehicle for pretty much everyone. They are also leading the way when it comes to electric vehicles. But, where did it all begin? We look at the history of Honda, from motorcycles to their aims for 2025…
A brief history of Honda Read More »
It’s Road Safety week this week, and to bring awareness to this, we have produced a series of articles giving you advice on how to stay safe out on the roads as a driver, a cyclist and a pedestrian. But one thing we have yet to talk about is how to make sure that you are keeping within the speed limit. One of the top tips for keeping safe on the roads is to abide by the speed limit. After all, it is a limit for a reason, and much thought has been put into those limits. But many will know that sometimes that is difficult. You can get distracted, relax or go into a bit of a daydream and find your speed creeping up without you even realising. It’s not that you want to break the speed limit, but sometimes it happens. So in this article, we are going to look at 10 tips for staying within the speed limit…
10 tips for staying within the speed limit Read More »
In the UK, we are very lucky to have such a vast countryside, with gorgeous landscapes and rolling hills. And sometimes there’s nothing nicer than driving down a country road, enjoying the impressive views and the freedom of not being restricted by city driving. However, rural roads can be dangerous. More deaths occur on rural roads than they do on urban roads, making road safety in rural areas imperative. Whether you drive on rural roads on a regular basis or you are unfamiliar with driving in a rural area, we’ve provided you with some top tips to keep safe on rural roads as both a driver, and a walker…
Now the clocks have turned back, it’s getting darker much earlier, which means you will very often find yourself walking in the dark. Be this back from the train station, walking your children back from an after-school club or Scouts or simply walking to and from meeting friends, the chances are you will find yourself walking when it is dark. Your safety as a pedestrian is important. While you are very safe when walking along the pavement, you are one of the most vulnerable groups, you don’t have a metal box to protect you if an incident occurs. So in this article, we are going to look at road safety for pedestrians with our top tips to stay safe….
Road safety for pedestrians Read More »
Road safety is imperative. Cars are becoming safer, and the advances in technology mean that we have never been safer on the roads. In fact, Volvo have committed to ensuring that there are no deaths or serious injuries in their new vehicles from 2020. However, we are not 100% safe all of the time. And road safety is still just as important today as it was thirty, forty years ago when lane departure warnings didn’t exist. 27,130 people were killed or seriously injured in the year ending June 2017. There were 176,500 casualties if you include minor injuries. While this is actually a 5% fall in injuries and deaths from last year, it is still far too many. So in this article, we are going to look at some top tips for staying safe while driving, including on rural roads, on motorways and in cities.,,
Road safety for drivers Read More »
Cyclists. Whether you love them or loathe them, the chances are you have an opinion on them. Possibly the most divisive topic when it comes to driving, cyclists are never far from a driver’s thoughts when they are on the road.
Regardless of your thoughts on the matter, you share the road with cyclists. And cyclists, you share the road with car and truck drivers. And whether you are a cyclist yourself or you are a driver, safety is very important.
In 2015, there were 18,884 incidents involving cyclists. This includes whether they were slightly injured, severely injured or killed. These are the latest figures that are available. It is also thought that this number is actually larger as many casualties aren’t reported to the police. In February this year (2017) it was reported that there has been a 50% rise in accidents between cyclists and pedestrians in seven years.
So regardless of whether you ride a bike, you are a driver or you are a pedestrian, keeping safe while cycling or around cyclists is absolutely imperative.
But how do you stay safe if you are a cyclist?
In this article, we look at road safety for cyclists.
Road safety for cyclists Read More »
It’s Road Safety Week! There is nothing more important than road safety, and whether you are a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian, road safety is imperative. One of the things that are often overlooked when talking about road safety is child road safety. We talk about keeping safe as a driver, or a cyclist, but it is rare that we look at how to keep you and your child safe whilst walking along a path and when crossing the road. We want to change that. So in this article, we are going to look at some top tips for keeping your child safe when it comes to being a pedestrian, and how to teach them some tips about road safety.
Road safety for kids Read More »
The statistics for new drivers when it comes to road safety make for very uncomfortable reading. For example, drivers aged 16-19 are a third more likely to die in a crash than drivers that are aged between 40-49. One in four 18-24 year olds crash within two years of passing their driving test and young male drivers are involved in more crashes than young female drivers. Young people, those aged 17-19 make up just 1.5% of UK licence holders but they are involved in 9% of all fatal and serious crashes where they are the driver. As we said, uncomfortable reading. Which is why we are writing this article today. In this article, we are going to look at some safety tips for new drivers including how to stay safe when driving in bad conditions and driving on the motorway…
Road safety tips for new drivers Read More »
Romania’s top company by revenue and the country’s largest exporter, Dacia has come a long way since its conception as a communist state-owned company. Finding its niche in the low-cost sector, Dacia has been the butt of many a joke from the ex-Top Gear trio. But the Romanian car manufacturer are getting the last laugh as one of Europe’s fastest-growing car brands. So how did the brand go from being the symbol of the Ceauşescu government to making around 2.9% of Romania’s GDP? OSV takes a look at the interesting history of Dacia
A brief history of Dacia Read More »
There is always someone who will do it cheaper, that’s often what people say, right? Despite how much searching and research you do, there will always be someone who finds the same thing but for a better price. At OSV, we know that we aren’t the cheapest vehicle broker. This is a fact that we do not try to hide. We do promise that we are going to try and find the best deal for you, but sometimes this doesn’t always mean the cheapest deal. Because we believe that sometimes, the cheapest deal is not always the best deal. And in this article, we are going to try and explain why we believe that, and why OSV aren’t the cheapest broker.
If you are a business and you are providing an employee with a company car, or several employees with a fleet of company cars, then you will have to write a company car policy. This is essentially where you set out the rules that your employees have to abide by when they are driving their company car. But, how do you even go about writing a company car policy? That’s where we come in. In this article, we are going to talk about how to write a company car policy and what you sort of things you should be thinking about when you give your employees a company car.
How to write a company car policy Read More »
Maserati are one of the most well-known brands in the world, and one of the most luxurious. Synonymous with luxury and style, the Maserati tagline is “Luxury, sports and style cast in exclusive cars”, and they are exclusive. Their emblem is a trident, particularly fitting for such a strong luxury sports manufacturer, and a homage to the company’s home city. So where did it all begin? How did Maserati become the status symbol it is today? We look at the interesting history of Maserati, from the Maserati brothers to FCA.
A brief history of Maserati Read More »
Jeep are one of the most well-known brands in the world. Their vehicles are famous for their off-roading skills, and are popular with rural dwellers and, more recently, city dwellers, alike. Jeep have had a rich history, one like no other vehicle manufacturer. So in this article, we are going to look at the history of Jeep, from its founding to Fiat…
A brief history of Jeep Read More »
Jaguar are one of the most prestigious car brands in the world, and are quintessentially British. They hold many Royal Warrants and also provide vehicles for the British Prime Minister. You cannot get any more British than that. But where did it all begin? We take a look at the history of Jaguar, from the Swallow Sidecar Company to Tata Motors…
A brief history of Jaguar Read More »
DS haven’t been around for that long, and in the grand scheme of the automobile industry, they were basically born yesterday.
Interestingly, though, there are two DS brands, one is the premium brand of Groupe PSA and the other is the historical Citroen DS. Though the two aren’t the same, they are linked.
So how did Citroen DS become DS?
In this article, we look at the history of DS, from the historical brand to the present day.
A brief history of DS Read More »
BMW are one of the most well-known, established car brands in the world. Producing both executive and city cars alike, BMW have a rich and interesting history. In fact, BMW started as three other manufacturing companies. So how did it become the prestigious car brand we know and love today? In this article, we look at the history of BMW, from its founding to the present day.
A brief history of BMW Read More »
If you are a business, you might be considering getting vehicles for your employees, otherwise known as a fleet of cars. There are loads of benefits of getting a fleet of cars for your business and there are lots of ways to go about getting a fleet of cars. But where do you start? The best place to start is to look at which cars you are going to get. Once you know which vehicles you want in your fleet, you will be able to move onto the next steps. So which fleet cars are the best? In this article, we look at the best fleet cars of 2017, the benefits of fleet leasing and how it works.
Best Fleet Cars 2017 Read More »
Aston Martin are one of the most luxurious car manufacturers in the world. Synonymous with style, luxury and James Bond, Aston Martin are one of the most well-known brands in the world. However, despite its huge success, it has seen some troubled times.
So where did it all begin?
In this article, we look at the history of Aston Martin, from its founding to James Bond.
A brief history of Aston Martin Read More »
According to Which, “anyone who buys an Alfa Romeo does so with their heart instead of their head”. Alfa Romeo have long had a loyal fan-base and has one of the most recognisable logos in the automotive industry. But where did it all begin? In this article, we look at the history of Alfa Romeo, from its founding to their popularity with businesses.
A brief history of Alfa Romeo Read More »
When you are looking at leasing a car, or perhaps even buying a car, you may have come across some leasing companies. As leasing became more popular, so did leasing companies. And now, there are lots of different leasing companies to choose from. However, while leasing companies are very popular, many still don’t quite know what they are, how they work, and what makes them different from dealerships. That’s where we come in. OSV have been trading since 1997, and over that time we have seen leasing companies come and go. We have also learnt that transparency is key, and being completely honest with our customers has meant we have customers who return to us year on year. So in this article, we are going to tell you exactly how car leasing companies work, how they make their money and how they differ from a dealership. We are also going to give you some tips on how to find the best car leasing company for you.
How do car leasing companies work? Read More »
At OSV, we value transparency and honesty when it comes to our customers. We don’t like to leave you in the dark, and we want you to know everything there is to know about vehicle leasing so you don’t end up with a vehicle that is not right for you. Which is why we’ve written all these articles, to educate you and to help you make the right decision.
However, one thing we don’t really talk about much, is OSV. Very rarely do we discuss what we do, and what part we play in your buying journey should you choose to get your vehicle through us.
So in this article, we are going to look at the problems OSV solve and discuss the process you would go through should you choose to get your vehicle through OSV.
Problems OSV solve Read More »
If you are a business, you might be considering leasing several vehicles. This is otherwise known as fleet leasing, and is a hugely popular option for many businesses. Leasing has become hugely popular as of late, and is one of the most popular ways of getting a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles for your business. So what leasing options are there? In this article, we look at the leasing options for fleet management, how fleet leasing works and some of the advantages of fleet leasing.
Leasing Options for Fleet Management Read More »
Some define a fleet as a large number of vehicles. However, at OSV, we treat our fleet customers the same regardless of whether you are looking at a fleet of two or two hundred. When a business has a fleet of vehicles, the chances are that they lease them. This is because there aren’t many businesses that can afford to purchase several vehicles outright every few years. So fleet leasing is extremely popular. There are also a huge amount of benefits to fleet leasing that make it even more appealing for businesses than simply freeing up cash. In this article…
What are the benefits of fleet leasing? Read More »
Car leasing has been around for some time now, since the 1990s. However, at that time, it was only really available for business owners who wanted a fleet of company cars. Now, however, leasing for private individuals has become more popular, and is now one of the most popular way of getting a new car. Personal leasing is on the rise, which has led to an increase in people asking about the concept of leasing and what it entails. One of the questions many people ask is ‘what’s the problem with car leasing?’ There aren’t that many problems with personal leasing, which is why it is so popular. It works for pretty much anyone. However, that’s not to say there aren’t a few problems that you should be aware of…
Top 5 problems with Personal Leasing Read More »
Vehicle leasing has been around for some time now, and was originally introduced to the United Kingdom back in the 1990s. While it has been popular for a while with businesses, it is the rise in personal leasing that has set tongues wagging and people Googling. Personal leasing has taken off as of late, and is currently one of the most popular ways to get a new car.
Vehicle Leasing for Dummies Read More »
Business leasing has been around since the 1990s, and has since grown hugely in popularity. In fact, it is one of the most popular ways of getting a new car for your business, with Contract Hire being one of the most popular finance agreements out there. But, how does it all work? What leasing options are there for your business? And, how do you go about getting a business lease? In this article, we look at everything you need to know about business leasing including what it is, how it works, and whether it is right for you.
Business leasing for dummies Read More »
When you are researching lease deals, you are undoubtedly looking at the price. And this is understandable, the price is hugely important when looking at lease deals, and is often the most important thing people look for when choosing which lease deal to go for. On the surface, some lease deals look the same but they are vastly different in price. This can often be confusing, and it begs the question; how are car lease payments determined? The chances are, the lease deals are actually different but don’t look different at first glance. At OSV, we pride ourselves on our transparency and think that it is only fair that you know how car lease prices are calculated. In this article, we are going to look at how car lease payments are determined, and what affects lease prices.
How are car lease payments determined? Read More »
Car leasing is a very popular way to get a new car, and is actually one of them ost common for businesses and private individuals. There are a great number of positives but, as with everything, it’s not for everyone. It’s important that you know the ins and outs of leasing before you can decide if leasing a car is for you. In this article, we are going to look over some of the problems with car leasing, how they are solved, and whether leasing is right for you.
Car leasing problems Read More »
When you are approaching the end of your lease agreement, you will inevitably be thinking about your options.
Of course, you can hand your car back, as is the case with many lease agreements. However, some may be considering renewing their lease contract or even buying their lease car.
In this article, we will be looking at whether you should buy your lease car or renew your lease agreement at the end of the contract, how it can be done and whether it is right for you.
Should I buy or renew my lease agreement? Read More »
Leasing has become increasingly popular as of late. As a result of this, leasing companies have also been more popular, and people are becoming more aware of leasing companies and the services they offer. Despite the popularity, people are still wary of leasing and in turn, leasing companies themselves…
Are leasing companies good? Read More »
Car leasing has become extremely popular as of late, with Contract Hire being one of the fastest growing finance schemes in the country. Although car leasing has become more popular, there are many who still do not know much about car leasing, what it entails, or what car leasing even means. So in this article, we are going to talk about what leasing a car means, the pros and cons of leasing, and whether it is right for you.
What Leasing a Car Means Read More »
Long journeys with the kids have never been so easy. The new seven-seater Renault Grand Scenic Estate is an impressively stylish offering that’s well-equipped, affordable to run, and super spacious.
In many ways, it’s the perfect family car in 2017. It’s the biggest MPV sold on these shores, but despite its size it looks visually compelling. There are plenty of engines to choose from, including a hybrid, while its cabin is a pleasant place to spend your time on the road.
The word lease has been around for quite some time and in different contexts. The term ‘leasehold’ has been around for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages. You may have also heard of car leasing, which could be why you’re reading this article today. Car leasing…
What does leasing mean? Read More »
The new SEAT Leon X-perience Diesel Estate is the bigger, tougher, four-wheel-drive version of the poplar Leon Hatchback. It’s not a fully-fledged SUV, but this will suit families who don’t want some of the hang-ups that come with said types of vehicles.
Instead, what you get is a dependable and rugged family car that’s well-built, practical and which looks good. It’s got plenty of grip, comes with a raised ride height, and can tow those heavy loads that a conventional Hatchback just can’t.
Review of the SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE Diesel Estate Read More »
