Month: August 2025

ery August, the UK observes National Road Victim Month – a solemn time to reflect on the lives lost or affected by road traffic incidents. This month is not only a moment of remembrance but also a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about road safety, support affected families and advocate for change in how we approach driving risks.

Why National Road Victim Month matters

Founded by the charity RoadPeace, National Road Victim Month shines a light on the long-term consequences of road collisions. It honours victims, supports grieving families and challenges society to prioritise safer roads.

August was chosen due to a tragic alignment of historic accidents:

• Princess Diana died in a car crash on 31st August 1997.
• Dr. William Price became the first road fatality in Britain in August 1896.
• Road deaths often peak during the summer months due to increased travel.

Understanding the role of insurance

Whether you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, insurance can provide critical protection in the event of a road incident. Key types include:

1. Motor Insurance
   Legally required in the UK, it covers:
   • Damage to your vehicle
   • Liability for injury or death to others
   • Third-party property damage
   • Comprehensive policies may also cover theft, fire and non-collision damage.
   • Personal Injury Cover – some policies offer additional protection for personal injury – helping with rehabilitation costs, loss of earnings or even psychological support.
2. Life Insurance and Critical Illness Cover
   In fatal or life-altering accidents, these policies can provide much-needed financial stability for loved ones left behind.
3. Uninsured Driver Protection
   Unfortunately, not all drivers are properly insured. Adding this cover can protect you from those who don’t take responsibility for their presence on the road.

Road safety and responsibility

Insurance is a safety net – but prevention is always better than payout. National Road Victim Month is a reminder for everyone to:

• Obey speed limits
• Avoid distractions while driving
• Never drive under the influence
• Wear seatbelts and use safety gear
• Advocate for better infrastructure and education

How to support the cause

You can take part in National Road Victim Month by:

• Supporting RoadPeace and similar charities
• Sharing resources on social media
• Reviewing your own insurance cover and safety habits

Final thoughts

Road collisions are often sudden, tragic and life-changing. While no amount of money can undo the harm, insurance can provide a financial lifeline, allowing you time to focus on what’s most important: your emotional wellbeing.

This August, let’s remember the victims, support the survivors, and commit to making our roads safer for everyone.

At QMT Commercial, we’re thrilled to announce that we have officially achieved Cyber Essentials certification – a key UK government-backed standard in cybersecurity. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting our systems, our data and most importantly, our customers.

Cyber Essentials is a widely respected scheme designed to help organisations of all sizes guard against common cyber threats. It demonstrates that we have implemented key cybersecurity measures and practices – and that we take our digital responsibilities seriously.

Why it matters

With the increasing volume and sophistication of cyberattacks, it’s more important than ever for businesses to demonstrate they are taking active steps to protect themselves and their customers. By becoming Cyber Essentials certified, we have helped to:

• Secure our internet-facing systems against common threats
• Protect sensitive client and business information
• Strengthen our internal IT processes
• Show our clients and partners that we’re serious about cybersecurity

This certification isn’t just a checkbox for us, it’s a meaningful step in making sure that QMT Commercial continues to be a trusted, secure partner in the insurance industry.

A proud moment

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a proud moment for our team. It’s a reflection of the hard work and vigilance we’ve dedicated to securing our infrastructure and aligning with industry best practices.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the process, from our internal IT and compliance teams to third parties and auditors. Your hard work made this possible.

What’s next?

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing journey. With Cyber Essentials in place, we’re already looking ahead to how we can build upon this foundation, enhance our security further, and explore additional certifications in the future.

At QMT Commercial, your trust means everything to us. This certification is one more way we’re showing that your data, and your peace of mind, are in safe hands.

With the roads busier than ever, even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in incidents where “what really happened?” is the key question. Enter the dash cam – a small, unobtrusive device that records your journey and can make a big difference to both your peace of mind and your insurance experience.

What are dash cams and why are they so valuable?

A dash cam is a compact camera fitted to your vehicle’s windscreen or dashboard, continuously recording the road ahead (and sometimes behind). Its primary purpose is to capture a real-time account of your driving, traffic conditions and any incidents that may occur.

The evidence advantage

One of the most significant benefits of a dash cam is its role as an impartial eyewitness. In the event of a collision, dash cam footage provides clear, unbiased evidence that can quickly establish fault or clarify a disputed claim. This evidence is invaluable both to you and your insurer, helping to avoid lengthy investigations and speeding up the claims process. According to RAC research, two-thirds of UK drivers now use dash cams, and many believe it has saved them time and money after an incident.

Curbing fraud and “Crash for Cash” schemes

Unfortunately, staged accidents and insurance fraud are on the rise. “Crash for cash” scams – where criminals deliberately cause accidents for compensation – can have devastating effects on businesses and drivers alike. Dash cams have become a first line of defence, helping combat scams by providing indisputable documentation of events.

Insurance impact: discounts and faster claims

Some insurers recognise the value dash cams bring, offering discounts to drivers who use them. Even if a discount isn’t available, dash cam footage can help protect your no claims bonus by clearly proving you weren’t at fault, minimising premium increases after an accident.

For business owners and fleet managers, the advantages are even greater. Dash cams help to safeguard your drivers, support prompt claims management and help maintain a cleaner insurance record – protecting both your team and your business reputation.

Choosing the right dash cam

Today’s dash cams offer a range of features, from HD recording and night vision to GPS tracking and G-force sensors. Consider your needs: do you want both front and rear coverage? Will you be driving professionally? Reliable storage, easy retrieval of footage and secure mounting are all factors to bear in mind.

Final thoughts: protecting your journey

Fitting a dash cam is a straightforward upgrade that can offer valuable reassurance – sometimes saving you a substantial amount on repairs, liability and insurance headaches. At QMT Commercial, we believe proactive risk management is key to protecting your journey, your business and your peace of mind. With today being National Dash Cam Day, there’s never been a better time to explore this valuable piece of kit and see how the right technology and insurance go hand in hand.