Also had to get No Claims discount proof from the same address as which I then had to send it to with my "new" insurer - these are the insurers who say they "share" information

Presumably they mean they share it with claims farmers, not each other.

Two cars, one with parking sensors and one without. Both get rear ended resulting in the need for a new bumper. Which costs more to repair? Which should pay the higher premium?

I'd also contend that the car with parking sensors is more likely to be driven by someone who doesn't know how to reverse using mirrors and, horror of horrors, moving their neck!

"you must have a helluva neck if you can see your rear bumper from within the car"

Not really. I have a good look before I start reversing and continue whilst reversing. No need for an annoying bleep or buzzer then. I wonder how many of the drivers you see reversing out of parking spaces in supermarket car parks are relying on sensors as so many appear to have neck problems so bad, they can't even use their mirrors, let alone look over their shoulder.

And when I see parking sensors fitted to i10s, Picantos and similar, I really do wonder at the ability of some drivers.

Edited by Chris M on 14/12/2012 at 12:49

ChrisM writes understandably but I am afraid it's rubbish..

Anyone over 60 is likely to have mobility problems in bacjk and neck.. Parking sensors help a great deal.

Just wait till Chris is over 65 and is not allowed to drive as his neck is stiff and he has no parking sensors:-)

Technology should be there as a fail safe, not as an excuse for lazy driving.

That's down to the way that drivers use their available facilities - after all brakes are only needed as a failsafe in case slowing down in good time isn't enough to avoid an accident.

This is nothing new, I remember in 1989 someone fitting a second foglight into the blanking plate on an Austin Metro rear bumper, the Vaden Plas model had two, they got it from a breakers yard. When getting a quote, it was declared but the insurance co. wouldn't quote unless they removed it.

"Power assisted steering

Air conditioning.

Electric windows

Electric heated windows.

Automatic transmission

Self dipping rear veiw mirrors

Electric seats

Self tuning radios."

Apart from the HRW, I don't see any of those as directly safety related. And anyway, a HRW isn't needed if you have rear parking sensors.

"add to the list::-

collision avoidance systems

ABS"

My journey to work is mostly dual carriageway and motorway. Several times a week and too often, several times a day, there will be cars on the hard shoulder where the above have not helped the driver avoid a collision. The technology has not helped the idiot driver who seems to think that it enables them to follow too close to the car in front. The systems instil a feeling of 'if I cock up, the car will save me'. It so often doesn't. It won't be long before it will be commonplace for cars to see ahead and be able to avoid a collision. Great, bring it on. The reality will be more drivers getting in, pressing the start button, press the loud peddle and disengage brain.