Insurance Guide

How to stop your car from overheating (and what to do if it does) Driving in warm weather can be wonderful; with the windows down and the radio on, a pleasant drive to the sea can be a great way to relax. What’s not relaxing, however, is hanging around by the side of the road waiting for your car to be towed because the engine has overheated. Whizzing along in the car whilst temperatures soar outside, then, is an infinitely more attractive prospect than having temperature’s soar under the hood, which can swiftly turn a casual day out into a full-blown nightmare. Check out our guide below to learn how to detect the vital signs, and thereby prevent, identify and remedy your car overheating.

Any parents who’ve purchased a car or minivan in the last decade have likely had a conversation about whether or not to get a TV in the backseat. Although having a TV in the car is not a new concept; auto televisions made their debut in 1997, but certain questions still arise today: Is it worth the price? Are they safe? Here are some of the pros and cons of having a TV in your automobile.

As of September 2012, there were over 645,000 cars registered to travel across the 2,090 kilometers of roads; giving Hong Kong one of the most heavily used road networks in the world. Road safety has been established as a 2013 priority by the Hong Kong Police Commissioner - in particular, the Commissioner wants to see a reduction in fatal and serious accidents through a series of initiatives to deter drink driving, drug driving and illegal racing. Despite a growing population and an increase in vehicle registrations, the number of accident fatalities in Hong Kong has remained at a relatively low level for the city’s population. In 2012, there were 119 traffic accident fatalities, and the fact that this is the second lowest figure on record since 1955 shows a concerted effort to minimize accidents. Road safety is also aided by the fact that all vehicles in Hong Kong must be registered and licensed; likewise, commercial and goods motor vehicles in must undergo annual examinations to ensure they meet Road Traffic Regulations before they can have their license renewed. Safety technology in cars has experienced a quantum leap in the past few years, with advances spurred on by governments in order to lessen the loss of life and injuries, as well as give automotive manufacturers a competitive edge. “Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general. We explore a range of some of the safest cars available in Hong Kong to keep you and your family secure on the roads: Volvo XC60 Long renowned for their focus on safety features, Volvo has further built upon their reputation with the XC60. This car includes a range of traditional Volvo safety features such as a whiplash protection system, side impact protection system, dynamic stability and traction control, inflatable curtain airbags, and roll stability control. A particularly relevant feature of the XC60 within Hong Kong’s congested streets is the City Safety mode which helps to avoid collision by constantly monitoring the traffic ahead and activating the brakes if a car ahead stops suddenly. Mercedes Benz B Class For those that have safety as a priority, the Mercedes Benz B Class has been rated extremely highly, coming close to achieving a perfect score of 36.78 (out of 37) by independent crash testing group ANCAP. Mercedes has a three phase safety system designed to prevent, avoid and minimize damage from an accident. With dual front airbags, front airbags and head protecting side curtains, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control. One of the more innovative features of the Mercedes B Class is the optional PRE-SAFE system which activates preventative safety systems to reduce the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For example, the system uses electric belt tensioners to secure the driver and passengers to their seats in the early stages of an accident. BMW 3 Series With an emphasis on providing a safer driving experience through technological innovation, the BMW 3 Series includes a range of high tech safety features: a heads up display that allows drivers to keep their focus on the road; and a range of radars and cameras to monitor conditions and warn the driver of lane changes and vehicles coming too close. Further improvements include a front camera on the interior mirror that keeps track of traffic signs; recognizing speed restrictions and overtaking bans. The camera can monitor signs that are both posted at the side of the road and mounted above the carriageway. Volkswagen Passat German engineering has once again delivered a car that utilizes cutting edge technology to improve comfort and safety. Front, side and even overhead airbags ensure that the driver and passengers are protected in the event of an accident. Anti-lock braking and stability control are in place, and seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision. Furthermore, a fatigue detection system is standard on all Volkswagen models ensuring that drivers don’t fall asleep at the wheel, a major factor in vehicular accidents. Toyota RAV4 The ever reliable RAV4 has been redesigned with a new sports style and a range of safety upgrades. Eight airbags are standard, including a new drivers knee airbag, dual front airbags and a stability control unit. Two new safety systems, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, are optional extras that make the 2013 RAV4 a worthy candidate for consideration. Nissan Murano Nissan has taken some considerable steps forward in creating a vehicle that aids the driver by judging road conditions, and making proactive safety adjustments - the Murano is designed to prevent a crash rather than simply deploy airbags after one has already occurred. Revolutionary features like “lane departure prevention” use a monitoring device to recognize if a driver is sleepy, and swivels the car back into its lane if it swerves off course. The Nissan Murano hosts a suite of safety features such as brake assist, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and Vehicle Dynamic Control. Suzuki Swift 1.4 While it is a smaller car than many of the other vehicles on this list, the Suzuki Swift has received a number of accolades including being awarded 63 Car of the Year awards across 19 countries. Its safety credentials belie its size and price tag, with a range of standard features that are often added extras in other models. Featuring dual front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC), the Suzuki Swift is an affordable option for those that have a focus on safety. Honda CRZ Responding to a perceived need in the market for a sporty hybrid, Honda responded with the latest iteration of the CRZ. Like the Swift, the Honda CRZ proves that you don’t need to have a large budget to get the benefits of a safe vehicle. With a five star ANCAP rating, traction control system to maintain grip on slippery surfaces, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution technology and of course six airbags, the Honda CRZ is a worthwhile addition to this list.

Enjoy hammering the throttle down the freeway and feeling the wind rush through your hair? Here are a selection of five of the best convertible cars that will help save the earth and save you money in the long run. There are few better ways to take on the highway than in a convertible. Cruising along the open road with the wind rushing through your hair and the sun in your face is an exhilarating experience unmatched by more traditional means of transportation. With increasing concern about the environmental impact of motorised transport, and the increasing costs of fuel, there has been a push towards more fuel efficient vehicles. We explore some of the best options for an eco-friendly thrill ride.

So it turns out the internet isn’t just for looking at pictures of cats (who knew?), you can also use it to diagnose your medical maladies. WebMD is one of numerous online diagnosis sites that have popped up in the last few years. If and when you’re sick, these sites allow you to list your symptoms and see what the probable causes are. This is done either by searching the symptoms directly, or clicking through diagrams of the anatomy and selecting suggestions for what your symptoms may be. Once you’ve submitted these symptoms, a list pops up of the potential ailments that the all-knowing doctor of the interweb believes may explain your symptoms. In this hi-tech, fast paced, instant gratification era that we’re all living in, sites such as WebMD are becoming increasingly popular. Let’s face it, anyone with a laptop or smartphone and a propensity for being too lazy to arrange a Dr’s appointment has used one. We’ve all woken up with a rash, or a sore throat, maybe a body part looks a bit swollen, and we can’t face the hassle of making an appointment with the doc, taking the day off work and sitting in a doctor’s office full of sickly, sneezing, potentially contagious types, only to be told we simply have a common cold or have a mild allergy to our new detergent. Instead, we whip out our smartphone and tap away explaining to WebMD what’s sore or swollen or leaking, and the internet tells us “all is ok, no appointment is necessary, go about your day as normal” or, what seems more likely on these sites “Warning! You absolutely have x,y,z and every other letter of the alphabet, death is im­minent!”. Clearly, there are reasons why self-diagnosis is not such a grand idea. Namely, we haven’t seen WebMD’s medical qualifications - where did this great wise interweb doctor do his 7 years of medical school? More importantly, if you’re self diagnosing with your laptop, there goes your chance of getting a lollipop from the nurse for being a good patient. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of using online diagnostic sites to see whether this is the way forward for healthcare or a misguided fad.

So many people in crowded Hong Kong have very little space for themselves, let alone a pet, so many opt for smaller, easier companions like fish or cats. Still, there are over 247,000 dogs living in the city and many are treated as an indispensable member of the family (or sometimes as a status symbol). Dogs are even shown to live longer in Hong Kong than in other places around the world, perhaps because of the care and attention they receive from families with fewer children than in other countries. Many families with dogs opt to live in outlying areas of Hong Kong, rather than smack in the middle of the city, in order to give their pooch room to roam. But wherever their home may be, all dogs love a change of pace and extra exercise, and that’s a great reason to visit dog-friendly areas all around Hong Kong. By seeking out these doggie hot-spots, pups get the chance to sniff something new, while their humanoid owners can enjoy exploring the city and spending time outdoors. Here are some ideas to get started on adventures with a dog in tow.

In this information-rich era, we can access health information anytime and anywhere through various channels, and our own health issues are receiving increasing attention. Especially living in an international metropolis like Hong Kong, many city dwellers today bear heavy life pressures and have to cope with long working hours, making their bodies naturally prone to problems. On the other hand, our health is also affected by many external factors. Environmental pollution has caused problems in food, water sources, and even air quality, which is worrying. Moreover, in recent years, there have been occasional reports of newly discovered virus strains. The SARS coronavirus outbreak more than ten years ago caused global panic, and the newly discovered viruses in the mainland recently also pose significant threats to our health. Kwiksure believes that the general public must seriously consider purchasing quality medical insurance. Even if unfortunate and unexpected illnesses occur, appropriate medical support can be obtained. Besides protecting oneself, it is also an investment in the health of one’s family. In recent years, with prices rising year after year, medical expenses inevitably continue to increase. What we care about is the service level provided by medical institutions, as high-quality medical services often come at a high cost. To ensure that oneself and family members can receive high-quality medical services when ill, it is absolutely necessary to participate in comprehensive medical insurance plans. Kwiksure has established long-term cooperative relationships with many well-known global insurance companies to provide customers with various types of medical insurance plans, covering critical illness, dental, accident, maternity, and more. Our team of consultants is happy to offer independent and professional advice, helping clients select ideal insurance plans from numerous companies, exchanging affordable premiums for sufficient and suitable coverage. Besides individual plans, we also offer insurance plans for families or corporate groups. Kwiksure’s consultants have rich experience and, in addition to serving local clients, our team can also cater to expatriates who have moved to Hong Kong or even the mainland, tailoring the most thoughtful medical protection plans. Even when living abroad, it is easy to obtain the most appropriate medical coverage. We welcome everyone to contact our consultant team to learn more about various protection plans. We firmly believe that quality medical insurance plans are an important part of building a healthy life.

Exercising and eating well aren’t just important for the human contingent of your family. Pets can be affected by so-called lifestyle illnesses too, and if you want your pet to live a happy, healthy life then it’s important that you include them in your efforts to improve and maintain the overall health and fitness of your family. Read on for Kwiksure’s top tips on how having a pet can actually do wonders for your own - as well as your pet’s - health, happiness and wellbeing.

Mark Six Lottery fever is in full effect in Hong Kong and every week hundreds of thousands of ticket holders are already planning how to spend their winnings, as soon as they correctly match all six balls. And with the highest single payout at more than HK$86 million, there are plenty of popular and expensive items to consider buying. Anyone interested in flashy cars will find just the ride they're looking for at show rooms all around Hong Kong. So even if the next big winner is not a car guy or girl, a new set of wheels should definitely be in order because mega-millionaires don’t ride the Metro, and a boring Mercedes-Benz, Bentley or Rolls-Royce simply won’t do. Here is a short list of the priciest auto options; for most of us simply a wish list, but for the next Mark Six winner, some very applicable advice.

Hong Kong is easy to travel around and has fantastic public transport connections, so in this city, a car is not a necessity. While locales around the world work tirelessly to push the electric car and other environmentally friendly public transport options, Hong Kong seems to stay in its own bubble, continuing to celebrate the more luxurious, high maintenance car models. Just take a drive along Gloucester Road and Queen’s Road Central in Wanchai to get an idea of what people in Hong Kong want to buy. From Lamborghini and Ferrari dealerships to Porsche and Rolls-Royce showrooms, all the big names are waiting to be taken for a spin - often by drivers of equally impressive stardom. And as if the big engines and flashy alloys weren't enough, there is also a huge demand for private number plates to accompany the cars. Very often these number plates are added to quite standard BMW cars because their owners want to add a bit of individuality to their vehicles by giving them a name like 'GIGGLES' or ‘DREAMY,’ or the more arrogant drivers use their plate to make a certain kind of statement, with ‘U WISH’ and ‘ARRIVED’ displayed on the front and back of two Hong Kong sports cars. The most common vanity plates in Hong Kong include the lucky number 8 - or they use the owners’ initials to turn the car into even more of a status symbol. This is the case for Bank of East Asia’s CEO David Li, whose car has the number plate DL 1, and China Club’s David Tang who has at least two licence plates beginning with the letters DT. Hong Kong tycoon and ‘King of Gambling’ Stanley Ho is also known to be a fan of this style of number plate and has been rumoured to own a yellow and silver Rolls-Royce Ghost with the number plate SH and another silver Rolls-Royce Phantom with the well-known HK1 plate.