July 2008
Monthly Archive
Tips on How to Enjoy Cheap Car Insurance in the UK
admin 28 Jul 2008 | : Uncategorized
Maria Mbura asked:
With the recent increase of premiums consumers are continually looking for ways to save money on car insurance costs, which are one of the most expensive aspects of owning a car.
We cannot avoid car insurance because it is a compulsory and legal requirement in the UK to have one before you drive your car on the road. You stand to get stiff fines from the Courts if you are found driving without insurance.
The law only requires you to have a third-party cover. This means that if you are involved in an accident the insurance company will only pay damages and injury pertaining to the other people involved. Your car damages or your personal injuries are not covered. The third-party cover is perfect if you are driving an old or a cheap car.
However if you have a good expensive car or a new car it doesn’t make sense to have it on third party cover. In case of an accident the repair bills can end up being excessive for you to meet from your pockets. These kind of cars are best insured through comprehensive insurance which is more expensive.
So what can we do then to enjoy cheap car insurance in the UK? There are many things you can do to lower your insurance costs and save money. Check with your the insurance company to see if they offer discounts on the points below. If your particular company doesn’t offer the deals then research online for the companies that consider giving these discounts.
Having a good recommended anti-theft device will certainly get you a discount from your insurer.
If you pack your car away from the road in a garage or driveway you will attract a cheaper policy.
You can enjoy overall cheaper rates if you have more than one car. Get an advanced driving certificate and most insurers will consider you of a less risk and reward you for it.
Paying annually can save you on the total cost of the insurance.
If you have multiple insurances like a householder or homeowner policy you will enjoy further discount.
A woman has a lower quote and in a home it might be better to have the policy in the name of the female member of family.
How often you use your car is important, if you use your car only over the weekends you will make further savings in the amount you pay.
Most insurance companies in the UK have a presence online and are ready to offer discounts . Get cheap car insurance in the UK by shopping online where you will save hundreds on your next car policy.
With the recent increase of premiums consumers are continually looking for ways to save money on car insurance costs, which are one of the most expensive aspects of owning a car.
We cannot avoid car insurance because it is a compulsory and legal requirement in the UK to have one before you drive your car on the road. You stand to get stiff fines from the Courts if you are found driving without insurance.
The law only requires you to have a third-party cover. This means that if you are involved in an accident the insurance company will only pay damages and injury pertaining to the other people involved. Your car damages or your personal injuries are not covered. The third-party cover is perfect if you are driving an old or a cheap car.
However if you have a good expensive car or a new car it doesn’t make sense to have it on third party cover. In case of an accident the repair bills can end up being excessive for you to meet from your pockets. These kind of cars are best insured through comprehensive insurance which is more expensive.
So what can we do then to enjoy cheap car insurance in the UK? There are many things you can do to lower your insurance costs and save money. Check with your the insurance company to see if they offer discounts on the points below. If your particular company doesn’t offer the deals then research online for the companies that consider giving these discounts.
Having a good recommended anti-theft device will certainly get you a discount from your insurer.
If you pack your car away from the road in a garage or driveway you will attract a cheaper policy.
You can enjoy overall cheaper rates if you have more than one car. Get an advanced driving certificate and most insurers will consider you of a less risk and reward you for it.
Paying annually can save you on the total cost of the insurance.
If you have multiple insurances like a householder or homeowner policy you will enjoy further discount.
A woman has a lower quote and in a home it might be better to have the policy in the name of the female member of family.
How often you use your car is important, if you use your car only over the weekends you will make further savings in the amount you pay.
Most insurance companies in the UK have a presence online and are ready to offer discounts . Get cheap car insurance in the UK by shopping online where you will save hundreds on your next car policy.
Car Insurance for Rental Cars
admin 26 Jul 2008 | : Uncategorized
Ron Mark asked:
If you are renting a car, you will need car insurance and if possible, the cheapest car insurance. If you already have insurance on your private car and it includes collision, then this may be adequate cover to rent a car. You might not be aware but a car insurance review might be just the thing you needed to make an informed decision.
Before renting a car, you will need to find out exactly how much coverage you have within your own policy. In most cases, your coverage and the deductibles that you have on your car insurance policy will be enough for a rental car. This is only if you use the car for pleasure and not for business.
If you’re not comprehensively covered (or not covered for collision), then you won’t be covered in if your rental is stolen or involved in an accident. Individuals who don’t have any private car insurance at all have two further options. They can either buy coverage for the rental car at the counter or buy a non-owner insurance policy. If all that seems too much for you, then you will definitely want to read a car insurance review that will facilitate your understanding. And yes, it will help you find the cheapest car insurance.
Buying car insurance from the counter will cover a car for being damaged or stolen (although the policy may be void if speeding, driving illegally or under the influence of drink or drugs). The usual cost ($9 to $19) for this insurance is calculated by the day. Individuals who have comprehensive cover on their own vehicle will not have to buy this insurance when renting a car.
You can also buy other policies from the counter such as:
• Liability insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Personal effects coverage.
Some car rental companies do put all of these into a single policy, so always make sure you check the terms and conditions and make sure you’re covered for what you need. Also, with a car insurance review, you can browse through some of the existing offers and get a general idea, especially when it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance.
If you decide to purchase the non-owner rental insurance, this will cost around $300 a year. This may be extremely useful for frequent travellers or those who intend to rent a car for a long time. However, this type of rental car insurance does not include collision coverage. What collision coverage will do is protect you if you crash into a car or someone crashes into you. Check with your credit card company as sometimes they offer this type of insurance if you pay with your card.
If you use your own insurance when renting a car and have an accident, you may affect the future price of your insurance premium. You are effectively driving your own car so you need to be as alert and as careful as you would be in your own vehicle.
Knowing the opinions of others can be helpful in many cases and that is also valid for those trying to obtain the cheapest car insurance. A car insurance review presents all aspects related to holding such a policy and might provide you with useful insight!
If you are renting a car, you will need car insurance and if possible, the cheapest car insurance. If you already have insurance on your private car and it includes collision, then this may be adequate cover to rent a car. You might not be aware but a car insurance review might be just the thing you needed to make an informed decision.
Before renting a car, you will need to find out exactly how much coverage you have within your own policy. In most cases, your coverage and the deductibles that you have on your car insurance policy will be enough for a rental car. This is only if you use the car for pleasure and not for business.
If you’re not comprehensively covered (or not covered for collision), then you won’t be covered in if your rental is stolen or involved in an accident. Individuals who don’t have any private car insurance at all have two further options. They can either buy coverage for the rental car at the counter or buy a non-owner insurance policy. If all that seems too much for you, then you will definitely want to read a car insurance review that will facilitate your understanding. And yes, it will help you find the cheapest car insurance.
Buying car insurance from the counter will cover a car for being damaged or stolen (although the policy may be void if speeding, driving illegally or under the influence of drink or drugs). The usual cost ($9 to $19) for this insurance is calculated by the day. Individuals who have comprehensive cover on their own vehicle will not have to buy this insurance when renting a car.
You can also buy other policies from the counter such as:
• Liability insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Personal effects coverage.
Some car rental companies do put all of these into a single policy, so always make sure you check the terms and conditions and make sure you’re covered for what you need. Also, with a car insurance review, you can browse through some of the existing offers and get a general idea, especially when it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance.
If you decide to purchase the non-owner rental insurance, this will cost around $300 a year. This may be extremely useful for frequent travellers or those who intend to rent a car for a long time. However, this type of rental car insurance does not include collision coverage. What collision coverage will do is protect you if you crash into a car or someone crashes into you. Check with your credit card company as sometimes they offer this type of insurance if you pay with your card.
If you use your own insurance when renting a car and have an accident, you may affect the future price of your insurance premium. You are effectively driving your own car so you need to be as alert and as careful as you would be in your own vehicle.
Knowing the opinions of others can be helpful in many cases and that is also valid for those trying to obtain the cheapest car insurance. A car insurance review presents all aspects related to holding such a policy and might provide you with useful insight!
Car Insurance and Your Claims: They MUST Pay!
admin 21 Jul 2008 | : Uncategorized
Car Insurance Expert asked:
To further complicate matters, even if a loss is covered, the policy most likely includes a deductible as well as coverage limits. Depending on the nature of the loss, multiple insurance companies may be involved. For example, if a storm strikes and you have both wind and flood damage, you may have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance for the wind damage and another with the national flood insurance program (if you have flood insurance) for the water damage.
Depending on where you live, your deductible may be higher under certain circumstances. For example, in Florida, your deductible for hurricane damage is much higher than if your home was burglarized. So, will your insurance company pay or won’t they? Look at it this way, insurance companies DON’T want to pay. They are in business to generate profits and will need to be convinced BY YOU that the claim should be paid. The burden of proof lies on you, the homeowner. This means that you will need to prove your case and do it well. The better prepared and more organized you are, the better.
Start with documentation. You may need to take dozens of photos and provide your insurance agent with detailed estimates to counter against the insurance company’s original settlement offer. You may need to demand to see how the agent depreciated your property and negotiate a more reasonable method. While your homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract, the claims process does provide room for negotiations with auto insurance company (more information on best negotiation tactics in How to Contact with Auto Insurance Company? article).
Your best bet is to be prepared for a fight. Your tools in this battle include a detailed home inventory, digital photos and video documenting the damage, estimates from local contractors, and a willingness to demand a better offer. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, many contractors are willing to be present during the insurance adjuster’s visit to help point out damage that the adjuster might have otherwise ignored. In addition, public insurance adjusters act as advocates for the homeowner and work on your behalf to negotiate a higher settlement offer.
Arm yourself with knowledge, documentation, and real-world estimates while also considering professional representation and you’ll be better equipped to answer the question, “Will they pay for it?”
To further complicate matters, even if a loss is covered, the policy most likely includes a deductible as well as coverage limits. Depending on the nature of the loss, multiple insurance companies may be involved. For example, if a storm strikes and you have both wind and flood damage, you may have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance for the wind damage and another with the national flood insurance program (if you have flood insurance) for the water damage.
Depending on where you live, your deductible may be higher under certain circumstances. For example, in Florida, your deductible for hurricane damage is much higher than if your home was burglarized. So, will your insurance company pay or won’t they? Look at it this way, insurance companies DON’T want to pay. They are in business to generate profits and will need to be convinced BY YOU that the claim should be paid. The burden of proof lies on you, the homeowner. This means that you will need to prove your case and do it well. The better prepared and more organized you are, the better.
Start with documentation. You may need to take dozens of photos and provide your insurance agent with detailed estimates to counter against the insurance company’s original settlement offer. You may need to demand to see how the agent depreciated your property and negotiate a more reasonable method. While your homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract, the claims process does provide room for negotiations with auto insurance company (more information on best negotiation tactics in How to Contact with Auto Insurance Company? article).
Your best bet is to be prepared for a fight. Your tools in this battle include a detailed home inventory, digital photos and video documenting the damage, estimates from local contractors, and a willingness to demand a better offer. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, many contractors are willing to be present during the insurance adjuster’s visit to help point out damage that the adjuster might have otherwise ignored. In addition, public insurance adjusters act as advocates for the homeowner and work on your behalf to negotiate a higher settlement offer.
Arm yourself with knowledge, documentation, and real-world estimates while also considering professional representation and you’ll be better equipped to answer the question, “Will they pay for it?”
Car Insurance Tips
admin 16 Jul 2008 | : Uncategorized
Christian Ward asked:
The law requires you buy car insurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs? Here’s seven easy ways to get the best possible car insurance deal.
* Multiple quotes
Get multiple quotes – use the internet and call a few brokers. It’s easy to gather some good comparison quotes. Remember to get different types of quotes e.g. one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet. Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim? How financially secure? How reputable? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.
* Different type of car
Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that £100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you’re planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy.
* Age and value of car
Maybe you’re buying a used car? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower? So why pay for high-priced car insurance? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage? A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you’re quoted a £1000 premium and your car is worth less than £10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.
* Higher deductibles (excess charges)
Most car insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your car insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.
Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from £250 to £500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to £1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim!
* Multiple insurances
This might come under the ‘Get Multiple Quotes’ heading, but it’s still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer. This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and car insurance. Either way it’s worth asking about multi-policy discounts.
* Low mileage
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car how about a pool? Either way, look for low mileage discounts.
* Good Driving Record
A good driving record always reduces your car insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don’t speed, don’t drive dangerously, and you’ll save money (apart from other benefits!)
* Bonus tip
Extra tips, include fitting an anti-theft device to your car, going on an advanced driver training course and using daytime running lights. If you’re a university student away from home, consider adding yourself to your parents’ policy.
The law requires you buy car insurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs? Here’s seven easy ways to get the best possible car insurance deal.
* Multiple quotes
Get multiple quotes – use the internet and call a few brokers. It’s easy to gather some good comparison quotes. Remember to get different types of quotes e.g. one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet. Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim? How financially secure? How reputable? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.
* Different type of car
Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that £100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you’re planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy.
* Age and value of car
Maybe you’re buying a used car? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower? So why pay for high-priced car insurance? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage? A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you’re quoted a £1000 premium and your car is worth less than £10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.
* Higher deductibles (excess charges)
Most car insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your car insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.
Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from £250 to £500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to £1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim!
* Multiple insurances
This might come under the ‘Get Multiple Quotes’ heading, but it’s still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer. This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and car insurance. Either way it’s worth asking about multi-policy discounts.
* Low mileage
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car how about a pool? Either way, look for low mileage discounts.
* Good Driving Record
A good driving record always reduces your car insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don’t speed, don’t drive dangerously, and you’ll save money (apart from other benefits!)
* Bonus tip
Extra tips, include fitting an anti-theft device to your car, going on an advanced driver training course and using daytime running lights. If you’re a university student away from home, consider adding yourself to your parents’ policy.
How to Keep Car Insurance Costs Down
admin 09 Jul 2008 | : Uncategorized
Gill Critchley asked:
Owning a car means high costs and that’s even before you’ve taken your car insurance into account. Even if you’ve found that sporty convertible that you’ve been after for a long time at a cheaper price, you may be shocked by the insurance you’ll have to pay for this dream car.
Making sure your vehicle is insured is something that can’t be ignored but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheaper ways of insuring your car. Below are a few examples of how you can do this:
Search online
Many insurance companies will give you a discount if you buy online so make sure you do your research and compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal for you.
Don’t modify your car
Making changes to your car will affect your premium. Car manufacturers actually work closely with insurers so that they can insure car models to a standard, so if you modify your car, you will be changing what your car insurance has been based on and will therefore cut the number of insurers who will insure you as a result. If you do decide to modify your car, make sure you inform your insurer.
Drive carefully
People who drive carefully will build up a history of no claims and will therefore receive lower premiums.
Be secure
It pays to fit an alarm or immobiliser in your car, as does using your steering lock as this will deter thieves. Also, make use of your garage and store your car in there. If you have any detachable stereos or GPS devices then make sure they are removed from the car when you are not in it.
Voluntary excess
You can reduce your premium by agreeing to a voluntary excess. This is an amount that you have agreed to pay in the event of an accident.
Low mileage discounts
If you have a low annual mileage make sure you inform your insurer as this can help cut the cost of your car insurance by up to 15 per cent.
Pay in full each year
If it is possible try to pay your insurance in full each year as many insurers have a high rate of interest when you pay it off an a monthly basis.
Make sure you compare car insurance quotes when looking for a good deal.
Don’t modify your car as you will be changing what your car insurance policy has been based on.
Inform your insurer if you have a low annual mileage as this can help cut the cost of your car insurance by up to 15 per cent.
Owning a car means high costs and that’s even before you’ve taken your car insurance into account. Even if you’ve found that sporty convertible that you’ve been after for a long time at a cheaper price, you may be shocked by the insurance you’ll have to pay for this dream car.
Making sure your vehicle is insured is something that can’t be ignored but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheaper ways of insuring your car. Below are a few examples of how you can do this:
Search online
Many insurance companies will give you a discount if you buy online so make sure you do your research and compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal for you.
Don’t modify your car
Making changes to your car will affect your premium. Car manufacturers actually work closely with insurers so that they can insure car models to a standard, so if you modify your car, you will be changing what your car insurance has been based on and will therefore cut the number of insurers who will insure you as a result. If you do decide to modify your car, make sure you inform your insurer.
Drive carefully
People who drive carefully will build up a history of no claims and will therefore receive lower premiums.
Be secure
It pays to fit an alarm or immobiliser in your car, as does using your steering lock as this will deter thieves. Also, make use of your garage and store your car in there. If you have any detachable stereos or GPS devices then make sure they are removed from the car when you are not in it.
Voluntary excess
You can reduce your premium by agreeing to a voluntary excess. This is an amount that you have agreed to pay in the event of an accident.
Low mileage discounts
If you have a low annual mileage make sure you inform your insurer as this can help cut the cost of your car insurance by up to 15 per cent.
Pay in full each year
If it is possible try to pay your insurance in full each year as many insurers have a high rate of interest when you pay it off an a monthly basis.
Make sure you compare car insurance quotes when looking for a good deal.
Don’t modify your car as you will be changing what your car insurance policy has been based on.
Inform your insurer if you have a low annual mileage as this can help cut the cost of your car insurance by up to 15 per cent.