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Drivers Losing Millions In Roadside Gamble

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Drivers Losing Millions In Roadside GambleBritons could be putting themselves in financial jeopardy as a result of taking a chance with breakdown cover, the AA has warned.

According to the group, motorists are collectively forking out more than 120 million pounds to cover the cost of breakdowns as a result of their decision that roadside recovery insurance is an unnecessary expense. The group warned that this game of “roadside roulette” has ended with more than two million people around the country footing the bill for breakdown assistance. It went on to claim that while drivers may be able to cut down the costs of motoring in the short term by cutting back on recovery insurance, some have found themselves facing costs three times higher than the typical policy to have their vehicle towed in an emergency.

For drivers who are on the lookout for a new vehicle, taking out a car loan may prove an effective way of purchasing the motor of their dreams without putting undue strain on other areas of financial commitment. Indeed, the financial flexibility that a loan provides could allow people to meet costs of breakdown cover and comprehensive insurance in order to ensure that they are protected in the event of an emergency.

Indeed, the AA warned that while more people may be looking to cut back as the credit crisis rumbles on, skimping on breakdown cover may end up putting an additional burden on already stretched purse strings.

Andy Taylor, winner of AAs Patrol of the Year award, advised: “It might seem tempting to save a few quid now and gamble that your car will carry you through the downturn without crunching to a halt - but driving without breakdown cover is like roadside roulette. It will cost you dearly if you break down - in money, time and sheer stress. Just ask those who have lost 120 million pounds in the last year - thats enough to buy 12,000 new cars. Battery and tyre problems and mishaps with keys cause a third of all breakdowns and can strike at any time, regardless of the age or type of car.”

The AA went on to claim that those without breakdown cover may wish to apply for a policy quickly as the peak breakdown period is approaching. It warned that as the weather grows colder, there is a sharp rise in the number of engine failures and other faults. As an example, it noted that extended use of car heaters and lights means that drivers are more than twice as likely to run down their cars battery as they are during the summer.

Elsewhere, LV= has also urged consumers who are considerate of high car costs to make sure they clear out their car to avoid attracting the attention of thieves. It noted that approximately a quarter of all motorists had had their car broken into in recent months.

For those who are searching for a new vehicle, taking out a car loan could afford people the flexibility to invest in optional extras such as alarms and immobilisers to deter would-be thieves.

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Clear Out The Car To Avoid Being Caught Out

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Clear Out The Car To Avoid Being Caught OutWhile many Britons may be feeling the pinch at the moment, one car insurer has warned that failing to keep their possessions secure could end up putting their finances under further strain.

According to LV=, approximately a quarter of UK motorists have had their car broken into in recent months, with the group insisting that motorists may be driving this proportion higher due to a failure to make sure that valuables are kept out of sight or are removed from the vehicle. Research from the group indicated that as many as 80 per cent of UK motorists have left possessions for all to see in their car, with CDs being the most commonly displayed item. Some 55 per cent of respondents to the LV= study said they had left music on display while they were away from their car. However, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) may be putting themselves at greater risk by leaving expensive devices such as mobile phones on show.

The car insurance provider went on to claim that men are particularly negligent when it comes to removing valuable items, with a typical 380 pounds worth of possessions left inside vehicles owned by males. The national average was said to stand at 283 pounds.

For those who lack a robust car insurance policy, it is possible that they will have to dip into savings or apply for a personal loan in order to replace such items. This in turn could have a negative impact on their ability to make other payments such as mortgage contributions or electricity bills.

To avoid such a scenario, LV= warned that drivers should be particularly vigilant when leaving their car unattended in a residential area as this was found to be the most likely spot for a break-in to take place. Indeed, it noted that 40 per cent of such thefts occur when a vehicle is parked outside the owners home. Meanwhile, the group claimed that while many people perceive car parks as being crime hotspots, less than a tenth (nine per cent) of break-ins occur on this type of premises.

Emma Holyer, spokesperson for LV= Car Insurance, said: “These figures show a casual attitude amongst motorists when it comes to leaving their belongings in their car. The fact is that most car break-ins are by opportunist thieves who would probably not bother to break into the car if it looked as though it didnt contain anything to steal. Some car insurance policies will cover contents so motorists should ensure they have this cover so that if the worst happens they are not out of pocket. However, to avoid the hassle of having your car broken into, wed advise people not to leave any visible valuables in their car in the first place.”

For those who are looking for a new vehicle, taking out a car loan may prove an effective way to meet the cost. Indeed, this type of loan may also be useful in purchasing additional extras such as steering locks, immobilisers and alarms to act as a deterrent to intruders. Investing in such devices may be particularly important for those who are heading off to university after LV= last month warned that cities such as Manchester and London have the highest levels of car crime in the UK.

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Kids Keen On Topping Up Pocket Money

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Kids Keen On Topping Up Pocket MoneyMany young people throughout the country are not prepared to rely on pocket money to satisfy their spending urges, new research has claimed.

According to Halifax, almost half (48 per cent) of the nations youngsters look to other sources of cash in an effort to boost their weekly allowance. And the group claimed that doing so can prove lucrative, with the average earnings from other areas of funding totalling seven pounds and 76 pence. This was said to exceed the typical allowance given out by parents each week, which was said to stand at six pounds and 13 pence. And it may be that grandparents are feeling the pinch of keeping grandkids flush, as 42 per cent of children questioned by the group said they had approached their grandparents for cash. Meanwhile, one in ten said they asked other members of their family to give them some spare cash.

However, the group also pointed out that many children are prepared to graft for their pocket money, with 11 per cent of thos questioned by Halifax claiming that they have a part-time job to boost their allowance. And it seems that those living in the north-east are a particularly industrious bunch, with 15 per cent saying they have taken on work for some spare cash. However, their neighbours across the Pennines are slightly less committed to putting in the hours, with one in twenty (five per cent) saying that they have a part-time job.

For those who are in gainful employment, Halifax noted that while youngsters may be the future, they are still keen on finding old-fashioned forms of work, with a paper-round proving most popular (37 per cent), followed by washing cars (10 per cent).

Commenting on the findings, Ken Stannard, head of savings at Halifax, claimed that getting a job at a young age could help them as they move towards adulthood.

“Our research shows that many children are topping up the amount of pocket money they receive from their parents by either supplementing this with funding from additional sources or taking on a part-time job. It is encouraging to see that a number of children who are doing a part-time job are working to save for something special, a habit which should stand them in good stead later in life,” he said.

For parents who have found it difficult to indulge their little ones spending habits as household bills have risen, taking out a debt consolidation loan may prove an effective way to get their finances back on track, perhaps allowing a little more monthly cashflow to treat their children to a few luxuries. However, parents may be interested to learn that American Express has found that todays youngsters are more interested in spending time with their relatives than they are about owning the latest gadgets. Indeed, research from the group indicated that 93 per cent of kids felt that money matters were causing their parents too much stress. Those looking to ease the burden of running a household may wish to consider a consolidation loan.

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Car Insurance Premiums Move Up A Gear

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Car Insurance Premiums Move Up A GearThe burden of car insurance premiums does not look set to lighten any time soon, the AA has warned.

New data from the group has shown that for the third quarter in a row, the typical cost of car cover has rocketed, with a 3.1 per cent rise recorded in the last three months. Such an increase is equivalent of an additional 22 pounds for annual cover. For the average motorist in the UK, annual car insurance will cost a typical 724 pounds and 28 pence, the firm noted.

And while average policies have risen, the AA warned that not even searching around will insulate drivers from car cover inflation. Its Shoparound index - which measures usual premium quotes for those who have compared different providers before committing to a deal - showed that even bargain-hungry drivers can expect to pay an extra ten pounds for their car cover, taking usual annual policy prices to 486 pounds. While this represents a two per cent increase on figures from the previous quarter, it also marks an 8.7 per cent rise when compared to prices last year, equivalent to 39 pounds.

In being exposed to escalating car insurance costs - in addition to an increased fuel burden - consumers could find their ability to keep up with other financial commitments is compromised. Such areas could range from personal loans to heating bills.

The AA pointed out that trying to cut back on cover in an effort to reduce motoring costs will also bring less rewards than in the past. According to the group, typical quotes for third-party, fire and theft cover are 11.6 per cent higher than they were a year ago. Such a rise amounts to a hike of 62 pounds and brings typical minimum cover to 591 pounds.

Commenting on the statistics, Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “Despite these rises the car insurance industry continues to make an underwriting loss: for every 100 pounds taken in premiums, more than 105 pounds is paid in claims. Insurers are particularly concerned about increasing legal costs and personal injury claims which last year rose by 22 per cent.”

He added that young male drivers are a particular drain on the industry as a whole, although they also pay the highest premiums.

“The average car accident insurance claim for a young male driver is nearly 4,500 pounds compared with 2,700 pounds for their female peers. For drivers aged over 30, the average claim is 1,400 pounds for men and 1,200 pounds for women. The withdrawal of another insurer from this arena suggests that companies are carefully looking at their costs,” he claimed, referring to Allianz recent departure from the market.

For those who are looking to buy a smaller car in a lower insurance bracket, taking out a car loan may prove a cost-effective way of raising the cash. Meanwhile, whether buying a new motor with a car loan or cash, Sainsburys Bank has noted that failing to haggle over forecourt prices could end up knocking drivers finances back into first gear.

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Co Op Says Brits Need To Take Their Foot Off The Gas

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Co Op Says Brits Need To Take Their Foot Off The GasThroughout Britain, many motorists are causing a danger to themselves and others as a result of their lax attitude to speeding, the Co-operative Insurance has claimed.

Indeed, research from the group has shown that nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of drivers admit to speeding once a day or more, while almost a quarter (23 per cent) said they go over the limit a few times a week. Of all those questioned by the Co-Operative, a little over a quarter (27 per cent) said they never speed on Britains roads.

However, despite a general lackadaisical attitude toward their own flouting of the law, many motorists said that the speed at which other people drive was a cause for concern. In fact, the group claimed that around three-quarters of people admitted they worried about other people driving too fast. This, it was said, was roughly the same proportion of people who admitted to speeding themselves.

And while many people may view travelling too fast lightly while they are behind the wheel, the Co-Operative claimed that speeding is now one of the biggest problems on Britains roads. Figures from the Department for Transport cited by the group showed that in the year to March 2008, 244,770 people were killed or injured in car accidents, many of which were the result of drivers travelling too quickly.

In addition to the threat posed to other people, speeding motorists could find they are putting their financial security in danger as well. The punitive fines imposed on those caught speeding could well jeopardise peoples ability to meet mortgage and personal loan repayments, in addition to household bills. So too, those who are landed with a speeding conviction could see their car insurance premiums shoot up as well.

Commenting on the problem, David Neave, director of general insurance at the Co-Operative Insurance, said: “The frenetic pace of life today means that speeding has become endemic in British society. People often dont think about the dangers of driving a few miles an hour over the limit. But that can mean the difference between having a safe journey or a collision - and whether you survive or not. Like drink driving, speeding reduces a drivers ability to judge hazards and to react to them. There needs to be a shift in peoples attitudes to speeding, so it becomes as socially unacceptable as drink driving”

The group pointed out that with new government measures coming into effect which will track driving speeds over stretches of motorway, making it difficult to avoid being caught, many drivers may soon be forced to reassess their driving habits or risk paying a heavy price. In addition to heavy fines, people may also find themselves out of a job if they are dealt a custodial sentence. In such circumstances, the ability to pay off mortgages, loans and other spending commitments may be severely hindered.

Receiving a fine for speeding may prove particularly troublesome for young males, as the AA recently pointed out that they already pay twice as much for car insurance than their female counterparts.

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Gender Gap Widens Again in Car Cover Costs

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Gender Gap Widens Again in Car Cover CostsWhile many males might be ecstatic about passing their driving test, they may be in for a sharp comedown when searching for car insurance cover.

According to the AA, young men can now expect to pay twice as much as their female counterparts when insuring their first vehicle, showing that the difference in policy costs between the genders has widened further. Furthermore, while policies for male drivers were found to have inflated steadily since 2003, women have enjoyed falling premiums, with the gap between typical policies between the sexes widening by 59 per cent in the last five years.

The AA claimed that this rise seems to go against an overall decline in the number of injuries and fatalities on British roads. However, it noted that while the total number of accidents continues to fall, the proportion of these which are caused by young males continues to grow. Backing up the statement, the group pointed to statistics released today (September 25th) by the Department for Transport which show that while traffic levels increase, the number of injuries and deaths resulting from car accidents has fallen. However, the number of these which are caused by under-25s has increased more than four per cent, from a quarter (25 per cent) in 2000 to 29.1 per cent today. And of these, 63.4 per cent of accidents involved males.

For those who are struggling to meet the costs of keeping a motor on the road, taking out a car loan may prove an effective way to meet costs. Indeed, for those who are planning to purchase a new vehicle, taking out this type of loan may allow people to take out a comprehensive car insurance policy to avoid being caught short of cover in the event of an accident.

Advising those who have recently passed their tests, Simon Douglas, director of AA insurance, commented: “Regardless of gender, premiums quickly fall for drivers who remain accident blame-free and dont collect driving offences. After the first year, the premium falls by around 30 per cent and continues to fall over subsequent years provided their record is clean. In fact, a young person passing their test at 17 can expect the premium they pay to fall by up to 80 per cent by the time they reach age 21, assuming they are driving a similar vehicle and keep a clean driving record.”

Furthering this, the car insurance provider urged new drivers to make sure they drive sensibly and avoid committing driving offences such as speeding, which will have a substantial upward effect on premiums. Furthermore, car cover costs can be cut by carrying out a post-test training course such as the Pass Plus programme, which helps drivers to expand their competence behind the wheel in a number of different scenarios.

Drivers who are looking to purchase a new vehicle may wish to take out a car loan to cover costs. In doing so, people may find they are able to purchase more robust insurance policies, as well as more easily able to cover petrol costs. According to Saga, the recent fuel price rises have caused many drivers to resort to desperate measures, with 15 per cent of people trying to spread the weight in the vehicle in the belief that it would reduce consumption.

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Britons Ride Shotgun To Avoid Fuel Costs

Friday, September 19th, 2008

Britons Ride Shotgun To Avoid Fuel CostsWith fuel prices still elevated in the wake of the record surge in the costs of oil earlier this year, many Britons are entering into car-sharing schemes in an effort to spread costs.

Such is the claim of the AA, which has said that the high prices at the pump has set off this growing trend, adding that it is only likely to become more popular as the squeeze on spending continues. Indeed, research from the organisation has shown that nearly half (47 per cent) of all Britons said that they would continue car-sharing in a bid to limit expenditure. However, at present, 11 per cent of people do so once a week or more. Meanwhile, 51 per cent of those questioned said they were more likely to consider such an arrangement in light of the recent fuel price hikes.

Further findings have shown that of those who currently car share - a total of 5.5 million people around the UK - 60 per cent said that the cost of petrol was a principal reason for their decision to do so. By contrast, a little over a third (34 per cent) said they had started sharing the car in an attempt to reduce emissions, a finding that the AA suggested was a strong indication that the credit crunch was having a strong adverse effect on peoples commitment to green issues.

Consumers who are keen on making long-term savings on their transport costs may wish to consider taking out a car loan. In applying for this type of loan, people may find they are able to purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle which will allow them to ease the burden of petrol on their wallets in the long run.

Edmund King, president of the AA, commented: “Car sharing is something that we really believe in - not only is it a good way to reduce emissions and congestion on the road, but can also save on motoring costs. There is huge scope to become more of a car-sharing nation and our research suggests that we could see a big increase, especially if government proposals for high occupancy vehicle or car sharing lanes on some busy commuter routes go ahead. However, to make sure that car sharing is a safe and pleasant experience, drivers should check their insurance policy as well as be mindful of the social etiquette around sharing.”

He said that this was particularly important for people who were sharing with someone they did not know particularly well.

In terms of checking cover, the AA reminded people that while most insurers will provide cover for social trips undertaken as part of a car share. However, some business excursions may require additional cover, the group advised.

The problem of inadequate cover has also recently been raised by the British Insurance Brokers Association, which has warned that UK motorists are paying as much as 30 pounds more for car insurance to absorb the costs of damage done by uninsured drivers on Britains roads.

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More Than A Million Motors At Risk

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

More Than A Million Motors At RiskAs many as 1.5 million vehicles throughout Britain are at risk of flood damage as experts predict more heavy downfalls, uSwitch has warned.

The price comparison site has reported that the car insurance industry is preparing to fork out tens of millions of pounds in claims as a result of the bad weather, which is set to hit the north-east and south-west of England, as well as south Wales in the coming days. It warned that following on from this, those living in at risk areas could see their car insurance premiums jump by as much as 26 per cent should they need to make a claim as insurers look to recoup their losses. Such inflated costs may in turn have an effect on their ability to manage other costs such as credit card and personal loan payments.

Meanwhile, for the one in four motorists who currently possess third-party cover, being hit by the storms may be particularly financially damaging as they will lack protection against flooding. In such circumstances, people may turn to savings or a car loan to pay for damages or a new vehicle.

To prevent such a scenario arising, uSwitch has urged people to overlook the short-term savings associated with third-party insurance and protect themselves in the long term by taking out a comprehensive policy that will pay out in the event of water damage. It pointed out that young people are particularly at risk of finding themselves without cover as many younger motorists have been priced out of comprehensive cover by inflated premiums imposed on them due to their statistically high risk of making claims.

Ashton Berkhauer, insurance expert at uSwitch, explained: “Last summer we saw widespread flooding across the country with the insurance industry forking out over two billion pounds in claims. Flooding is an issue for many motorists, yet too many people are failing to learn lessons from 2007 and secure adequate cover should the worst happen. If drivers do not insure their cars properly, they could suffer the financial consequences long after the flood waters recede. Insurers must take responsibility to provide their customers with clear information relating to flood claims at the time a policy is taken out.”

He added that drivers in at risk areas “really should” check with their insurer to establish whether their current policy will protect them in the event of flood damages.

Further advice offered by Mr Berkhauer to those who find their car affected by flooding included getting a qualified mechanic to check the vehicle as soon as possible. Meanwhile, driving the vehicle before being told it was safe to do so was discouraged as this could both increase damage to the car and potentially invalidate a claim.

In a report published last year by the AA, a notable rise was seen in the cost of home and car insurance premiums after the floods hit during the summer. The average motor policy cost a record 1,042 pounds during the third quarter of 2007. For those who have struggled to keep up with motoring costs, taking out a car loan could allow people to make long-term savings by purchasing a vehicle which is less expensive to insure.

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