Not Protecting No Claims Discount 'Could Cost Drivers Millions'

Not Protecting No Claims Discount 'Could Cost Drivers Millions' by Tom Dawson

By not taking steps to protect their no-claims discount (NCD) policy on their car insurance, motorists across the country could see increasing strains at their attempts at money management, it has been stated.

In research carried out by uSwitch, more than 7.7 million British drivers with at least four years' worth of NCD are putting such discounts at risk by not getting cover for it. According to the price comparison website, almost a third of motorists have built up enough time to qualify for protection on their NCD, yet have chosen not to do so. However, should such drivers have one accident each they could find their insurance costs rising by 92 pounds. With this a total of 707 million pounds, it is a figure which could impact upon their propensity to service other areas of their spending, for example mortgages, overdrafts or personal loans.

The company stated drivers can avoid running the risk of losing their NCD, also known as a no-claims bonus, by making an annual payment at an average cost of 30 pounds 72p to their insurance provider. By doing so, should they have an accident they will not lose their discount and, in some cases, may be able to avoid witnessing a rise in their annual insurance costs, which in turn may help ease pressure on their finances.

Ashton Berkhauer, insurance expert for the price comparison website, said: "No-claims bonus protection plays a really important role as it covers motorists against premium hikes when they make a claim. As the cost of claims continue to rise, insurers will increase premiums to cover their costs. Consumers should therefore consider the benefits that protecting their NCD can offer".

"Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of motorists say they choose their car insurance policy purely based on price, but, with such variation across the industry when it comes to protecting NCDs, this could be a false economy. Choosing a policy should be based on good value for money and getting the most comprehensive policy for your needs".

Mr Berkhauer added that consumers should consider spending money, whether it be sourced from a personal loan or other means, on car insurance and NCD cover wisely. He stated that borrowers should be cautious of always plumping for the cheapest deal as such an offer may not provide all the features they need from a policy. The insurance representative also asserted that "sometimes finding the best NCD protection can be just as financially beneficial as finding the best insurance policy".

Meanwhile, research carried out by Zurich earlier this year revealed that consumers are spending an increasing amount of money running their car. With a total of 51 billion pounds splashed out every year, drivers are paying a typical amount of 1,776 pounds 62p on the likes of parking, vehicle tax and repairs. About a third of motorists have seen costs surge by over 400 pounds per year, which in turn could impact heavily on their ability to manage their finances. As a result, taking out a personal loan could be an effective way of meeting numerous motoring expenses.



Tom Dawson writes for Essentially Home Loans. Our visitors can apply for secured loans online, for whatever reason with whatever credit history. Visit us today for the best rate loans available.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Cheap Auto Insurance Buying Tips

Cheap Auto Insurance Buying Tips by Alta

Car insurance quotes are a reflection of the perceived risk the insurance company takes on when it insures you. If the company sees your risks as higher, the insurance premium will be higher. If the company sees, the risks of insuring you as lower, then you can get a discounted cheap car insurance premium.

In this article, you will learn how to get a cheap car insurance.

3 things you should know before you buy a cheap car insurance

1. Fully comprehensive, third party fire, theft, and third party are three types of car insurance.
2. Third party is the cheapest car insurance
3. Fully comprehensive is the costliest insurance. You need to check the policy to know the details of coverage.
Cheap car insurance for a car covers any damage that occurs to the car provided the cause of the damage is the insurance policy. The benefit of cheap car insurance is car owner can protect the equity of his car and facing the least losses in case of any mishaps.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are normally provided by the cheap car insurance.

Comprehensive coverage covers the car against any damages caused to the auto due to natural calamities like fire, flood, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes etc. Some insurance companies also cover the losses caused due to theft of the car or car parts. If you want any extra coverage, you should include those before your insurance broker submits the quotes to you.
Main factors affecting the car insurance premium

Cheap car premium depends upon the model of the car, security measures installed in the car, and the locality in which it remains. Security measures and a good locality mean less risk of theft to the car.

What you must do before you buy the auto insurance policy?

6. Never be hurry while taking out a car insurance policy
7. Look for the exclusions in the policy. You may require a magnifying glass to read the exclusion policy.
8. Do some homework on your requirement. You can also do online searching to know car insurance premium amount at your locality and for your car model.
9. Insurance is competitive market so you must bargain to get the best deal.
10. Try to refrain from using your van for business purposes.
I hope you got useful information on how to buy cheap car insurance and different types of auto and van insurance.



Author of this article, Arindam is personal financial planner. You can get plenty of well researched articles on insurance at cheap car insurance and car insurance quote

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

Car Insurance Costs 'May Rise'

Car Insurance Costs 'May Rise' by Abbi Rouse

Motorists could be set to see the financial pressures that having a vehicle entails increasing over the coming months, it has been suggested.

The news comes as research carried out by Experian reveals that the impact of the floods seen over the course of this summer has had little effect on car insurance costs within the direct sector. During the third quarter of this year, from July to September, the typical quote for a comprehensive cover policy in the market stood at some 567 pounds 30p - a rise of 0.8 per cent from the 562 pounds 70p recorded during the previous three-month period.

Meanwhile, those opting for insurance from the broker sector may be set for a particular increase in financial difficulties, which as a result may see them struggling to make payments on loans, overdrafts and other forms of borrowing.

In June, comprehensive premiums stood at 495 pounds before rising to 538 pounds a month later. Meanwhile, third party, fire and theft cover surged from 570 pounds to 632 pounds during this period. Both types of insurance are said to have risen over the rest of the summer. And with the average quote for a third party, fire and theft policy within the broker market now standing at 639 pounds 70p, it is the highest figure noted since July 2005 - the time at which the firm began gathering such information.

However, it was suggested that as a result of the flooding witnessed earlier this year, the cost of car insurance could be set to rise further. This in turn may affect consumers' ability to handle the various running costs attached to a vehicle such as repairs and tax, in addition to managing other areas of their spending such as paying utility bills and personal loans.

David Murby, managing director for Experian's insurance service division, said: "For nearly two years, comprehensive motor insurance premiums in the direct market have been higher than in the broker market". However, the recent increase in broker prices means the gap between the two markets is closing and broker prices have almost reached the level they were at two years ago, before they started dropping.

"The true impact of the floods is likely to manifest itself in insurance premiums over the next few months in the direct market once claims have been settled and insurers have been able to assess the real impact. The broker market is likely to follow suit." Mr Murby added that the recent rise noted in broker insurance costs is unlikely to have been due to the impact of the floods, as the sector often tends to "react slower" to such events than the direct market.

Consequently, those people concerned at their capacity to keep with rising expenses for running a car may wish to consider taking out a low-rate personal loan. In addition, opting for such a method of borrowing could be advisable for consumers looking to purchase an automobile as it is often a much more competitive choice than selecting a forecourt finance deal. Earlier this year, research released by Halifax showed that the average household spent some 1,509 pounds on vehicles last year - accounting for 4.4 per cent of their disposable income. Overall, the financial services firm also reported that financing a car purchase is the second most popular reason for consumers to apply for a personal loan.



Abbi Rouse writes for AllAboutLoans.co.uk, an online loans comparison site, visit us today for information on all loan topics including secured loans UK applications and home loans from all leading UK providers

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Rise Recorded In Home And Motor Insurance Costs

Rise Recorded In Home And Motor Insurance Costs by Abbi Rouse

Homeowners and motorists alike may be due to come under more difficulty in handling their money, it has been suggested.

The news comes as research carried out by the AA in its latest British Insurance Premium Index has shown a rise in both home and car insurance costs over recent months - an increase partially attributed to the flooding seen across the country during the summer.

According to the firm, the typical home buildings insurance policy surged by some three per cent during the third quarter of 2007 (between July and September) up to 215 pounds 51p. This compares with a decrease of 1.89 per cent recorded during the second quarter of this year, where average cover stood at 209 pounds 23p. Overall, premiums have surged by 3.13 per cent from the same time in 2006 - a rise which could well put pressure on consumers' capacity to make payments on other demands on their finances such as utility bills and loans.

The cost of home contents insurance cover has also witnessed growth over the last quarter, as the typical quote is now valued at 149 pounds 99p - a rise of 2.29 per cent. Meanwhile, a year-on-year rise of 1.64 per cent was posted.

However, drivers too could be set for further hardship in making loan repayments, as they have seen a notable increase in car insurance costs. As over the last 12 months, third party, fire and theft cover has surged by 4.43 per cent. Meanwhile, the average policy has surged by 3.57 per cent during the third quarter to stand at a record 1,042 pounds 41p. This compares to growth of 1.32 per cent to 1,006 pounds 44p over the course of the previous three-month period.

Comprehensive cover also increased during the last quarter, though at a lower rate than third party, fire and theft. Between July and September such insurance was up by 1.35 per cent. During the course of the last year, however, the premium has risen by some 7.96 per cent.

Commenting on the figures, John Close, insurance relations director for the company, said: "The latest rises are in line with expectation. Car insurance premiums have followed an upward trend since the second quarter of 2006. The cost to the industry of personal injury claims and legal costs has been escalating rapidly while accident damage costs has also risen faster than premiums. In addition, recent flood claims have cost insurers an estimated 100 million pounds."

As a result, those worried that rising insurance costs may pressure their ability to meet demands on other areas of their spending may wish to consider applying for a low-rate personal loan. And such a method of borrowing could also be advisable for those considering the purchase of a new car.

Following the launch of the new 57 registration plate last month, Halifax reported that September is often a prime time to apply for a loan so as to buy a new motor vehicle. However, Neil Chandler, head of the financial provider's unsecured personal loans division, advised consumers to take the time to search for the most competitively-priced finance deal available.



Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans where visitors can apply for UK loans online and also focuses on personal loans for UK residents. Visit Today: http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk

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Tips for Getting on the Road to Discount Car Insurance

Tips for Getting on the Road to Discount Car Insurance by Andrew Daigle

For many, auto insurance is very expensive. Whether it's because of an imperfect driving record, flawed credit history or simply because the driver is young, the costs can quickly add up. However, there is good news and better news. The good news is that there are several ways in which you can work toward discount car insurance rates. The better news is that this article will show you how. Below are several tips for getting yourself on the road to discount auto insurance.

- If you are a minor who has either a learner's permit or driver's license, enroll in a driver's education class if offered at your high school. Upon successful completion of the course, many auto insurance companies will reduce your auto insurance rates. In addition, keeping your grades high, usually at a B average or better, may result in discount auto insurance as an incentive to keep learning. If you are the parent of a minor, making sure that your child follows these steps may help to lower your auto insurance rates.

- When purchasing your next automobile, choose wisely. An SUV or sports car will carry a higher insurance premium, as will a new vehicle. If you want to save some money on your auto insurance rates, choosing a standard automobile may help you to achieve lower rates. Additionally, purchasing a used car will almost always result in cheap auto insurance when compared to that required for a new vehicle.

- Drive safely. Always make sure that you drive under the speed limit because even a traffic ticket can cause your auto insurance rates to increase. Always make sure to wear your seatbelt and take proper care when driving on slippery roads. Studies have shown that most accidents occur close to home, so always remain alert and attentive until your car is parked safely in the driveway.

- If at all possible, pay for your automobile in cash. When you finance a vehicle, the lender requires that you carry complete auto insurance coverage. If you pay in cash, you may be able to reduce your auto insurance costs by only purchasing that which is required by law and not excessive coverage that some lenders may impose.

- Shop around. One of the best ways to get discount auto insurance is to simply request free auto insurance quotes from different companies and choose the one that can offer you the best value for your dollar.

- Keep your credit history in good shape. Believe it or not, your credit history may greatly impact your auto insurance rates. Agents often check credit reports and, if you have badly damaged credit, you may end up paying more even if you have a clean driving record. The best way to clean up your credit report is to check the information yourself and dispute any inaccuracies with the reporting agency.

The information in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or insurance advice relating to auto insurance quotes, discount auto insurance or auto insurance rates. For additional information or to receive an auto insurance quote, contact a local auto insurance company.



Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many successful websites including Affordable Auto Insurance and Free Insurance Quotes research site and a Low Rate Loans site for finding the best personal loan, payday loans, student loans and more for your financial needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com