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| Simply send a text for a quick quote, send make of vehicle along with full postcode then an "F" for Full valet or a "M" for Mini valet to 07811909054 |
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Dear Steve
Because I never got to thank you in person, just a note to thank you for the valet you carried out on my car.
As you know I work very long hours as a senior financial advisor and it is very important to me that my car gives the right impression when I arrive at clients premises... |
| -- Mr P.F. Scott Lloyds Bank |
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| Steve Stanley, |
| Newcastle upon Tyne |
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Car insurance and tips to save money on your premium
It’s now arguably more important than ever to compare car insurance quotes before you buy as prices continue to surge.
Research by a comparison website in April 2010 found that car insurance prices had risen by an average of 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of the year. The average quoted premium now stands at £524, an increase of £66 over the past 12 months and £21 in just the last quarter.
Why are car insurance prices rising?
In January 2010, AA Insurance reported that insurers have been struggling to overcome exhausted reserves while also dealing with sharp rises in the cost and frequency of personal injury claims. The cost of accidental damage has also been steadily rising, despite a fall in the number of accidents on Britain’s roads with the AA reporting a 30 per cent surge in claims during the last three months of 2009.
Furthermore, insurance fraud is also on the rise with the National Fraud Authority reporting that fraud is costing the country twice as much as previous estimates and adds around £44 to every household’s insurance budget.
So what can be done to fight back?
With no sign that insurance premiums are about to level off, the emphasis is on the individual to take all the actions they can to reduce their premiums.
One step is to ensure they are paying for the right level of cover. Broadly, there are three car insurance options in the UK – third party only, third party fire and theft and comprehensive cover. Clearly the more cover you take out, the better protected you will be in case an accident occurs. However, if you drive a relatively inexpensive vehicle you may find it more cost effective to take out a third party or third party fire and theft policy that covers injuries to third parties and damages to their property but won’t protect you or your vehicle in the event of an accident. If you decide that comprehensive cover is your best option then consider if there are any extras you could do without – for example, you may not need breakdown cover if you have a separate breakdown policy; and you may not wish to pay for a courtesy car if you have access to a second vehicle.
Reducing your premiums doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the level of cover you take out, however. Many insurance customers pay over the odds because they stick with the same provider year after year and don’t shop around during each renewal period when many insurers offer their cheapest deals to new customers to attract business. So be proactive and use a comparison website to compare deals from as many as 120 car insurance companies with a single search during each renewal period – this will give you peace of mind that you’re receiving a competitive deal or the opportunity to move to a more affordable premium. Just remember to compare cover levels as well as prices to ensure you’re receiving value for money.
Top tips to save money on car insurance
Saving money on car insurance isn’t just about which policy you choose – it’s also about how you are perceived by the insurance companies. Generally, the higher the ‘risk’ you pose, the higher your car insurance premiums will be.
When assessing premiums, car insurance providers consider the following: your driving history; your annual mileage; your personal circumstances; your address; and the vehicle you drive. As such, by reducing your perceived risk you may also be able to reduce your premiums. Here are some tips:
Agree to a mileage limit: The fewer miles you drive, the lower your premiums should be as the less time you spend on the road the less likely it is that an accident will occur. So if you drive less than 12,000 miles a year, consider agreeing to a mileage cap.
Buy a suitable vehicle: Older vehicles with smaller engines generally qualify for cheaper premiums as they cost less to repair/replace if an accident occurs and are less likely to be driven at fast speeds. You can also save money by sticking to a standard specification and not modifying your vehicle as modifications can be expensive to replace.
Build up a no-claims discount: If you can prove to an insurer that you are a good driver by building up a no-claims discount you could reap the rewards – potentially as much as 60 per cent off your premiums after four or more years. If you’re a new driver look for rapid bonus schemes that allow you to earn a full year’s discount in less than 12 months.
Complete an advanced driving course: Some insurers offer discounts if you prove you are a skilled driver by completing a course such as the Pass Plus or IAM. Shop around before undertaking one of these courses however to ensure the savings you make out-weigh the cost of the tuition.
Increase your voluntary excess: The excess is your contribution to a claim and is usually divided into a compulsory excess set by the insurer and a voluntary excess, which is an additional amount on top of the compulsory excess that you agree to pay in case a claim is ever necessary. Increasing the voluntary excess understandably lowers premiums as you are reducing the amount an insurer will have to pay out for a claim – however, be careful to keep it a level you can afford.
Increase security: Car theft is a major source of car insurance claims and so taking steps to keep thieves at bay can lower premiums. Consult your insurer about which security devices it recommends – many will offer discounts if you fit approved alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices. Parking in a locked garage overnight or at least in a well-lit area off the road, can also help you save.
One more way to save…
Finally, think about how you pay for your car insurance. Monthly payments can be convenient but can also cost extra as insurers often add interest charges. However, by paying premiums annually you can avoid paying interest.
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