Print this article Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:53:20 +0200
Sales of travel insurance may not suffer as much as some people expected in the current economic climate, one holiday company has suggested.
TUI Travel UK said, although the media was dominated by gloomy predictions regarding the state of the country's finances, most people were not prepared to sacrifice their overseas trips.
"Despite talk of a credit crunch, the vast majority of customers do not see their main annual holiday as a luxury but rather a necessity," managing director Dermot Blastland stated.
He revealed over half of his firm's customers had insisted - when it came to making cutbacks - breaks abroad would be one of the last things to go.
Research by the Association of British Travel Agents found 47 per cent of people in the UK had no intention of changing their travel plans in the face of the credit crunch.
It also showed 83 per cent of people who had recently returned from a trip overseas were intending to head abroad again within the next 12 months.
Looking for a cheap travel insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
TUI Travel UK said, although the media was dominated by gloomy predictions regarding the state of the country's finances, most people were not prepared to sacrifice their overseas trips.
"Despite talk of a credit crunch, the vast majority of customers do not see their main annual holiday as a luxury but rather a necessity," managing director Dermot Blastland stated.
He revealed over half of his firm's customers had insisted - when it came to making cutbacks - breaks abroad would be one of the last things to go.
Research by the Association of British Travel Agents found 47 per cent of people in the UK had no intention of changing their travel plans in the face of the credit crunch.
It also showed 83 per cent of people who had recently returned from a trip overseas were intending to head abroad again within the next 12 months.
Looking for a cheap travel insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:51:33 +0200
Youngsters who have given up on ever being able to afford to buy a car because of the cost of car insurance should not despair, according to the Association of British Insurers.
The group said there was no doubt cover was more expensive for drivers under a certain age but it insisted good deals could be found.
However, ABI spokesman Malcolm Tarling stated it was important youngsters were realistic in their choice of vehicle.
"There is no point spending all your money on the car of your dreams if you can't afford to run it and you can't afford to insure it," he pointed out.
He added when it came to selecting cover for the vehicle, youngsters should remember it is a competitive market and there are a wide variety of policies to choose from.
In a report on the cost of car insurance, the Independent claimed young drivers could routinely expect to pay in the region of £1,500.
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The group said there was no doubt cover was more expensive for drivers under a certain age but it insisted good deals could be found.
However, ABI spokesman Malcolm Tarling stated it was important youngsters were realistic in their choice of vehicle.
"There is no point spending all your money on the car of your dreams if you can't afford to run it and you can't afford to insure it," he pointed out.
He added when it came to selecting cover for the vehicle, youngsters should remember it is a competitive market and there are a wide variety of policies to choose from.
In a report on the cost of car insurance, the Independent claimed young drivers could routinely expect to pay in the region of £1,500.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:44:42 +0200
As an increasing number of motorists opt for smaller vehicles in a bid to cut car insurance costs and the amount they spend on fuel, Ford has announced it has seen its market share increase.
In September, the manufacturer recorded a 0.2 per cent rise to 16.1 per cent for the year so far.
Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed Ford had sold some 1,843 more cars than its nearest rival.
The manufacturer attributes its success to its expertise when it comes to compact models like the Fiesta and Ka.
Roelant de Waard, chairman and managing director, stated: "Ford is well-positioned to maintain its competitive position in a challenging market with a comprehensive and fresh range of attractive, fuel efficient vehicles."
In other news, the carmaker recently announced it has produced three design packs which people buying the updated Ka can purchase to customise their motors and help them stand out in a crowd.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
In September, the manufacturer recorded a 0.2 per cent rise to 16.1 per cent for the year so far.
Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed Ford had sold some 1,843 more cars than its nearest rival.
The manufacturer attributes its success to its expertise when it comes to compact models like the Fiesta and Ka.
Roelant de Waard, chairman and managing director, stated: "Ford is well-positioned to maintain its competitive position in a challenging market with a comprehensive and fresh range of attractive, fuel efficient vehicles."
In other news, the carmaker recently announced it has produced three design packs which people buying the updated Ka can purchase to customise their motors and help them stand out in a crowd.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:41:12 +0200
A campaign which could see the number of comprehensive and third party insurance claims fall has received backing from Suzuki GB.
Tyre Safety Month is an initiative to alert motorists to the dangers of driving on incorrectly inflated tyres.
Suzuki GB said it was the first manufacturer to officially offer the scheme its support.
Until the end of October, the manufacturer has announced it will provide free safety checks at participating dealers across the UK in a bid to highlight the importance of well-maintained tyres.
Denis Houston, director of aftersales at Suzuki GB said at this time of year it is more important than ever to do everything possible to avoid accidents.
"As we approach the winter period, driving conditions on the road deteriorate and therefore looking after your tyres becomes ever more important," he stated.
In other news, Suzuki announced earlier this month the Swift Attitude model was back on sale in the UK, although numbers are limited to 500.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Tyre Safety Month is an initiative to alert motorists to the dangers of driving on incorrectly inflated tyres.
Suzuki GB said it was the first manufacturer to officially offer the scheme its support.
Until the end of October, the manufacturer has announced it will provide free safety checks at participating dealers across the UK in a bid to highlight the importance of well-maintained tyres.
Denis Houston, director of aftersales at Suzuki GB said at this time of year it is more important than ever to do everything possible to avoid accidents.
"As we approach the winter period, driving conditions on the road deteriorate and therefore looking after your tyres becomes ever more important," he stated.
In other news, Suzuki announced earlier this month the Swift Attitude model was back on sale in the UK, although numbers are limited to 500.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:14:50 +0200
As drivers downsize in a bid to qualify for cheaper motor insurance, small car specialists are reaping the rewards, according to Fiat.
The manufacturer announced September had provided its best monthly result in the UK for four years.
A rise of 56.5 per cent in models sold, compared with the same period last year, saw the carmaker increase its market share to three per cent.
In contrast, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported overall industry sales figures had decreased by some 21.2 per cent.
Managing director at Fiat Andrew Humberstone put the company's success down to the fact people are downsizing in the face of the credit crunch.
He suggested it was doing well because it was a big player in the small car market.
Commenting on the future, Mr Humberstone stated: "We expect the fourth quarter to be challenging but, that said, we believe we are positioned to face these challenges."
In other news, Fiat recently announced an environmentally-friendly version of the Panda was available in showrooms across Britain.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
The manufacturer announced September had provided its best monthly result in the UK for four years.
A rise of 56.5 per cent in models sold, compared with the same period last year, saw the carmaker increase its market share to three per cent.
In contrast, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported overall industry sales figures had decreased by some 21.2 per cent.
Managing director at Fiat Andrew Humberstone put the company's success down to the fact people are downsizing in the face of the credit crunch.
He suggested it was doing well because it was a big player in the small car market.
Commenting on the future, Mr Humberstone stated: "We expect the fourth quarter to be challenging but, that said, we believe we are positioned to face these challenges."
In other news, Fiat recently announced an environmentally-friendly version of the Panda was available in showrooms across Britain.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:35:32 +0200
Recently qualified drivers should avoid misleading their car insurance provider in an attempt to cut costs, the Association of British Insurers has said.
Buying a 'fronting' policy - where a young driver claims they only use a vehicle occasionally and their parent is the main driver - could prove to be an expensive mistake if the provider discovers it has been deceived, the organisation warned.
General insurance expert with ABI Malcolm Tarling explained an insurer that believed it had been misled may refuse to pay out on a claim and could up the price of its cover in future.
No matter how tempting it is to lie in order to qualify for cheaper car insurance, it is not worth the risk, he claimed.
"If you think you are saving money now, it's false economy because you will be spending more for many years to come," Mr Tarling added.
The ABI looks after the interests of the insurance industry in Britain.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Buying a 'fronting' policy - where a young driver claims they only use a vehicle occasionally and their parent is the main driver - could prove to be an expensive mistake if the provider discovers it has been deceived, the organisation warned.
General insurance expert with ABI Malcolm Tarling explained an insurer that believed it had been misled may refuse to pay out on a claim and could up the price of its cover in future.
No matter how tempting it is to lie in order to qualify for cheaper car insurance, it is not worth the risk, he claimed.
"If you think you are saving money now, it's false economy because you will be spending more for many years to come," Mr Tarling added.
The ABI looks after the interests of the insurance industry in Britain.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:33:27 +0200
Despite the credit crunch, the number of Vauxhall drivers who will have needed to update their van insurance after buying a new vehicle in recent weeks has probably remained relatively stable, figures released by the manufacturer have suggested.
Last month, the company sold eight per cent more units than they did during the same period in 2007.
With overall sales in the industry falling, the manufacturer's figures for the first three quarters of 2008 were up by 1.78 per cent, with the Vivaro emerging at the most popular van among retail customers.
"This is great news, as it proves that Vauxhall has great products - essential in a challenging marketplace," the company's national sales manager, Richard Collier, commented.
He added he was confident his firm's vehicles would appeal to anyone looking for value and quality.
Recently, Vauxhall reported Nigel Weaver, a courier from Maidenhead, had clocked half a million miles travelling around in a Combo van he had bought in 2001.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Last month, the company sold eight per cent more units than they did during the same period in 2007.
With overall sales in the industry falling, the manufacturer's figures for the first three quarters of 2008 were up by 1.78 per cent, with the Vivaro emerging at the most popular van among retail customers.
"This is great news, as it proves that Vauxhall has great products - essential in a challenging marketplace," the company's national sales manager, Richard Collier, commented.
He added he was confident his firm's vehicles would appeal to anyone looking for value and quality.
Recently, Vauxhall reported Nigel Weaver, a courier from Maidenhead, had clocked half a million miles travelling around in a Combo van he had bought in 2001.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:40:48 +0200
While some consumers will always look for the cheaper option, those buying home insurance have been urged to opt for quality over price.
According to Defaqto, individuals buying cheap home insurance may be left underinsured, as the small print can contain a number of potentially costly exclusions, the Fair Investment Company said.
Mike Powell, a consultant at Defaqto, said: "Although in these financially difficult times, the cost of insurance cover is an important factor, the cover provided must be at the forefront of the consumer's mind."
He added the choice to opt for an insufficient insurance policy to save on premiums could prove to be expensive in the event of making a claim.
Price comparison service Confused.com claims Britons are losing out on £1.4 billion every year by not shopping around when renewing their home insurance policy.
Looking for a cheap home insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
According to Defaqto, individuals buying cheap home insurance may be left underinsured, as the small print can contain a number of potentially costly exclusions, the Fair Investment Company said.
Mike Powell, a consultant at Defaqto, said: "Although in these financially difficult times, the cost of insurance cover is an important factor, the cover provided must be at the forefront of the consumer's mind."
He added the choice to opt for an insufficient insurance policy to save on premiums could prove to be expensive in the event of making a claim.
Price comparison service Confused.com claims Britons are losing out on £1.4 billion every year by not shopping around when renewing their home insurance policy.
Looking for a cheap home insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:38:49 +0200
There could be fewer people taking out van insurance this year as new figures show a drop in vehicle sales.
According to research from the SMMT, registrations of vans fell by 22.1 per cent for September to 6,185 and by 22 per cent for the year to date to 44,117.
Paul Everitt, chief executive of the body, claimed September is a key month for new registrations but added the credit crunch had negatively impacted on this year's figures.
"The summer's spending cut meant a sharp drop in the month’s van registrations," he said.
He predicted sales in the new van market will stay well below recent levels for an extended period, with a tough time expected for the sector for at least 12 months.
At the same time, recent SMMT figures showed new car registrations also fell, by 21.2 per cent, to 330,295 units, with year-to-date volume dropping 7.5 per cent to 1,794,419 units.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
According to research from the SMMT, registrations of vans fell by 22.1 per cent for September to 6,185 and by 22 per cent for the year to date to 44,117.
Paul Everitt, chief executive of the body, claimed September is a key month for new registrations but added the credit crunch had negatively impacted on this year's figures.
"The summer's spending cut meant a sharp drop in the month’s van registrations," he said.
He predicted sales in the new van market will stay well below recent levels for an extended period, with a tough time expected for the sector for at least 12 months.
At the same time, recent SMMT figures showed new car registrations also fell, by 21.2 per cent, to 330,295 units, with year-to-date volume dropping 7.5 per cent to 1,794,419 units.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:47:43 +0200
Brits are paying £1.4 billion more than they need to every year because they are not reviewing their home insurance policies, according to Confused.com.
Research by the group has revealed some 56 per cent of those questioned had not thought about switching provider for over three years.
Furthermore, it found some homeowners believe opting for a bank's own insurance product will increase their chances of being approved for a mortgage.
Darren Black, head of home insurance, said he was surprised how much money was being wasted by people failing to shop around.
However, he added: "Consumers can still claw back much of this lost money by adopting savvier attitudes towards their finances."
Mr Black added comparing different providers the average homeowner would be able to save about £186 a year on their home insurance.
Meanwhile, Confused.com has said 14 million households are wasting an average of £490 each per year by not switching energy provider.
Looking for a cheap home insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Research by the group has revealed some 56 per cent of those questioned had not thought about switching provider for over three years.
Furthermore, it found some homeowners believe opting for a bank's own insurance product will increase their chances of being approved for a mortgage.
Darren Black, head of home insurance, said he was surprised how much money was being wasted by people failing to shop around.
However, he added: "Consumers can still claw back much of this lost money by adopting savvier attitudes towards their finances."
Mr Black added comparing different providers the average homeowner would be able to save about £186 a year on their home insurance.
Meanwhile, Confused.com has said 14 million households are wasting an average of £490 each per year by not switching energy provider.
Looking for a cheap home insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:45:18 +0200
Car insurance customers who would like to reduce their carbon footprint but think eco-friendly vehicles are unfashionable may want to check out the new Prius.
Toyota has said the new model is both greener and sportier than its predecessor.
Despite the success of the previous version, the manufacturer stated it was important it lost its "fuddy-duddy" image.
Commenting on the revised version, managing director Miguel Fonseca said the carbon emissions would be less than 100 grams per kilometre (g/km).
"We could have gone lower, but instead we have chosen to give the Prius better performance," he explained.
The original model already has a high profile following, with owners including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz and the carmaker is hoping the changes will increase its appeal.
In other Toyota news, the manufacturer has revealed the revised Avensis will also be more environmentally-friendly, with carbon emissions starting at 134 g/km.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Toyota has said the new model is both greener and sportier than its predecessor.
Despite the success of the previous version, the manufacturer stated it was important it lost its "fuddy-duddy" image.
Commenting on the revised version, managing director Miguel Fonseca said the carbon emissions would be less than 100 grams per kilometre (g/km).
"We could have gone lower, but instead we have chosen to give the Prius better performance," he explained.
The original model already has a high profile following, with owners including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz and the carmaker is hoping the changes will increase its appeal.
In other Toyota news, the manufacturer has revealed the revised Avensis will also be more environmentally-friendly, with carbon emissions starting at 134 g/km.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:35:42 +0100
Female drivers who are thinking about trading in their existing vehicle for a smaller model in a bid to reduce their car insurance premiums may want to check out the new Ford Ka.
The manufacturer has said it has produced three factory-fitted packs to add a bit of glamour to the vehicles.
Buyers can choose between a Digital, a Grand Prix and a Tattoo version.
The first is described as creating a street fashion effect, the second is based around a motorsports theme and the third incorporates a heart design.
Interested parties will be able to get their hands on the new model from January next year.
Commenting on the available designs, Bernhard Mattes, vice-president of the customer service division at Ford, said: "Our designers have created a unique selection of features for the cheeky new Ka, giving owners an array of interior and exterior options."
Meanwhile, those drivers who require a larger vehicle for towing may want to take a look at the manufacturer's Mondeo Titanium X Estate as it came top in its category at this year's Caravan Club awards.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
The manufacturer has said it has produced three factory-fitted packs to add a bit of glamour to the vehicles.
Buyers can choose between a Digital, a Grand Prix and a Tattoo version.
The first is described as creating a street fashion effect, the second is based around a motorsports theme and the third incorporates a heart design.
Interested parties will be able to get their hands on the new model from January next year.
Commenting on the available designs, Bernhard Mattes, vice-president of the customer service division at Ford, said: "Our designers have created a unique selection of features for the cheeky new Ka, giving owners an array of interior and exterior options."
Meanwhile, those drivers who require a larger vehicle for towing may want to take a look at the manufacturer's Mondeo Titanium X Estate as it came top in its category at this year's Caravan Club awards.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:33:08 +0100
People with van insurance who are feeling the effects of the credit crunch can save money by taking a number of simple steps, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Making the effort to drive smoothly, switching the engine off in traffic jams and removing any excess weight from the back can all help to cut fuel consumption, thereby saving road users cash at the pump, the organisation claimed.
Resisting the temptation to go too fast can also help reduce the amount motorists spend, the group added.
It explained: "Edging over the motorway speed limit to 80 mph saves very little time, but it will cost typically around three or four pence per mile more."
Being able to drive straight off from a parking space was also cited as a way to reduce fuel consumption as this allows the engine heat up more quickly and once warm a vehicle performs at its best.
Therefore, the IAM suggested reverse parking where possible.
Meanwhile, the group has welcomed recent figures released by the Department for Transport which revealed road deaths dropped by seven per cent compared with 2006.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Making the effort to drive smoothly, switching the engine off in traffic jams and removing any excess weight from the back can all help to cut fuel consumption, thereby saving road users cash at the pump, the organisation claimed.
Resisting the temptation to go too fast can also help reduce the amount motorists spend, the group added.
It explained: "Edging over the motorway speed limit to 80 mph saves very little time, but it will cost typically around three or four pence per mile more."
Being able to drive straight off from a parking space was also cited as a way to reduce fuel consumption as this allows the engine heat up more quickly and once warm a vehicle performs at its best.
Therefore, the IAM suggested reverse parking where possible.
Meanwhile, the group has welcomed recent figures released by the Department for Transport which revealed road deaths dropped by seven per cent compared with 2006.
Looking for a cheap van insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:30:43 +0100
Honest motorists are paying the price for uninsured drivers, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The group stated that everyone else has to pay more for their premiums because some people choose to get behind the wheel without the necessary cover.
However, it added this was not the only problem posed by those individuals who choose to break the law.
An ABI spokesman said: "Uninsured drivers are much more likely to be involved in accidents, more likely to be drink driving and more likely to be driving an un-roadworthy vehicle."
Taking to the road without car insurance is not a victimless crime, he insisted.
However, he acknowledged those motorists prepared to drive without insurance were probably unconcerned about the effects of their actions and the fact other people were picking up the tab for their behaviour.
The ABI represents the UK insurance industry and campaigns on issues deemed to be of common interest.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
The group stated that everyone else has to pay more for their premiums because some people choose to get behind the wheel without the necessary cover.
However, it added this was not the only problem posed by those individuals who choose to break the law.
An ABI spokesman said: "Uninsured drivers are much more likely to be involved in accidents, more likely to be drink driving and more likely to be driving an un-roadworthy vehicle."
Taking to the road without car insurance is not a victimless crime, he insisted.
However, he acknowledged those motorists prepared to drive without insurance were probably unconcerned about the effects of their actions and the fact other people were picking up the tab for their behaviour.
The ABI represents the UK insurance industry and campaigns on issues deemed to be of common interest.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:50:23 +0100
Female car insurance customers who fell in love with Mark Ramprakash when he danced his way to victory in Strictly Come Dancing may be disappointed to hear they missed out on seeing him doing the tango yesterday.
The cricketer was among those who attended the launch of the new Ford Fiesta which arrives in showrooms across the UK today.
The celebrations to mark the event took place at the Tower of London and featured stunt drivers in two of the vehicles performing a car tango.
Commenting on yesterday's dance extravaganza, chairman and managing director of Ford in the UK Roelant de Waard said it was the perfect way to launch the new model – as the tango is the dance of love.
"We created the new Fiesta with a real passion and we're confident that it's the car the nation is about to fall in love with," he explained.
Those tuning into Strictly Come Dancing this weekend will get to see rugby star Austin Healey doing the jive.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk
The cricketer was among those who attended the launch of the new Ford Fiesta which arrives in showrooms across the UK today.
The celebrations to mark the event took place at the Tower of London and featured stunt drivers in two of the vehicles performing a car tango.
Commenting on yesterday's dance extravaganza, chairman and managing director of Ford in the UK Roelant de Waard said it was the perfect way to launch the new model – as the tango is the dance of love.
"We created the new Fiesta with a real passion and we're confident that it's the car the nation is about to fall in love with," he explained.
Those tuning into Strictly Come Dancing this weekend will get to see rugby star Austin Healey doing the jive.
Looking for a cheap car insurance quote? Why not try yesinsurance.co.uk