What car insurance policy is best for you
When it comes to deciding which car insurance policy best suits your needs there are a number of different options that you should explore before making your decision. Often, the tempting thing to do is to go for the policy which seems to offer the best deal financially, but this might not always offer the best cover. Sometimes the deals which seem the best can have far higher compulsory excess which must be paid should you need to file a claim.
When deciding on a car insurance company it is important that you check to see that they are covered by the Financial Services Authority. The next thing on your check list should be to make sure that you are fully aware of the differences between third party insurance and fully comprehensive insurance. Third party might seem like it offers you the best price but you will only receive the most basic of cover. With fully comprehensive you might have to pay more but you will also get more cover.
Check with your insurer to see if the policy you are about to take out comes with a restricted mileage policy and do not be afraid to look closely at the policy details to make sure there are no other strings attached. For instance, some policies will not cover you if you drive abroad while some come with a limit on medical expenses should the worst happen. There can also be a cap on legal expenses as well.
Will your policy provide you with a courtesy car in the event that your car needs to be repaired? What will happen if you get points on your license? Will this increase your policy? Asking the right questions will help you get the best deal as well as the best policy to suit your needs.
Picture: elycefeliz
Read MoreRising petrol costs of 6p a litre since start of 2013
According to February’s AA Fuel Price Report, petrol costs in the UK have risen by over 6p a litre since the beginning of 2013.
Between January and February, prices rose 5p, and this has increased by another penny over the past five days. This time last month, the average cost for a litre of petrol in the UK was 132.71p; it now comes in at 138.32p, at an increase of 5.61p.
In comparison, diesel has risen from 140.32p to 145.10p a litre – a rise of 4.78p.
The rise in costs means that a 50 litre petrol tank will now cost an additional £3.12 to fill in comparison to the start of the year. On average, a two-car family will be spending up to £13.25 extra each month.
The soaring prices are being blamed on a drop in the value of the pound alongside stock market speculation driving the wholesale values up from $990 to $1100 per tonne.
There are warnings from the AA that the worst is still to come due to wholesale price rises being equivalent to an extra 7.9p a litre, not including VAT which pushes it up to a huge 9.5p per litre.
As a result of this, the AA is encouraging the Government not to go ahead with the September duty rise.
Picture: EUPK
Read MoreFord launches car-sharing programme
With growing concerns about the environment and increasing congestion in cities, Ford are introducing a car-sharing initiative.
At the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Chairman Bill Ford expressed his concerns for developments in urban mobility. The FORD2GO initiative is one of a number of programmes that have grown from this.
The programme involves Ford dealers throughout Germany offering cars and services to customers using a Web-based booking system and smartphone apps.
A study shows that over half of Europeans would consider a car-sharing system to help deal with a lack of parking spaces and unreliable public transport.
The initiative could help to increase sales for Ford as customers will be able to experience riding in the vehicles before deciding to buy. FORD2GO will be introduced in the spring of 2013 and by the end of the year more than 500 cars are expected to be involved from over 50 dealerships.
Read MoreSearching for car finance
Cars are expensive and whether purchasing a new or used vehicle, most people will have to search for car finance. Many dealerships are able to help customers arrange car loans. However, many of these “in-house” deals are often not the best for car buyers.
Anyone purchasing a car may find it a cheaper option to search for other ways to finance their purchase. These include buying the vehicle with a credit card or through a personal loan, which may prove to be cheaper than car finance arranged via the dealership.
One of the things that can push up the cost of car finance provided by the dealer is payment protection insurance – PPI. Though this kind of insurance is designed to provide assistance with car loan payments should the purchaser find him or herself unable to work through sickness or unemployment, it can push up the price of the monthly payments. Also PPI may not cover the self-employed or contract workers.
One way to cut down on the cost of PPI, which dealerships tend to automatically include in their quotes, is not to take it. This kind of cover can be found elsewhere and may be cheaper.
Usually people buying a car on finance will have to pay a deposit, usually set at a minimum of 10%. The advantage of paying a deposit is that it will cut down on the monthly payments.
People with bad credit scores should still be able to find car finance, though it is very likely they will have to pay a higher rate of interest.
Picture courtesy of Li’l Wolf
Read MoreThings to confirm before leaving with a hired car
The best way to travel around the UK is to hire a van or car and to simply explore the country. However, before driving away in your rental vehicle, you need to ensure everything is in order. This helps to avoid any incidents or misunderstandings that may occur later.
The first thing to do once you rent a van or car is to make certain that it has no damage. If any exists, ensure it is documented by the car hire company so that you are not charged for it on its return. Also, ascertain that the car is insured and that its details are up to date.
Before leaving the car and van hire company’s office, remember to ask for their emergency contact details in case of an accident or breakdown. While most hire companies in the UK offer roadside assistance, others do not. You should find out where your car rental company stands on this issue.
Additionally, you should ask what sort of documentation is needed to prove your right to drive the vehicle. This is essential in case you are involved in an accident. You should also ensure that you sign all necessary papers prior to leaving the car hire provider’s office.
In addition to this, confirm what type of fuel the car uses as this might not always be clear. You should also ask about the company’s fuel policy. This will ensure that you know if you will be charged for not refuelling the car prior to returning it.
Read MoreTips for keeping calm before your driving test
Your driving test is one of the most daunting exams you’ll ever have to face, but in order to use the roads, it’s something you’re going to have to do. To ensure that you do your best, it’s important to keep calm and relaxed, so here are some top tips ensure you’re on your best form when the big day comes around.
Be secure in the basics. Even if this means sitting in the car with the engine switched off to learn where each and every control is, at least you won’t let yourself down on the day.
Ask your instructor to conduct a mock test with you a few days before the real thing. This will give you time to go over anything that might go wrong and will help you feel more confident when things go right.
Make sure that you are completely prepared. Do not book your test until you feel comfortable and confident on every type of road and in all conditions. Practise with your instructor on everything from single track country roads to four lane motorways and congested city centres; practise in rain and shine, even snow and ice if you have the chance. The more secure you feel in your handling of the car, the better.
Finally, relax and concentrate. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, because at the end of the day, panicking won’t do you any favours. As long as you are prepared, all will be fine.
By: Andy Karmy
Malaysian Grand Prix 2013
The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2013 is taking place between the 22nd and 24th March on Sepang International Circuit. The race track is heralded as one of the most impressive, with its futuristic designs mixing steel and glass fronted buildings. Its wide design encourages overtaking, and consists of several extensive straights with four tight corners over its 5.54km long circuit. Particularly notable is the one extremely tight hairpin that has caught out many a driver over the years.
The main grandstand is particularly remarkable in that it is double sided and can seat over 50,000 spectators at one time. The seating boasts the ability to being able to see very nearly half the track at any given moment.
For those that are not enthralled by the race, the surrounding Gateway Park complex includes markets, shopping malls and restaurants. The ‘hawker stalls’ offer traditional local delicacies for a very reasonable price.
The Malaysian Grand Prix is perfect for the Formula 1 enthusiast on a budget. Right on the door step of the race track are luxury 4 and 5 star hotels at relatively cheap prices, but even better still are the city centre hotels, no more than 45 minutes from the track.
By: LG전자
How to save money when hiring a car
When you’re on holiday, the last thing you want to be spending your money on is extras on the car you’ve hired that you don’t really need. Whether you need it for just a day or for a whole month, following these simple tips will help you save money.
It is always worth considering how you’ll be using the vehicle – do you really need a 4×4 when you’ll only be driving on motorways?
Bear in mind where you’ll need to pick up and drop off the car. If you’re flying, Gatwick car hire might be your best option.
Be prepared to argue any changes in this policy, from damage that was there when you picked it up (avoid this by doing a thorough check beforehand) to additional extras they’ll try to offer you at the sales desk.
But don’t be put off by all the warnings of sneaky salesmen and hidden extras. Car hire can be an easy process from start to finish as long as you are prepared and resourceful.
By: AndYaDontStop
F1 Australian Grand Prix adds extra stand for 2013
Grandstand and corporate ticket sales for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix have already exceeded numbers from 2012. As a result of this increasing demand, organisers have decided to add an extra grandstand in hopes to boost the ticket sales further.
The World Champion Grandstand, which will provide views over Turns 3, 4 and 5 at Albert Park, will be set up in tribute to Sebastian Vettel, the current title holder and three time champion.
The Paddock Club facilities at the race ground have also been extended in response to the outstanding tickets sales.
Ron Walker, AGPC Chairman, stated: “No one stages a Grand Prix quite like Melbourne and this year will be no exception. Being the first race of the season, there’s a tremendous sense of anticipation and excitement which never fails to translate into an exhilarating event for all.”
When Australia first held their Grand Prix at Albert Park 60 years ago, it did not count towards the Formula 1 World Championship.
Tickets and merchandise are available at the Formula 1 website.
By: Dell Inc.
How to sell a car on eBay
Selling your car on eBay might seem like a daunting task, but in reality it’s a very simple process. Before you even begin writing out your listing, there are a number of things you’ll need to do.
First you should research the price of your car. Take into consideration how old it is, what condition it’s in and any additional features that you’ll be selling with the car.
Since the buyer probably will not be able to view the car before deciding to buy, you’ll need a range of good quality photos of the vehicle. These can be done with a point-and-shoot, but make sure they’re taken in good light and from a number of different angles. Do not try to cover up defects as the buyer will call you out on them and may ask for a refund.
You’ll need to have an eBay account in order to sell on the site, so sign yourself up for one.
When drawing up the listing, tell the truth. Highlight any particular features about the car, use marketing techniques if you know any and don’t play down the bad points. The final step in the listing is entering a minimum price for the car. Don’t forget to include a method of payment (cheque, Paypal etc.) and shipment. In most situations with selling cars, it is more efficient for both the seller and buyer if the buyer picks up the car, but you may need to consider other options.
And finally, remember to include any documents you have with the vehicle such as MOT certificates and user manuals.
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