Getting the best deal on your car insurance

There are tried and tested ways to get the best deal on your car insurance. In these tough economic times, it makes sense to ensure that we find the best possible price for all major purchases. Just as you would research into the best savings rates available before selecting which savings account you would like to open, you should do your utmost to source the best deal on the products and services you use on a day-to-day basis.

Car insurance is one of those things that can see unsavvy consumers spend way over the odds year after year, purely because they’re unaware that there are better deals out there. The biggest mistake people tend to make when it comes to car insurance is signing up with a provider and then sticking with them year after year, assuming that they’re offering the best price with every renewal. That simply isn’t the case – once car insurance providers have you on their books they’ll play on your loyalty and charge you a higher premium in subsequent years than they would charge new customers.

The way to combat this, of course, is to shop around every year when it comes to car insurance renewal time. Yes, it’s more hassle to seek new quotes every year than to simply let your old policy auto-renew – but when you take into consideration the hundreds of pounds you could be saving by switching it becomes a bit of a no-brainer.

Luckily, it’s possible to acquire a whole host of car insurance quotes in a matter of minutes nowadays by using one of the many online comparison sites. Once you enter some basic information about you and your vehicle, these sites will provide you with a long list of insurance options, allowing you to pick out the one that suits your needs best.

One thing to remember, however, is that some of the big insurance providers don’t provide quotes via comparison sites, so to get the full picture you’ll need to go direct to their websites or give them a call to find out their best price.

When it comes to significant expenses such as car insurance, cashback sites – such as topcashback and quidco are incredibly handy tools. If you visit your insurance provider’s website via a cashback site link, the site in question receives a commission from the insurance company. The cashback site then passes a percentage of that payment directly back to you as the consumer as a ‘thank you’ for earning them commission. Depending on the deal, the cashback generated by going through one of these sites can make a huge difference to the cost of your insurance.

As long as you do your research you should be able to make big savings on your premium, so head online and get the best deal you possibly can.

Fuel and transport costs push up UK inflation

UK inflation has taken some by surprise and risen for the first time in eight months, with the main driver being fuel and transport costs. CPI annual inflation – the Government’s target measure – rose to 1.5% in October, latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics show (17 November). This is up from 1.1% in September.

By far, the largest upward pressure affecting the change in the annual rate of inflation came from transport which was largely driven by the purchase of second-hand cars, stimulated by the Government’s car scrappage scheme.

The price of second-hand cars rose at their fastest ever rate between September and October this year, increasing by 1.1%. This in turn also impacted the annual rate of inflation for second hand cars in October, reaching a record high of 13.2%. A key driver of the upward movement in prices also came from increased transport costs, where petrol prices fell by 0.7% between September and October this year.

Inflation in other key areas of household expenditure remained steady, with electricity prices 8.2% lower than a year earlier in October, wand gas prices down 5.9% in the month of October, although there were further upward pressures from landline telephone charges.

The largest downward pressure affecting the change in inflation came from banking services, where prices fell by more than a year ago due to reductions in bank overdraft charges and mortgage arrangement fees.

Why do I need to know this?

Inflation is a measure of rising prices and it's useful to know how much the cost of goods is rising because some salaries and pensions are linked to inflation – so salaries might increase at the same time that food and other goods in the shops rise in price, essentially easing the burden on your pocket.

It's also good to have an idea about whether prices will be going up in the coming months so you can plan your finances and if inflation comes back to the target level of 2 per cent, then the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) – who decide whether to increase, hold or decrease interest rates – may begin to start changing them.

What the economists say

Henderson economist, Simon Ward said: “The rise in consumer price inflation from an annual 1.1 per cent in September to 1.5 per cent in October marks the start of a trend that is likely to carry the headline rate above 3 per cent in January. Inflation should subside over the remainder of 2010, but is unlikely to fall below the 2 per cent target.

Nick Beecroft, senior FX consultant at Saxo Bank, added: “Given the fact the MPC’s November Inflation report expected inflation to decline during 2010 and 2011, but thereafter their projections have inflation on a steadily rising path through the 2 per cent target, the MPC hawks will be keen to see an end to these upside surprises, otherwise their fingers will start to twitch on the interest rate rise trigger.”

How to Haggle and Save Hundreds on a New Car

Buying a car can be one of the most expensive decisions we make, and yet far too many of us end up paying over the odds for a new set of wheels. In the current uncertain climate, it's more important than ever to get a good price on your reliable run-around - or sporty little number - and one of the easiest ways of doing this is by haggling.


Don't be afraid of negotiating a better deal

However, new findings show that of the 1.14 million (*) people planning to buy a brand new car between September 2009 and February 2010, 121,000 (*) do not plan to bargain down the price they pay. This is despite the fact that - depending on the car - you could get a discount of up to 50 per cent (**) on the list price.

In fact, figures suggest the average discount you should be aiming for on a brand new car is around £1,893 (***) which means that overall, British motorists could save themselves a huge £229 million (*) over the next six months.


Seize the opportunity to drive a hard bargain

Few of us enjoy haggling, but there's no time like the present to cast off your inhibitions and try your luck, as despite the Government's scrappage scheme - introduced in May offering “cash for bangers” - the car industry is still going through a difficult period. (See: Buy a new set of wheels as discount deadlines loom.)

With figures showing that the sales of new cars in September were down 20 per cent (****) on previous years, this really is the perfect time to put your bartering skills into practice.

“Now is a good time to negotiate a significant discount on the price of a new vehicle,” says Steven Baillie from Sainsbury's Finance. “With typical British reserve, many of us don't haggle hard - despite the big savings that can be made. We'd urge buyers to give it a go.”


Homework is the key to confidence

Haggling may be an art, but it doesn't have to be difficult - here's our top tips to steer you through the process:

• Do your research - knowing the discount you want to aim for will help you haggle more effectively, so make sure you're armed with as much information as possible.
• Set a budget - enter into negotiations with a fixed idea of the car you want and the amount you're happy to spend - and stick to it.
• Pick your person - identify the right person to negotiate with and be courteous; your chances will improve if they like you.
• Show no emotion - try and keep your excitement in check when you're haggling, as if you look too keen, the dealer may be less willing to negotiate on price.
• Ask for extras - if you can't persuade staff to give you a discount, try and get additional features thrown into the deal, such as a better car stereo.

Pick your moment

If you're planning to haggle, it's worth thinking about timing, as you can often pick up a good price on a new car just before the introduction of new registration plates, as cars left over from the previous registration become less attractive. Similarly, one of the best times to get a great deal on an old model is when manufacturers are introducing a new one.


Learn when to quit

One of the key elements of successful haggling is knowing when you have got a good deal and not pushing your luck. At the same time, if you're not able to strike a deal, it's equally important to know when to walk away - and to show that you mean business; after all, there are always other cars.

Top tips to drive down the cost:

As well as haggling, there are some other simple steps to make a tidy saving:

• Shop around for the best deal on a loan.
• Consider a 0 per cent finance deal from your car dealer - but note you may have to pay a hefty deposit
• Do the maths to work out if a leasing deal will be cheaper.
• Look at cars that have been pre-registered, as you essentially get a nearly brand-new car at a second-hand price.
• If you have an exact model in mind, check out an internet-based car broker.

Notes:

(*) Sainsbury's Finance
(**) Car broker Broadspeed.com
(***) What Car? Target Price 2009
(****) Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), September 2009

Sourced from Confused.com Haggling Tips for buying new car

8 Great Car Security Tips

In the UK, car crime is a depressingly common occurrence – and partly responsible for the price we pay for car insurance. But there are plenty of security measures that can easily be taken to help prevent you from becoming a victim – and what’s more, some of these measures could also get you a reduction in the cost of car insurance.

1. Car Alarm

Car alarms aren’t just about waking the neighbours at three in the morning when a big lorry trundles past, they’re also about alerting you to the fact that some unscrupulous so-and-so could be meddling with your motor. Although they can’t physically stop a car (or valuables kept inside) from being stolen, a thief will likely think twice before tackling a set of wheels that he or she knows will get everyone’s attention if the alarm’s set off. The threat of a piercing sound and flashing lights is a powerful deterrent, and some alarms also come with a pager to alert you if they are activated. Most modern cars come pre-equipped with an alarm, but if you drive an older vehicle, getting an alarm professionally fitted will help secure your car and could result in cheaper car insurance.

2. Car Immobiliser

An immobiliser is an electronic device which prevents a car from being started by someone who doesn’t have the proper key. Although an immobiliser won't stop a car from being broken into, it may stop it from being stolen. And even if a thief can somehow start an immobilised car, the extra time this would take would very likely dissuade them from even attempting it.

Since 8 October 1998, all new UK cars have had immobilisers fitted as standard, but if you drive an older car, getting an immobiliser professionally fitted will help secure your car and could mean cheaper car insurance.

3. Car Tracking Systems

Car tracking systems require a transmitter to be hidden in your car. If stolen, the vehicle can then be tracked and recovered. There are two main types of tracker: GPS systems can find your car whilst it’s at street level, and VHF systems can find your car even if it’s hidden in an underground car park or storage container.

However, tracking systems can be quite expensive, often requiring a significant monthly subscription charge.

4. Steering Locks/Gearstick & Handbrake Locks

These tough metal locking devices prevent the steering wheel, gearstick or handbrake from being used when the car is not in use. They are relatively cheap to buy (prices start at around £20), but in general, the more you pay, the better the security.

Although not impenetrable to a seasoned car thief, the real value of these locks is as a visual deterrent. Their bright colour (sometimes with flashing lights) lets a thief know that this car will take longer to pinch, so they may as well move along and try their luck on an easier steal.

5. Secure Parking

If your home has a driveway, or better still a garage, then use it. Cars parked off-street are far less likely to be stolen than those parked on the road. When away from home, try and leave your car in a secure car park – one with a ticket barrier or attendant.

If you have to park on the street, do so in a busy, well-lit area, and if at all possible, beneath the gaze of a CCTV camera.

6. Hide Valuables

It’s not just car thieves you have to worry about, there are plenty of crooks out there who are simply after your valuables. Therefore, never leave expensive goodies out on display within your car - it’s just too tempting for the opportunistic thief.

Sat Navs, mobile phones, CDs, laptops, briefcases, jackets and sunglasses are all fair game – so make sure you hide them out of sight in the glove compartment or boot.

7. Don’t Forget to Lock Your Car

This may seem like a no-brainer, but plenty of cars get stolen as a result of forgetful owners. Even if you’re only leaving the car for a short while – at a petrol station, for instance – your vehicle, or any valuables left on the seat, are at a very real risk of theft. The same goes for windows and sunroofs – always close them when you leave the car, no matter how short a time you’re away (the exception, of course, is if you have a pet on board – in which case just leave a small gap). But worse than leaving a car unlocked is leaving a car unlocked and with the key still in the ignition – that’s just making a car thief’s job too easy. So try and get into the habit of checking the door handles every time you leave the car. One more thing – once you get home, don’t leave the car keys on a table near your front door. Thieves have been known to pop a coat hanger through the letterbox to hook the key ring.


8. Marking/Etching

Marking and Etching are ways of stamping your car with a unique identifier. Marking can be as basic as writing on various parts with an ‘invisible’ ultra-violet pen, or as sophisticated as covering the car with thousands of micro dots – each encoded with your identifiable details.

Etching involves ingraining your car’s serial number or registration number into the windows and light covers of your car. Of course, none of these methods will stop your car being stolen, but they can act as a deterrent and will certainly help make it more recoverable if stolen.

And finally...

...if you’re thinking of buying a car, you can get an idea of how safe and secure it is by checking out its Thatcham New Car Security Rating. And don’t forget to protect your car even further by covering it with comprehensive car insurance.

Motoring Conviction Codes

If you are unsure of any of the conviction codes for motoring offences within the UK, there follows an explanation of some of the most commonly misunderstood offences, and a complete list of conviction codes* below.

Accident offences
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

AC10 Failing to stop after an accident (5-10 points)
AC20 Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours (5-10 points)
AC30 Undefined accident offences (4-9 points)

Disqualified driver
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

BA10 Driving while disqualified by order of court (6 points)
BA30 Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court (6 points)
These stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence

Careless driving
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

CD10 Driving without due care and attention (3-9 points)
CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users (3-9 points)
CD30 Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users (3-9 points)

The following stay on a driving licence for eleven years from date of conviction:
CD40 Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink (3-11 points)
CD50 Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs (3-11 points)
CD60 Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit (3-11 points)
CD70 Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for analysis (3-11 points)

The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction:
CD80 Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving (3-11 points)
CD90 Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers (3-11 points)

Construction and use offences

The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

CU10 Using a vehicle with defective brakes (3 points)
CU20 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition (3 points)
CU30 Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) (3 points)
CU40 Using a vehicle with defective steering (3 points)
CU50 Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers (3 points)
CU80 Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle (3 points)

Reckless/dangerous driving
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of conviction:

DD40 Dangerous driving (3-11 points)
DD60 Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle (3-11 points)
DD80 Causing death by dangerous driving (3-11 points)
DD90 Furious driving (3-9 points)

Drink or drugs
The following stay on a driving licence for eleven years from date of conviction:

DR10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit (3-11 points)
DR20 Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink (3-11 points)
DR30 Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis (3-11 points)

The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

DR40 In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit (10 points)
DR50 In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink (10 points)
DR60 Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive (10 points)
DR70 Failing to provide specimen for breath test (4 points)

The following stay on a driving licence for eleven years from date of conviction:

DR80 Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs (3-11 points)

The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

DR90 In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs (10 points)

Insurance offences
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

IN10 Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks (6-8 points)

Licence offences
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

LC20 Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence (3-6 points)
LC30 Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence (3-6 points)
LC40 Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability (3-6 points)
LC50 Driving after a licence has been revoked or refused on medical grounds (3-6 points)

Miscellaneous offences
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

MS10 Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position (3 points)
MS20 Unlawful pillion riding (3 points)
MS30 Play street offences (2 points)
MS50 Motor racing on the highway (3-11 points)
MS60 Offences not covered by other codes (points as appropriate)
MS70 Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight (3 points)
MS80 Refusing to submit to an eyesight test (3 points)
MS90 Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc (6 points)

Motorway offences
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

MW10 Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) (3 points)

Pedestrian crossings
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

PC10 Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations (3 points)
PC20 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle (3 points)
PC30 Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle (3 points)

Speed limits
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

SP10 Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits (3-6 points)
SP20 Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) (3-6 points)
SP30 Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road (3-6 points)
SP40 Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit (3-6 points)
SP50 Exceeding speed limit on a motorway (3-6 points)

Traffic direction and signs
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

TS10 Failing to comply with traffic light signals (3 points)
TS20 Failing to comply with double white lines (3 points)
TS30 Failing to comply with 'Stop' sign (3 points)
TS40 Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden (3 points)
TS50 Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding 'stop' signs, traffic lights or double white lines) (3 points)
TS60 Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign (3 points)
TS70 Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign (3 points)

Special code
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:
 
TT99 To signify a disqualification under 'totting-up' procedure. If the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within three years, the driver is liable to be disqualified

Theft or unauthorised taking
The following stay on a driving licence for four years from date of offence:

UT50 Aggravated taking of a vehicle (3-11 points)

Causing or permitting
With these offences, the code remains the same except for the last digit – which changes to a 4. So, for example, if someone drives a car uninsured then they are committing an IN10 offence. However, if somebody lends a friend their car knowing full well that the friend is not insured, then they can be convicted of an IN14.
Another example is if a driver is using a mobile phone (not hands-free) then the code for this offence is CU80. However, if a passenger in the car answers the phone and then passes it to the driver – knowing full well that the driver is operating the vehicle – then the passenger may be guilty of a CU84.

Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring
With these offences, the code remains the same except for the last digit – which changes to a 2 (e.g. LC10 becomes LC12).

Inciting
With these offences, the code remains the same except for the last digit – which changes to a 6 (e.g. DD40 becomes DD46).

*Source: Directgov 2009

Arrtilce Sourced from Confused.com Motor Conviction Codes 

Car Industry Breakdown Map

Here's a great map of the car industry broken down by manufacturer to show which car companys produce which cars.

Top 10 UK Car Country Drives

UK top 10 best car road drives - forget speed cameras, roadworks and traffic jams: blow away the cobwebs with the best British country drives. Stuck in a rut of the daily commute? Leave the hustle and bustle behind and head for the British countryside. Even in these congested times, the UK has plenty to offer in terms of scenic drives and cracking roads; you just need to know where to find them. Here we show you the route to happiness with the top ten British country drives…

1. Hebrides
It may take a bit of effort to get there, but the Isle of Skye is an unspoiled haven within the Inner Hebrides.

Take the A87 from Portree - it skirts the coastline round the island and turns into the A855. There are numerous single-track roads for the really keen, while the harbour at Portree is perfect for a few snaps. There’ll be something for drivers and sightseers alike.

2. Northumberland
The North East has more than its fair share of rugged coastlines and spectacular scenery.

Start at Berwick-upon-Tweed (taking in the view of Lindisfarne) and head south to Alnwick. Pick up the B6431, which turns into the B6432, skirting Northumberland National Park. Stop for a brew at Farlam Hall in Brampton and marvel at the feat that is Hadrian’s Wall.

3. Lake District
The Lake District’s twisty country lanes are a driver’s delight - if you can avoid the peak of summer.

The B5289, just outside Cockermouth in Cumbria, loops around Derwentwater to picturesque Keswick. Stretch your legs with a walk through the Lake District National Park, then head south to Hardknott Pass - the steepest road in England. You’ll end up in the Victorian town of Ambleside for a well-deserved cuppa.

4. Peak District
Perfect for a family getaway, Britain’s first national park offers magnificent views of peaks and valleys in almost every direction.

To get the most out of them, you can’t do much better than the A57 from Glossop. Wind your way over the Moorland for miles, keeping an eye out for the Ladybower, Howden and Derwent Reservoirs. Finish up at Bakewell for, you’ve guessed it, the essential Bakewell Tart! If you’re taking little ones with you, take a look at Confused.com’s Guide to Keeping Kids Happy on Long Journeys.

5. Isle of Wight
This often-overlooked nugget of seaside delight is only half an hour from the mainland.

The Military road runs across the south coast of the island, following the sea cliffs as they look out over the English Channel. Rising and falling, they’re ideal for a slow cruise or an enthusiastic sprint. The road itself was part of the Palmerston Forts, built in the 1860s, in response to the perceived threat of French invasion.

6. Cotswolds
Burford, just 16miles west of Oxford, is one of England’s prettiest medieval towns.

The 1000 locals will welcome you as you partake in the delightful high street and quaint shops. From there, pick up the B4425. You’ll enjoy a fabulous fast and flowing open road for almost 15 miles before you reach Cirencester. Unwind and explore the weekday markets and renowned Corinium Museum.

7. Suffolk
Situated in the east of the UK, Suffolk offers some architectural delights, while the rural roads provide some challenging routes once you head off the beaten track.

Castle Hedingham

Follow the A12 south out of Ipswich, through the delightful Vale of Denham, before heading to Sudbury and picking up the B1058 towards Castle Hedingham. This, and the subsequent B1053 and B1057, loop around Saffron Walden – explore Audley End, one of the most ostentatious Jacobean houses in England.

8. North Wales
Find yourself in the right part of Wales and you can enjoy some of the best roads the UK has to offer.

Start at Bala and take the A42122 through the heart of Snowdonia. Head through Porthmadog and Pwllheli along the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula, then back up along Caernarfon Bay. If you’re really keen, head north to Anglesey, and try out its race circuit, which looks out over the Irish sea.

9. Dorset
Take pleasure in the stunning views on offer in Dorset. Enjoy the traditional seaside town of Weymouth before following the coastal road up to the A352, visiting the iconic Lulworth Cove.

Gold Hill, Shaftsbury, Dorset

Head into Poole and explore its natural harbour, the second largest in the world, before looping back along the A35 through Tolpuddle to Dorchester - the home of Thomas Hardy and the Dorset County Museum.

10. Cornwall
A part of the UK not to be missed, head south along the coast from Bodmin to Lizard Point, and across to Land’s End. From there, drive north through the popular beaches of St Ives and Newquay.



For one final flourish, follow the A30 out of Bodmin again and head over the challenging moor roads, but be prepared for the Brown Willy effect: a localised weather phenomenon that brings heavy rain and flash flooding. Check out the amazing Cornwall Sunrise if you get the chance!

Country roads may take a bit of negotiating. Before you leave the hustle and bustle behind, make sure your car insurance is up to date and you’re covered for breakdown.