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Nearly half of UK vulnerable to winter weather
Britain is bracing itself for the long-awaited barrage of winter weather and home insurance company Direct Line has revealed that 40 per cent of properties are vulnerable to damage caused by sub-zero conditions.
The Met Office is warning of snow falls, sleet and freezing temperatures as the UK is finally hit by wintry weather following a relatively mild December and January. Experts have issued a "yellow" warning of snow and ice in rural areas and some northern cities.
Direct Line has found that nearly half of homes are susceptible to frozen pipes and broken boilers if temperatures drop into the minuses. Whilst the cold weather is expected many homeowners have yet to make sure their property is ready to cope with it.
Stuart Curson, head of company's home insurance, said: "As the last two winters have demonstrated, bad weather can cause serious damage to property, as well as enormous stress to homeowners. Whilst this winter has proved mild so far, the current weather predictions should ring alarm bells for many householders." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
One in five skiers travel without insurance
Winter holidays are quickly becoming a favourite for Brits looking for a different kind of getaway.
However, research by Barclays has found that one in five UK skiers are hitting the slopes without any travel insurance. Whilst skiing is a very enjoyable and fun activity it also carries a high risk factor.
Bosses of the bank's insurance branch have warned that injuries such as a broken leg can cost £1,100 in Europe and £9,000 in North America. Even common problems such as torn ligaments and fractures can be very costly.
Kieran Murphy, managing director of Barclays Insurance, said: "Even experienced winter sports enthusiasts can have an accident so it is essential to check you have adequate travel insurance in place so you don't get hurt financially too."
Santander Insurance recently found that 17 per cent of holidaymakers planning to head out on the piste had only experienced skiing from playing computer games. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Brits favour pets and phones over their own life
Brits would rather take out pet insurance and cover for their phone than protecting their own life.
A study by the Friends Life Group revealed that finding cover for their four-legged friend was more important than safeguarding themselves should the worst happen. The survey revealed that 14 per cent of people had pet insurance whilst only ten per cent had critical illness cover.
People were more likely to get mobile phone protection with nine per cent automatically taking out cover. Direct Line recently revealed that 33 per cent of dog owners would treat their pet to desserts and sweets suggesting they valued their canine more than themselves.
Steve Casey, head of marketing at Friends Life, said: "It is a fact of life that we seem to prioritise insuring things like our mobile phone or our pet over insuring our income. But the consequences of us being unable to work for a prolonged period, for example because of illness, can be severe." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
TomTom releases two new Simpson's sat nav voices
Motorists can now be given a hand by two more of their favourite characters from The Simpsons, after TomTom released voice packs for Mr Burns and Marge. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Not enough been done to cut delays for motorists, says Warranty Direct
The government needs to do more to prevent motorists being caught up in delays caused by utility roadworks, according to Warranty Direct. More »
By Jonathan Dawes, Breakdown Cover - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Land Rover drivers are biggest speeders
Land Rover drivers have been named as the biggest speeders on public roads, according to research by car insurance company Confused.com.
The website found that 26 per cent of motorists that drove a Land Rover Discovery had broken the speed limit on a public road whilst the company's Range Rover Sport model was top of the list for breaking speed laws on the motorway.
Ford Galaxy Zetec was found to be the top vehicle in which motorists would use a handheld device whilst driving; the survey revealed that 1.94 per cent of people were guilty of this offence.
Land Rover recently unveiled a range of six new models with the latest Sport vehicle retailing at £48,795.
Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com says: "The rules of the road are designed to help shape our driving habits and to maximise road safety. Keeping on the right side of the law will obviously help to not only minimise the cost of your insurance but also help keep you on the road and keep the roads safe". More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
Quarter of Brits worry about cold weather damage
The wintery weather is causing more Brits to worry about their property being damaged.
Siberian winds and heavy snowfall are set to hit the UK in the coming days and it is raising concerns for Brits who believe that any damage to their property could push up the cost of their home insurance.
Research by Santander found that one in four (25 per cent) people worried that their house could be hit by adverse weather conditions. A further 37 per cent believed that they would struggle to pay lighting and heating bills if temperatures dropped any further.
A survey by Direct Line found that 40 per cent of homes across the country did not have adequate cover and were susceptible to frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns.
Steve Burton, head of marketing at Santander, commented: "People are concerned about a wide variety of risks from the effects of adverse weather or their ability to pay the bills during the winter, but in some instances there are steps that can be taken to reduce the level of risk." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
North America tops fly-drive destination
As temperatures drop across the UK many Brits will be daydreaming of a summer getaway and new research has ranked North America as the best destination for fly-drive holidays.
Whilst Hong Kong was recently named as the best city break beating off competition from the likes of London and Paris, the lure of driving along Route 66 with the top down is too alluring for holidaymakers.
Carhiremarket.com also noted Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as popular destinations. The African country was recommended for it's plethora of safari tours as well as Victoria Falls, whereas the southern hemisphere states were highlighted for their wide open spaces, rugged terrains and "breathtaking" sights.
However, neither could hold a candle to North America which the website described as having "superb scenery" and also pointed to the easy car access around the country with a host of well-signposted roads. Not to mention the thousands of iconic sites the US has to offer. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
Highways Agency warns over icy conditions
The Highways Agency has warned motorists about the dangers of icy conditions, with temperatures falling across the UK. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Fri 3 Feb 2012
Bid to make roads safer for motorists and cyclists
Brake is working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that motorists and cyclists in West Yorkshire can use the roads safely together. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Mon 6 Feb 2012
Half of pets have fish and chips each week
Owners are putting the health of their beloved animals at risk by feeding them fast food. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Mon 6 Feb 2012
A 3rd of Britons expect house prices to rise
Many Brits believe that house prices will rise in the next 12 months with residents in London being the most optimistic about the market.
Halifax's Housing Market Confidence tracker found that 29 per cent of British homeowners expected a rise whilst only 22 per cent predicted a decline in prices. A further 61 per cent believed that rents would increase in 2012.
With confidence slightly improving across the sector 50 per cent of people surveyed believed that it was a better time to buy as opposed to selling. However, many highlighted job security and raising the deposit as the main obstacles when buying a property.
The company's recent Buying vs. Renting Review saw a major shift in buying confidence with the cost of purchasing a house being 16 per cent cheaper than renting.
Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: "The modest improvement in consumer confidence in the outlook for house prices reflects the resilience of the UK housing market over recent months in the face of a weak economic recovery and the deterioration in the outlook for both the UK and global economies." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Tue 7 Feb 2012
More Britons missing credit card payments
One in six people in the UK failed to pay a bill on time in 2011 with credit cards being the main source of missed deadlines.
Research by Moneysupermarket.com found that eight million Brits failed to pay at least one bill in the past 12 months and whilst credit cards topped the chart other costs such as council tax were also missed.
The biggest culprits were people living in Scotland and Wales where 22 per cent neglected to pay their bills whilst the East Midlands faired the best with only nine per cent missing a payment.
Experts believe that once a bill is missed the interest can mount up leaving people struggling to pay back what they originally owed combined with late payment fines.
Kevin Mountford, head of banking at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "A late or missed payment on a credit card bill not only impacts your credit profile, but will also lead to the loss of promotional rates on the card, which can be a costly mistake."
Many consumers could turn to payday loans as a way to get out of the debt amassed by late payments and members of the Welsh Assembly have accused companies of "sucking money" out of the country. More »
By Sarah Engle, Credit Cards - Tue 7 Feb 2012
Sat navs named topped travel gadget for over 50s
More and more over 50s are taking electronic gadgets on holiday with them, according to travel insurance company Saga.
The firm found that older people are embracing technology with 70 per cent taking at least one gadget away with them. MP3 players, smart phones and tablet devices were all popular as a means of staying entertained whilst soaking up the sun.
However, the sat nav was crowned the most popular device with people taking the route planner away with them to help navigate foreign lands on driving holidays.
With Carhiremarket.com recently charting North America as the top destination for fly-drive holidays sat navs are the must-have gadget whilst abroad.
The survey found that 52 per cent of people mainly used devices to keep in touch with friends and family back home via email whilst 31 per cent used it as a tour guide for their destination.
Roger Ramsden, chief executive of Saga Insurance said: "The fact that people are taking more expensive gadgets on holiday with them, does have an impact on their travel insurance. People could become a target for thieves, so we would advise them to make sure they have adequate cover for their belongings before they travel." More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Tue 7 Feb 2012
Need for debt advice 'to rise' in the next 12 months
More and more people will be seeking debt advice over the coming 12 months, according to the Money Advice Trust. More »
By Sarah Engle, Loans - Tue 7 Feb 2012
TomTom reveals top ten traffic blackspots
TomTom has revealed the top ten traffic blackspots over the recent snow-affected weekend. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Tue 7 Feb 2012
Cars should be given some love this Valentine's Day
Motorists should make sure that they give their car some love this Valentine's Day. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 8 Feb 2012
Britain to be covered with snow by Thursday
Snow will affect the southern part of Britain later this week, with forecasters predicting more white stuff before Thursday (February 9th). More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 8 Feb 2012
Sudan named top 'up and coming' destination
Holidaymakers looking for something different are heading to the tropical climates of Sudan.
As part of this year's Wanderlust Readers' Travel Awards the country came top of the chart for "up-and-coming" holiday destinations. Other key mentions were for Greenland and Mongolia as people look for those unique vacation experiences.
Sudan makes up eight per cent of Africa and is becoming increasingly popular for holidaymakers. Other surprising entries such as Iran and Lebanon made up the rest of the list and highlighted that people are moving away from the traditional holiday resorts.
Lyn Hughes, of the magazine, said: "I totally agree with Sudan at top place in this category. I was lucky enough to discover this first-hand last year and experience its warm welcome, layers of history and few tourists."
Whilst the African hotspot topped the "emerging" category a recent survey by Euromonitor International found that Hong Kong was the place-to-be for city breaks knocking London off the top of the list. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 8 Feb 2012
Don't leave it too late to buy travel insurance
Brits looking to escape the freezing temperatures to warmer climates are being urged not to leave it too late to buy travel insurance.
Research by price comparison site Moneysupermarket.com has revealed that 58 per cent of UK holidaymakers "drag their heels" when buying sufficient cover for their travels.
With the winter months forcing people to daydream about their summer holidays officials at the company are urging travellers not to let it be ruined by purchasing insurance too late.
Barclays recently found that one in five Brits head out on skiing holidays without any cover at all leaving them exposed should they have an injury on the slopes with countries such as North America and Canada charging into the thousands for medical fees.
Bob Atkinson, holiday insurance expert at Moneysupermarket.com, said: "Holidays often mean precious family time, and having cover in place as soon as you book your holiday ensures real peace of mind." More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 8 Feb 2012
Accessorising a car can put drivers at risk
More and more drivers are accessorising their car with a host of wacky items but it can increase the risk of a crash.
Research by women's car insurance firm Diamond found that 57 per cent of people have personalised their vehicle with anything from stickers to seat covers. However, by placing these humorous items on the back window it can obscure the driver's view, increasing the chance of a crash.
The study found that whilst 29 per cent of people believed that accessorising the car made it look cheap and tacky, 14 per cent had a back window sticker. Diamond's research highlighted 18 to 24 year olds as being most likely to have a personalised car.
Sian Lewis, managing director of the insurer, said: "When you think how much time we can spend in our cars each week, you can understand why so many of us want to make them more comfortable or individual, but car accessories should never impede the driver's vision in any way."
The popularity of fluffy dice has also been on the decline with a survey by Swiftcover finding that 76 per cent of people "were not a fan". More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 8 Feb 2012
Homes in Leeds and London more likely to be burgled
Homeowners in Leeds and London are more vulnerable to burglaries, according to new research by Moneysupermarket.com.
The capital's Stoke Newington topped the chart of top 20 break-in hotspots around the country, with 33 per cent of home insurance claims coming as a result of thefts. In Leeds, areas in the LS13 and LS15 postcodes showed burglary rates of 30 per cent and 29 per cent respectively.
Statistics from the Home Office showed that the break-in rate in the Yorkshire city was 18.4 per cent, nearly double the national average of 9.6 per cent. Moneysupermarket.com has urged homeowners to protect their property by making sure it does not look appealing for burglars.
The price comparison site suggested installing security lights, keeping all valuables away from windows and cancelling any unnecessary deliveries, such as milk and newspapers.
Julie Fisher, head of home insurance at the company, said: "Being in a higher risk area doesn't necessarily mean where you live is bad or rife with crime, many thieves will target more affluent areas purely for the rewards on offer." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Thu 9 Feb 2012
French Polynesia a favourite for honeymoons
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, many nervous would-be grooms will be getting down on one knee to propose to their loved ones.
However, once the pomp and ceremony of the wedding has passed, the next step is finding the perfect honeymoon, and French Polynesia is the place to be for an island getaway.
The Turquoise Holiday Company has compiled its top three secluded honeymoon destinations, with Bora Bora in Tahiti coming top of the pile. The island is popular with movie stars such as Nicole Kidman and the firm describes it as "one of the most beautiful regions in the world".
Other favourites included Nha Trang in Vietnam and Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands, which have been championed for their peaceful and tranquil surroundings.
Whilst some may opt for a city break, heading to the newly-crowned favourite of Hong Kong, the company says that nothing beats a relaxing honeymoon in the calm surroundings of a remote island. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Thu 9 Feb 2012
Payday loans plunging families into debt
High interest payday loans are on the rise as families struggle to keep up with the amount of debts they have amassed.
Whilst credit card usage is declining, new research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that many UK households still has an average debt of £7,900. The company believes that credit cards are entering a "mid-life crisis" as more people are choosing payday loans as a faster alternative to access necessary funds.
Recent research by Aviva found that 62 per cent of homeowners were worrying about the increased cost of living, with 42 per cent of families unable to save anything over the past 12 months.
Bosses at the PwC believe that people need to get more money quicker and that credit cards are no longer a viable option.
Simon Westcott, director of company's financial services practice, said: "Although the UK government's austerity drive appears to be hitting home, with households paying off an average of £355 worth of their debt in 2011, three years of austerity by UK consumers has only made a small dent in the total levels of borrowing." More »
By Sarah Engle, Loans - Thu 9 Feb 2012
Simple house checks can combat the big freeze
With temperatures plummeting into the minuses, homeowners across the country are continuing to worry about potential damage to their properties.
However, home insurance company Aviva has told people that just a few simple checks around their property can prevent costly eventualities such as burst pipes and broken boilers.
The Met Office has issued a "yellow" warning of snow and ice in the coming days as the big freeze continues to grip Britain. Aviva believes that a burst pipe in the loft can send water running down the house and can cost up to £8,000 to repair.
However, the insurer has told people to keep the heating on a constant low temperature and leave loft hatches open amongst other helpful bits of advice.
Carole Gallagher, head of household claims at the company, said: "When homes are left empty, burst or leaking pipes often aren't discovered for many days and so damage can get progressively worse so think about asking a friend or neighbour to pop in and check your home if you are escaping the cold for a half-term break in the sun." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Fri 10 Feb 2012
Owners shower their pets with Valentine's Day gifts
Whilst many are scrambling around looking for the best flowers and chocolates for their beloved on Valentine's Day, a number of pet owners are looking for doggy toys.
A survey by UrbanPup.com found that 23 per cent of canines in the UK will receive a treat on February 14th. Along with showering their dog with gifts, 70 per cent of owners will take their furry friend on a "favourite walk" in the countryside, along a reservoir or by the beach.
Women are more susceptible to treating their dog, with research by petnet360.co.uk finding that 60 per cent of females talk about their pet more than they do about their partner with 70 per cent regarding it as "one of the family".
The most popular gifts included a special doggy spa treatment day or a new, luxury lead and collar.
Ryan O'Meara, editor of K9 Magazine, said: "This may be a special day when we make an extra special effort to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us and this research shows that pets aren't excluded from our thinking." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Fri 10 Feb 2012
Leg breaks 'most common' skiing injury
During the winter months many Brits are heading out on the slopes of the many resorts across Europe and America.
However, research by World First Travel Insurance has outlined the dangers of this favourite past time highlighting the injuries that could be caused whilst out on the piste.
The company compiled a list of the most common problems people encounter whilst skiing with ruptured ligaments and fractures to the lower leg being the main cause for concern.
A recent study by Barclays found that one in five UK holidaymakers consider heading out on skiing trips without any sufficient cover which can lead to substantial hospital bills. Countries such as North America and Canada can charge up to £9,000 to treat a broken leg.
Martin Rothwell of World First Travel Insurance, said: "Having travel insurance not only provides travellers with peace of mind, it also means that the costs of any medical treatment are covered." More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Fri 10 Feb 2012
Exaggerated home insurance claims continue to rise
More and more Brits exaggerated their home insurance claims in the past 12 months, according to research from AXA.
The consumer company found that in 2011 there was a 17 per cent jump in exaggerated claims with 200,000 homeowners adding an average of £607 on to the total value of their insurance reports.
Despite a number of people being caught out embellishing the cost of property damage, AXA's survey found that only 45 per cent of British homeowners thought that exaggerating a claim was wrong.
With the UK being subject to severe weather conditions over the past week the number of claims is expected to rise as burst pipes and broken boilers could cause substantial flood damage.
Steve Gaywood, head of fraud at AXA insurance, said: "Ultimately, if consumers get caught out they run the risk of having the whole claim turned down as well as facing problems getting insurance in the future." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Mon 13 Feb 2012
Zante named top 2012 destination for Brits
Zante has been named the top destination for British holidaymakers for the coming 12 months.
Holiday company Cosmos put the Greek island at the top of the list as it predicted the most popular resort for Brits in 2012. Zante beat off competition from other favourites such as Florida, Tenerife and Majorca.
The island was commended for its "idyllic fishing villages" and "neon-lit resorts for party goers" as well as the "wonderful scenery". Whilst many teenagers head for the tropics of fellow Greek paradise Malia, Zante is becoming increasingly popular for young and old alike.
Many holidaymakers are now looking further afield than the traditional French and Spanish vacations as more people get adventurous on their travels.
A recent poll by the Wanderlust Readers' Travel Awards named countries such as Sudan, Greenland and Mongolia as the top "up-and-coming" regions to visit if a holidaymaker is looking for something different in a getaway. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Mon 13 Feb 2012
Young males pay more for car insurance
Young males are paying almost double for car insurance compared to women, according to new research by Confused.com.
The price of running a vehicle for men aged between 17 and 20 continues to soar as the report revealed that women pay £1,711 less than their male counterparts for cover in the UK.
For a young man to insure his vehicle it can cost up to £3,730 which is a significant rise on the rates given to women. The gender gap is even higher in London where premium protection prices are at an average of £5,523 adding to a 48 per cent increase on anywhere else in the country.
With Hasting Direct recently revealing that high petrol prices were putting off 78 per cent of people who drove a car, it is becoming increasingly expensive to own and run a vehicle.
Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: "There is still a huge disparity between what men and women are being charged for their car insurance. It's more important than ever to shop around and we're committed to making it easier for people to save money on their car insurance." More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Mon 13 Feb 2012
Pets lavished with £41m of Valentine's Day gifts
Pet owners are paying out a whopping £41 million on Valentine's Day gifts for their four-legged friends.
Research by the Co-operative pet insurance found that the average owner spends £15.82 on their animal.
However, in regions such as Yorkshire and the Humber people can splash out up to £30.50 compared to spending an average of £26.91 on their partner.
The most popular gift for a dog or cat is a bunch of flowers followed closely by a food treat. The survey also revealed that men are twice as likely to buy a Valentine's gift for their pet with 14 per cent of males buying a romantic gift for their pooch.
A recent survey by UrbanPup.com revealed that 70 per cent of owners treat their dog to a "favourite walk" in the countryside or along the beach on the "most romantic day of the year".
Lee Mooney, head of pet insurance at the Co-operative Insurance, said: "The survey has clearly shown that pets are going to be extremely spoiled this Valentine's Day and in some cases have more spent on them than their owner's significant other." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Tue 14 Feb 2012
Brits favouring smaller cars
The iconic family saloon car is on the decline as more mums and dads opt for smaller "runaround" vehicles.
Research by car insurance company Aviva has found that the ethos behind buying a vehicle has changed for families dramatically in the past 30 years. In the 1980s it was normal to see a driveway with a large saloon and a hatchback car.
Whereas in the 80s the woman of the house drove the smaller vehicle, now men are favouring the "runaround" car whilst mums are opting for larger vehicles with 4x4 hybrids such as the Citroen Picasso and the Toyota RAV4 becoming increasingly popular.
Companies like Mitsubishi continue to produce cost-efficient saloon vehicles and the firm has recently announced the launch of its "greener" New Generation Outlander.
Heather Smith, director of car insurance at Aviva, said: "As families' lives become more busy and complex, with two working parents and children to be dropped off at school, it appears multi-tasking mums need a vehicle fit for both work and family life while cost and fuel efficiency are increasingly important to dad". More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Tue 14 Feb 2012
David Cameron vows to end 'whiplash culture'
Prime minister David Cameron is planning to end the insurance culture in Britain which has made the country the "whiplash capital of Europe".
A report by the Transport Committee in January found that more and more people were claiming for whiplash injuries despite only being in minor crashes. The group blamed "ambulance-chasing" texts and emails encouraging two-thirds of Brits to make personal injury claims.
Now Mr Cameron is aiming to clamp down on this attitude which is inflating car insurance premiums by £90 a year. Ministers have said that they are prepared to cut the £1,200 fee that lawyers receive for these types of claims to prevent this action from happening on a wider scale.
The prime minister said: "I am determined to tackle this damaging compensation culture which has been pushing up premiums. I want to stop trivial claims, free up businesses from the stranglehold of health and safety red tape and look at ways we can bring costs down." More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 15 Feb 2012
Drivers admit to using mobile phone behind the wheel
Almost half of drivers have used their mobile phones illegally behind the wheel, according to research by Halfords.
With over 200,000 people fined for using their mobile while driving last year, a report from the retailer found that the number of people actually committing such offences could be much higher, with one in four drivers confessing to doing so at least once a month, reports the Press Association.
It is not just taking calls while at the wheel that drivers admit to, with significant numbers browsing the web using sites such as Facebook and texting while on the road.
Police data shows that more than 171,000 fixed penalty notices were issued in the year up to October for using mobile phones while driving, while a further 35,000 people were fined by magistrates.
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel is punishable by a £60 fine and three points on the driver's licence, which could impact on people's car insurance premiums.
Research shows that reaction speeds are up to 50 per cent slower when using a mobile and drivers are four times more likely to crash. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Thu 16 Feb 2012
Sat nav confusion costs motorists £200m a year
Accidents caused by misleading sat nav systems cost drivers around £200 million each year, according to new research. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Fri 17 Feb 2012
Drunks cause £700m damage to UK homes
Brits drunk in their own home caused £700 million of damage, according to research by home insurance company MORE TH>N.
The company found that over a third of property owners admitted to causing a fire, a flood or smashing valuable items whilst under the influence. Middle-class people aged between 35 and 54 years old who had homes with an average value of over £240,000 were the worst offenders.
Buying alcohol in supermarkets has become increasingly popular as people choose to stay in rather than hit the bars but it can lead to a booze culture. Ministers in Northern Ireland and Scotland have backed plans to introduce a minimum pricing system which will abolish cheap, high-strength drink.
Matt Pernet, from MORE TH>N Home Insurance, said: "The dangers of drink driving are well documented, but the perils of being drunk in the home are not. Yet, as this research shows, the home can be a highly precarious place for somebody with impaired judgement." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Mon 20 Feb 2012
More Brits hitting the 'snooze' button
More and more Brits are delaying getting out of bed on a winter morning by hitting the 'snooze' button.
Research by Sheilas' Wheels home insurance found that one in four people start their day by having an argument with their partner over grabbing a few extra minutes in the comfort of their bed.
Brits spend an average of 29 minutes with their alarms on snooze in the colder months, an increase from 17 minutes in the summer. In the UK, most people set their clock for 6.47am, hit the snooze button four times and eventually leave the house at 8.14am.
With Britain experiencing a severe drop in temperature over the past couple of weeks, dropping as low as -15 degrees C in some places, many are more reluctant to get out of bed.
Jacky Brown, at Sheilas' Wheels home insurance, said: "Scheduling in snooze time not only denies your body much needed rest, but is also a common source of arguments at home, which is the worst way to start off a day." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Mon 20 Feb 2012
Student loan early repayment penalties abolished
Plans to impose a penalty on people wanting to pay back their student loans early have been abolished by the government.
It had originally been proposed to punish those wanting to clear their debts within the 30-year period after leaving university. Ministers believed this would prevent the rich quickly wiping out all their outstanding student loan but it had been criticised as many middle-earners also wanted to be rid of the debt before the existing timeframe.
However, the plans have been damned by the University and College Union (UCU) as it is perceived as another method to help the wealthiest within the society. Since the introduction of higher tuition fees the rate of student loans has had to be adjusted to meet the required payments.
The UCU believes that the government should be more focused on helping the poorer students afford to go to university rather than assisting the rich.
Sally Hunt, the union's general secretary, said: "While no one would condemn any family that sought to pay off their children's debt as fast as possible, today's move simply exposes yet again what an inconsistent mess the higher education reforms are." More »
By Sarah Engle, Loans - Mon 20 Feb 2012
Cold snap costs Brits £1.6bn
The recent big freeze that engulfed the UK over the past month has cost British homeowners £1.6 billion.
Research by Moneysupermarket.com found that home insurance claims and heating bills soared as February experienced snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures.
The price comparison site revealed that a third of Brits were worrying about being able to afford their rising utility costs.
On average, property owners were paying an extra £77 on their energy bills as 81 per cent of people turned up the heating as the temperatures plummeted.
There have been calls for the government to reduce the VAT rate on heating costs with bosses at uSwitch saying that people could save £60 each on their payments if the rate was reduced.
Scott Byrom, energy manager at Moneysupermarket.com said: "For those who are really concerned about being able to pay their next quarterly bill as a result of the 'Big Freeze', it's crucial they speak to their provider about the assistance and social tariffs on offer." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Tue 21 Feb 2012
CML: Mortgage lending strengthens
Gross mortgage lending continues to recover as borrowing was ten per cent stronger for January than it was in 2011.
Statistics from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) found that there was a decline to £10.5 billion with borrowing falling by 14.4 per cent from £12.2 billion in December.
Whilst the figures were lower than the pre-Christmas level they were up on 2011's £9.5 billion. This was combined with a report from the Mortgage Advice Bureau which showed that applications were up by 25.8 per cent from last year.
It signals a positive move in the struggling property market as more first-time buyers are getting their foot on the housing ladder.
Bob Pannell, CML chief economist, said: "The increase in lending compared to January last year helps support our view that housing and mortgage market activity may be boosted by first-time buyers seeking to complete deals before the stamp duty concession ends in March." More »
By Jonathan Dawes, Mortgages - Tue 21 Feb 2012
More Brits saved less in 2011
Over 23 million Brits stopped or reduced the amount of money they were putting into savings in the past year.
Research by Moneysupermarket.com found that 47 per cent of UK consumers cut down on their savings with the survey revealing that 12 million people have been forced to stop due to the increasing cost of day-to-day living.
With the rising rate of energy bills more and more homeowners are finding it difficult to keep up with the payments and it has forced many to forget putting money away for future investments.
In a bid to save money the survey found that 45 per cent of people no longer ate out and a further 40 per cent cut down on buying new clothes.
Kevin Mountford, head of banking at Moneysupermarket, said: "It comes as no surprise that many people have reduced and even stopped saving completely at a time when the cost of living is high against a backdrop of ongoing low interest rates." More »
By Sarah Engle, Banking - Tue 21 Feb 2012
Understanding baggage allowance is the key to holiday packing
British holidaymakers need to ensure that they understand baggage allowances before they attempt to pack for their adventure abroad. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
Holidaymakers urged to check their travel insurance before the flight
It is important that holidaymakers check their travel insurance before they board their flight for their trip overseas. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
HPI checks reveal 1 in 3 cars have something to hide
Buying a second-hand car could be wrought with danger if precautions are not taken, according to analysis of over ten million HPI checks. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
Homeowners urged to avoid high premiums
Property owners in the UK are being urged to shop around when looking for the right home insurance.
Research by Moneysupermarket.com has found that opting for a high excess cover on their protection premiums may not be the right move for many Brits. The price comparison site's study found that there was a £190 difference in the level of excess on home insurance.
For a consumer to purchase cover at £0 cost of excess the premium would be £366 whereas a £500 price would result in a £176 premium. However, should the person need to make a claim they would need to find the £500.
Peter Harrison, insurance expert at the company, said: "It can be a real balancing act when looking at ways to reduce the amount you spend on household insurances whilst still getting the right cover for your needs."
Whilst homeowners are being urged to assess whether they need to take out accidental damage cover, a survey by MORE TH>N found that Brits drunk in their own home caused £700 million damage in the past year. More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
Donkey from Shrek named favourite movie animal
Eddie Murphy's lovable 'Donkey' character in Dreamworks' Shrek has been named as nation's favourite animal movie star of all time.
With new creature flicks such as Warhorse and the Academy-nominated The Artist, which features 'Uggie' the dog, receiving critical acclaim from industry experts the Co-operative banking group compiled the top 25 most-loved animal characters.
Shrek's wise-cracking sidekick scooped the top prize whilst more classical figures such as Black Beauty and the labrador from Marley and Me had to settle for second and third respectively.
Whilst men and women agreed on the top two they differed on third spot with men opting for the "terrifying" shark from Jaws.
Following the success of the four Shrek films the franchise moved to the stage, hosting musicals in the UK and the US.
Lee Mooney, head of pet insurance at The Co-operative Insurance, said: "As pet owners already know, animals have a unique way of raising a smile with their entertaining antics and they certainly play a big part in the film industry, where they often steal the show with their performances." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
Nearly 40% of Brits delay home repairs
British homeowners are delaying carrying out repair work on their property in a bid to save money.
Research by the AA Home Emergency Response Service found that 39 per cent of UK home insurance holders (18.5 million) put off maintenance work to preserve savings.
However, by avoiding repairs homeowners face a collective bill of £1.2 billion as a result of neglected homes. One in five people (21 per cent) have experienced unforeseen problems and costs by scrimping on building work.
A recent survey from Moneysupermarket.com found that 23 million Brits stopped or cut down on savings in 2011 due to the rising costs of day-to-day living. The AA found that 14 per cent of homeowners carried out their own DIY work to avoid hiring a builder.
Tom Stringer, head of the company, said: "Many homeowners seem to be mirroring the government's drive for austerity but this can be a false economy as problems tend to get worse in the home if you leave them unresolved." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Wed 22 Feb 2012
Owners urged to take out the correct pet insurance
Pet owners are being urged to take out the correct comprehensive policy for their animal.
Research by Hastings Direct found that most owners make a claim on their protection plan within the first year of having a pet and the right scheme will significantly help should their beloved animal get injured.
Comprehensive cover will benefit people buying puppies or kittens despite some companies not providing insurance for animals under eight weeks old.
Buying protection within the first 12 months is imperative as a puppy will need many visits to the vets during the first year of its life. It will also have a positive effect should the policy need to be changed later down the line.
A study by Friend's Life Group recently found that 14 per cent of people took out pet insurance before they bought critical illness cover.
Dec Fisher, head of ancillaries at Hastings Direct, said: "A comprehensive pet insurance policy should offer good cover limits for accidents, injury or illness. However, insurance will not reimburse you for routine health checks at the vets." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Thu 23 Feb 2012
Toronto CityPASS aims to attract more tourists
Toronto is preparing itself for the busy holiday period and plans to entice more tourists with a discount booklet.
Canada's largest and most cosmopolitan city is offering visitors the chance to experience all the sites the area has to offer with a CityPASS booklet. Tourists will be able to visit famous sites such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the CN Tower for a fraction of the price.
With Brits enjoying skiing holidays more than ever, a trip over the Atlantic to the resorts Toronto has to offer can be a very attractive proposition. The city's booklet will allow holidaymakers to enjoy the area après-ski.
However, UK holidaymakers have been warned by Barclays to take out the correct travel insurance before heading out on the slopes as an injury in Canada could cost up to £9,000.
Kieran Murphy, managing director of Barclays Insurance said: "Even experienced winter sports enthusiasts can have an accident so it is essential to check you have adequate travel insurance in place so you don't get hurt financially too." More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Thu 23 Feb 2012
British motorists pay £2.4m a day on car insurance premiums
British motorists are facing a hefty fee when it comes to paying for their car insurance premiums, according to a new report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
The study found that these costs are being driven by the legal fees involved with personal injury and whiplash claims. It amounted to a staggering £876 million a year paid out to lawyers and can add £30 a year on to the average car insurance premium.
Bosses at the ABI described the figures as "exorbitant" and that the legal costs were "unaffordable, unsustainable and unacceptable" before calling for a cut in the high prices.
James Dalton, the ABI's head of motor and liability insurance, said: "The UK's compensation system is riddled with disproportionate and excessive legal costs, often exceeding compensation awards."
Prime minister David Cameron recently vowed to end the "whiplash culture" in Britain which has seen a rise in "ambulance-chasing" texts and emails encouraging people to claim for an accident. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Thu 23 Feb 2012
Aberdeen named the world's 5th most unsung destination
When people begin to plan their annual summer getaway not many think of the Scottish city of Aberdeen.
However, the granite capital of the UK has been named the fifth most unsung destination in the world by the Lonely Planet.
Whilst the country's own travel guide, Rough Guide to Scotland, has described the city as one that people "either love or hate", author Abigail Blasi believes that it still holds some hidden qualities.
She commented on the city's "long, sandy beaches" highlighting the untapped beauty that many visitors had failed to see.
Ms Blasi wrote: "Beyond the stern, glittering city, you can take a dreamy coastal train trip to see Castle Dunottar, the awe-inspiring cliff-edge ruin where Franco Zefferelli filmed Hamlet."
Lonely Planet's list named Trieste, Italy, as the top unsung destination for holidaymakers whilst there were notable mentions for Helsinki, Finland, and Takayama in Japan but both were paled into insignificance to the beauty of Aberdeen. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Fri 24 Feb 2012
Travel companies continue to use credit card "tricks"
Travel companies are still using "tricks" to make holidaymakers pay extra when booking a vacation.
A consumer report by Which? Travel found that a large number of firms are still charging consumers large fees when using credit cards to book a getaway.
The survey revealed that companies automatically tick boxes to charge for services that customers do not need or want such as insurance and access to the airport lounge.
Officials at Which? found that 30 per cent of companies were using two of the most expensive telephone lines, 0871 and 090, whereas 44 per cent were adding on charges for using a credit card.
Chris Gray, Which? Travel’s acting assistant editor, said: "Consumers should always have a clear choice when it comes to adding an extra item to their purchase. Automatic opt-ins make such choices less than clear."
In December, the government announced that it would be banning all hidden charges on travel arrangements in a bid to save customers £300 million a year. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Fri 24 Feb 2012
Pests cause havoc in British homes
Unwanted house "guests" such as rodents and pests are causing damage in homes across the UK.
Research by LV= found that one in five (21 per cent) property owners have seen rats and squirrels cause havoc in their property whilst over a quarter (27 per cent) experienced a surge in the amount of nuisance animals around their home.
Many people keep rats as pets but these unwanted visitors are causing misery for UK homeowners. Pest controllers have seen a 65 per cent increase of call-outs to deal with nuisance animals and have highlighted a surge in rats, mice, squirrels and bed bugs.
The main cause of damage is rodents chewing through electrical wires whilst other incidents such as gnawing on pipes and eating carpets were also common complaints.
John O'Roarke, managing director of LV= home insurance, said "The dangers of ignoring a pest problem can be devastating and those who find unwanted guests in their home should call in the experts before it is too late." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Mon 27 Feb 2012
OFT to investigate payday loan firms
Payday loan firms are set to be scrutinised after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched an investigation into the schemes.
It comes amid concerns that companies are taking advantage of people in financial difficulty and as a result plunges them further into debt. Bosses at the OFT will look into a number of factors around the way payday loan firms operate.
These lenders are renowned for being able to provide instant cash for borrowers, which is paid back on the person's payday. However, the firms put on huge interest fees, usually around 1,300 per cent, which some struggle to repay.
Officials at the OFT will review issues such as giving out loans before checking whether the borrower has the capability to pay it back and "rolling over" lending so that debts can easily amass.
David Fisher, the organisation's director of consumer credit, said: "The payday sector has grown considerably since the OFT's high cost credit review in 2010. This, combined with the current tough economic conditions makes it the right time for us to review the industry and improve protection for consumers." More »
By Sarah Engle, Loans - Mon 27 Feb 2012
Brits keep £5.6bn in their homes
British homeowners are leaving a total of over £5.6 billion in their properties without any protection.
A study by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) found that the average household in the UK has £218 stored somewhere in the property. Whilst 33 per cent of people said they only kept £20 in their house, three per cent had more than £1,000 at home.
The FSCS stated that even if everyone had the top policy it would still mean a loss of £170 million as people would not incur any interest or benefits that they would by keeping the money at a bank.
Burglary rates are on the increase in the UK with 20 per cent of homes being broken into more than once a year. However, with less people keeping money within their properties that figure could decrease.
Mark Neale, chief executive of the FSCS, said: "In these tough times no one can afford to lose any hard earned cash. It is encouraging that people are keeping less money at home than they did in 2011." More »
By Sarah Engle, Banking - Mon 27 Feb 2012
Brits waste money sticking with their car insurance policy
British motorists are wasting £2.8 billion a year by not switching their car insurance, according to Moneysupermarket.com.
Research from the price comparison site found that over seven million drivers stick with their current policy when it comes to renewal time and a further 2.6 million do not check whether they could make a saving by switching.
Some drivers continue with their policy to comply with the Continuous Insurance Enforcement rule but bosses at Moneysupermarket.com warned that insurers will not reward loyalty.
With car insurance premiums starting to fall, the latest research by Tiger.co.uk showed there was a 2.7 per cent drop since the turn of the year; drivers are becoming reluctant to move.
However, the research found that this is costing each motorist up to £375 a year in savings.
Pete Harrison, an expert at the company, said: "Insurers rely on driver apathy at renewal time; loyalty may not be rewarded with a cheaper premium and drivers should do their homework to check whether they can find a better deal elsewhere." More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Tue 28 Feb 2012
Uninsured Brits are victims of 'accidental damage'
Two-in-five uninsured Brits have had to pay up costly charges following "accidental damages" or thefts within their home.
Research by Santander found that almost 40 per cent of UK property owners did not have adequate home insurance and were forced to pay over £200 to replace or repair damages following a theft. One-in-five people said that these costs reached £500 for a single incident.
With burglary rates rising and 20 per cent of British homes being broken into more than once a year, people are being warned to take out the correct insurance to make sure they do not have to pay out costly damages after a break-in.
Over 60 per cent of people admitted in they have been victim to theft or accidental damages, meaning that home insurance has never been more important.
Colin Greenhill, director of Santander Insurance, said: "While customers obviously want good value from their home insurance, the best value policy is the one that actually provides comprehensive cover when things go wrong." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Tue 28 Feb 2012
Northern Ireland bucks mortgage trend
Northern Ireland was the only area in the UK which saw an increase in the amount of purchase loans for mortgages in the final quarter of 2011.
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) revealed that the country saw the total amount of loans increase by four per cent in the last three months to have a combined value of £240 million.
Bosses at the CML highlighted the reduction in house prices as more and more first-time buyers got on the property ladder.
Due to a low demand, property values have been plummeting and with the economic crisis worsening the there has been a lack of new buyers.
The average house price in Northern Ireland is £137,219, an 8.4 per cent annual drop and this has encouraged more people to get on to the property ladder.
Derek Wilson, chair of the CML Northern Ireland, said: "The increase in house purchase loans are a much needed confidence boost to the market in Northern Ireland." More »
By Jonathan Dawes, Mortgages - Tue 28 Feb 2012
Malaysia makes travel insurance mandatory
Brits heading to the stunning sights of Malaysia are being warned that travel insurance will be made compulsory from March 1st.
According to reports by the New Strait Times holidaymakers booking their getaways through travel agents which are members of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) will be required to purchase cover.
Whilst some Brits will head out on skiing holidays without any insurance, running the risk of being exposed should they have an accident, the Far East country is preventing any person travelling by land, sea or air to come over without any sufficient cover.
The move is in accordance with the country's travel act and will cover medical, hospitalisation and travel expenses throughout a person's stay.
Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun, president of Matta, told the source: "We have been working with insurance companies and the Tourism Ministry to come up with an affordable travel insurance scheme covering all or most of the critical points." More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 29 Feb 2012
