Confused.com News

Loan Rates Fall Slightly In January

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:07:19 GMT

Personal loan rates dropped slightly during January, after hitting a record high level in November last year, according to Bank of England figures.

A �5,000 loan fell from its record high interest rate of 13.38% in November to 13.32% in January, while a �10,000 loan dropped to 10.91% on average, down from the 11.08% measured the previous month.

However, credit card borrowing rates increased again on average to the highest level seen since July 2006. It was measured at 16.4% in January.

Savers also had little cause to celebrate, as the returns paid on Isa and instant access accounts stayed at 0.41% and 0.17% respectively, although notice accounts edged up to an average of 0.35%.

Returns on fixed-rate bonds, currently the most competitive area of the savings market, fell for the fifth consecutive month to 2.46%, down from 3.05% in August.

� Confused.com 2010 - Loans

Winter Weather Delays House Hunting

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:12:10 GMT

Consumers looking to buy or sell a home delayed their moving plans last month due to the cold weather, according to new research.

For the first time in 14 months, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recorded a fall in enquiries from house hunters in January, while the number of new sellers dropped for the first time since last June.

A fifth more surveyors said they had seen a fall in new buyers than those who had seen an increase, down from 18% more who reported an increase in inquiries in the previous month.

The bad weather had a dampening effect on the level of new sales agreed, falling to an average of 18 per chartered surveyor estate agent during the three months to the end of January - down from 19 during the previous three-month period and the first drop for 10 months.

RICS spokesman Ian Perry said: "House prices are likely to rise in the short term but if more supply continues to come onto the market, it is possible that the market will run out of steam in the latter part of the year."

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Tracker Mortgage Rates Hit New Low

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:09:26 GMT

The mortgage market became more competitive during January as tracker mortgages fell to a record low level, according to the Bank of England's figures.

Tracker deals average interest rate fell from 3.92% to 3.63% during the first month of 2010, which is the lowest they have been recorded at since the Bank began monitoring the levels in 1997.

The cost of fixed-rate mortgages also improved. Two-year loans fell to a level last seen in July 2003, at an average of 3.97%, while a five-year loan dropped by 0.12% to 5.55%.

More than 300 new mortgage products launched in January and a number of lenders cut rates on existing deals as competition returned to the market. However, the number of deals available to those with small deposits also improved, with a jump of 26% in mortgage availability for people borrowing up to 90% of their homes value during the month.

Commentators said the move showed lenders were feeling increasingly optimistic about the housing market, following 12 months of rising house prices, while they were also more confident about pricing in risk.

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Ofgem Launches 'Green' Labelling

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:09:10 GMT

The energy watchdog has introduced a new labelling scheme to help consumers measure the performance of "green" electricity tariffs.

Ofgem has launched its "green energy certified" label to help customers decide which companies are taking extra steps to reduce emissions.

Energy suppliers will have to show evidence that their tariffs are making a difference in order to gain the label.

The scheme aims to reassure householders and small businesses that paying for green energy is actually reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In the past, consumers paying for the green tariffs may have been simply supporting suppliers in meeting their existing Government requirements to boost renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

Energy companies are required to source increasing amounts of energy from renewable sources under the Renewables Obligation and provide energy efficiency programmes - requirements that were being repackaged as green tariffs for which customers pay more.

Now, to be certified under the new scheme, suppliers will have to demonstrate to an independent panel of experts that their schemes are in addition to their existing obligations.

� Confused.com 2010 - Energy

Toyota Recalls 8,500 UK Prius Cars

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:12:35 GMT

Japanese carmaker Toyota has recalled about 8,500 UK models of its best-selling Prius for a software upgrade, after more safety problems emerged.

About 437,000 petrol-electric hybrid cars, including two other Toyota models, will be recalled worldwide in the wake of 200 complaints in the US and Japan about a delayed brake time in some driving conditions.

The UK recall affects third-generation remodelled Prius cars manufactured between summer 2009 and January 27 this year, and Toyota UK said it would write to owners or keepers individually within the next few days.

Akio Toyoda, the company's president, held a news conference in Toyko to explain the brake defects in greater detail and clarify which countries would be affected by the recall.

A Toyota official separately told The Associated Press that Prius models sold in Japan and Europe would be included.

If the US and other worldwide regions were involved, the overall number of recalled Prius would reach about 300,000, on top of millions of vehicles previously recalled in America, Japan and Europe due to faulty accelerator pedals.

Japan's Transport Ministry has been formally notified by Toyota executives that the company will recall the 2010 Prius and two other hybrid models in that country.

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

Gazza Quizzed On 'Drink-Driving'

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:19:16 GMT

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Police were called to a disturbance at a takeaway in Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, on Sunday night. The 42-year-old was taken into custody and is being quizzed by police, along with another man.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 9.10pm on Sunday, officers from North Yorkshire Police were called to a disturbance at a takeaway at Leeming Bar. Following inquiries, two men, aged 42 and 40, from the Newcastle area, were arrested on suspicion of being drunk while in charge of a motor vehicle.

"They were taken into custody for questioning and remain there."

Gascoigne was sectioned three times under the Mental Health Act in 2008. He has spoke of how he hit rock bottom when he was taking cocaine and drinking a litre of gin a day, leaving him delusional and afraid to leave his room.

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

Use Of Mobile While Driving On Rise

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:05:28 GMT

A growing number of English motorists are using hand-held mobile phones while driving, it has been revealed.

The Department of Transport has found that the proportion of people in England using mobiles rose from 1.1% to 1.4%, up 27% between September 2008 and November 2009. The figure for van and lorry drivers rose by 18% from 2.2% to 2.6%.

The figures are worrying, since research shows that using phones behind the wheel severely impairs reaction time, and could well affect your car insurance requirements.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of RAC Foundation, said: "This is very worrying. We know that drivers' reaction times slow by almost half when they are having a chat on their mobiles.

"This is even worse than texting whilst driving which our research has shown reduces reactions by a third. It has been illegal to use a hand-held phone at the wheel since December 2003 and yet we have still seen this increase."

He said that the use of a mobile phone while driving contributed to 16 fatal road accidents in 2008, with many more serious injuries reported.

"Police must be given the resources to tackle this menace and drivers persuaded that what they are doing is potentially lethal," Prof Glaister added.

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

Fall In Cost Of Motoring Revealed

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:33:39 GMT

The cost of running a car has continued to fall while bus and rail fares have risen, according to new Government figures.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said the "real" cost of motoring, including buying a car, had fallen by 14% between 1997 and 2009.

Over the same period, bus and coach fares increased by 24%, while rail fares went up by 13% in real terms, he told Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker in a Commons written reply.

Mr Khan said that between 1980 and 2009 the cost of motoring had fallen by 17%, while bus and coach fares rose 54% and rail fares increased 50%.

The cost of the average UK domestic one-way air fare, including taxes and charges, also went down, by 35%, between 1997 and 2008.

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

People Saving Hits 16 Month High

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:29:29 GMT

Research has shown that the number of people saving reached a 16-month high last month.

Nationwide said that around 79% of people put money aside in a bid to honour New Year's resolutions to sort out their finances. It was the highest level since September 2008.

Backing this up was the statistic showing the number of people with no savings at all had fallen from 25% in December to 21% in January. In addition to New Year's resolutions, the group said the rise in VAT at the beginning of this year could also have seen people spend less and save more.

Andy Hutchinson, head of savings at Nationwide, said: "Although there is still a lot of room for improvement, it is nonetheless encouraging to see a rise in the number of savers in January 2010. This is despite the continued low interest rate environment - the last time there were so many savers, the Bank of England base rate was 5.00%.

"I think this shows that good returns are still available, especially for those who are willing to lock part of their savings into longer term bonds."

� Confused.com 2010 - Savings Accounts

Flood Warning List To Be Expanded

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:29:52 GMT

The number of homes and businesses under threat from flooding that are signed up to a free flood warning phone service is set to double, the Environment Agency has announced.

An additional half a million homes will be automatically added to the at-risk properties register, extending the scheme to almost a million properties. Homes and businesses had to sign up to be added before now, but people will have the choice of opting out if they do not wish to receive the service.

The list has been expanded in line with the advice in the Pitt Review of the floods which hit Yorkshire, the Midlands and the West Country in 2007. Flooding also hit Cumbria in November last year.

Environment Agency chairman Lord Chris Smith said: "By automatically signing up an extra 500,000 homes and businesses, we will more than double the number on our system to almost one million, giving more people vital time to get prepared for flooding, and by doing so, protecting lives and property."

From the end of February the Environment Agency will issue free flood warnings to the additional 500,000 properties with a landline that are at risk of river or sea flooding.

� Confused.com 2010 - Home Insurance

The essential insurances for first-time buyers

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:16:44 GMT

By Christina Jordan

Buying your first home is an expensive business. Not only do you need to save a large deposit, possibly pay Stamp Duty, plus furnish your new abode, there's a long list of extra costs and charges that come with the territory.

Such charges take the form of insurance policies and there are quite a number to choose from. The problem is they may all seem pretty important, but what if your finances force you to be selective when it comes to insurance cover?

Read on to find out what insurance first-time buyers really need and which you may be able to manage without.

Buildings Insurance

This covers the cost of rebuilding the structure and fittings of your property if it was destroyed by fire, flood, subsidence or other dangers. Your mortgage lender will insist you take it out to protect its asset (your home) - so it's compulsory.

One exception is if you buy a leasehold property, in which case the freeholder is responsible for buildings insurance, and you probably pay it indirectly via your ground rent.

If you're lucky enough to be able to buy your first property in cash there is no lender to insist that you take buildings cover, but it is still highly recommended you do.

Contents Cover

You might think you have nothing worth pinching, but replacing stolen belongings could cost tens of thousands of pounds. More importantly, contents cover protects against a lot more than theft - if your property was flooded and your furniture ruined for example, your insurer would replace it.

Accidental damage cover is invaluable if you drop the iron on your new carpet, and personal possessions cover protects items like cameras outside the home too.

Can you afford not to have contents insurance?

Life Insurance

If you have children, a partner or other dependants who would be financially impacted by your death life insurance is absolutely essential.

The cheapest type is decreasing term assurance where the amount insured reduces as you repay your mortgage, so it will always cover the amount you owe your lender.

If nobody would be financially disadvantaged in the event of your death, you might decide to forgo this cover. Indeed, many single homeowners prefer to spend the money on Critical Illness Cover instead.

Critical Illness Cover

Critical Illness Cover pays out a one-off, tax-free lump sum if you are diagnosed with one of a list of serious diseases, including cancer, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

This isn't an essential insurance but, if you can afford it, Critical Illness Cover offers invaluable protection and takes away the financial pressure that comes with being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance

Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) covers your monthly mortgage repayments if you are unable to work because of unemployment, sickness or an accident. It can be a useful safety net for many borrowers who would not be able to cover their repayments if they couldn't work.

However, if you have good sick pay arrangements at work you may not need the sickness or accident elements, and it could be cheaper to take out an unemployment-only protection policy.

Also, MPPI only pays out for 12 (or 24) months so if you have a large savings pot you may decide you could cover your mortgage yourself.

Permanent Health Insurance

Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) pays out an agreed monthly sum (such as 65% of your earnings) if you cannot work because of ill-health or an accident.

It's not vital, but is a good alternative to MPPI as it pays out until retirement rather than for just 12 months. Plus, depending on your circumstances, it isn't necessarily more expensive.

Private Medical Insurance

For some first-time buyers Private Medical Insurance is a 'nice to have', not a 'must have', but for others it can be vital.

The self-employed for example want to know that if they get ill, they will be treated without delay and will be back in work as quickly as possible. PMI helps minimise the length of time you are not earning.

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Mortgages --!! � Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Slow Down In House Price Growth

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:50:34 GMT

The average house price saw its lowest increase for six months in January, according to new figures.

According to Halifax, the cost of an average home rose by 0.6% to �169,777 during the month, compared to average monthly gains of 1.1%.

Despite a seventh consecutive month where house prices rose, the figures suggest the rate in which they are increasing is slowing.

Figures released by the Bank of England earlier this week showed that the number of mortgages approved for house purchase fell in December for the first time in 13 months.

Property intelligence group Hometrack also reported a drop in both buyers and sellers in January, while it said the number of sales agreed had also fallen during the month.

The data prompted economists to speculate that the recent recovery in activity levels in the market may be easing.

Martin Ellis, Halifax housing economist, said: "There are some signs that more people are putting their homes on the market. A further increase in the supply of property is possible over the coming months, which would help to curb upward pressure on prices."

He said overall he expected house prices to be flat in 2010.

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Insolvencies 'Set To Keep Rising'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:32:45 GMT

Personal insolvencies are expected to continue rising this year - to around 150,000 - after hitting a record level in 2009.

A worrying total of 134,142 went bankrupt or took out an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or Debt Relief Order last year.

The 2009 figure dwarfed the previous high of 107,288 set in 2006, said the Insolvency Service.

Unemployment and falling incomes mean a further rise of around 12% in annual insolvency figures can be expected this year and these levels are likely to remain until at least 2012, said Mark Sands, director of personal insolvency at RSM Tenon.

Company liquidations also reached a 16-year high of 19,077 during 2009 but the rate at which companies went under in the final quarter slowed down, said the Insolvency Service.

Peter Sargent, president of insolvency trade body R3, said: "Even these record personal insolvencies are just the tip of a very worrying personal debt iceberg.

"What lies below the waterline is a much larger group who are sadly not facing up to their debt problems," said Mr Sargent.

� Confused.com 2010 - Loans

17 Ways to Save on Van Insurance

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:04:43 GMT

By Carl Chambers

Tips on finding the right van insurance at the right price

As all vans in the UK must be insured to use the roads, a big, competitive van insurance industry has sprung up to provide cover for these ever-present highway workhorses. But this competition doesn't necessarily make van insurance particularly cheap. Therefore, before coughing up for next year's cover, check out these tips that, with any luck, could help slash the costs of your van insurance.

But before doing so, it's important to realise that getting the right price isn't just about getting cheap quotes, it's also about getting the most suitable insurance for your van. Therefore, these tips are also aimed at ensuring you remain adequately covered and protected against the most likely eventualities that may affect your van.

1.Increase your voluntary excess

In the event of a claim, voluntary excess is the portion of that claim which you agree to pay. Upping the excess will lower your van insurance premiums, but remember that the higher the excess, the more you'll have to pay following a claimable incident. To learn more about voluntary excess, check out our article The Excess Factor.

2.Make your van more secure

There are several ways to help stop your van from being stolen or broken into, and each one could lower van insurance premiums. Security measures include fitting an alarm, immobiliser, tracker, teering/gear stick/handbrake lock, or getting the van security etched/marked, and parking your van in a secure location overnight, such as a secure car park or garage. For more on vehicle security, take a look at 8 Great Car Security Tips.

3. Prove you're a good driver - declare any no claims bonus

If you have a proven history of claims-free driving, whether it's for another company vehicle or for your own car, then tell the insurance company as they may rate you as a lower risk and reduce the premiums. Some van insurers will "mirror" an existing no-claims bonus (NCB) that's been built up on your car - i.e. apply your car's NCB discount to the van - resulting in cheaper premiums. It's also worth finding out from the insurer if a letter from your employer confirming your safe driving history will lower premiums.

4. Build up your van's NCB

If you're unable to mirror your car's no claims bonus onto a van, then start building one up from scratch. It'll take a year to start reaping the benefits, but an NCB is a sure-fire way to reduce van insurance premiums. So once you've bought some cover, do your best to drive carefully and avoid any scrapes.

5. Don't put points on your licence

Careless driving can result in points on your licence, and points will increase your van insurance premiums. Such things as speeding and careless driving can get you points, a fine, and even a ban (to learn more, take a look at Motoring Conviction Codes). Van drivers should also observe the vehicle's safe towing weight limits, if pulling a trailer or machinery is a part of your job. So to keep premiums as low as possible, always drive carefully and within the law.

6. Pay van insurance premiums annually

Paying for your van insurance premiums for the whole year in advance rather than by monthly instalments is a simple way to pay less for cover. All van insurance providers prefer to have the money up front, and most will offer a discount in premiums if you agree to do so.

7. Use as small a van as possible

In general, the smaller the van, the lower the van insurance premiums. This applies to both physical size and engine size. If in carrying out your job you can get away with driving a smaller engine, short wheelbase van rather than a more powerful, long wheelbase model, then your premiums (as well as general running costs) should be lower.

8. Use a van insurance comparison site

Using an online insurance comparison site like Confused.com is a great way to find cheaper van cover. You can quickly compare a range of insurance deals on one simple page, and you don't just see the cheapest deals, you also see the deals that best suit your requirements.

9. Advertise your business on the van

Get a sign writer to paint your business name/contact details on the van. Some van insurance companies have realised that, statistically speaking, easily identifiable vans - i.e. those clearly marked with business names - are less likely to get into a scrape and are less likely to be stolen, which means they're less of a risk to insure. Also, vans with "report this driver for bad driving" type signs could benefit from reduced premiums as, again it indicates the driver is more likely to drive carefully.

10.Accurately state your van's mileage

As insurance companies figure that the more miles you do, the more likely you are to be involved in an incident, try and cover fewer miles in your job (if it's at all possible) and enter this reduced figure when you next apply for cover. And remember to give an accurate annual business mileage when asked. Rounding up your mileage to the nearest hundred could push you into a slightly higher premium rate, so it's best to be precise.

11. State the van's correct use

Although this list is primarily for drivers who use their vans for work, if your van is for personal use, make sure you tell the insurer. Personal, recreational use is likely to be cheaper to insure than a van that is used for business reasons. In any case, it's always important to give the correct use in order to find the most suitable type of van cover for your needs.

12. Be careful who you add as a named driver

Premiums will increase with each driver you add to the policy, but by adding a driver who is under 25 years old, or somebody with a claims history or points on their licence, the premiums could shoot up. Experience counts when it comes to cheap van insurance, so if you have to add another driver, try and find one with a clean licence and a claims-free history.

13. State if you're a member of a trade body

It's a little known fact that some van insurance companies will offer lower premiums to drivers that belong to recognised trade federations, such as the NICEIC, Gas Safe, Federation of Master Builders, Federation of Master Craftsmen, and the FPDC. So if you do belong to such a body, make sure you mention it when applying for van cover.

These tips will add to your premiums, but could save you �thousands in the long term

14. Tell the truth

When applying for van insurance, it may be tempting to tell the odd white lie in order to get cheaper premiums. However, as an insurance policy is a contract based on trust between the customer and insurer, always answer accurately, even if it means higher premiums. If you don't, any later claim could be refused. Also, as lying on a policy can constitute insurance fraud, you could be prosecuted, future premiums could rise sharply, and you may even be refused cover altogether. In short, when applying for van cover, honesty is always the best policy.

15. Breakdown cover

If your van is essential to your business, you should factor in the potential loss in earnings that could occur if the van is off the road. Some van insurance policies offer breakdown assistance and a replacement vehicle for when the van is being repaired. Such options will increase van insurance premiums, but the cost could be far less than the loss suffered due to your van being off the road.

16. Protect your no claims bonus

Protecting the no claims bonus means that if you have to make a claim, you won't lose your NCB - well worth considering if you've carefully accrued several years of claims-free driving. Many van insurance providers will offer the option to protect a no claims bonus, which will increase premiums, but could prove a smart move in the long run.

17.Insure your van's contents

If it's not practical for you to empty your van of its valuable contents (expensive tools, machinery etc) each night, then be certain to insure them. Again, it will increase your premiums, but it will be a lot cheaper than having to replace costly equipment. Courier drivers should also consider 'goods in transit' cover, which insures cargo that's left in your van whilst you make deliveries.

Related articles:

Van Insurance Buyers Guide

Confused.com's Guide to the Perfect Work Van

Confused.com Guide to Van Tax

Managing the Load - 8 Safe Van Driving Tips from Confused.com

I'm Your Van - Buying vs Leasing

Confused.com's Guide to Van Accessories

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Van Insurance --!! � Confused.com 2010 - Van Insurance

Warning Over Mortgage Funding Gap

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:45:24 GMT

A trade body is calling upon the Government to lay out new reforms to put mortgage funding markets "back on a sustainable footing".

The Council of Mortgage Lenders raised concerns over a �300 billion funding gap which could appear once a current Government scheme to raise cash expires in the next four years.

The Government stepped in with a special liquidity scheme and credit guarantee scheme as the recession took hold of wholesale funding markets.

The CML fears that lenders will not be able to cope with the shortfall, warning that savers' deposits will not be enough to fill the hole come 2014. The impact of this, it says, could mean a long-term reduced mortgage choice for homebuyers.

"Without policy support, it may be difficult to re-establish a sustainable, long-term residential mortgage-backed securities and covered bond market in the UK on the scale needed to plug the funding gap," the CML said.

"That would leave firms continuing to rely on government funding, and the UK at risk of a chronic under-supply of credit - and the rationing of mortgages for customers - for many years to come."

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Should Older Drivers Re-Sit their Driving Test?

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:41:16 GMT

By Carl Chambers

Despite high-profile calls for older drivers to be forced to retake their driving test, research shows that drivers over 70 years of age are actually amongst the safest on UK roads.

Former motor racing ace Sir Stirling Moss, ex-BBC newsreader Anna Ford, and Meredydd Hughes, chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, have all gone on record to suggest that compulsory retaking of driving tests by older drivers would improve road safety.

Stirling Moss said it would be a good idea for drivers to be re-evaluated at age 70 and then at five year intervals thereafter. Anna Ford believes that regular driving tests after the age of 70 should be introduced because cars are "lethal machines", and Meredydd Hughes wants driver retesting to occur at several points during a motorist's life.

No Case for Compulsory Retesting of Older Drivers

However, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) believes there is no convincing evidence to support compulsory retesting of older drivers at an arbitrary age.

After carrying out its own research, the IAM found that drivers over the age of 70 are actually less likely to be in a crash resulting in injury than drivers aged below 30.

It claims 8% of motorists are over 70, yet they are involved in 4% of crashes resulting in injury. On the other hand, 15% of motorists are under 30, yet are involved in 34% of crashes resulting in injury.

Why Might Older Drivers be Safer Drivers?

Reasons why older drivers tend to be safer than their youthful counterparts include:

Experience - There is no substitute for a lifetime of on-the-road experience. Older drivers who have seen it all, are often far more able to anticipate potential hazards than inexperienced road users.

Older drivers tend to take fewer trips at times when accidents are more likely to occur, e.g. in poor light, wet weather, or during rush hour.

Older drivers often adopt a more careful and restrained driving style, which can mean that they are less likely to speed or drive recklessly. This also means that when accidents do occur, resulting injuries and damage are often less serious, because of the lower speeds involved.

These factors are good news for older drivers looking for car insurance. Years of driving experience, statistical data indicating that they are less likely to be involved in a serious scrape, and other favourable rating factors, could all result in car insurance premiums that are cheaper for older drivers.

Current Driving Licence Rules for the Over 70s

It's worth noting that driving licences do actually expire when a driver turns 70, and it must be renewed with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you want to continue driving, and then every three years thereafter.

This renewal is not a simple formality, and elderly drivers must declare whether they have certain medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive before being issued with a new licence. Follow the link to view DVLA medical conditions.

Are Driving Test Re-Sits at 70 Heading This Way?

Despite the calls in certain quarters for driving test re-sits for older drivers, the government has no plans to introduce such a measure at present. And this is something that the IAM is happy about, as it hopes more research and wider debate is undertaken before any kind of restricted licensing is introduced.

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Car Insurance --!! � Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

Should I opt for a credit card that offers benefits?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:20:34 GMT

QUESTION: If I pay off the balance on my credit card every month, which cards offer benefits and what are they?

ANSWER: During the 90s, people using credit was often seen as a sign of economic stress, as people used credit cards as long term flexible loans, paying off only the minimum each month. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of credit cards holders paying their balance off in full each month.

For people who pay off their card in full, cashback or rewards cards are an ideal way to get something back on your everyday spend.

To read the rest of the Q&A blog click here and add your comments.

� Confused.com 2010 - News Letters

Valuable Antiques Stolen From House

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:17:33 GMT

Antiques including clocks, ornaments and jewellery have been stolen in a "well planned theft" in Harrogate.

Burglars broke in to the house in the Leeds Road area while the residents were at home, police said.

They stole items worth several thousand pounds including cutlery, crockery, clocks, ornaments and jewellery.

The break-in took place between 9pm and midnight on January 25.

Police said they believed the theft was well-planned due to the way in which the burglars entered the property and the items that they stole.

These include: two walnut clocks, each valued at several thousand pounds; dessert plates in the Rockingham style; a walnut inkwell; bronze candlesticks; various decorative snuff and knife boxes; a lady's workbox; a canteen of cutlery; a condiment set; a boxed set of tea knives; a boxed set of coffee spoons; items of antique jewellery; and a set of 18 china plates.

� Confused.com 2010 - Home Insurance

British Gas Slashes Gas Bills By 7%

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:17:38 GMT

British Gas has cut the price of its gas for the third time in 12 months.

Some eight million households will benefit from the 7% cut in average gas bills announced by the company.

The move, which will see customers save an average of �55 on their gas bill, comes amid falls in wholesale prices from their highs of two years ago.

It is the third cut in energy prices from British Gas in the past 12 months.

The reduction comes after recent spells of freezing winter weather increased fears of a huge increase in energy bills.

The cut is an average across all regions and all paying methods, although those using pre-payment meters will have a slightly larger reduction as the firm removes the price difference between pay methods.

British Gas said the bill reduction means it is now on average the cheapest supplier of standard rate gas and electricity.

It is the first of the big suppliers to make an energy price cut this year, and the move could spark cuts among its rivals.

� Confused.com 2010 - Energy

Motorists Alerted Over Icy Roads

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:14:31 GMT

A fresh flurry of snow turned into ice as temperatures plummeted overnight, resulting in dangerous driving conditions in parts of Britain.

On Wednesday, up to 5cm of snow was seen in some parts of northern England and Scotland, causing widespread icy roads.

Some of the heaviest blizzards hit parts of North Yorkshire and Lancashire, while the North East was also affected.

But forecasters have assured that there will not be another big freeze and predicted that there will not be further blizzards on Thursday.

A Met Office spokesman said: "The main threat will be from the freezing of the snow which will be lying on some road surfaces. Freezing snow, ice and frost will be widespread."

No instances of road closures due to the snow have been reported, the Highways Agency said.

A spokesman said: "We are keeping an eye on things and are ready to react to any threat as necessary but it would appear the snow has had no impact on the strategic road network."

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance