Confused.com News

Travellers Trust Credit Card Safety

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:12:25 GMT

By Natalie Bowen

With airport strikes, ash clouds and failing travel companies to contend with, thousands of holidaymakers have opted for a little extra security by paying for their trips with credit cards.�

As journeys paid for with credit are easier to claim back through�travel insurance if things go wrong, travellers put about �5.46 billion on plastic - which is about �424.50 per traveller, according to a poll.�

Yet paying for expensive trips with credit cards can cost more in the long run, as just 58% of people will pay off the balance within a month, the Sainsbury's Credit Cards survey showed.�

On average it takes two and half months to clear holiday debt, but 5% of people with poor financial planning will not have paid it back more than year later.�

Booking last minute jaunts is less popular than planning ahead, as only 5% of people book a trip two weeks before they set off.�

The survey of 2,035 adults revealed that 11% booked their summer break four weeks before departure, with 19.4% booking one to two months before leaving and 29.5% making arrangements three to five months earlier.�

A total of 26% booked six to 12 months before departure, while 5% booked a year or more in advance.

� Confused.com 2010 - News Letters

How to get the best car insurance deal

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:09:53 GMT

By Suzi Dixon

Got five minutes? Have a whizz through our five-minute guide to buying car insurance

?�� Why do I need car insurance?

�Quite simply, it's the law. Car insurance is a legal necessity in the UK, and has been since 1930. If you are caught driving without proper cover, it is an absolute offence - that is, it is your responsibility to check that you are properly covered before you get behind the wheel. Claiming ignorance will not help. Luckily, it's quick and easy to apply online and, if you compare policies with Confused.com, you can get a great deal on your car insurance.

?�� The legal minimum car insurance cover is third-party cover

But the minimum cover or the cheapest policies are not necessarily the best option, so spend a few minutes comparing TPFT (third party, fire and theft) and comprehensive cover. If you couldn't afford to replace your car in the event of an unexpected incident, TPFT or comprehensive cover is undoubtedly a more sensible option - and may work out cheaper than replacing your car.

?�� Driving without insurance can result in a criminal record

If that's not enough, then consider legal costs, a driving ban, the inconvenience of the impounding and scrappage of your vehicle. It's just not worth the risk.

?�� Car insurance policies vary greatly from provider to provider, so it's well worth comparing quotes from several companies

The main factors that will affect your policy are: personal details such as age and gender; your driving history; and where you live. Other variables include the make and model of the car; using a garage, alarm or immobiliser; your job description and distance travelled to work; annual mileage overall and additional drivers. On Confused.com, you will only be asked for these details once - it's easier and less time consuming than approaching companies separately.

?�� Top tip

In the time it's taken you to read this guide, you could have completed the easy-to-use Confused.com form and have a list of quotes at your fingertips. Got another five minutes? Compare car insurance quotes now or bookmark the page for later.

�

�!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Car Insurance --!!

�

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

North-West 'Best And Worst For Saving'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:22:20 GMT

By Christopher Corr

People living in the north west of the UK have more�savings than those in any other region despite setting aside a smaller amount each month, a survey has claimed.�

A report from internet bank Egg found that the average Briton in the north west has savings of around �8,871 - more than double the �4,253 average found in Wales.�

People in the region have also saved more in comparison to their salaries - a third of their annual pay - despite depositing an average sum of just �93 every month.�

Londoners save the most on a monthly basis at �166, while they have the second highest level of�savings balances at �7,718.�

People living in the capital, however, have the lowest level of savings in relation to their annual salary at an average of just 17%.�

People in Yorkshire and Humberside, the West Midlands and Wales also have less than the equivalent of a fifth of their salaries set aside on average, while those in Northern Ireland save the least each month at an average of only �80.

� Confused.com 2010 - Savings Accounts

Avoid these common insurance mistakes

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:46:07 GMT

By Chris Torney

When it comes to any kind of insurance, it's important to get the amount of cover just right: too much and you're paying more than you have to; too little, and your policy won't pay out when you need it.

To cut the confusion surrounding many types of insurance - and try to help consumers get the most appropriate amount of protection - the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published a list of the most useful tips and the most commonly believed myths about car, home, life and travel cover.

How much cover?

The ABI has highlighted a few issues about the amount of cover consumers should sign up for when they take out home and car insurance.

With buildings cover - which insures your property against structural damage such as subsidence or flooding - the amount of cover you need to take out is the home's rebuild value, rather than the amount you'd get if you sold it.

In most cases, the rebuild value is rather less than the market price, largely due to the fact that land values have not risen as quickly as house prices.

Keep your policy updated

The ABI also reminded homeowners that any improvements to their properties such as conservatories or loft extensions should be reflected in higher buildings insurance cover.

And any new consumer goods such as TVs and computers should be added to contents policies if necessary - either by increasing the amount of total cover, or insuring them separately if they are especially valuable. Most policies have a value limit, above which items have to be named individually in order to be covered.

Don't forget depreciation

Equally, with car insurance you only need to be insured for what your car is worth - with depreciation taken into account - rather than what you paid for it. After all, if it is written off, your insurer will not pay out any more than its market value.

Make sure you don't insure your car for too much when you renew your policy: the amount should fall every year.

A policy for life

On the other hand, says the ABI, life insurance premiums are based on your health when you take the policy out, so you should not expect to pay more, or see your cover reduced, as a result of ill health further down the line.

Bring your travel cover up to scratch

Holidaymakers in Europe should not rely solely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to meet all their needs.

The EHIC gives UK residents the right to free health service treatment in other EU countries: but as the ABI warns, this will not necessarily be the same level as the NHS, and other expenses such as repatriation costs are not included.

A travel insurance policy offers much more peace of mind, and can cover non-medical problems such as cancelled flights or hotel-room thefts.

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

Car insurers failing to cover road rage

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:18:06 GMT

By Lois Avery

Angry drivers will have to watch their temper after it was revealed that only one in eight car insurance policies cover road rage.

New research from Defaqto has shown that 94 per cent of motor insurance policies will not cover drivers if they're involved in a road rage incident.

This comes despite Defaqto's consumer research that identified cover for road rage incidents as an important factor for consumers when deciding on a policy purchase, particularly among drivers aged 55-plus.

But most drivers will have to shop around to find an insurer willing to cover them for road rage. And even if your policy does include road rage cover it could still be difficult to claim because of the strict exclusions.

Mike Powell, author of the Defaqto report, said: "Exclusions include incidents caused by a relative or a person known to the policyholder, or incidents caused or contributed by anything said or done by the insured person or passenger in the car.

"In the heat of the moment, many people may find it difficult to stay calm, and it could therefore be hard to prove to the insurer that the insured person did not contribute to the situation by anything that was said."

The majority of road rage cover will offer benefits ranging from �500 to �5,000 and usually cover costs incurred for professional counselling, although some also give a benefit for physical assault.

Although the number of insurers willing to cover road rage is low it's an improvement from 2005, when 99 per cent of motor insurance premiums would not cover it at all.�

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

How to get your car insurance claim right

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:57:47 GMT

By Suzi Dixon

Making a car insurance claim varies according to the circumstances and the car insurance provider. Follow these simple rules to ensure the process runs smoothly, and, hopefully, is resolved quickly.

How do I claim on my car insurance for an accident that wasn't my fault?

Report the incident as soon as possible - if your car insurance company has a 24-hour hotline, use that - and ask for a reference number. Car insurance claims don't have to be a headache as long as you follow the right procedure.

Ask your car insurance company what documents they will need to support your car insurance claim and be sure to keep a copy of all certificates, receipts and correspondence that relate to your claims.

How do I claim if the other driver disputes the circumstances of the accident?

Follow the above steps to ensure you have gathered as much evidence as possible.

While insurance companies will do everything they can to defend your position, if the evidence is not there, the parties involved may have to share the costs. If this happens, your insurance provider will do its best to get the most satisfactory settlement with the other driver's company. Remember, it's in your insurer's interest too.

How do I claim if my car is stolen? Or if my vehicle contents are stolen?

Be sure to report a stolen vehicle to the police straight away - you will need a crime reference number for your insurance company.

Then follow the above steps to ensure you have as much evidence as possible in relation to your claim.

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Car Insurance --!!

�

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance

End of interest-free loans for students

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:16:24 GMT

By Lois Avery

Interest-free student loans will soon be a thing of the past after the government imposed substantial rate rises.

Students will no longer pay zero interest and the new initial rate from the start of the next academic year will be 1.5 per cent on top of the inflationary rises they already have to pay. This will affect three million people who have taken out a student loan since 1998.

For the past 12 months, no interest has been added to loans taken out from 1998 onwards because rates are based on the Retail Price Index (RPI) in the previous March. This meant that last September they were set at 0 per cent - the lowest possible rate for post-'98 loans.

For those with pre-1998 loans - it's thought that there are around 390,000 outstanding - the rates were even lower at -0.4 per cent but will now soar to 4.4 per cent in line with March 2010's RPI.

The change means someone with a �10,000 loan taken out after 1998 will pay �150 in interest during the year, while someone with one of the older loans will pay �440.

Extra pressure

National Union of Students president, Aaron Porter has criticised the government for adding more financial pressure to debt-ridden students who are already facing a tough job market.

He believes that the current system of funding for university is "broken" and has suggested that education should be packaged as a product that needs to be bought.

"When the government reviews the system of funding in the autumn, the amount a graduate contributes must reflect their real earnings and not maintain a situation where the debt they have taken on to pay for their education continues to rise as their earnings decrease."

His concerns echo those of thousands of students who are facing debts of up to �25,000 each this year because of the borrowing necessary to meet top-up fees. And the rate could increase during the year if there is a change to the Bank of England base rate.

Monthly repayments fixed

The good news is that the size of monthly Student Loan payments are not affected by interest rate rises. That's because they're set at 9 per cent of earnings above the �15,000 repayment threshold. So if you earn �20,000, your annual repayments will be equal to 9 per cent of �5,000: this is �450, so your monthly repayment is �37.50, and this will not increase just because the interest rate you are being charged has risen.

What is likely to change, however, is the amount of time it takes you to repay your loan.

According to Push.co.uk, someone starting a course this September will graduate with a debt totalling �24,700. Assuming they start work on a salary of around �25,000, it would take nearly twenty years to repay the loan even before any interest is added.

Jonny Rich, student advisor with Push, said: "It's already difficult for students to pay back their loans. One girl I was talking to graduated two years ago and owes more now. So our concern is that loans, and higher education, will become unattractive.

"The argument that there's no real inflation seems to be a very loose connection now. Is a Student Loan a good debt? No, there's no such thing. But is it the best on offer? Yes."

� Confused.com 2010 - Loans

House prices drop for second month

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:42:22 GMT

House prices drop for second month

By Lois Avery

House prices have fallen for the second month in a row, according to Nationwide Building Society.

Its monthly house price survey shows that prices fell 0.9 per cent in August, following a drop of 0.5 per cent in July - this is the first time since February 2009 that house prices have fallen in two consecutive months.

Nationwide's survey also showed that the annual rate of inflation - which compares the current average price with the price twelve months ago - remained positive at 3.9 per cent but is down sharply from rates of 6.6 per cent in July.

Despite fears that the house price drop signals trouble for the housing market, Nationwide say the dip is 'not an unhealthy development' but comes as a result of prices stagnating during the summer.

The figures show that the average UK house price is now �166,507, down from last month's �169,347.

Nationwide's chief economist, Martin Gahbauer said the price dip is as a result of more sellers returning to the market, which has given buyers more properties to choose from and more bargaining power with which to bid down asking prices.

He added: "There is�little evidence of distressed selling, however, with the Council of Mortgage Lenders' second quarter figures showing another drop in mortgage arrears and possessions.

"As such, the current period of price declines is likely to remain relatively modest. Given that the price increases of the last year had gotten ahead of the recovery in the wider economy, the current correction is not an unhealthy development."

To read more in-depth about house prices and mortgages see our latest Mortgage Monitor for first-time-buyers and our Mortgage Monitor for homeowners.

�

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Bank accounts that give children a good financial start

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:15:06 GMT

By Lois Avery

Banking is all about students at the moment, with the new academic term just around the corner� - but younger teenagers seem to get left behind when it comes to financial advice.

Granted, those aged between 12 and 16 generally don't have a huge amount of money to put away but the message to start saving young is being pushed by the government and parents are often keen to teach their children some financial independence.

The best first step

Many teenagers are encouraged by their parents to set up a bank account for any pocket money or savings they may have. This usually means heading straight for the same bank, even branch, as mum or dad.

Although this sounds like a logical first step, recent statistics from Santander showed that Brits are sticking to the same bank for longer than their average relationship, suggesting that better research should be carried out from the offset.

Banking

If you are keen for your child to have an element of financial independence from a young age then it's worth considering a current account. This will allow them to swap the piggy bank for plastic and can be opened from as young as age eleven.

Banks love to entice first-time bankers with introductory offers such as vouchers and cash incentives. But think long term. Your child could end up with this bank for most of their adult life.

Head of savings and investments at Confused.com, Alessandra Quartucci, urges parents, and teenagers to do their homework: "When opening a current account for your kids be aware some accounts offer really low interest rates, so be sure you either get them a saving account or a high-interest rate current account if you think they'll have pocket money to save each month," she says.

Santander, for example, is offering a current account which will give kids 3 per cent interest a year (or 5 per cent if the parent's main account is with Santander) for balances up to �500.

NatWest also has accounts for 11-18 year olds and its Money Sense programme, which is taught in 60 per cent of UK schools, is designed to impress upon teens the importance of managing their finances.

Head of NatWest's MoneySense Panel, Sarah Neary, says: "Money management lessons help students become 'financially fit', instilling good budgeting practices and helping to prepare the next generation for a brighter financial future."

Savings

For longer-term savings there are fewer options available for children - especially now the government has scrapped the Child Trust Fund (CTF) and you have to be 16 or over to put money into a tax-free Cash ISA.

Like adult savings, a fixed-term account will offer better rates, so if your child has some money that can be locked away, it's worth looking into something like the Fixed Rate Halifax Web Saver which offers 4.25 per cent saver if you have at least �500 to invest for five years. �Or you can choose to invest in Children's Bonus Bonds from National Savings & Investments.*

But despite the options currently available, head of investment and pension research at Fair Investment, George Ladds, has called for extra provision for children's savings, saying: "I believe that a simple system for saving for children, through a Children's ISA with an allowance of �3,600 a year and clearing away not only the now defunct CTF but also tax-exempt plans would demonstrate the government's commitment to encourage saving for children."

*All rates correct as at 2 September 2010

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Savings --!!

� Confused.com 2010 - Savings Accounts

Weddings most popular this weekend

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:11:59 GMT

By Lois Avery

This coming weekend is set to become the most popular weekend to get married in the UK this year, according to findings.

After reviewing the number of wedding policies taken out so far in 2010, specialist wedding insurer Ecclesiastical, found that 2.5 per cent of the entire year's weddings will take place this weekend, 3- 4 September

Although Ecclesiastical are keen to remind couples of the importance of wedding insurance, newlyweds should also remember to review their contents insurance to cover their wedding gifts.

These days couples receive expensive items from family and friends, which can often go uncovered for weeks. By contacting your insurer you can update your contents cover to include these new possessions.

Ecclesiastical also revealed that September weddings have risen in popularity this year in general, �signalling a change from 2009, when July weekends were most popular for tying the knot.

Insurance manager, Dave Simms explains: "It's easy to understand why this weekend is so popular with brides and grooms. The weather is still at its best for the photographs and videos, but hopefully not as unsettled as it can sometimes be in July and August these days."

He also noted that there has been a rise in popularity of Friday weddings and Sundays are increasingly avoided for the big day.

"This, again, is no surprise as having your wedding on a Friday will enable you to prolong the celebrations throughout the weekend and guests can enjoy themselves without having to worry about going to work the following day," he added.

� Confused.com 2010 - Home Insurance

Ofgem investigates misleading energy sales

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:11:32 GMT

By Lois Avery

Four of Britain's biggest energy suppliers are being investigated for misselling energy, it came to light today (2 September). �

Ofgem, the energy industry watchdog, has launched an investigation into whether npower, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy and EDF Energy, are complying with a new set of regulations designed to stop them misleading customers when selling new energy tariffs, both door to door and over the phone.

Last October, Ofgem introduced the tougher rules, which include providing customers with an estimate before any sales are concluded and showing customers a comparison of their current deal against any new offer.

The rules were designed to encourage suppliers to work harder to prevent misselling but the Ofgem investigation will now look in detail at the suppliers selling tactics.

To help with the investigation, Ofgem has set up a hotline for consumers to report any incidents of misselling.

Confused.com has also warned against door to door gas and electricity sales, and we have a guide on how to avoid door-to-door energy switching which details the most common pitfalls and how to spot them.

Ofgem's senior partner, Andrew Wright, said: "Suppliers have existing obligations to detect and prevent misselling and new licence conditions were brought in following our probe to further increase protection for customers.�

"We expect all suppliers to comply with these tougher obligations but if our investigations find otherwise we will take strong action."

The hotline will be open from Thursday 2 September on the standard Consumer Direct number 08454 04 05 06 and Ofgem will review any evidence of misselling of energy contracts which Consumer Direct passes on.

� Confused.com 2010 - Energy

Energy Best Buy Table - Current Best Buys 01/09/2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:11:38 GMT

To give you an idea of the best energy tariffs currently available from a range of suppliers, it's not a bad idea to use a 'best buy' table as a point of reference. Below, we've listed the current tariffs vying for the top slot.

However, it should be noted that these are intended as a guide only. They may not necessarily be the best buys for you, as they are based on average UK consumption levels*, whereas your own use may be different. Plus these figures may be subject to regional variations, and some of the named tariffs may be unavailable in certain regions (see below). To get a more accurate picture, you can compare tariffs at Confused.com and find a tariff best suited to your specific circumstances.

Best Buy Table

Overall
Supplier	Tariff	Average UK Bill
npower	Sign Online 19	�890
e.on	Save Online 3	�894
ScottishPower	Online Energy Saver 10	�910
OVO Energy	New Energy	�925
first:utility	iSave 4	�954
EDF	Online Saver 7	�967
British Gas	Websaver 9	�979
Scottish & Southern	Go Direct 5	�984

* Based on average annual consumption of 20500 kWh gas and 3300 kWh electricity. Prices correct at 1 September 2010.

Tariff Key Features

British Gas - Websaver 9

Average bill of �979 per year
Only available if you manage your account online and pay by Direct Debit
Available to both new and existing customers
Prices guaranteed to remain at least 6% below British Gas's standard prices until 1 October 2011
Cancellation fees apply - �30 for each fuel, so �60 for a Dual Fuel tariff

e.on - SaveOnline 3

Average bill of �894 per year
Only available if you manage your account online and pay by Direct Debit
Fixed-term contract with discounted rates until 1 November 2011
If you leave before the tariff expiry date you will have to pay �30 if you're on a Dual Fuel tariff, �10 for an electricity-only tariff

EDF - OnlineS@ver 7

Average bill of �967 per year
Supersedes Online S@ver 6, increasing the average price by �63 per year
Minimum 2% discount off EDF's standard prices guaranteed until the end of December 2011
Cancellation fees of �60 for a Dual Fuel tariff, �30 for single fuels

npower - Sign Online 19

Replaces version 18. At �890, it's �14 more expensive per year
2% discount compared to npower's standard tariff until 30 September 2011
Customers must pay by Direct Debit and manage their account online
You must stay with npower for at least a year to qualify for your dual fuel discount
�20 per fuel exit fee (i.e.�40 for a Dual Fuel tariff) if you leave before 30 September 2011

ScottishPower - Online Energy Saver 10

With an average bill of �915 per year, this is currently Scottish Power's lowest price tariff
Prices 2% lower than their standard monthly Direct Debit prices until 31st October 2011
Cancellation fees apply if you leave before the expiry date - �50 for Dual Fuel accounts, �30 for electricity only, �20 for gas only
Only available if you manage your account online
Scottish Power offer cashback if you are in credit at your annual reassessment date

Scottish & Southern - Go Direct 5

Only available through the Scottish & Southern Energy brands (Southern Electric, Swalec, Scottish Hydro Electric)
Only available to new customers who are able to manage their account online
Fixed prices available until 31 December 2011
Cancellation fee of �50 if you leave this tariff before 31 December 2011

first:utility - iSave 4

Replaced version 3 with an average annual bill of �954
Annual price includes an annual Dual Fuel discount of 10% which is deducted from your bill at the end of the year after 12 consecutive Direct Debit payments
Unfortunately this tariff doesn't include a free Smart Meter which we were used to with their previous tariffs
Fifirst:utility have a strict vetting procedure with this tariff only being available to homeowners, those connected to the mains gas network as well as a number of other factors

OVO Energy - New Energy

Average bill of �925 per year
The tariff remains fixed for 12 months after your contract signing date - at which point you can choose to fix your tariff again, or choose a variable rate product
OVO also has the 'greenest' standard energy which takes 15% from renewable sources
Only available to customers willing to manage their account online
If you want to leave before your contract period is up, you will have to pay a cancellation fee of �60 for a Dual Fuel tariff, �30 for a single fuel tariff.

!!-- Confused Replacement Quote Me Utilities --!!

� Confused.com 2010 - Energy

Bank Mulls Minimum Mortgage Deposit

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:56:48 GMT

By Bradley Walton

High street banks could be prevented from allowing consumers to take out�mortgages without a considerable deposit to prevent a repeat of the credit crunch, the Bank of England's deputy governor said.�

Charles Bean said the Bank may impose tougher constraints on lenders and home buyers to prevent future unsustainable credit bubbles.�

He said this could take the form of "imposing maximum loan-to-value ratios in the mortgage market". Lenders themselves have been reducing the amount of money they will lend to prospective house buyers since the credit crunch in an effort to reduce their exposure to risk. The more money banks lend, as a proportion of a home's value,�the more�likely it is that�they will suffer losses if a consumer defaults on their debt or is repossessed.�

However in boom periods when house prices are soaring, banks are tempted to lend larger amounts as fewer people are repossessed and the rising home prices offer some protection from any costs they might incur.�

Speaking to the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium in the US, Mr Bean said there was a role for central banks in prescribing policy to cool credit booms that "appear to be getting out of hand".�

He said the problem is usually characterised by an "excessive shift" to riskier forms of lending.�

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Brits failing to inform banks of financial difficulties

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:13:12 GMT

By Lois Avery

Consumers who keep lenders in the dark about their finances could be missing out on valuable debt management advice.

New research shows that nearly 70 per cent of people who experience a sudden, significant impact on their finances never contact their bank or building society about their difficulties.

Two thirds of British adults have experienced some form of sudden change in their finances during the last two years, particularly those with children, yet only 8 per cent contacted Citizens Advice or a debt charity when they first received the bad news -the same percentage as those who contacted their own bank or building society.

Of the people who said they had suffered an unexpected financial shock over the past two years 24 per cent had seen their income suffer - with 6 per cent taking a pay cut, 9 per cent seeing a cut in working hours and 9 per cent losing their job.

But despite these common financial problems lenders say they were unable to offer debt advice to their customers because they were not informed.

"These figures are extremely worrying," said Graham Lund, managing director of Callcredit, who carried out the research. "What's particularly concerning is the number of people who fail to make their bank aware of sudden changes in their financial situation - and those that do get in touch aren't always completely honest.

"It's therefore extremely important that financial service providers use information and tools available to proactively monitor any changes in their consumers' financial situation and have sight of the bigger picture."

� Confused.com 2010 - Savings Accounts

Seaside 'Big Pull' for Homebuyers

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:02:19 GMT

By Paul Donovan

People hoping to inject some fresh sea air into their lives are prepared to be burdened with�more expensive�mortgages in order to live by the coast, a study has revealed.�

Living near to relatives was the most important determining factor for people looking for the perfect property, a poll of 2,031 people found.�

To be able to live closer to loved ones, almost a quarter of home buyers (24%) said they were willing to pay on average an extra �13,005.�

The Post Office Mortgages Homebuyers Report found that men found location more important than women did, with males willing to fork out an extra �15,860 for a home in the right position, compared with women who were prepared to pay up to �13,605.�

People aged between 35 and 54 were the most likely to pay more for their ideal home location, being prepared to part with almost double (�17,505) the amount 18-34 year olds were willing to invest (�9,874) on top of the property price.�

Outside space was also an important feature, with 24% of buyers prepared to pay on average an extra �10,043 to secure a garden or roof terrace.�

A fifth were also prepared to pay an extra �11,931 to move into a house which required no DIY improvements.�

Attractions ranked in order of popularity and the average premium house hunters were willing to pay to secure them:�

1. Being near family - �13,005�

2. Green space - �16,340�

3. Low crime rate - �16,672�

4. Good community feel - �17,517�

5. Good transport links - �11,184�

6. Near friends - �18,310�

7. Near a beach - �20,448�

8. Near a good school - �18,003�

9. Near the work place - �8,269

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Dog Licences 'Could Raise Millions'

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:39:49 GMT

By Christopher Corr

An annual dog licence fee of just �21.50 could raise many millions of pounds for canine welfare, the RSPCA has claimed, leaving dog owners faced with�pet insurance fees to wonder how they can combat the rising cost of keeping an animal.�

Research by the charity found that �107.4 million could be generated if just 50% of the nation's dog owners signed up to the project, which would see pets fitted with a microchip and their details entered on a national database.�

The excess cash could then be used to fund a dog health and welfare strategy, an RSPCA spokesman said, with resources going to tackle issues such as strays, injuries caused by dog bites and the prevention of disease.�

The organisation claimed that the scheme would cost just 3% to 4% of the annual average price of owning a dog.�

Vulnerable groups such as older people and those with guide dogs could be offered discounts, the charity added.

� Confused.com 2010 - News Letters

EDF To Increase Prices By 2.6%

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:44:11 GMT

By Paul Collins

Around 1.2 million EDF Energy customers will see a 2.6% increase in�electricity bills from next month, the utility firm has announced.�

The rise follows a review of regional�electricity prices in response to an increase in distribution and transmission costs across the country.�

The move will affect households on standard tariffs in 11 of EDF's 14 regions in the UK.

And the company confirmed that the price increases will also affect those on its "Economy 7" tariff in three regions.�

According to EDF, around 37% of its electricity customer base will be affected by the move, and prices will increase by around �10.82 per year, per household.�

The company stressed that fixed-price customers, and those who get their gas supplied by EDF would not be affected by the move.�

EDF claimed the move "better aligned" regional prices and follows a 16% increase in transmission costs since its last price change in March last year.�

Customers with standard meters are affected in the following areas: Eastern, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, North Wales, South Wales, North Scotland, South Scotland, Southern and Yorkshire.�

Only standard Economy 7 meter customers in London, the South East and the South West are affected by the price change.�

But EDF is offering customers a chance to minimise the impact by signing up for the energy discount plan, which will give a 2.5% discount on gas and electricity as long as customers stay on the plan until the end of next September.

� Confused.com 2010 - Energy

Brits borrowing more for home improvements

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:09:37 GMT

By Lois Avery

Personal loans being used for home improvements are on the increase, as Brits take on DIY projects �instead of moving home.

Figures from Sainsbury's Finance have shown a surge in the number of personal loans taken out for sprucing up the home during the first half of this year.

One in five personal loans were taken out for home projects, an increase of 47 per cent on the number of people taking out a loan for the same reason between 2007 and 2009.

Sainsbury's say the figures indicate a trend towards making home improvements rather than moving, as homeowners deal with the difficult housing market and the aftermath of the credit crunch.

As well as an increase in the number of loans taken out, the amount being borrowed has also risen, with the average value of a personal loan taken out for home improvements increasing 12 per cent from �9,225.

Despite the increase in the number of people opting to take out a loan, homeowners are being warned to do their research to avoid paying too much in interest.

Steven Baillie, head of loans at Sainsbury's said: "If people do decide they need a loan to pay for their home improvements, they should make sure they look around for the best rates on the market, which could save them a considerable amount in repayments.

"For example, a saving of as much as up to �1,000 could be made on a loan of �10,000, so there's potential for perhaps more home improvements, or it could come in handy elsewhere. Ultimately, you must make sure you're getting the best possible rate for your requirements and not paying over the odds, because you don't have to."

� Confused.com 2010 - Home Insurance

Net mortgage lending slips by �432m

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:42:08 GMT

By Chris Corr

The housing market displayed little sign of recovery during July, figures have revealed, with net mortgage lending diving sharply.

Statistics from the Bank of England showed that net lending, which strips out redemptions and repayments, fell from �518 million in June to a paltry �86m in July - the second lowest figure since records began in 1993.

The number of mortgages approved for house purchase rose slightly to hit 48,772, also well down on pre-recession levels of around 100,000 every month and a clear sign that the market's traditional summer bounce has failed to make an appearance.

While the number of people (29,651) remortgaging increased slightly on the six-month average, there was a dip in the number unlocking equity from their home or taking out a buy-to-let mortgage.

Unsecured borrowing also remained subdued during July, with net lending rising by �173 million.

Lending through loans and overdrafts contracted by �41 million, while total credit card borrowing rose by �213 million.

� Confused.com 2010 - Mortgages

Road Rage 'Leads To Bad Driving'

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:06:41 GMT

Motorists have been advised to pull over and calm down when they get angry with other road users, after a study showed 28 per cent�admitted raging while behind the wheel leads to bad driving.

Getting angry when driving could increase the chance of accidents on the road, potentially leading to a rise in car insurance premiums.

The online survey of 1,497 motorists by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found as many as 70 per cent�lose their temper while driving due to other road users, with 28 per cent�considering tailgating as the most provocative behaviour on the road.

According to 22 per cent�of drivers, using mobile phones while behind the wheel is the most irritating behaviour, with 15 per cent�mentioning centre-lane hogging.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig, who suggested drivers should never react with a gesture or aggressive driving, said: "It is good to see motorists disapproving of bad driving, especially mobile phone use, which is on the rise, but it's worrying that so many still get angry when driving.

"It's all about self control - good drivers spot the signs of potential road rage and do everything they can to steer clear of it."

� Confused.com 2010 - Car Insurance