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� Confused.com 2012 - News Letters

Car insurance: Highest rise for over-25s

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:40:33 GMT

Drivers aged 26 to 35 are facing the fastest rise in motor premiums, Confused.com's latest car insurance price index has revealed.

By Naphtalia Loderick

While the high cost of car insurance for younger drivers grabs headlines, percentage-wise, it's actually motorists aged 26 to 30 who have been the hardest hit recently.

The average cost of annual comprehensive cover for this group has risen 27.5 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the quarterly Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.

This is closely followed by drivers aged 31 to 35, who have seen the cost of cover shoot up 26.5 per cent in the past year.

Men living in London can expect to pay the most for cover on average - �1,800 for those aged 26 to 30 and �1,376 for 31 to 35-year-olds.

Their London-based female counterparts also experience the highest costs - �1,304 for those aged 26 to 30, and �1,015 for 31 to 35-year-olds.

The average cost of annual comprehensive cover now stands at �948 for drivers in the 26 to 30 age bracket, and �724 for those aged 31 to 35.

But just four years ago these same group of motorists could expect to get comprehensive cover for just �569 and �444 respectively.

Gareth Kloet, head of motor at Confused.com, said: "Although young drivers are typically the hardest hit when it comes to high car insurance costs, it's the older age group seeing a sharp rise at the moment.

"This means shopping around is more important than ever if drivers want to beat their renewal quotes. Using Confused.com can help beat these rises."

Feeling the pinch

Motorists of all ages are continuing to feel the pinch as the average cost of comprehensive car insurance across all age groups now stands at �857 - a rise of �170 in the last 12 months.

But the cost of comprehensive cover still works out cheaper than third-party, fire and theft, which is up 33 per cent in the last year on average.

However, despite the figures, there are a number of ways you can look to lower the cost of your cover.

Pay for you cover in one go

Paying monthly is an easy way to spread the cost of car cover but it's certainly not the money-saving option as insurers charge interest for the privilege of paying in installments, which could add as much as an extra �300 to your premium. If you don't have the cash to hand, consider taking out a credit card with a 0 per cent interest rate.

Opt for a card with at least a 12-month interest free period and you'll have the best of both worlds - paying for your insurance in one go and repaying the credit card debt in manageable, monthly interest-free installments.

Don't overestimate your mileage

Mileage is one of the rating factors insurers use to calculate a person's premium so it pays to spend a little time trying to estimate as best as you can how many miles you're likely to drive each year. But bear in mind that underestimating your mileage could invalidate your insurance policy when it comes to making a claim.

Higher excess, lower premium

Consider a higher voluntary excess to cut your annual premium. This is an amount you choose to pay in the event of a claim. In return for opting for a higher excess, the insurance provider will usually lower the premium. But don't forget that the voluntary excess will always be paid in addition to any compulsory excess.

Value your vehicle accurately�

It's incorrect to assume the higher you value your car the more money you'll receive in the event of a claim.�Insurers will only pay out the current market value of the vehicle so inflating the value of your vehicle serves no purpose other than increasing your car insurance premium.

To find out more about the latest car insurance price rises click here. You can also use our interactive map to see how much you pay compared with�other areas of the UK

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

� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Young driver car insurance tops �4,000

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:44:31 GMT

Confused.com's latest car insurance price index has revealed the average cost of cover for single men aged 17 to 20 is now more than �4,000.

By Naphtalia Loderick

Car insurance costs for young male drivers have crashed through the �4,000 barrier for the first time, with 17 to 20-year-old single men now paying an average of �4,006 for annual comprehensive cover.

Meanwhile, women aged 17 to 20 face paying �2,151 for the same cover, according to the the quarterly Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.

Costs are even more eye-watering for males in this age group living in the Manchester and Merseyside region who pay an average of �5,633 for annual comprehensive cover.

Their female counterparts who live in outer London face the highest costs - �3,382.

The male/female car insurance price divide is set to even out in December 2012, when it becomes illegal for insurers to calculate premiums based on gender but for now the battle of the sexes is still rife where cost is concerned.

Save money - tie the knot

However, there is one way�young drivers�can cut costs - get married.

According to the statistics, single males aged between 17 and 20 who add a spouse to their policy can knock a hefty �1,000 off their policy cost.

Females looking to do the same would see the cost of cover fall to �1,924.

But, if you're amonng the majority of 17 to 20-year-olds who aren't looking to tie the knot, the best and simplest way to cut costs is to shop around.

Gareth Kloet, head of motor at Confused.com, said: "For young male drivers it has never been more important to shop around for the best price.

"Our consumer research shows that 50 per cent of under 25s could save up to �556 on car insurance* by using Confused.com. This is one way to help combat these rises."��

Prices rises slow

The average price of a comprehensive policy for male and female drivers aged 17 to 20 went up 1.5 per cent across the UK between April and June 2011.

But there is some good news for drivers because the price rises are slowing - down from 4.1 per cent between January and March 2011.

The annual rate of price inflation for comprehensive cover for drivers in this age bracket is now 24.2 per cent.

The cost of comprehensive cover still works out as cheaper than third-party, fire and theft, which is up 33 per cent in the last year.

There are a number of ways you can look to lower the cost of your cover.

Don't overestimate your mileage

Mileage is one of the rating factors insurers use to calculate a person's premium so it pays to spend a little time trying to estimate as best as you can how many miles you're likely to drive each year. Bear in mind that underestimating your mileage could invalidate your insurance policy when it comes to making a claim.

Higher excess, lower premium

Value your vehicle accurately�

To find out more about the latest car insurance price rises click here. You can also use our interactive map to see how your costs compare�with other parts of the UK

*Based on online independent research, Consumer Intelligence (May '11). 50 per cent of consumers, aged 17 - 25, could make this saving.

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

� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Car insurance up 25% for drivers in 20s

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:01 GMT

Confused.com's quarterly car insurance price index has revealed the cost of cover for drivers in their early twenties is almost 25 per cent more expensive than last year.

By Naphtalia Loderick

Car insurance costs for drivers aged 21 to 25 has risen 24.5 per cent in the past year, according to the quarterly Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.

The cost of comprehensive car insurance for drivers in this age group now stands at �1,470.

The cost for men in this age group is even higher at �1,958, with women shelling out �1,198 for the same cover.

Save money - tie the knot

However, there is one way to cut costs - get married.

Male drivers in this age group who add a spouse to their policy will see their insurance costs fall to �1,257 on average - a saving of �701.

Female drivers who do the same will see their cost fall to �1,068 - a more modest saving of �130.

Further price rises

The average price of a comprehensive policy for male and female drivers aged 21 to 25 increased 2.5 per cent across the UK between April and June 2011.

And the cost of cover continues to rise - up from 1.5 per cent between January and March 2011.

But the cost of comprehensive cover still works out as cheaper than third-party, fire and theft, which is up 33 per cent in the last year.

Other ways to save

Despite the figures, there are a number of ways you can look to lower costs.

Gareth Kloet, head of motor at Confused.com, said: "For young male drivers it has never been more important to shop around for the best price.

"Our consumer research shows that 50 per cent of under 25s could save up to �556 on car insurance* by using Confused.com. This is one way to help combat these rises."��

Don't overestimate your mileage

Higher excess, lower premium

Value your vehicle accurately�

*Based on online independent research, Consumer Intelligence (May '11). 50 per cent of consumers, aged 17 - 25, could make this saving.

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

� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Are you happy with your broadband provider?

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:15:56 GMT

Connection speed and higher than expected bills are the biggest broadband bugbears, says Ofcom. So, if you're not happy, switch.

By Lois Avery

Broadband satisfaction levels are low according to new research revealed by Ofcom as part of new plans to encourage providers to up their customer service.

The research covers most of the big names in the landline, broadband, mobile and pay-TV market and shows how customers rate them in terms of the service they receive.

The figures show that consumers are least satisfied with the customer service provided by broadband and landline operators and most satisfied with the service they receive from their mobile and pay TV operators.

Connection speeds remain the biggest issue for broadband customers, followed by changing package and, increasingly, higher than expected bills. Ofcom surveyed customers with BSkyB, BT, Orange, TalkTalk/Tiscali and Virgin Media.

Orange, who had the lowest satisfaction levels with customer service in 2009 (42 per cent), now tops the board with 76 per cent.� Both BT and Sky customers also reported improved satisfaction scores on at least 6 of the customer service aspects measured.

But TalkTalk customers are the least satisfied and are also the least loyal customers, with 34 per cent saying they are less likely to use TalkTalk again for their broadband service.

Consumer Group Director, Claudio Pollack, said: "The research shows that there can be considerable differences in consumers' experiences of customer service.� By publishing this research we want to give consumers an insight into the standard of customer service being offered across the communications sector.� The more information from these kind consumers, the more effectively they can exercise their choice."

So, if you're not happy with the speed of your internet, the price of your bill, or the customer service you receive, you should vote with your feet and switch to a better deal.�

To help you, here is a list of the best broadband deals on the market right now.

�

Primus

The Primus Line Rental Saver package costs �6.79 per month and offers evening and weekend calls at 1p a minute and daytime calls at 6p per minute.

This is ideal for anyone who makes the majority of calls in the evenings, or for those who need a phone line for their broadband connection.

This package is available exclusively here for a limited period.

Plusnet - �4 months free home phone

Plusnet customers can benefit from the first four months free when they sign up Plusnet Value Broadband with Evening and Weekend calls. After the free four months the deal costs from �6.49.

Hurry, this offer ends August 23.

TalkTalk - 9 months HALF price plus free connection worth �30

Talk Talk is offering broadband with speeds of up to 24Mb for just �3.25 for 9 months and �6.50 thereafter on the Essentials package.

Alternatively, the Plus package is available at �7.25 for 3 months, and �14.50 thereafter.

Both benefit from free �30.00 connection. The Essentials deal comes with a�40GB download limit and Plus has unlimited downloads.

This offer ends on August 2.

BT - 4 Months FREE Broadband and Anytime Calls

This offer from BT is free for 4 months and �16 thereafter with up to 20Mb broadband speeds.

The deal includes a wireless BT Home Hub 3 and unlimited anytime calls to UK landlines and 0845 / 0870.

�

This is available exclusively online and ends soon.

Orange Exclusive - 3 months FREE +��50 M&S Voucher

With this deal you get up to 20Mb truly unlimited broadband free for three months and �7.50 thereafter, or �12.50 for non-Orange customers.

As an extra incentive Orange is also offering a �50 M&S voucher to anyone who signs up.

Evening and weekend calls are free and the package benefits from 2 for 1 cinema tickets with Orange Wednesdays.

This offer ends soon so click here to sign up.

Orange Exclusive - 3 months FREE +�FREE Fujifilm FinePix AV150 Camera worth �69.99

With this deal you get up to 20Mb truly unlimited broadband free for three months and �7.50 thereafter, or �12.50 for non-Orange customers.

As an extra incentive Orange is also offering a free Fujifilm FinePix AV150 Camera worth �69.99.

Evening and weekend calls are free and the package benefits from 2 for 1 cinema tickets with Orange Wednesdays.

This offer is ongoing so click here to sign up.

Sky - 6 months half price Broadband and calls

Sky customers can take advantage of six months half price broadband with truly unlimited downloads and speeds of up to 20Mb with Sky's "broadband unlimited + talk freetime" package.

This offer starts from just �5 per month but hurry because it is time limited.

�

Virgin Media - Six months half price broadband, phone and TV

Virgin Media is offering customers� unlimited downloads, free installation worth �40, superfast broadband, TV and free weekend calls, all from �10 per month for first six months

This offer ends soon so click here to sign up.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Energy

Young drivers' premiums set to keep on soaring

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:34:32 GMT

Experts say car insurance costs for new drivers will continue to rise. Is technology the solution to this problem?

By Chris Torney

Young drivers will need to take even more drastic steps to keep their car�insurance costs down if recent forecasts of premium increases are to be believed.

Accountancy firm Mazars is the latest company to suggest that last year's record rises in the cost of cover for newly qualified motorists are likely to continue over the next few years.

Mazars spokesman Craig Scarr believes that the cost of an average annual policy for drivers aged 17 to 20 could hit �3,600 a year by 2013 - an increase of 50 per cent on the figures for the end of 2010.

This view echoes recent findings from Datamonitor, which said that planned government reforms of the personal-injury system - thought to be responsible for a large chunk of premium rises - would not result in lower insurance costs for several years.

Scarr said: "We are already seeing younger adults being priced out of car ownership and this will hit even harder over the next year or so as a typical premium for a young adult rises from �2,400 currently to over �3,600."

Scarr believes that huge numbers of young people in areas where public transport is unreliable could face severe problems in simply getting around.

He says: "It is pretty unprecedented for insurance changes to have a sudden and dramatic affect socially on Britain, but we are certainly likely to see this in the very near future."

"Black box" solutions

So what can young drivers do? Scarr says that technology is the answer.

"The insurance industry needs to look at innovative ways to allow young drivers to get affordable insurance, while penalising boy-racers," he says.

"A good example is telematic trials which allow drivers to be monitored and get reductions for driving safely or not at night. Novel ideas such as this need to become mainstream if these massive premium increases are to be mitigated, otherwise we will see a whole swathe of younger drivers with no, or fraudulently bought, insurance."

Insurer Young Marmalade is one provider which is already offering customers the chance to cut costs by agreeing to have their driving monitored by an on-board computer, or black box.

The firm's scheme is known as Intelligent Marmalade, and it uses motion sensors to collect data on each driver's cornering, acceleration, braking and speed. This is fed back to the customer and the company, and poor or reckless drivers can be penalised with higher premiums.

Young Marmalade is unusual in that is sells car and insurance packages to young drivers, offering models which are relatively inexpensive to cover with good safety ratings.

Alternative providers

Young Marmalade is far from the only company offering this kind of innovation, also known as telematics or telemetrics.

Earlier this year, the Co-op entered this market with its "Smartbox", aimed at 17-25 years olds.

Other insurers offer similar policies, but instead of analysing driver behaviour, premiums are based on the number of miles driven, and at what time of day the car is used (accidents are more likely to occur at night, for example).

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� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Cutting corners on breakdown cover could cost you �172

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:17:05 GMT

Getting caught on the hard shoulder without breakdown cover this summer could cost motorists six times as much as paying for an annual policy.

By Esther Shaw

Drivers could be in for an expensive shock this summer if their car breaks down and they don't have cover in place. �

New findings from the AA show that arranging one-off emergency assistance from a garage costs up to six times that of annual roadside assistance.

Last year, those without cover spent �172.67 on average calling out a garage and getting their car fixed. This compares to basic breakdown cover which you can get from as little as �30.

In total, around 12 per cent of the 6 million drivers without cover suffered a breakdown last year, collectively costing them up to �104 million more than if they had taken out basic roadside assistance.

Don't put people at risk

Worryingly, many of those drivers who don't have cover opt to take matters into their own hands when things go wrong on the motorway.

According to research from insurer esure, more than two thirds of motorists would call a relative or friend to rescue them, or even try to fix their own car on the hard shoulder.

"Anyone who does this is potentially putting three of four people's lives into terrible danger," says Asia Yasir from Esure. "The motorway is not the place for DIY."

Benefits of breakdown cover

You may think breakdown cover is an expense you can do without, but however reliable your car might be, don't think a breakdown won't happen to you.

"Although in the current climate, with record fuel prices, it may be tempting to save a few pounds by going without cover, it's a false economy," says Keith Miller from the AA.

"With summer temperatures and congestion, breakdowns can rocket, so sooner or later your luck will run out and you'll be hit in the pocket - not to mention all the time and hassle you'll face when you're suddenly stranded."Yasir agrees that driving without cover is just not worth the risk.

"Breakdown cover is a very small price to pay for a service that can protect a motorist and their family when they are at their most vulnerable," she says.

Gender divide

Recent research from the AA showed that 66 per cent of men have breakdown cover, compared to a slightly lower 58 per cent of women, while figures from Green Flag show its split of customers is 60 per cent male and 40 per cent female.

Case study

Julia Dayment from Cardiff got caught out when she broke down driving back to Wales from London in June this year, without having any cover in place.

The 26-year-old, who has been driving for eight years, pays around �350 for annual car insurance on her Ford Ka, but has never paid for breakdown cover.

"It felt like an unnecessary expense - especially as I've never had car trouble before," says Julia. "It was only when I was stuck in the middle of nowhere in the dark, 150 miles from home, with no idea what to do, that I realised just how important it was."

Julia ended up having to pay a �53 membership as well as a �90 emergency joining fee to the AA.

"I've definitely learnt my lesson, and will never risk going without cover again," she says.

Prepare for the journey

If you are making a car journey in the UK this summer, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you stay safe.

Before setting off, make sure you check the tyres, oil, petrol, as well as the coolant level, and cooling fan.

Keep warms clothes, foil "space blankets", umbrellas and high visibility tabards in the car, as these will protect you if you need to wait on a bank alongside a cold motorway; also take a fully-charged mobile, plenty of drinking water and food.

Plan your route carefully, and check the traffic reports to avoid unnecessary delays.

Stay safe on the road

If you believe your car has a mechanical problem on the motorway, pull over onto the hard shoulder before you begin slowing down.

As soon as you are on the hard shoulder, put your hazard warning lights on, and leave them on.

Given that you are more likely to be hit by another vehicle than fall victim to a personal attack beside a motorway, you should get out of your car via the passenger door and stay well behind the barriers while you wait for professional help to arrive.

Driving abroad

Finally, if you're planning to drive overseas in the coming summer months, check you are covered before you set off, as it could cost you thousands of pounds if your car has to be recovered and returned to the UK.

If you already have breakdown cover in the UK, don't assume it will automatically extend to other countries; if you're driving in Europe, you will usually need to top up your existing policy for an additional premium, or take out a standalone policy.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

New figures highlight Britain's burglary hotspots

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:08:01 GMT

The risk of crime can have a big impact on the price of home insurance. But there are ways to keep costs under control.

By Chris Torney

We often talk about "postcode lotteries" when it comes to healthcare provision or the quality of education.

But your postcode can also have a dramatic effect on the cost of home insurance.

If you live in a postcode area that has a relatively high burglary rate, for example, your premiums are likely to increase as a result, regardless of whether your home or even your street has suffered from more than its fair share of crime.

Insurance companies set the price of home contents cover according to what they think is the likelihood of you making a claim. So if their records and official government statistics indicate that the area where you live has a higher rate of burglaries, you'll pay more for your policy.

Britain's burglary hotspots

Here at Confused.com, we've analysed our customer data to work out which towns and cities had the highest and lowest rates of theft from homes.

This was done by comparing the number of burglary claims to the total number of home insurance customers in each area for the whole of 2010.

**Top 10 highest rates**
Name	Theft rate
Leeds	4.67%
London - West	4.24%
London - North	3.73%
Huddersfield	3.59%
Southall	3.53%
Manchester	3.52%
Slough	3.43%
London - South East	3.35%
Nottingham	3.30%
Ilford	3.20%

�

With 3,500 burglary claims from just over 75,000 customers, Leeds tops the list with a burglary rate of 4.67 per cent - the equivalent of one claim for every 21 households.

Leeds was followed by North and West London, and its West Yorkshire neighbour, Huddersfield.

**Top 10�lowest rates**
Name	Theft rate
Dundee	0.85%
Plymouth	0.84%
Motherwell	0.81%
Perth	0.73%
Kirkcaldy, Fife	0.69%
Truro	0.68%
Falkirk	0.65%
Inverness	0.41%
Dumfries	0.27%
Galashiels	0.18%

Our data found that�Galashiels had the lowest burglary rate in the UK, with just�13 claims for almost 20,000 customers.

How this affects you

When insurers set premiums, they look at individual postcodes rather than whole towns or cities - so, for example, some parts of Leeds will have much lower burglary rates than the city-wide average, and householders there will not be so badly affected.

However, crime rates are far from the only factor dictating the size of your home insurance premiums.�(How home insurance premiums are calculated.)

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� Confused.com 2012 - Home Insurance

Why critical illness cover is more useful than ever

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:21:14 GMT

Payout rates are on the up, so can you and your family afford to go without this vital form of protection?

By Chris Torney

Can critical illness policyholders be confident their insurers will pay out if push comes to shove?

That is the question many people ask themselves when they are thinking about what kind of protection insurance to buy.

With life insurance, claiming is straightforward and generally the only reason an insurer may refuse to pay out is if the death is the result of gross negligence on the policyholder's part.

But life insurance, clearly, will only pay out if the very worst happens, whereas serious medical problems for a main earner can leave a family just as desperately short of cash. This is where critical illness cover can step in.

Payout rates on the up

The good news is that critical illness payout rates are improving as a result of changes in the industry.

Providers are now obliged to be much more clear about how they define certain illnesses, and the circumstances under which they would not pay out.

Insurer Legal & General says it paid out almost 92 per cent of critical illness claims in 2010, a proportion which has increased every year since 2006.

The firm stresses that customers should ensure they disclose any information that could be deemed relevant when they apply, as non-disclosure is one of the most common reasons claims are rejected.

If you are in doubt about whether a piece of information about your health or lifestyle is relevant, it is best to pass it on. You should also ensure that details of your family's medical history, as well as your own height and weight, for example, are accurate.

How does critical illness insurance work?

Critical illness (CI) is an insurance policy that pays out a lump sum or a regular income if the holder is diagnosed with any of a pre-agreed list of serious illnesses, such as certain types or stages of cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease or stroke.

It is likely to be more expensive than life insurance, given that people are more likely to claim; individuals often take out both types of cover alongside each other.

The size of your premiums will depend on:

� How long you want to be covered for: this may only be for the duration of your mortgage, or until your children have left home.

� Your age: the older you are, the more likely you are to make a claim and the more expensive insurance will be.

� Your and your family's medical history: if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, your policy is unlikely to cover them; and you will also need to tell your insurer whether there is a history of any particular illness in your family.

� How much cover you want.

Critical illness cover in action

CI insurer Legal & General has shown how valuable the protection can be by publishing details of two claims on the cover.

One customer Mrs Downs, claimed on her critical illness policy and received a payout within a matter of weeks.

Mrs Downs says: "I found out I had breast cancer late last year through a routine screening. It was a shock to hear the diagnosis and we didn't immediately think of the money side of things or how our finances might be affected.

"A family member reminded us to check if we had critical illness cover, and it was lucky we did because I wasn't eligible for sick pay and did not end up having any money coming in for six months. Whilst our mortgage wasn't huge, we did manage to pay it off with the proceeds from the policy which took a significant weight off our mind."

Mrs Downs adds that the claims process was professional and painless. "We'd definitely recommend critical illness cover to all our friends and family now, because you just never know."

Another customers, Mrs Williams took out a critical illness policy on the advice of her independent financial adviser following a divorce.

In February 2007, Mrs Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer. As her condition was covered under the critical illness definition of her policy, Mrs Williams received a payout of �70,000 plus interest.

This money allowed Mrs Williams to pay off her mortgage.

She says: "When I was diagnosed with cancer I wondered how I would cope. Then I remembered that I had a critical illness policy but my friends and family told me that the insurance company would never pay out enough money to pay off my mortgage.

"However, it was very straightforward and I got a lump sum paid to me after eight weeks, plus interest backdated to the point when I had made the claim."

� The names have been changed to protect customer confidentiality.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Life Insurance

How to borrow without leaving a trace

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:54:57 GMT

By Neil Faulkner

Applying for a loan or credit card can harm your credit profile. Here's how seek a top deal without leaving a trace.

The credit card industry received a shake-up in July when Barclaycard announced its market-leading 24-month balance transfer card.

We have given a lot of attention to this new two-year, interest-free deal from Barclaycard which charges a 3 per cent fee to move debts from existing cards.

It's an incredible offer provided you always make the minimum payments; if you fail to do so, Barclaycard will start charging you 18 per cent interest or more, but there is another warning for borrowers; you must have an excellent credit record too.

Why is good credit so important?

The Barclaycard only accepts customers with a good borrowing history, so if you apply for the card when you are not registered to vote, or if you have missed some debt repayments, or you have borrowed too much, for example, there's a fair chance you'll be rejected. To make matters worse, if you have borrowed too little you could be rejected, too; lenders want to see that you reliably repay debt. As a result, Confused.com estimates just half of applications for the Barclaycard will be successful.

Rejection can lead to credit problems

Being rejected isn't just a disappointment; it can have knock-on effects when you apply elsewhere. When you apply for a loan or credit card, lenders will look at your credit report, as provided by one of the UK's three credit-reference agencies. These reports show how many times in the recent past you have applied for credit. If lenders see you have made several applications it can increase your chances of being rejected again.

Apply tactically for a credit card

If you are looking for a credit card and don't think Barclaycard will accept you, or you would rather have a different type of card, Confused.com offers a Card Matcher service that can help you to judge whether your application for a card will be successful. This service is risk-free and leaves no mark on your credit report, so effectively you can speculatively apply without leaving a trace.

Applying for cheapest cheap loan without marking your credit record

Nationwide claims to be the only lender that offers "soft quotes". It will discreetly check your report and tell you what interest rate you can get, if any. If you accept the quote, it will then mark your report, and you will have succeeded in getting the loan. But if you don't like the quote, you ignore it, and Nationwide leaves your credit report unmarked.

What makes this even better is that Nationwide's personal loan is currently the cheapest on the market. If you are eligible for its top interest rate, you will pay just 6.6 per cent a year. Nationwide Flex Account customers can save a fraction of a percentage point less, potentially getting a rate of 6.5 per cent.

Just slightly over half of successful applicants will be offered Nationwide's advertised rate. The rest will probably be offered a higher rate, but that's normal with all lenders. The advantage with Nationwide is you get to see the quote without it marking your record. In other words, if you need a loan, it won't damage your credit profile to go for the cheapest loan on the market first, even if there's a risk of being rejected. The offer is for loans between �7,500 and �14,999, but don't borrow more than you really need.

The loans market today

Just four lenders offer loans below 7 per cent at the moment, which puts Nationwide in very exclusive company with just Alliance & Leicester and M&S Money.

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� Confused.com 2012 - News Letters

Crucial things to check before buying a car

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:04:58 GMT

You may have just found your dream car, with a great price tag and great looks: but don't let your heart rule your head. Failing to make some basic checks could prove costly.

By Lois Avery

Pacing beside the vehicle, rubbing your chin and kicking the tyres may give the illusion that you know what you're looking for in a new motor but for many buyers, the used-car market is a minefield.

Unless you're a qualified mechanic, problems can be almost impossible to spot so it's good to get clued up beforehand.

Most motorists know to check for visible damage, the condition of the tyres, signs of rust and any unusual noises during the test drive, along with the service history. But what about the spare tyre? Or extras like cupholders? And what's the best weather to view a vehicle?

It might seem trivial but these often overlooked factors can quickly turn a dream�motor into a heap for the hapless buyer.

We asked around the Confused.com office and came up with some top tips you may not have considered before.

Cup holders

IT operations analyst Dave Trickey said: "I made the mistake in the past of buying what appeared to be a sound car second hand car, only to discover that there was nowhere to put my supersized coffee!

"It sounds like a minor thing, but actually once you have poured hot coffee over your lap while driving you realise how important a cup holder can be.

"First thing I check when looking to buy a car now is does it have a cup holder and how easily accessible it is?"

Spare tyre

It's all very well checking the tread on the main tyres but what about the spare? It's usually in the boot so first of all, check it's there. Secondly, check its condition. If it's bald or damaged, negotiate a discount because it'll need replacing.

Also check whether the jack/wrench/tools are there. Some cars have wheel bolts which if they are lost means you can't change the tyres.

What's the weather like?

Picking the right day to view a vehicle can be crucial. In the same way that it's not a good idea to view a car in the dark, it's best to avoid rain. Pete Dobbinson, auditor, warns: "Never go and view a car when it's raining, most sellers will give their car a good polish, and raindrops sat on polish provide very good cover for scratches."

However, a bit of rain can be good for testing things like windscreen wipers, seals and the car's grip. So, where possible, try and test-drive a couple of times in rain and shine. Or find ways to test the seals, even if it's dry.

Air-con and heating

Blast the heat up, then blast the air-conditioning on to cool. Check they both work. You don't necessarily check that in a quick test drive but it can be fatal to your enjoyment of the purchase if these are broken.

The same applies to the stereo too - make sure it's working along with the CD player, if there is one.

Look under the surface

Checking the engine is one thing but many buyers neglect to check under the mats in the footwells. It's a great place for rust to hide, which can be a costly problem if it's not spotted early.

Make sure the car matches the description

This sounds obvious but if you spot a scratch or a dent that wasn't mentioned in the advert, make sure you negotiate a discount. Many buyers won't ask but it's a fair request if the car doesn't live up to the advert.

Check the locks

If the car has an immobiliser locking system, test the key. Is it temperamental? Does it work in the door as well as remotely? Does the spare key work as well? Also, check the petrol cap and back doors and make sure the boot opens both with a key and any release catch in the car.

Don't go it alone

Take someone with you so they can put all lights and indicators on while you walk around checking that they work.

"Get your friend to rev the engine hard, whilst you stand at the back and look for any blue or black smoke coming from the exhaust, if it does, it means the engine is burning too much oil," adds Dobbinson.

And in general, an extra pair of eyes will help you spot any faults and encourage you to stay level-headed even if you fall in love with the car.

The test drive

Drive the car over a few uneven roads during the test drive, and check there are no clunks. These can suggest a loose exhaust or damaged anti-roll bars.

Sit in the back of the car too. Chances are you never will do again but it's good to check the car from the rear and see if the seats are in a good condition. Likewise, If it's a three-door, check the seats flip forward ok and how easy is it getting in and out the car.

For the more mechanical aspects involved with certain models it's best to consult a website such as Used Car Expert, which has lots of good advice about individual cars.

Alternatively, get an AA/RAC check if you're not sure. This will cover the bodywork, paintwork, interior, visible mechanical and electrical components and equipment as well as a road test. However, the specifics of the check and the price will vary depending on the age of the car.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Boost your pension by 40 per cent

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:12:18 GMT

If you're about to turn your pension fund into an annuity but don't declare any health problems, you could be leaving yourself short of cash. We explain why.

By Naphtalia Loderick

Thousands of people every year leave themselves short of cash in their old age by failing to disclose their full medical history when they turn their pension savings into retirement income.

Unlike life insurance, where disclosing medical illness will see your premium bumped up, when it comes to pensions, declaring health problems, no matter how big or small, is likely to result in a higher retirement income.

This is because you are likely to be entitled to an enhanced annuity. This type of annuity pays out a higher income if you're in poor health, because it's expected that you will live a shorter life.

Guaranteed income

Your annuity provider is effectively betting on how long you'll live and the income you receive is guaranteed.

Live longer than the annuity provider calculates and it takes the hit - you'll receive your enhanced annuity for the rest of your life.

For many pensioners the difference in payout between a regular annuity and an enhanced one can be startling - up to a 40 per cent* difference.

Chris Griffiths, head of�savings at Confused.com, says: "Unlike in the case of life insurance, where health problems cost you more in premiums, in the case of enhanced annuities health problems can�mean a higher income in retirement."

Up to 40% more payout

"This is because the companies providing the enhanced annuities make judgements about your life expectancy based on your health and lifestyle, which may be reduced when compared to the average."Which illnesses are covered?

Enhanced annuities are not just for those with serious medical conditions. You may also qualify for this type of annuity due to your lifestyle choice - if you drink, smoke or are overweight for example.

When an annuity provider�runs a quote for an enhanced annuity, they will consider all the factors that will affect your life expectancy, including where you live, whether you smoke and drink, your lifestyle and your medical history.

This helps them build a more accurate picture of your life expectancy on which they base their calculations.

Enhanced annuity provider Just Retirement estimates that 60 per cent of people at retirement may qualify for an enhanced annuity.

Seek advice

Once bought, annuities are for life and cannot be changed.

For this reason, it is important to seek independent financial advice if you're thinking about an enhanced annuity to make sure that you do not miss out on any money in retirement.

*40 per cent increase is achieved by comparing the standard annuity rate against the best enhanced rate (example enhancement presumes person has medical conditions and smokes) based on a 65 year old man with a �30,000 pension fund sourced on 07/02/2011.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Savings Accounts

Why you're to blame for gas price hikes: Your response

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:24:02 GMT

Gas and electricity firms are raising prices and consumers are to blame for not shopping around, we wrote. But you responded by telling us how hard it is to switch.

By Naphtalia Loderick

Our story saying consumers should shoulder some of the blame for high gas and electricity bills - because they fail to switch to cheaper suppliers when prices are hiked - certainly hit a nerve.

We wrote that only one in five households switch. So when, as is happening now, one supplier raises prices, the others follow suit because they know they're more or less guaranteed your continued custom and there's no incentive to lower prices to win back their customers.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is the latest supplier to announce price hikes.

The energy firm, one of the "big six" which dominate the UK market, has announced an 18 per cent rise in the price of gas and 11 per cent for electricity from 14 September, a move that will see the average annual dual fuel bill rise by �171 annually.

SSE, which owns Swalec, Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro and Atlantic, is now the third supplier to announce energy price rises this summer.

British Gas announced price rises earlier this month, and Scottish Power was the first of the UK's big six energy firms to announce increased costs in June.

Energy firms blame rising wholesale prices

The energy firms have blamed an increase in the cost of wholesale gas - the amount they pay for energy - for customer price hikes.

But this has been called into question by Mike O'Connor, chief executive of Consumer Focus.

He said: "Suppliers point to rising wholesale costs. Yet, although wholesale prices have risen recently, they remain around a third lower than their 2008 peak."

Your switching complaints

Following our article saying householders need to switch to encourage more competition among energy firms to keep prices low, many of you took to our comment board describing how hard it was to switch suppliers.

One reader named Powergirl said her account was in credit when she switched but it took four months for EDF to pay her the money owed.

And Firework said: "My experience changing from npower to Scottish Power was a nightmare. npower would not release my account and kept blaming SP, although it was not SP's fault. It took nine months to get away from the incompetence of wrong billing, rude support people, the list is endless."

Change on the way

Energy regulator Ofgem has acknowledged that energy firms need to make it easier for consumers to shop around and is consulting with the industry over reforms.

In the meantime, it's up to householders to work with the current system to secure the best deals on gas and electricity prices before summer is over.

Benefit of fixed tariffs

To avoid price rises, consumers can opt for a fixed or capped energy tariff. These deals set the unit price (also known as the kilowatt hour or kWh price) of your gas and electricity for a certain period of time, although with capped tariffs, if prices fall, you'll pay less.

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com says anyone worried about price rises should act now.

"If you're concerned about the rising cost of energy, we recommend opting for a fixing or capped tariff which will give you security against any further hikes. We'd also advise paying by direct debit and managing your account online."

How do best buy tables work?

Energy users are split into low, average and high. Best buy tables work out the average UK bill based on a medium user. Energy regulator Ofgem defines a medium user as using 16,500 units of gas and 3,300 units of electricity a year.

Many people don't realise that the price you pay for gas and electricity depends which region of the UK you live in. This is due to the costs of distribution, Greenfield explains.

"For an energy supplier, it costs more to distribute gas and energy if you live in north Scotland or south Wales than if you live in London for example.

"So you will be charged different amounts for your gas and electricity. But what Ofgem do by defining average use, is allow comparison sites like Confused.com to work out an average UK bill which makes it easier for consumers to compare prices at a glance.

"So while no-one will fit the average user, these prices act as a guide."

Not just the "big six"

While the "big six" energy firms hit the headlines, there are a number of smaller energy firms in the UK, supplying gas and electricity, such as Utility Warehouse (also known as Telecom Plus), OVO Energy and Utilita.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Energy

Make money from your parking space

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:15:02 GMT

If you've got an unoccupied driveway, garage or land suitable for parking, why not make extra cash by renting it out?

By Maria McCarthy

Homeowners with parking spaces available in popular locations can rent them out to motorists via parking rental websites. Suitable locations include transport hubs such as central London or Bristol, or near railway and tube stations, airports and stadiums like Wembley or the O2 Arena.

There are a range of parking rental websites, offering different services and payment structures. For example www.yourparkingspace.co.uk charges a one-off �15 fee to space owners (refunded if you don't get a booking) whilst www.parkatmyhouse.com takes a commission of 15 per cent from the owner's earnings.

Bright idea

One of the biggest parking rental websites in the UK is www.parkatmyhouse.com. It was set up five years ago by Anthony Eskinazi.

"I went travelling after graduating from university and ended up at a baseball game in San Francisco. My friend and I had been driving round the stadium for what seemed like hours, looking for a parking space. Then I spotted an empty driveway close by and it was like a lightbulb appeared over my head! I knew if I could work out a way of putting homeowners and drivers in contact with each other I had a business."

The site now has 15,000 locations and 125,000 registered drivers.

How much can you earn?

Rental space owners near sports stadiums can earn �400 a year, near airports �1,000 a year and those in central London or near transport hubs can make between �1,500 - �3,000 per year. Rates do vary tremendously between locations and the best way to set yours is to see what other local space owners and local car parks are charging and decide if want to go in at the same level or price more competitively for greater custom.

Dealing with red tape

Some rental websites are designed to just make the initial introduction between motorist and renter whilst others allow you to carry out all the admin, bookings and payments via the site.

It's important to contact your home insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers you renting out your parking space. As far as theft or damage to the motorist's car whilst it's on your property is concerned, most drivers should be covered by their own motor�insurance, in the same way that they would be if they parked on the public road.

However www.parkatmyhouse.com provides a choice of legal contracts for the motorist and space owner to sign between themselves for extra clarity and peace of mind. Payment between motorist and parking space owner can take place with cash on arrival, cheque or online via PayPal.

Satisfied customer

Lisa Hyman lives in Camden, north London, near Lord's cricket ground and rents out her parking space through www.parkatmyhouse.com.

She says: "I'd used the service myself for airport parking, and saw how well it worked. I set the price by looking at what other homeowners in the area were charging. Although obviously you need to honour agreed bookings, you can also be flexible with future pricing, putting it up if you're inundated with bookings or lowering it if they are scarce.

"I charge �10 a day for cricket fans visiting Lord's and get about �200 per month from motorists wanting to park near the tube. I do all the bookings and arrange for payments to be made online, so often I don't even meet the motorists themselves - it's all very easy and hassle-free."

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� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

The need for speed: The best motorbiking films

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:28:24 GMT

Bikers are passionate about their hobby, and many live and breathe two wheels. So when it comes to settling in for a night in front of the telly or at the cinema, a film featuring motorbikes is a top choice.

By Gemma Rathbone

Motorbikes�have a starring role in many classic action films and are often part of some of the most iconic scenes in blockbuster films.

Who can forget Tom Cruise riding along the highway as an F14 flies overhead in Top Gun. Or Arnie demanding: "I need your boots, your clothes and your motorcycle" in Terminator 2.

As well as these infamous motorbike cameos, there are many flicks partly or wholly dedicated to two wheels.

In no particular order, here is a list of favourites as voted by Confused.com customers:

On Any Sunday

A must-watch for racing fans, this documentary follows the lives of motorbike racers including Steve McQueen, David Evans and Mert Lawwell. Asking: "Why do they do it?", the film looks at the people who devote, and risk, their lives to racing.

Packed full of adrenaline, it is one of those awe-inspiring films that will make your chicken strips seem a mile wide.

As life-long biker Marc puts it: "There is nothing better than a day spent dirt biking than sitting back with a beer and On Any Sunday."

The World's Fastest Indian

Starring the legendary Anthony Hopkins, The World's Fastest Indian tells the story of Burt Munro, who has spent 25 years working on his 1920 Indian to make it go faster. He dreams of leaving New Zealand for the Bonneville Salt Flats, where he hopes to set a new record.

A real heartwarmer, it got many votes in our poll.

Faster

Narrated by bike-mad actor Ewan McGregor, Faster follows the riders in the 2001 and 2002 MotoGP seasons. All the usual suspect are there - Valentino Rossie, Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Carlos Checa and John Hopkins - �and the film captures all the emotion superbly.

It is the ideal choice for a Sunday afternoon in the winter months when the season is over.

TT3D - Closer to the Edge

What could be better than the combination of fast bikes competing in the world's most infamous street race and 3D technology on the big screen?

TT3D follows sideburned racer Guy Martin and his colleagues during the Isle of Man TT 2010. The challenging mountain circuit throws up huge dangers for the riders and spectators, and this film is a no-holds-barred account of the reality of road racing.

"No film has ever captured a sporting event so well," explains TT-wannabe Simon. "An absolute must-see, and just as good if you're not into bikes."

Silver Dream Racer

Described as "Not bad in its day" by two-wheel enthusiast Stephen, Silver Dream Racer is a 1980 film starring none other than David Essex.

As a young, hot-headed motorbike enthusiast he inherits the prototype for a ridiculously fast machine designed by his brother. He secures finance, and heads off to Silverstone, the home of motor racing, to challenge for the world championship.

Without wishing to spoil the ending for those yet to see it, the crash was mentioned as the best moment by many bikers.

We reckon these are the top motorbike films, based on the comments of fellow bikers, but perhaps you have something to add or another suggestion? Let us know via Twitter @Confused_com and we'll get out the popcorn.

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� Confused.com 2012 - Motorbike Insurance

It pays to be prepared with a survey

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:01:33 GMT

Buying a property without a survey could be a costly disaster if you fail to spot problems or faults before you move in.

By Esther Shaw

Cutting out a survey might save�homebuyers some money in the short-term but it could be a costly mistake in the long-run with new research showing that unforeseen repairs can run into thousands of pounds.

New findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), show a quarter of all homebuyers who fail to have a survey are forced to make unplanned building works to their property after purchase.

The figures show that the average bill for these works, such as damp-proofing or repairing a roof is over �1,800 - although the cost can be much higher in some cases.

Lender's valuation report

There are three main types of survey to choose from, including the lender's valuation, the homebuyer report, and the building survey.

If you need a mortgage, your lender will insist on a its own valuation, but while many people assume that this is sufficient when buying a home, this is merely to confirm that the property it worth more or less what you are paying for it. This is based on the property's location and size, and is not designed to highlight any problems. The valuation can cost up to �400.

It's wise to pay more for some form of professional survey to make sure there are no hidden problems that could cost a large amount to put right after you move in.

If any issues are identified, you can ask the seller to put them right or negotiate a discount on the sale price.

Homebuyer report and building survey

Both the homebuyer's report and building survey are more detailed, and designed to uncover any structural problems or urgent defects - enabling you to make an informed decision before purchase.

Generally speaking, the homebuyer report is enough for standard properties under 100 years old. It includes a market valuation and rebuild costs, as well as advice on defects; the report runs to around 25 pages, and costs around �250-�500.

Buyers purchasing a large, old or unusual property should consider paying for a building survey, the most comprehensive report, as this includes defects, repair and maintenance options.

You will be told if repairs are needed such as rewiring or roof work, along with the costs involved, as well as the results of tests for damp and damage to walls and timbers; this costs from �400 to around �1,000.

Home condition report

The good news is, for those who would otherwise rely purely on a lender's mortgage valuation, RICS has introduced a new simple type of home survey - the home condition report.

Designed for newer properties and produced by a home inspector or RICS surveyor, this report provides a clear report on the physical condition of the property, plus details of urgent faults.

Crucially, this low-cost report does not provide an additional valuation, but sits alongside a mortgage valuation.

How a survey could save �8,000

Julie Robson and her husband were very glad they opted to get a building survey carried out on the new four-bed semi-detached cottage they are buying in Warrington, Cheshire, as this uncovered around �8,000 of defects.

The couple have moved house a few times before, and say they usually rely on the homebuyer report to highlight any problems, but as this property is more than 150 years old, their solicitor recommended they pay for a more detailed survey.

"When we looked around the property, we could see certain problems straight away, such as the fact the boiler needed to replaced," says 47-year-old Julie. 47.

"We decided to pay for the building survey which cost us an extra �550 on top of the �330 we were already paying for the homebuyer report and we're very glad we did. It uncovered damp problems and faults on the roof. It's far better to be safe than sorry, and we are now in the process of renegotiating the price based on the results."

Surveys are a "prudent investment"

Crucially, a private survey covers aspects that are of the utmost importance when buying a house - aspects that are not covered by the lender's valuation.

Richard Sexton from e.surv chartered surveyors says: "Typical problems that may be identified include dampness, rotten timbers and roof defects. Without a proper survey, these problems can go unnoticed for a long period of time, meaning you can end up liable for a much greater expenditure further down the line.

"While, on average, a survey identifies work that requires �1,800 to repair, we have seen some horror stories where it's been much worse. Look at it this way, and a private survey begins to look like a prudent investment."

David Dalby from RICS agrees that in difficult economic times, it pays to be prepared.

"Nobody wants to be left with a home that needs extensive repairs or one they can't sell on," he says. "By having a survey you'll be armed with information on the condition of the property which puts you in a stronger position to decide whether to proceed with the purchase, or negotiate a better deal."

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� Confused.com 2012 - Mortgages

10 charges to avoid at the airport

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:53:54 GMT

Extra costs when you fly can put a dent in your holiday budget. We explain how to avoid them.

By Sue Hayward

Airports are expensive places. First up there's duty free to tempt you into spending your holiday cash, not to mention plenty of sneaky rip-off charges before you make it to the departure gate. Here are 10 to avoid.

Drop-off fees

Drop passengers outside the terminal and you'll pay �1 for a 10 minute slot at airports including Luton, Belfast, Bristol and Edinburgh. There's no charge at Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted or Southampton but there's no easy way to avoid this at fee charging airports as any free parking, if it exists, may be a considerable distance away.

Trolley charges

Need a trolley to get your bags to check in? You'll have to stump up �2 at Luton and Bristol and �1 at Stansted and Manchester, and unlike at the supermarket, these charges are non-refundable. Trolleys are free, however, at Heathrow, Edinburgh, Belfast & Southampton. Take cases with wheels so you don't need a trolley.

Plastic bags

Forgot to pack your toiletries in clear plastic bags before airport security? You'll need to pay �1 to buy them at Luton, Bristol, Belfast, Manchester and Stansted but you can get them free at Heathrow, Southampton & Edinburgh. Better still, take your own as you can buy packs of 50 resealable bags for around 60p at most supermarkets.

Fast-track�fees

The option to jump the queue at security means a �3 fee at Luton and Edinburgh, �3.50 at Manchester (plus a �1.50 booking fee), or �5 at Bristol. Bigger airports like Heathrow don't do this but have family lanes to help those travelling with children get through quicker. But there's little risk of missing your flight even if you don't pay as officials will generally escort you through if you're late and stuck in a slow queue.

Currency charges

Poor rates and commission charges mean you lose out changing money at the airport. Shop around on the high street for fee-free commission deals from places like M&S, the Post Office or Halifax. Or pre-order currency online for airport collection to bag the best rates.

The cost of smoking

Most airports won't let you out of the building for a cigarette once you're airside but Belfast recently introduced an outdoor smoking zone for passengers. The downside? It costs �1 a time.

Snacks & drinks

Buy a Boots "meal deal" on the high street and it costs �3.29 yet the same deal from Boots at Luton Airport is 50p more at �3.79. Retailers blame high airport rents for the higher prices, so shop around for snacks or fill up before you travel.

Airport development fees

Blackpool hit the headlines charging passengers �10 a time for mandatory contributions to upgrading airport facilities: unless you're under 16 you can't avoid this one. There are two machines taking cash or cards and if you don't pay, you won't get through security, simple as that.

Speedy boarding

This costs over �10 each way with easyJet but you need to get to the gate early or you may miss your slot. And if there's a shuttle bus from the terminal to the plane, you may be first on the bus, but if it loads up with other passengers who haven't paid extra, you still may not be first on the plane. Don't pay if you're travelling with children as airlines have a duty to sit kids, (up to around age 12), with one of their parents even if it means moving other passengers.

Cash machine charges

Stock up before the airport or you may be forced to use those stand alone cash machines that charge up to �5 a time. If you run short of cash just pay by card to avoid any fees.

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Young driver car insurance tops �4,000

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:44:36 GMT

Confused.com's quarterly car insurance price index has revealed the average cost of cover for single males aged 17 to 20 is now more than �4,000. And motorists of all ages are feeling the pinch.

By Naphtalia Loderick

Car insurance costs for young male drivers have crashed through the �4,000 barrier, with 17 to 20-year-old single males now paying an average of �4,006 for annual comprehensive cover.

Meanwhile, females aged 17 to 20 face paying �2,151 for the same cover.

The cost of car insurance for males and females in this both sexes in this age bracket has risen 24.2 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the the quarterly Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.

However, motorists of all ages are continuing to feel the pinch as the average cost of comprehensive car insurance cover now stands at �857 - a rise of �170 in the last 12 months.

And the cost of cover continues to rise. The average price of a comprehensive policy increased 2.7 per cent across the UK between April and June 2011.

But there is some good news for drivers as the price rises are slowing - down from 3.8 per cent between January and March 2011.

The annual rate of price inflation for comprehensive cover is up 24.8 per cent.

Older drivers hit hard

Surprisingly, while younger drivers may face the highest premiums, percentage-wise, motorists aged 26 to 30 have been the hardest hit, with the average cost of annual comprehensive cover up 27.5 per cent in the past 12 months.

This is closely followed by drivers aged 31 to 35, who have seen the cost of cover shoot up 26.5 per cent in the past year.

In terms of gender, men and women have experienced identical increase in the cost of comprehensive cover, with premiums up 24.8 per cent for both sexes.

Comprehensive cover cheaper

The cost of comprehensive cover still works out as cheaper than third party fire and theft which is up 33 per cent in the last year.

However, despite the figures, there are a number of ways you can look to lower the cost of your cover.

Gareth Kloet, head of motor at Confused.com said: "For young male drivers it has never been more important to shop around for the best price.

"Our consumer research shows that 50 per cent of under 25s could save up to �556 on car insurance* by using Confused.com. This is one way to help combat these rises."

Pay for your cover in one go

Don't overestimate your mileage

Higher excess, lower premium

Value your vehicle accurately

It's incorrect to assume the higher you value your car the more money you'll receive in the event of a claim. Insurers will only pay out the current market value of the vehicle so inflating the value of your vehicle serves no purpose other than increasing your car insurance premium.

*Based on online independent research, Consumer Intelligence (May '11). 50 per cent of consumers, aged 17 - 25, could make this saving.

� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Do speed cameras work?

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:43:24 GMT

Figures that show�the effectiveness of speed cameras�are being released. But some motorists will get the picture sooner than others.

By Chris Torney

Drivers will soon be able to decide whether speed cameras in their area are effective after the government ordered local authorities to release data about prosecutions and accident rates at every site in the country.

But residents in certain areas face a wait of months for this information because ministers have not put a deadline on exactly when the statistics should be made available to the public.

Lancashire County Council became the first authority to release speed-camera data on 20 July, but it is not yet clear how quickly other councils will follow suit.

What the government wants

Road safety minister Mike Penning asked all of�England's highways authorities�to publish�the number of drivers caught and fined at each speed camera location, as well as accident and injury rates before and after the cameras were introduced.

Mr Penning gave a�deadline of 20 July for each authority to�tell the Department for Transport (DfT) the website address�where this�information would be published.

But the edict said merely that the authorities should put up the speed camera data information "as soon as practical" rather than setting a strict deadline.

The DfT will then set up�its own website�providing links to�local websites where the�public can find speed camera date for their area.��

Public should be informed

At the time, Penning said: "We want to improve accountability and make sure that the public are able to make informed judgements about the decisions made on their behalf.

"So if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.

"That is why we want full details of accidents and casualties at camera sites, along with the number of offences arising from each camera, to be easily accessible.

"This will help to show what impact cameras are having on road safety and also how the police are dealing with offenders."

How you can use the information

Even if you don't live in Lancashire, it is worth looking at what the council there is doing to make the effectiveness of its speed cameras more transparent.

The�website�gives information on the number of fines issued following speeding offences at each camera�site in the county, as well as the numbers of drivers who attended speed-awareness courses or who had their fines cancelled over the course of 2010.

There is also a map of the area with the precise location of cameras marked on: by clicking on each one users can see the number of accidents at the site by year, as well as when the camera was installed.

This allows comparison of accident rates before and after each speed camera came into use.

Speed isn't the only problem

A new survey has highlighted the fact that slow or over-cautious drivers can also cause problems for other road users.

Research carried out for Confused.com found that half of the UK's motorists attempt "unsafe" overtaking when stuck behind an excessively slow vehicle. A third say they have had an incident or near miss as a result.

Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, says: "Slow drivers need to be taken as seriously as motorists caught speeding.

"Our findings confirm they are a constant source of anxiety on UK roads and responsible for a large number of accidents each year."
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� Confused.com 2012 - Car Insurance

Why YOU'RE to blame for gas price hikes

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:19:21 GMT

British Gas has become the second of the "Big Six" energy firms to raise prices, and the remaining four are likely to follow suit. Why? Because only one in five households switch.

By Naphtalia Loderick

It's going to be a long, cold winter for many households across the UK as one by one, gas and electricity suppliers announce price rises.

British Gas is the latest to announce price hikes: the cost of gas will increase by 18 per cent and electricity 16 per cent, as of 18 August, adding around �190 to the average duel fuel household bill.

Scottish Power got the ball rolling last month by announced gas price rises of 19 per cent and electricity by 10 per cent as of 1 August.

And industry experts say the other suppliers are likely to follow suit. Why? Because only one on five households - just 20 per cent - bother to switch.

Win-win for energy firms

How does this keep prices high, you ask. Well, when one supplier raises prices the others follow suit because they know 80 per cent of consumers won't bother to switch to a cheaper provider supplier - in other words, they know your custom is guaranteed. So why would they lower prices? Answer: they don't.

It's a win-win situation for the energy firms. The only loser is the consumer. However, in so many other areas consumers are used to shopping around for the cheapest price.

Supermarkets, for example, are in a constant battle for custom, with their price wars often making headlines.

And when it comes to car insurance, 70 per cent of motorists looked around for a better deal at renewal time, according to retail analysis firm Mintel.

Consumers missing out on savings

So why is it that when it comes to the cost of heating your home, consumers fall short? Well, energy firms don't exactly make it easy to shop around.

Energy regulator Ofgem's review of the energy market, published in March this year, found there were too many tariffs on offer, confusing consumers and putting them off looking for a better deal.

Ofgem's review also found that energy suppliers were quick to raise prices when the cost of wholesale gas - the amount suppliers pay for their energy - rose, but slow to cut rates when the price of gas fell.

The regulator is consulting with the industry over reforms which, it is hoped, will make it easier to shop around.

Fuel poverty on the rise

But with newly released figures showing that fuel poverty is on the increase, householders will have to act now if they want to save money on their heating in time for winter.

A household is described as being in fuel poverty when it has to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on keeping warm.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), 5.5 million households were affected by fuel poverty in 2009, up from 4.5 million the year before.

The DECC predicts the numbers for 2010 and 2011 will have increased because of further rises in the price of gas and electricity.

However, consumer watchdog Consumer Focus says the predictions for fuel poverty in 2011 are likely to be an underestimate.

Audrey Gallacher, director of energy at Consumer Focus, said: 'Worryingly, the predictions for fuel poverty in 2011 are likely to be an underestimate as four of the Big Six have yet to announce their expected price rises.

"If these are in line with the increases announced from British Gas and Scottish Power, around 12 million people, or 6.4 million British households, are likely to be in fuel poverty when the latest price rises hit."

Switch and fix

Consumers who want to avoid price rises can opt for a fixed or capped energy tariff. These deals set the unit price (also known as the kilowatt hour or kWh price) of your gas and electricity for a certain period of time.

However, due to the price guarantee that comes with fixed and capped tariffs it does mean that they cost more per unit than standard tariffs, but they do provide peace of mind to those worried about future price rises.

And with prices almost certainly on the increase, consumers on fixed or capped tariffs are likely to see a benefit.

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com, said: "We advise consumers to opt for a fixed or capped tariff as they offer price security against from future hikes.�

"Paying by direct debit and managing your account online will also be cheaper.

"The best deals are sure to be pulled soon so we urge consumers to act quickly."

How to switch

If you want to know more about how to switch energy suppliers, read our step-by-step guide to switching. And be bamboozled by energy no more with our round-up of the top ten energy myths.

Best buy dual fuel fixed and capped tariffs as at 20/07/2011
Supplier	Tariff	Average UK bill
EDF	Fixed S@ver V2	�1,009
npower	Price Protector	�1,054
Eon	Fixed Price 5	�1,126
Scottish and Southern	Fixed price 6	�1,143
Scottish Power	Platinum Fixed Energy January 2014 Online NSC	�1,202
British Gas	Price Promise March 2013	�1,284

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� Confused.com 2012 - Energy