Will Thomas, head of motor at Confused.com, says: "Hoping for the best in extreme weather conditions like this is a highway to nowhere for anyone who needs the use of a vehicle. When doing the inevitable New Year review of finances it would be easy to consider the purchase of breakdown cover as a luxury but motorists need to consider the consequences of going without cover. Not only could you face a long wait in the cold, you also stand to pay charges that run into hundreds of pounds for roadside repair and recovery. On top of this you need to take into account the associated benefits that a breakdown policy would offer- overnight stay, alternative travel, car hire cover, things you would not necessarily think about until you were in an emergency situation.
In terms of breakdown policies, one size does not fit all; there are different levels of cover available. To get the most suitable product for you it is important to understand where, how often and the distance you drive. Do not make assumptions about the level of cover, but at the same time don't pay for benefits that you will not use.
To get the best policy it is important to understand where you will be driving, how often and the distance you drive. Look at the benefits, you don't want to be paying extra for benefits you will never use but at the same time it is important not to make assumptions about what your cover entitles you to. Shopping around using a price comparison site like Confused.com allows you to check not only price but also review policies according to their associated benefits"
There are 5 different types of product (broadly speaking) which are;
Roadside Assistance
Typically covers you for up to 1 hours labour at the side of the road to try and fix the vehicle (parts would have to be paid for if fitted)
Roadside Recovery
Includes Roadside assistance + recovery to a garage typically within a 10 mile radius (additional costs if more than 10 miles). Excludes distances less than one mile from the policy holders home.
Roadside Recovery UK
Covers you anywhere in mainland Great Britain and typically allows you to be recovered to a garage of your choice or your final destination. Excludes distances less than one mile from the policy holders home.
European cover
Cover whilst in mainland Europe and is valid for up to 30 consecutive days in any one instance and no more than 90 days per year.
Home Help
Typically can be added to either Roadside recovery, UK recovery and European Cover. This allows you to call for assistance within a mile radius of your home. (this tends to be used for flat batteries or tires)
Source
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Green flag breakdown and a pint of milk
In keeping with their outstanding policy to sell anything and everything, most of the United Kingdom’s major supermarket chains are now offering breakdown cover. One can purchase RAC breakdown cover at Asda or green flag breakdown through Tesco and Sainsburys.
And while all of these may offer exceptional pricing bargains, it still remains foolish to purchase such important policies of cover without first completing a simple breakdown cover comparison. To completely compare breakdown cover first visit Breakdownchoices.co.uk.
This consumer assistance website specializes in providing simple to understand factual comparisons of all the United Kingdom’s largest breakdown cover contracts as offered by major providers such as AA, RAC and Green Flag Breakdown. Both AA and RAC offer substantial discounts for purchase of their cover directly online. This would obviously make sense too, as supermarket chains do fully expect to make a healthy commission on any sales they bring into the fold.
While it is true you will not be able to buy your groceries at Breakdown Choices, you will be able to find exactly that cover you require. When purchasing breakdown cover it is essential to remember that cover is divided into specific levels of service and if you do not purchase the correct breakdown cover package you are very likely to find yourself stranded with a roadside assistance policy that is as good as no cover it all. Tow home and home start service are examples of supplemental to basic level breakdown cover features that the majority of United Kingdom car owners would always prefer to have in place.
And while all of these may offer exceptional pricing bargains, it still remains foolish to purchase such important policies of cover without first completing a simple breakdown cover comparison. To completely compare breakdown cover first visit Breakdownchoices.co.uk.
This consumer assistance website specializes in providing simple to understand factual comparisons of all the United Kingdom’s largest breakdown cover contracts as offered by major providers such as AA, RAC and Green Flag Breakdown. Both AA and RAC offer substantial discounts for purchase of their cover directly online. This would obviously make sense too, as supermarket chains do fully expect to make a healthy commission on any sales they bring into the fold.
While it is true you will not be able to buy your groceries at Breakdown Choices, you will be able to find exactly that cover you require. When purchasing breakdown cover it is essential to remember that cover is divided into specific levels of service and if you do not purchase the correct breakdown cover package you are very likely to find yourself stranded with a roadside assistance policy that is as good as no cover it all. Tow home and home start service are examples of supplemental to basic level breakdown cover features that the majority of United Kingdom car owners would always prefer to have in place.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Beware the financial black holes
Every year, thousands of people pay hundreds of pounds for “added perks” on their bank account that they don’t ever use. These packaged accounts, which charge monthly fees of up to £15 for benefits such as travel insurance and breakdown cover, make up a quarter of current accounts available.
Michelle Slade, of Moneyfacts.com, says these accounts used to offer more competitive credit interest and overdraft rates, but this is no longer the case.“Packaged accounts can be a good option if you use the benefits fully, but in most instances people don’t. Monthly fees can quickly add up, so if you don’t use the benefits you’re paying good money for nothing. Better deals can be found without having to pay a monthly fee.”
2 DON’T BE FOOLED INTO HIRING ELECTRICAL ITEMS
It may be tempting to rent a widescreen television at a monthly price you can afford, but this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. With renting you are left with nothing – only the prospect of never-ending monthly payments. If you can be patient and save the money for a few months instead, you will give yourself a chance to buy it outright.
For example, you can hire a 19in Sanyo television at Rentaldeals.co.uk for £3.46 a week, or £179.92 a year. But you could buy the same brand new model from Amazon.co.uk for £217.16. Those who are tempted to hire a Bosch washer/dryer at a cost of £7.84 per month, or £407.68 a year, could buy it new from Argos for £546.27.
3 DON’T FALL FOR THE FREE LAPTOP TRAP
Free laptop deals with mobile phone contracts are very popular at the moment, but it is essential that you read the small print of the contract, as you may be paying much more than necessary.
Mike Wilson, the manager of mobiles and broadband at Moneysupermarket.com, says that by comparing deals, you could save hundreds of pounds over the term of the contract, enough to buy a better laptop elsewhere:
“Some of the mobile tariffs offering this type of free gift will tie you into an 18-month contract at upwards of £30 per month, but if you don’t use the inclusive minutes and texts then you’re better off with a cheaper, more suitable contract, and buying the laptop yourself.”
Source
Michelle Slade, of Moneyfacts.com, says these accounts used to offer more competitive credit interest and overdraft rates, but this is no longer the case.“Packaged accounts can be a good option if you use the benefits fully, but in most instances people don’t. Monthly fees can quickly add up, so if you don’t use the benefits you’re paying good money for nothing. Better deals can be found without having to pay a monthly fee.”
2 DON’T BE FOOLED INTO HIRING ELECTRICAL ITEMS
It may be tempting to rent a widescreen television at a monthly price you can afford, but this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. With renting you are left with nothing – only the prospect of never-ending monthly payments. If you can be patient and save the money for a few months instead, you will give yourself a chance to buy it outright.
For example, you can hire a 19in Sanyo television at Rentaldeals.co.uk for £3.46 a week, or £179.92 a year. But you could buy the same brand new model from Amazon.co.uk for £217.16. Those who are tempted to hire a Bosch washer/dryer at a cost of £7.84 per month, or £407.68 a year, could buy it new from Argos for £546.27.
3 DON’T FALL FOR THE FREE LAPTOP TRAP
Free laptop deals with mobile phone contracts are very popular at the moment, but it is essential that you read the small print of the contract, as you may be paying much more than necessary.
Mike Wilson, the manager of mobiles and broadband at Moneysupermarket.com, says that by comparing deals, you could save hundreds of pounds over the term of the contract, enough to buy a better laptop elsewhere:
“Some of the mobile tariffs offering this type of free gift will tie you into an 18-month contract at upwards of £30 per month, but if you don’t use the inclusive minutes and texts then you’re better off with a cheaper, more suitable contract, and buying the laptop yourself.”
Source
Monday, February 15, 2010
The cost of boiler breakdown cover
Research from consumer organisation Which? found that nearly one in three of all new boilers will break down within their first six years of operation, with repair costs often running into hundreds of pounds.Similarly, to replace a boiler printed circuit board, which is effectively the 'brain' of the boiler, would cost around £220.
The cost of repairs can spiral up to £1,200 to replace the four key boiler parts – and this doesn't even factor in call-out charges, or hourly rates, which can make your overall bill even more painful.
If you wouldn't be able to cover these costs, then heating cover can provide peace of mind that repairs will be paid for if your boiler stops working. Policies start from just £6 a month.
Despite this, the number of people taking out heating cover on their boilers has dropped 40 per cent in the last year, according to comparison website uSwitch.com, and two thirds of households don't have any form of emergency heating cover in place.
Will Marples, energy expert at comparison website uSwitch.com said: "Consumers have to weigh up carefully for themselves whether the cost of boiler cover is a price worth paying.
It can cost from as little as £6 a month, but the key thing is to consider the impact of your boiler breaking down and whether you would be able to afford replacement or repair."
Our table shows some of the most cost-effective boiler breakdown policies currently available. Remember that you don't have to sign up for heating cover with your gas supplier, so you can choose the most appropriate cover from any provider to suit your needs.
Try to go for a policy which includes an annual gas safety check, as this will help minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mr Marples said; "Household budgets continue to be stretched, but what seems like an easy saving could cost you dearly in the long term. Those who have cancelled or decided against cover might think they aren't just taking a chance with their money, but if they are also not getting their boiler checked they are taking a chance with their health."
Always read the small print before buying heating cover, as some plans might not be as comprehensive as you think. For example, some limit the amount you can claim or the number of call-outs you can have each year, while others won't replace your boiler if it breaks down beyond repair and is more than seven years old.
You should also check with your household insurer that emergency breakdown isn't already covered by your home policy, although often even when it is, cover limits tend to be relatively low.
Some insurers include it as standard in their buildings cover. For example, Legal & General includes home emergency cover of up to £150 to cover call-out fees, labour costs and materials.
Prudential also automatically includes home emergency cover in its home insurance policies. This covers call out fees, parts, labour and materials up to £250 per call-out for emergencies relating to the main source of heating in the home.
It also covers emergencies relating to electricity supply, internal plumbing and drainage, as well as locks, doors and windows.
You should also bear in mind that if you have a new boiler, this sort of cover may not be necessary at all, as you may already be covered for breakdowns by a warranty.
If you are claiming benefits, then paying for cover could again be unnecessary, as you may be eligible for a Warm Front grant of up to £3,500 to cover you for boiler repairs or replacement.
Source
The cost of repairs can spiral up to £1,200 to replace the four key boiler parts – and this doesn't even factor in call-out charges, or hourly rates, which can make your overall bill even more painful.
If you wouldn't be able to cover these costs, then heating cover can provide peace of mind that repairs will be paid for if your boiler stops working. Policies start from just £6 a month.
Despite this, the number of people taking out heating cover on their boilers has dropped 40 per cent in the last year, according to comparison website uSwitch.com, and two thirds of households don't have any form of emergency heating cover in place.
Will Marples, energy expert at comparison website uSwitch.com said: "Consumers have to weigh up carefully for themselves whether the cost of boiler cover is a price worth paying.
It can cost from as little as £6 a month, but the key thing is to consider the impact of your boiler breaking down and whether you would be able to afford replacement or repair."
Our table shows some of the most cost-effective boiler breakdown policies currently available. Remember that you don't have to sign up for heating cover with your gas supplier, so you can choose the most appropriate cover from any provider to suit your needs.
Try to go for a policy which includes an annual gas safety check, as this will help minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mr Marples said; "Household budgets continue to be stretched, but what seems like an easy saving could cost you dearly in the long term. Those who have cancelled or decided against cover might think they aren't just taking a chance with their money, but if they are also not getting their boiler checked they are taking a chance with their health."
Always read the small print before buying heating cover, as some plans might not be as comprehensive as you think. For example, some limit the amount you can claim or the number of call-outs you can have each year, while others won't replace your boiler if it breaks down beyond repair and is more than seven years old.
You should also check with your household insurer that emergency breakdown isn't already covered by your home policy, although often even when it is, cover limits tend to be relatively low.
Some insurers include it as standard in their buildings cover. For example, Legal & General includes home emergency cover of up to £150 to cover call-out fees, labour costs and materials.
Prudential also automatically includes home emergency cover in its home insurance policies. This covers call out fees, parts, labour and materials up to £250 per call-out for emergencies relating to the main source of heating in the home.
It also covers emergencies relating to electricity supply, internal plumbing and drainage, as well as locks, doors and windows.
You should also bear in mind that if you have a new boiler, this sort of cover may not be necessary at all, as you may already be covered for breakdowns by a warranty.
If you are claiming benefits, then paying for cover could again be unnecessary, as you may be eligible for a Warm Front grant of up to £3,500 to cover you for boiler repairs or replacement.
Source
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