Are you a 'green' driver?

If eco-driving floats your boat, then save a date in your diary for the a new motor show focusing on eco-motoring in September, in London.

EcoVelocity is described as 'a dynamic festival of green motoring packed with the very latest no compromise, hi-tech and ultra low carbon vehicles'.

It will run over four days between Thursday 8th and Sunday 11th September in the grounds of the former Battersea Power Station.

Organisers say at least 13 manufacturers have already signed up to the event, showcasing their electric, hybrid and low-emission cars. Test drives will be available on a specially constructed circuit.

According to the organisers Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Vauxhall and Volkswagen will all be attending EcoVelocity.

Highlights are expected to include SEAT and Honda programmes for youngsters getting their first car or motorcycle licence, a ‘catwalk parade’ of the best eco cars in each category, a Green Supercar Paddock and the Eco-Lab, showing the science behind  greener motoring, so this is the perfect opportunity to pick up some eco-friendly driving tips!

The show is being organised by IMIE, which ran the last British Motor Show in London in 2008, and sponsored by the Metro daily newspaper.

According to event founder Giles Brown, EcoVelocity will be the most important motoring event of the year; 'It is going to be of great interest to motorists learning what the industry has to offer them right now and in the future'.

Eco-friendly driving will not only help towards preserving the environment, but will also help preserve the quality and capability of your own vehicle, which in turn can reduce your insurance premiums. At the eInsurance Group, we love careful, honest drivers, and so why not visit us online and see how much money you could save on your car insurance?

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Changing mortgages can leave homes under protected

In the interest of cutting household bills and monthly outgoings, mortgage holders have been restructuring their mortgages and switching to interest-only payments.  Although this does have a great impact on their monthly financial outgoings, most have neglected to look at their mortgage protection cover.

A gap is forming whereby the life cover will not clear the interest-only mortgage in the event of your death.

Most life insurance policies will run in line with repayment mortgages and will decrease each year as the mortgage decreases.  If the mortgage holder switches to an interest-only mortgage the mortgage does not decrease each year, it remains the same and so should their life insurance policy (level term assurance policy).  If they do not review their life cover, every year they ignore it, the gap will increase.

Caledonian Life said that if a person bought a house with a mortgage of €300,000 in 2007 but switched to interest only terms in 2008, then the deficit between the sum insured on their mortgage protection life cover and the amount outstanding on the actual mortgage, could now three years later be as much as €27,522.

If you have changed to an interest-only mortgage it’s essential you look at your life cover policy to make sure it is still sufficient to cover you and your home in the event your death.


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Katie Price's lucky escape from car crash horror

Model Katie Price has escaped with minor injuries from a horror car crash with her Argentinian-boyfriend Leandro in which two horses were killed.

The businesswoman and model was left with severe whiplash after two stallions ran into the road and smashed into her 4X4, which boyfriend Leandro Penna was driving.After the terrifying accident, which left the horses dead, Katie admitted she was stunned she survived.

She told the Daily Mirror: 'It's a miracle that we're alive. It was absolutely terrifying. it all happened in a flash and I have absolutely no idea how I wasn't badly injured.

Keen horsewoman Katie added: 'I feel so lucky, but more than anything I'm just distraught about the horses. It was so upsetting.'


But car accidents involving horses here in the UK are sadly also a frequent occurrence, with many horses and riders injured every year due to driver carelessness on roads. The UK-based 'Smart Driving' says:

• There are over 3 million horse riders in the UK
• There are around 8 road accidents involving horses every day
• An average of 16 riders are killed each year
• The majority of accidents with horses happen on minor roads

It's clear that accidents involving horses are not unusual, and especially now the summer months are almost here, drivers must pay extra attention when venturing out on country roads. So what is the safest and best way to drive when you see horses on the road?


The British Horse Society advises the following:

• Take extra care at left-hand bends and on narrow country roads.
• Drive slowly past horses. 
• Give horses plenty of room and be ready to stop.
• Do not scare animals by sounding your horn or revving your engine.
• Look out for horse riders' signals and be aware that they may not move to the center of the road prior to turning right.
• Riders of horses and ponies are often children - so take extra care.
• Treat horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected!

So, keep your eyes open for horses on the road, take these tips into consideration and stay safe out there peeps! 


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Should you consider fixing gas and electricity costs now?

Experts are predicting price rises in energy this year, prompting some to suggest you consider fixing gas and electricity costs now.

It has been predicted to expect a price rise of up to 15% on energy bills as a result of unrest in the Middle East pushing up oil prices and the Japan earthquake, which could push up demand for gas.

Households on their provider's standard tariff are almost certainly paying too much as the typical cost of such a tariff is around £1,100 a year whereas the cheapest online deals start at around £900.

The benefit of households signing up for a fixed rate tariff is the security they offer, as prices cannot rise during the fixed term, which usually stretches for a year.  The disadvantage is fixed tariffs tend to be more expensive than variable tariffs initially so if prices don't rise, as predicted, you'll be paying too much. Also, if prices do not rise for another six months, you could be paying too much in that interim period. Another option you may consider is a capped tariff where the price you pay can go down but it cannot rise.

Most householders do not think of switching their energy provider in the summer months when the heating is off and bills are low. But securing a competitive fixed rate or online tariff now could pay off if prices start to rise later this year, as predicted.  Fixed-price deals are still on offer but they will not be around for long.

‘The best tariffs, particularly low cost fixed rates, are filling up fast and once they are oversubscribed, providers pull them,’ says Mark Todd, managing director at switching service energyhelpline.com.

‘If you’re looking to switch, you must act fast as prices are likely to start to rise by late summer.’ Todd recommends fixed rates for those who have serious concerns about rising bills.

Households who have never switched before stand to gain the most as Energyhelpline says the average household can save about £370 in the first year. Those prepared to pay by direct debit and take an online tariff – where bills are emailed rather than sent in the post – and dual-fuel deals secure the biggest savings.

Prices vary across the country and the cheapest provider for you will depend on where you live. Consumers can compare the best tariffs online through various comparison websites although be aware you need to search separately for fixed and non-fixed deals.

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Royal Wedding Warning!

As the big day becomes ever closer for Prince William and Kate Middleton, most of the UK is gearing of for the big day by organising their parties or street parties!

Street parties are fairly typical in British culture when there is a Royal Wedding or when there are other big national events. However, there is some cause for concern on the big day, highlighted by financial giants AXA. They are predicting a peak in the level of burglaries on the day of the wedding. This is because approximately 40% of all Britons will be out of their homes during the Royal event, with 21% leaving their doors and windows unlocked!

But don’t cancel your plans just yet, as there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that enjoy the day worry-free.

For example:

·         Check your guest list: You want your party to be as popular as possible, but make sure you only invite people you or your friends know well.

·         Check windows and doors: If your party is taking place in your garden, let people through the side of your house so you won’t have to keep checking who is going in and out of your home.

·         If you are having a party in your house, keep an eye out on who is coming in to ensure it’s not just a stranger wondering in!

·         Street party: Make sure your doors and windows are secure before leaving for a street party with all security systems switched on. Also make a mental note of what belonging you are carrying on you. Some street parties will be very busy, so you’ll want to know where everything you’ve got on you is before you get there so you can keep an eye on it.

·         Check your home insurance:  It doesn’t take long to be a victim of a burglary. On days like these, you don’t want to be at more risk just to save a few pennies. Ensure that everything is covered so you can enjoy your day

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New law on uninsured cars

There is a new law that is being put into place this spring, which requires all cars to be insured unless they have been declared off the road. No exceptions! Even when your car is not in use for long periods of time, car insurance will still be needed.

The aim of this new law is to help combat the ongoing battle against uninsured drivers. It’s been heavily covered in the news lately that car insurance costs are rising at a fast pace, and uninsured drivers are one of the main reasons for this.

When this new legislation passes, your car will not only have to be taxed if it’s sitting outside on the road, but also insured. It also means that you will not be able to take your vehicle off the road for a temporary period of time and then cancel your insurance. You will only be able to do this by declaring it off the road.

The government is warning many motorists not to be caught out over the summer, as this law will cover motor caravans, motorbikes, vintage cars and other vehicles similar to these that many people only insure for part of the year.

It’s definitely worth checking your own vehicles, as a vehicle without insurance can receive a £100 fixed penalty, have their car clamped, impounded or destroyed or even face a court prosecution with a maximum penalty of £1000.

Hopefully this new law will help reward honest motorists and lower their cost in car insurance over time.

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MOT tests every two years instead of annually

The current MOT requirements, which have been in place since 1967, are being reviewed by the UK Government as it has recognised that car design and safety technology has developed a long way in the last 40 years.

Currently, all cars must pass an annual test once they are three years old, however it is believed that testing need not be so regular at the start of a car’s life.

There are three new proposed schedules.

1. First MOT after four years (rather than three), then annually afterwards.
2. First MOT after four years, then another test two years later, then annual testing.
3. First test after four years, the next three MOTs every two years, then annual testing.

“Car technology has come a long way since the 1960s, that’s why we think its right to look again to check whether we still have the right balance of MOT testing for modern vehicles. We want to work with the industry and motorists to get the decision absolutely right,” said Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary.

The Telegraph reports, the proposals - which would bring the UK closer to the EU's more relaxed system of vehicle testing - are believed to have found favour with ministers as a way of offsetting increasing petrol prices, and reflect the improved safety measures of modern cars.

The changes are likely to be welcomed by drivers and could mean that, over its first 10 years, a new car would only be tested four times instead of eight, saving motorists hundreds of pounds. A regular MOT test costs just over £50 but it can easily increase to £200 or more with tyre replacement and repairs for wear and tear.

However, there is some concern that reduced testing will have a negative effect on road safety, with some analysts suggesting they could lead to 30 extra road deaths per year. The proposals were also criticised as unsafe and economically catastrophic by the Retail motor Industry Federation in December. The organisation's John Ball claims that they would "kill people and kill jobs" as Britain’s 19,000 garages authorised to carry out MOT’s would also inevitably lose business.

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The Lies People Tell to get Insured

Car insurance is often seen as a necessary evil.
It's compulsory, it can be expensive and it can be time-consuming. 
With the introduction of online quotes, many less scrupulous people have begun telling lies on their insurance quotes to try to get a cheaper price - often seeing it as a clever way to reduce their premium.

In fact this is lying. It is fraud. And it is illegal.

What's more, the impact of this activity is felt by honest people, whose premiums are inflated by up to 40% as a result.
Here are five of the most seemingly harmless car insurance quote fibs that put premiums up for everyone else:

1. "Are you the main driver?" - "Yes."
2. "Do you have any convictions?" - "No."
3. "Have you ever made a claim?" - "No."
4. "Does your car have any modifications?" - "No."
5. "Where will your car be kept overnight?" - "In a locked garage."

Ecar Insurance, part of the EInsurance group, has implemented technology and processes to eliminate these fraudulent applications. And by cancelling fraudulent policies or increasing premiums to the correct level for those who told fibs to get a cheap quote, we are able to offer 40% cheaper premiums to our honest customers.

See how much you can save today

Honesty really is your best Policy! 

              
   

Homeowners under-insure by 30% are you one of them?

On average, 3 out of 10 households under-insure their homes contents, with the majority of people only discovering the shortfall when they make a claim. ‘Parago Home’ has created a new home contents management system; this enables home-owners to keep an accurate and up to date record of all assets and valuables for home insurance purposes. Furthermore, in excess of 90% of people could not make an accurate claim in the event of a loss. ‘Parago Home’ will ensure that you record your assets for their true value; this certifies that you will have all your information in the event of a claim.


Parago can be accessed via a PC and/or Apple iPhone/iPod touch. 90% of the asset discovery and recording process can be done whilst on the move.  The application enables you create a virtual image of your home and add contents to each room with the aid of asset icons. You can then take high resolution pictures of all your assets (including audio equipment, home furnishings, jewellery, children's toys, artwork and clothing) and attach these to the asset icon.  You can also store photographs of receipts, invoices and certificates against each asset. Accessing your account via a PC will enable you to add more data to each asset should you not be able to locate any paperwork.


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Killer worms feast on innocent dogs

Lungworm, a potentially fatal infection for dogs, has become increasingly diagnosed by vets, the Be Lungworm Aware campaign has warned.

A spokesman said nearly 4 out of 10 vets in the UK have diagnosed at least one case of Lungworm in 2010 compared to only 16 per cent in 2008.

Vet Luke Gamble said: "Once a problem seen only in isolated areas, lungworm is spreading at an alarming rate in the UK.”

"While dog owners are becoming more aware of lungworm, there is still a real lack of understanding as to the warning signs associated with the condition and how to prevent or treat it."

Dogs can become infected with lungworm after eating common garden slugs and snails carrying the larvae. A spokesman for the campaign said an infected dog may have breathing difficulties, be lethargic and cough. Other signs include weight loss, fits, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, paralysis and persistent bleeding from minor cuts.

Sarah Wright, editor of Your Dog magazine, said: "While lungworm poses a real risk to all dogs, it can be easily treated if caught early enough and with new advances in veterinary medicine, even prevented. 

"With the increasing number of reported incidents, it is more important than ever before that owners are aware of the signs to look out for." 

It's always better to protect your dog (or cat) with pet insurance and provide yourself with the peace of mind that your best friend will always be looked after whatever happens. 

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EU Legislation means women will pay more, is this fair?

A new ruling is more than likely to hit women drivers aged 25 or under. Is this fair? As statistically, they have fewest and the least expensive accident claims. Male drivers under 21 are twice as likely to have an accident than a female, under 21, according to the British Insurance Brokers Association.

"Unisex rates will have to apply for motor insurance with the likelihood of an increase in premiums for females which could typically be up to 25 per cent but in some cases more than 50 per cent," warns Steve Foulsham, BIBA technical services manager. "However it's unlikely that premiums for male drivers will reduce much as their risk is still considerable."

Over the past year, premiums for women aged between 17 and 25 have climbed 34 per cent on average to £1,002 or by 70 pence per day. At the same time, the cost of cover for men of the same age has risen just 12 per cent.

With the cost of cover on an upward trend, insurers that can find other ways to reduce prices will gain a competitive advantage. That will increase the importance of comparing different companies' quotes. Meanwhile young women, in particular, may need to look more closely at other ways of cutting the cost of cover, such as taking a higher excess, or shopping around for the most competitive car insurance quotes.



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Standard of living falls for 30 million

More than 30 million people believe the average standard of living for families in Britain has fallen since 2007, according to a recent study by Scottish Provident.

Worryingly, a huge 36% of UK adults also predict that their personal standard of living will decline either slightly or greatly by 2013, compared to 24% who believe standards will improve.

Scottish Provident found that on average 54% of people believe that owning their own home is important for a reasonable standard of living, ranked fourth after having savings (66%), having broadband or internet access in the house (62%) and owning a car (59%).

However, owning a home was considerably more important for older generations, with 65% of people over 55 citing it as vital to a reasonable standard of living, second after having savings (74%).

The research also revealed that 58% of families do not have any form of protection product in place should the main breadwinner be unable to work due to death, illness or disability.

In these circumstances, families are urged to ensure they build up an adequate financial safety net, to combat unexpected declines in living standards. They can also use low financial protection products such life insurance and mortgage protection to protect themselves.

Sky-high petrol prices trigger 14% drop in fuel sales

As a nation we're buying less and less fuel, as we wean ourselves off the expensive commodity in response to exploding prices.

A recent report from the AA said the amount of fuel sold in the UK has crashed 14% since 2007 – or nearly 3.2 billion litres a year. Fuel consumption dropped 2.2% in the last three months of 2010 alone. The average petrol price has soared from 95p a litre in 2007 to 133.04p now.

AA president Edmund King said: “The reality is many poorer motorists can’t afford to pay for petrol and are increasingly leaving their cars idle.”

CRISIS

Some MP’s and pressure groups are urging drastic action as the problem of rising fuel prices becomes "a crisis".

The government has responded to the pressure in last week’s budget, by reducing fuel duty by 1p per litre and introducing a ‘Fair Fuel Stabiliser’ to cut fuel duty when oil prices rise and vice versa.

The Prime Minister says moves to cut petrol tax and scrap fuel duty escalator were 'good, helpful steps' to help UK consumers – amounting to a 6p per litre cut at the pump. "It's a very substantial reduction ... but I think it's absolutely the right move to take." the Prime Minister said.

MOTORISTS NOT CONVINCED

But with price rises forecast to continue, motorists aren’t convinced that the situation has improved, and Labour attacked the fuel duty cut as "Del Boy economics" on the grounds that there has been a recent 3p increase in VAT.

There were also concerns that oil companies might try to recoup the £2bn they are having to pay in extra tax by putting prices up at the pumps – but the chancellor George Osborne said that they would be watching oil companies "like a hawk" to make sure there was "no funny business".



ALTERNATIVES

The rising fuel prices also make food and heating more expensive, so the gloom is set to continue and motorists will need to cut back in other areas to accommodate the price rises. One area where instant savings can be made is by getting a cheaper car insurance quote.
 


Motorists are being urged to cut down on unnecessary journeys to reduce emissions, and any action the government has taken to reduce fuel duty has been balanced by environmental concerns. Environmentalists say the government should be looking at the challenges of climate change as well as rising fuel prices. 

Richard Dyer, from Friends of the Earth, said this must include greener cars, better public transport, encouraging walking and cycling for shorter journeys - and "standing firm on plans to increase fuel duty". Should the government be doing more to reduce fuel prices, or should we be doing more to reduce our consumption of oil?