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Payday Express Supports Make-A-Wish for their 25th Anniversary

Consumer finance provider Payday Express chooses a different charity to support each month, and this December it dedicated efforts to raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses (make-a-wish.org.uk), and the charity is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Sarah Carroll, operations manager at the fast payday loans company, said: “Staff at Payday Express are always great at pulling together to support good causes and this December has been no exception.”

Throughout December, Payday Express organised a number of different ways for employees to contribute to the charity, including a Christmas party, a programme which allows staff to pay a pound to dress down on Fridays, and collection points for loose change.

Employees at the company, which provides cash loans until payday, contributed £5 towards the Christmas party, which gave them entry to the venue and disco, free food and drink, and chips for the casino tables. Staff were also able to buy additional £5 vouchers for casino chips on the night. All of the money raised on the night – £435 – will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Caroll added: “The staff were more than happy to link their Christmas party fun with helping to raise money for the fantastic Make-A-Wish charity, to be able to bring some joy to children who need a bit of cheer in their lives.”

Other money raised from dress-down Fridays and collection pots will be collected and donated to the charity at the end of the month.

Payday Express administrator Kristina Winch said: “At Payday Express we are dedicated to helping important causes.

“We aim to involve ourselves as much as possible in areas where we can benefit the less fortunate.”

Via EPR Network
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Payday Express Welcomes New Head Of Collections

Payday loans company Payday Express has appointed Andy Davidson as its new head of collections and both the company and Andy have high hopes for the future.

Andy joined Payday Express’s senior management team on November 9 and brings a wealth of experience, having been head of collections at Cabot Financial for the past three years.

While at Cabot Financial he managed more than 200 staff and achieved year on year collection performance improvements. Before that Andy worked at CitiGroup for more than 20 years, starting as assistant branch manager and leaving the company as senior district manager.

Andy said: “I’m really enthusiastic about joining Payday Express. It’s an exciting time for the company, as the online payday lending industry continues to grow. Joining the already strong leadership team at this time can only be a good thing.”

Payday Express has seen improvements in performance by the collections department in recent months, and Andy aims to achieve continual performance improvements. He will grow the team and help to develop employee talent, as well as oversee the implementation of new technologies to improve efficiency within the department.

Chris Gillard, who worked with Andy at CitiGroup and is now the business development manager at Payday Express, said: “It’s exciting that Andy is joining our management team.

“He is an enthusiastic and dedicated head of collections, whose management skills and experience will be extremely valuable and will help us to sustain business success.”

Via EPR Network
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Payday Express Staff Rally Round After Cristian’s Bike-Crash Ordeal

Staff at payday loans company Payday Express have shown unprecedented support for well-respected colleague Cristian Brownlee by fundraising after he was seriously injured in a motorbike crash.

Cristian suffered terrible injuries, including broken ribs, a punctured lung and broken sternum, as well as fracturing six vertebrae while riding to work on Friday October 21.

Employees at Payday Express have always been very fundraising-focused. They donate the proceeds of their weekly Dress Down Friday collections to different charities each month and get involved in events such as Children in Need and Movember. This time, with a cause closer to home, they upped the ante to help Cristian and his family during his lengthy hospital recovery.

Led by Adam Kenton and Laura Kent, who arranged bake sales and fancy dress days, as well as asking for donations, staff raised £652. This was matched by the company, bringing the total to £1,304.

As part of the fundraising efforts, employees auctioned some of their possessions, such as a Swarovski necklace, a PS2 slimline and an Only Fools and Horses DVD box set. Lunch dates with staff members, Lauren Pettit and Louise Dixon, were also auctioned.

“I have been telling Cristian all about what’s been going on in the office each time I visit him. I’ve also shown him photos of our dress up day,” said Adam.

“It feels good to be part of such a caring and supportive team.”

Cristian, who has always been a high-achieving Payday Express team member, said:
“Both myself and the nurses cannot believe the amount of support received from my colleagues.

“This has all been a pretty painful experience, both physically and emotionally, but they have really helped to take away the pain. I can’t wait to get out of here and start processing some loans!”

Via EPR Network
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Provident Continues to Maintain a Presence in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes British Airways

Provident is continuing to carve out a reputation as one of the world’s most responsible financial companies by once again being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.

The DJSI World tracks the performance of the top 10% of the 2500 largest companies in the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index that lead the field in terms of sustainability, with the DJSI Europe monitoring the sustainability performance of the top 20% of the 600 largest European companies.

For the seventh successive year, Provident has been selected for inclusion in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index (DJSI Europe).

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes were launched in 1999 as the first global sustainability benchmarks. The Indexes are based on an internationally recognised leading Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) methodology which means that they include only companies that fulfil certain sustainability criteria which is better than the majority of their peers.

Provident’s overall score in the 2011 Indexes was 63% (2010: 59%) – 23% points higher than the average overall score of the other companies in the financial services sector – with ‘best in class’ scores for environmental monitoring and reporting, and scores of over 80% in respect of a range of other CR issues, including anti-crime policy/measures, stakeholder engagement and social reporting.

Rob Lawson, Corporate Responsibility manager at Provident Financial said: “We are delighted to continue to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and remain committed to disclosing information on our corporate responsibility (CR) performance to our stakeholders.”

Rob Lawson concluded: “Our continued inclusion in the Indexes is no mean feat, and is testament to the progress we’ve made over the past seven years in embedding our CR programme throughout our business. It also endorses our approach to CR management and shows that we compare favourably to other global companies.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Find Brits Are A Nation Of DIY Lovers But Pay The Price In Home Insurance Claims

Confused.com has revealed that fifty-three per cent of homeowners are doing their own home improvements due to an increase in living costs. However, many of these projects are ending in disaster, with 11 per cent of those who ‘have a go’ then claiming on their home insurance.

A recent study by the Institute of Fiscal Studies warned that households are looking at a 3.8 per cent fall in earnings with data for the first 11 months of 2010-11, marking the largest fall in disposable income since 1981. As a consequence of this strain on income, homeowners in the UK are turning their hand to DIY.

Aside from money issues, the Confused.com survey also showed that thirty-nine per cent of Brits claim to have undertaken home improvement work after watching DIY programs; their favourite being Grand Designs (22 per cent).

Homeowners in Scotland and the West Midlands are most likely to do their own home improvements, with 23 per cent claiming to do DIY, compared with the North East where only 11 per cent do DIY.

Fifty per cent of homeowners in Northern Ireland also claimed to have done a successful job, compared with 26 per cent of homeowners in Wales who said their inspirational home improvements looked dreadful and out of this 26% of Welsh homeowners, if money were no object, then 67 per cent would pay someone to do their DIY.

Of all those UK homeowners surveyed, 31 per cent of these budding Kevin McClouds admitted to having DIY mishaps, and of these 31% homeowners, most disasters were taking place in households in Scotland (12 per cent) and Wales (12 per cent) resulting in home insurance claims.

Despite tackling DIY to save money, 6 per cent of Scottish homeowners have paid over £1,000 in the past 24 months rectifying their DIY disasters. A further15 per cent of Scottish homeowners have paid £200 or more in the same period, whereas those living in Northern Ireland paid out over £350 in the last two years to fix botched DIY. In Wales, 13 per cent said they have paid out £300 fixing bad DIY jobs in the last two years.

Mark Gabriel, Confused.com Home Insurance spokesman, said: “With the economy so fragile, people’s finances are under more pressure and things aren’t getting any easier particularly with the rise in petrol prices and food prices. Therefore people have turned to ways of saving money and have been inspired by home improvement programs.

“However it is important to remember that television often makes tasks look easier than they are. In fact, some home insurance policies stipulate that only professionally accredited tradesmen should carry out certain work, so it is worth checking that you are not inadvertently rendering your insurance invalid by failing to read the small print.

“It is important to look at your home insurance policy to check that you are fully covered, should things go wrong, and to check their policy details carefully. It is also necessary to take extra safety precautions, as DIY disasters can cause accidents.”

For more information on home insurance, flat insurance and staying safe while DIYing, visit Confused.com.

Via EPR Network
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Short-term Finance Solutions Company’s Staff Join Movember Madness

Prolific fund-raisers at the Kent-based financial services company, Payday Express, aren’t ones to turn down a charity challenge– and so, as has become an annual tradition, they’re once again fully embracing this year’s Movember national appeal.

The company’s male staff are putting their money where their mouths – or rather, their top lips – are and changing their own looks, as well as the face of men’s health, by boosting awareness and raising money for research into men’s health, and in particular prostate and testicular cancer.

To those taking part, their moustaches are as much a symbol of their commitment to raising money for charity as the effort put in by anyone who runs or walks for a good cause.

Chris Gillard, Business Development Manager for Payday Express, has set up a Movember Financial team, through which staff can support their colleagues by pledging donations towards research into cancers affecting men.

Chris said “We already have moustaches – or mos – in a wide variety of colours, textures and styles around the office, and our female colleagues are being encouraged to get involved in the fun and support the cause by sporting fakes.”

“The company has also offered a prize for the staff member whose mo raises the most”.

“Movember is a fantastic charity that puts the spotlight on men’s health in a fun and innovative way. This fresh approach to fundraising is always lapped up by our staff – it’s not surprising that this campaign has so much support across the world.”

The Payday Express office walls are adorned with posters publicising the event, so that no visitor is in any doubt about their dedication to the cause – and of course, they are encouraged to make a donation before they leave.

Via EPR Network
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Pensioners Suffering As The Money Runs Out, Says Debt Solutions Company Trust Deed Scotland

A new report reveals that pensioners across the UK are being left penniless as their money disappears every week in a whirlwind of bills, says Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland.

An income of £207.15 per week is typical for most pensioned couples, but a report by Standard Life shows it goes straight back out the door as £207.24 is spent on food, fuel, housing and transport.

The report highlights rising inflation as the reason why the average pensioner has difficulties making ends and are being hit hard – many are having issues even affording a new pair of shoes, a holiday or a present for a grandchild.

While the Consumer Price Index remained the same in September at 4.5%, the Retail Price Index was hovering at 5.2% and threatening to rise again. Pensioner have a fixed income that doesn’t change from month to month, and that combined with inflation and large energy rises from utilities companies means turn some have turned towards credit cards to make ends meet.

A spokesperson for Scottish Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland, said:
“According to Age UK, British pensioners are the fourth poorest in Europe, with the worst off set to lose up to 22% of their household income because of cuts to local authority services and changes to the tax and benefits system. This report highlights the dire position our parents and grandparents are in. At a time when they should be relaxing after a lifetime of working, they are pinching pennies and worrying about what the future will hold for them.”

The day before Standard Life published its report, the Institute of Fiscal Studies issued a warning about how ‘real’ inflation was hitting pensioners much harder than younger age groups.

“The Insolvency Service reported the fastest rising group of people claiming insolvency is pensioners,” said the spokesperson. “They are six times more likely to go bankrupt or take out a debt solution such as a Scottish Trust Deed or Debt Arrangement Schemethan they were just a decade ago. The number of people entering retirement with unpaid debts has increased, and when combined with increased life expectancy, the recession and limited options to increase income when you retire, it adds up to a lot of older people in real trouble”.

According to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service the average unsecured debt of newly retired pensioners is £21,370 and few have any savings at all. Once all the bills have been covered, there’s just £85 left at the end of the month.

“There are numerous reasons why pensioners are entering retirement in debt,” said the spokesperson. “Previous good house values led to many people remortgaging for home improvements or to loan to children or grand children for house deposits. There’s also the issue of divorce, where one partner will often buy the other out of their share of the property by extending their mortgage. And then some people are marrying and having families much later in life or having second families in their fifties.”

“For many life as a retiree in today’s world is just as expensive as it was when they were working, but now they have less income to live on.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Reveals That Keeping Diabetes A Secret Could Invalidate Life Insurance

New research by Confused.com has revealed that 26 per cent of people only have a vague idea what diabetes is, and worryingly 22 per cent of diabetes sufferers are not comfortable telling people about their condition, potentially putting their health at risk.

Keeping diabetes a secret not only makes diabetics more vulnerable but also means their life insurance could be invalidated.

This Confused.com research is supported by a survey conducted by Diabetes UK which shows that one in three people with diabetes have been keeping their condition a secret.

In light of this, Confused.com is warning against the dangers of keeping a medical condition secret and reminding people that their life insurance could be invalidated if they are not upfront about any condition they have been diagnosed with.

Diabetes is on the increase in the UK with one person diagnosed every three minutes. In fact 31% of people know someone with diabetes and there is an estimated half a million more people in the UK who are likely tohave diabetes but have not been diagnosed.

Diabetes is a more common condition than most people believe with an estimated 4 million people being diagnosed with this condition in 2025.

Matt Lloyd, Head of Life Insurance at Confused.com said: “Having a condition such as diabetes does not always mean you cannot get life insurance quotes. Particularly, if a person with diabetes is controlling their condition as directed by their doctor it is possible that they may be able to get a policy put in place. It is also worth going back to the insurer if you have made a positive change to your lifestyle since you were originally quoted for insurance because you may be entitled to a cheaper policy if you are healthier now than when you took out the policy.”

Via EPR Network
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Short-Term Loans Company’s Strict Controls Help Lock Out Fraudsters

A tough approach to detecting and stopping fraudulent applications, along with a system of thorough verification checks and state of the art screening technology, are helping a leading payday loans company to nip fraud in the bud.

Payday Express, a provider of same day cash loans that people can access to see through a temporarily difficult time with their personal finances, have implemented sophisticated identity and fraud prevention checks on its website, which will detect many illegitimate attempts to obtain an instant cash loan and immediately decline them.

It warns anyone tempted to try to make fraudulent loan applications that it takes fraud very seriously and will do whatever it takes to prosecute anyone who does manage to take out a fraudulent loan and press for the maximum penalty to be imposed.

Once a dubious payday loan application has been detected and intercepted, all the details are investigated by Payday Express’s dedicated fraud prevention team. It sifts through all the details of these applications, aiming to find links between them and existing accounts, to gather as much information as possible to be passed on to the police for investigation.

As well as being passed on to the police, all fraudulent applications are also reported to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), which carries out its own wide-scale investigations and looks for links between reported cases from its members.

Sam Walsh, of Payday Express’s fraud prevention department, said: “Our department aims to minimise the distress experienced by the victims of fraud, and limit the company’s financial losses.”

And he warned: “We provide the police with as much information as possible to investigate fraud, and will press for the maximum charges to be brought against those responsible, and to recover the funds that were falsely applied for from our company.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Launches Interactive Road Safety Map

Confused.com has launched an informative mapping tool that reveals the dangers of road rage. The interactive road safety map reveals the country’s most dangerous roads and junctions.

Cyclist and motorist rage is in the spotlight this Road Safety Week and, according to Confused.com, both cyclists and car owners have strong feelings about how to handle it.

Both cyclists and motorists are turning to social media to report incidents of road related anger with Confused.com identifying 2,674 tweets mentioning both ‘road rage’ and ‘cyclist’ during the first nine months of this year. In response to this emerging danger, Confused.com created the interactive map so that both cyclists and drivers can pinpoint rage blackspots.

In addition to the cycle safety map, a survey of 1,000 motorists and 1,000 cyclists carried out by Confused.com identified what sends cyclists into a ‘two-wheel tantrum’ and turns car drivers ‘cyclo-pathic.’ Along with the survey and the map, people can learn more about ‘cycle rage’ by watching a cycle issues video about the subject.

The survey found that 72 per cent of drivers have experienced one or more incidents involving a cyclist during the last two years. A quarter of these drivers were keen to see cyclists pay road tax and 14 per cent of drivers wanted to see cyclists displaying number plates on their bikes. Getting cyclists to pass a version of the driving test was a popular idea among 44 per cent of annoyed motorists, while 43 per cent said that they would like to see cyclists take out a form of insurance. Catching those who cycle through red lights was a top solution among 59 per cent of car drivers. Almost one third of motorists said that cycling on the pavement (which the Highway Code states is illegal) should be stopped.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter of the cyclists said they’ve been beeped at or sworn at by a motorist and more than one in eight had been knocked off their bike by a motorist. Additionally, 65 per cent of cyclists told Confused.com that they feel less safe than they did a year ago and 34 per cent say they’ve been a victim of road rage.

Cyclists have some suggestions about ways to improve their journeys. Some suggestions include legalising cycling on pavements (28 per cent), introducing more bike lanes (58 per cent) and increasing the availability of hire bikes (25 per cent).

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com, said: “Rage on the roads is a big problem for both motorists and cyclists and our research shows that both groups have much to complain about. Whilst both parties can point at differing solutions to help improve road safety, we urge all road users to exercise respect and courtesy as the roads are for everyone and tolerance could save people’s lives.”

Malcolm Shepherd, Chief Executive of Sustrans, the UK charity encouraging people to travel by foot, bike or public transport said: “People need to be more considerate and aware of all other users when making their journeys.”

Via EPR Network
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Pioneer Services to Give Away $1,000 and Apple iPads® to Eight Lucky Service Members

Pioneer Services will make this holiday season one to remember for eight service members and their families thanks to the Mega Merry Giveaway, a sweepstakes just for active-duty or career-retired service members and their spouses. There will be four winners of $1,000 and four iPad winners—one winner of each from each military branch.

“The Mega Merry Giveaway is our way of thanking those who serve for all they have done for our nation, and in a way that captures the season’s spirit of giving,” said Karen Von Der Bruegge, chief marketing and retail operations officer for Pioneer Services. “The best part—other than the chance to win a thousand dollars or an iPad—is that there is no obligation and no strings attached. All they have to do is be on active duty, career-retired, or a military spouse, and they can enter to win. It really is that easy.”

Those who qualify can enter on the company’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PioneerServices, or at www.MegaMerryGiveaway.com, which is also where they can find complete rules and details.

“We are incredibly excited for the winners to be selected December 11,” added Von Der Bruegge, “because that is when we will find out who is going to have a very merry holiday season on behalf of Pioneer Services.”

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services and award-winning education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 25 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, offering military loans,retail lending, VA loans, Certificates of Deposit, savings accounts, and award-winning financial education programs through a network of offices and on the Internet. Pioneer Services is proud to support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Launches Exclusive Motor Brand Pink Pound

Confused.com has launched an exclusive motor brand called ‘Pink Pound’ on its insurance panel.

Pink Pound Insurance is a division of Right Choice Insurance Brokers specifically set up for gay and lesbian customers and cannot be found on any other major comparison site.

Every customer has the right to get a fair chance at getting car insurance and Confused.com, with its relationship with Pink Pound, allows every customer to be treated individually. The launch of the exclusive brand allows homosexual couples to get auto insurance discounts just like other couples.

‘Pink Pound’ insurance takes customers individual situations to identify ways of reducing their premiums, to obtain competitive rates, using some gay specific schemes whilst at the same time giving the most professional service.

Mike Joseph, Managing Director of Pink Pound said: “Pink Pound insurance was created to give the LGBT community the product, pricing and personal service that is lacking from most standard offerings.

“At Pink pound we have negotiated some fantastic premiums with our specialist panel of insurers and see Confused.com as the ideal partner to ensure that this brand reaches the maximum number of potential customers as possible. Whilst further enhancing Confused.com’s commitment to provide a specialist quote for every client, from every back ground with any specific needs.”

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com continued: “Adding Pink Pound to the ever increasing number of insurers that we compare prices for is a great result. We do not discriminate against anyone as it’s all about getting the right cover at the right cost and insuring that everyone has an equal opportunity in getting these deals.”

Via EPR Network
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Payday Loans Company Staff Swap Their Jobs For Fully-Fledged Careers

Workers at a Bromley-based finance company are benefiting from top-flight training and development designed to equip them for long-term careers in this growing sector.

Payday Express, a British provider of short-term finance solutions, is seeing positive results from its focus on staff development, with a motivated and effective team of employees.

Staff at the company based in Bromley, Kent enjoy a full, ongoing training and development programme within their different teams, and are given encouragement by their team leaders and managers to identify and pursue opportunities for external training in specific job-related disciplines which will help them develop their careers.

Ann Shepperly, for example, started work at Payday Express as a collections agent. However, a secondment within the company to carry out User Acceptance Testing (UAT) on its new Loan Management System showed her that she had an affinity for and valuable skills to offer as a software tester.

She has now taken on a role within the company’s IT department as a QA test analyst, and is undertaking further training, with full company support, to help her to learn the extra skills her new role demands.

Another Payday Express staff member whose ambition has led to her gaining a new role, is Ann’s former collections department colleague, Militza Smith. Now working in the company’s fraud protection and liaison department, studying on a financial crime awareness course was the key to her gaining the confidence needed for her new role.

“Completing the course while still relatively new to the job was a great experience,” she said. “I was experiencing some of the situations I was learning about, and I tried to incorporate the solutions into my daily work. “The course was a fantastic start on a career path that I had not even previously considered. It has broadened my horizons and taught me to think outside the box,” Militza added.

Emma Furlong, group trainer for Payday Express, believes that the company’s commitment to its workforce’s continual development keeps staff motivated and productive, and benefits not only them, but also the company and its customers. “We aim to offer a variety of internal training courses, and arrange external courses for specific skills, so that our staff challenge themselves, broaden their skill sets, and grow within their chosen careers,” she said.

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Partners With Road Safety Charity, Brake

Confused.com is partnering with the road safety charity Brake, joining forces against menaces on the UK’s roads. Brake’s research shows that five people are killed and a further 65 seriously injured on UK roads every day.

Brake exists to make Britain’s road safer and by lobbying the government the charity has enticed thousands of people to petition for new road safety laws. This new partnership with Confused.com will strengthen Brake’s on-going campaigns to improve road safety in the UK, helping to combat serious issues such as drug driving, drink driving and reckless motoring.

Earlier this year, Confused.com discovered that 70% of drivers don’t think enough is being done about drug driving and 71% want to see the government do more to combat it. These are the type of issues the two organisations will campaign on in coming months.

As part of the partnership, Confused.com will sponsor Brake’s e-bulletins and campaigns as well as launching a joint campaign in the New Year.By providing support and working together with Brake, Confused.com hopes to see an improvement in road safety legislation and enforcement and overall better driving and safer roads.

Road safety is an issue which Confused.com has put at the core of its business. In November 2010, the comparison website was involved in the Transport Select Committee’s investigation behind the causes of soaring car insurance costs. Confused.com believes that better driving will reduce incident rates and claims, which will lower car insurance premiums for all drivers in the long-term which will hopefully create better driving and safer roads as a result.

Katie Shephard, spokesperson for Brake, says: “Brake is delighted that Confused.com has chosen to support Brake this year and made a donation to the charity to support our cause. By supporting Brake, Confused.com is helping to raise awareness about road safety and every penny donated will go towards Brake’s work supporting families affected by road crashes.”

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com says:”Confused.com recognises the importance of road safety and has supported many of Brakes campaigns, including the graduated driving licence. We were overwhelmed by the response from motorists and look forward to similarly heavyweight campaigns.Confused.com will be working closely with Brake with the run up to Road Safety Week and throughout next year we will be supporting Brake on a number of road safety issues as well as unveiling our own campaign in partnership with Brake.”

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Confused.com Research Reveals The Decline Of The Driving Test

Confused.com has unveiled that 13 per cent of people know someone who is driving on roads without a driving licence, identifying a menace on today’s roads, the driver that hasn’t taken their driving test.

The research shows that there has been a dramatic fall in the number of people learning to drive in a short time period as a result of huge rises in the cost of motoring. According to figures from the Department for Transport, between April and August this year, fewer than 640,000 driving tests were taken in the UK. This represents a 5 per cent fall on the same period in 2010, and a huge 15 per cent decrease when compared with the same period the year before when learners sat almost 750,000 tests.

This drop in the number of people learning to drive also correlates with a 2.7% or£22 hike in the cost of comprehensive car insurance in the second quarter of 2011 and a 24% rise in second quarter year-on-year prices.

As a result of the increasing cost of motoring, 20% of people say they cannot afford to be on the road or take their driving test, with 21% of the age group 18-24 claiming they are most affected by cost.

Research has shown that drivers under the age of 25, and particularly men aged between 17 and 24, are those who are faced with the most dramatic rises in the cost of car insurance. In the second quarter of 2011, the average cost of a comprehensive policy for a male driver under age 20 broke through the £4,000-a-year level for the first time. This was an increase of almost 25 per cent on the previous year.

Gareth Kloet, Head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: “A new shocking trend is emerging where people no longer bother taking their driving test. As the price of car insurance increases, we are seeing that the rate of people taking driving tests is falling. This is worrying as it suggests not only that drivers are going to be tempted to drive uninsured but now they might be tempted to not even take their driving test in the first place.

“With more than 28.5 million cars on the road, people must drive safely, so they need to take their driving test and ensure their vehicle has adequate car insurance. People will need to be as savvy as ever to find the cheapest and best deals for them by shopping around on comparison sites.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Launch Cash Back Credit Card Offer In Time For Christmas

Confused.com has launched a £30 cashback offer for customers looking for a new credit card to cut down interest payments on current balances or to spread the cost of their Christmas spending.

Customers will get £30 cashback once they have been accepted for a Barclaycard and transact over £250 within the first 60 days of opening their account. The £30 will be delivered straight to the customer’s door in the form of a cheque, as a little extra treat from Confused.com.

Using a Barclaycard for Christmas spending could help make shopping more effective, whether shoppers want to spread the cost with 0% interest or earn rewards with the Freedom reward scheme, as well as the £30 bonus from Confused.com.

Chris Griffiths, Head of Credit Cards at Confused.com, commented: “For those customers in the market for a new credit card we are delighted to be able to give away £30 as an early Christmas present to say thank you for using our site. This offer means customers can now get the market leading balance transfer card, Barclaycard’s Platinum, which offers 22 months 0% interest, and get an extra £30 back in your pocket.

“Sorting out your finances is often a New Year’s resolution, but if you have any outstanding credit card balances that are accumulating interest then waiting until 2012 will just add even more interest to your balance, meaning you’ll have more to repay after the joys of Christmas.Therefore a credit card with 0% interest on purchases could be a cheaper option as it can allow you to spread the cost interest free.

“When considering a new credit card it is important to shop around to find the best deal, consider how you want to use it as different cards are better suited for different purposes. Remember that the leading offers are often reserved for new customers, and most providers won’t allow you to transfer balances between cards from the same institutions. Lastly, consider the criteria for being accepted for a card, you can try our free Card Matcher tool that can help you find the right credit card for your credit profile.”

Confused.com offers a free comparison service that compares the whole UK credit card market, and offers a Card Matcher tool that can let customers know whether they are likely to be accepted for the card they want before they commit to completing an application. This service is completely free, secure and it won’t damage users’ credit score.

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Compares Professions: Mobile Disco Owners Face The Music With Average Quotes Of £6,800

Confused.com has revealed that, despite many not realising it, their profession may have an effect on the car insurance quote they are offered.

Airline captains could be quoted as little as £320 per year to insure their cars compared with a mobile disco owner whose average cost per year is a whopping £6,800 and apprentice footballers who are tackling quotes above £6,200.

Confused.com has compiled a list of the top ten professions which generate the highest average quotations and also the lowest, based on a year’s worth of quotations. Professions generating the highest average quotations included professional footballers (£6,263.61), nightclub owners (£3841.29), students (£3,006.18) and mobile disco owners (£6,809.57). Professions with the lowest average premiums included airline pilots (£320.81), toy makers (£337.87) and china restorers (£336.44) on average receive the best car insurance quotations.

Confused.com is reminding drivers that if they change their job significantly then they will need to let their insurer know, and it may save money if the individual’s new role is statistically less risky.

Gareth Kloet, Head of car insurance at Confused.com said: “The cost of insurance is calculated on different factors such as the type of car you drive, the area you live and your own driving history as well as statistics for others of a similar demographic to yourself. This does not mean that every airline captainwill be landing a cheap deal -each individual will be quoted on their own data- but your profession can significantly affect your insurance cost so if you change jobs it’s worth letting your insurer know. Contributing factors will include the type of car you choose to drive, the average age of people with that profession and of course your claims history as a driver.

“Regardless of your profession, it’s always advisable to use a trusted comparison site such as Confused.com to get yourself the most competitive quote you can.”

For a more detailed breakdown of the most expensive professions for car insurance, visit Confused.com.

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Confused.com Research Reveals Life Insurance Timebomb Of Co-Habitees

Confused.com, the price comparison site, has revealed new research which shows that 66% of people living together as a couple do not have a will.

The new survey of 2,000 co-habiting and married adults also revealsthat 50% of people living with their partner do not have life insurance. Unsurprisingly the number of people who do have wills rises with age: 66% of over 55s have a will, compared to just 24% of 18-24 year olds. However, 47% of over 55s who are co-habiting or married do not have life insurance.

Despite not having these plans laid for the future, 65% of couples do have mortgages, 45% of which are in joint names, and 28% say they could not afford the funeral if their partner or spouse died.

Matthew Lloyd of Head of Life Insurance at Confused.com warns: “Having a will is a sensible step towards providing for the future but if you don’t have life insurance too then your partner may find themselves facing money worries as well as grief should the worst happen. The cost of life insurance is lower the younger you are and so you can save money by signing up for a policy at a younger age. For example £100,000 of cover could cost as little as 17p a day.”

He continued: “There seems to be a myth that unmarried partners are automatically protected but this is not the case. If one partner in a couple dies but you were not married or registered civil partners then you won’t automatically get a share of your partner’s estate if they don’t have a will.”

5% of couples are embarrassed to talk to their partner about getting a will and this figure rises to 10% among over 55s. When asked how they would pay for a loved one’s funeral if the money was not there, 9% would opt for a pauper’s grave while 33% would turn to family for financial help, 19% would take out a loan and 20% would put the funeral on a credit card.

People without a will may wish to take advantage of Will Aid during the month of November where many solicitors will waive their fee in lieu of a donation to the charity.

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Confused.com Launches Its 2-For-1 Dining Card To Say Thank You To Customers

Confused.com has launched a 2-for-1 dining card in conjunction with Hi-Life to say thank you to customers who purchase car insurance or home insurance in November through Confused.com.

Discounts and offers on expenses like dining out and entertainment are becoming more important as inflation erodes people’s disposable income and many people have to tighten their purse strings.

Recent research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies identifies that there has been a fall in median net household income of 3.5%, the largest single-year drop since 1981.*

These additional pressures on incomes mean people are not only on the lookout for bargains but are also becoming savvier. To help, Confused.com is giving away a 2-for-1 Hi – Life dining card to all customers who buy a car insurance or home insurance policy in November 2011 through Confused.com. For customers this means 2-for-1 on eating out all day every day at over 3,500 participating restaurants for a whole year, meaning the savings keep on coming.

Catering for all tastes and price ranges, customers can enjoy 2-for-1 at Malmaison, Loch Fyne, Prezzo, Pizza Hut and thousands of other restaurants besides.

Click here for a full list of 2-for-1 dining offers from Confused.com.

Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, said: “Saving people time and money is at the very heart of our business at Confused.com so the 2 for 1 dining card offer is something we believe will add real value to our customers. With Christmas fast approaching and so many people looking to cut back on expense without making lifestyle changes, we are hopeful it will be well received as an additional thank you for using our site.”

Mark Gabriel, head of home insurance at Confused.com, added: “The recent downturn has made us more careful about what we spend and made us savvier in searching for savings. The 2-for-1 dining card can be used for a year and gives great savings on well-known restaurants throughout the UK. Car and home insurance is a necessity so at Confused.com we wanted to give our customers a great deal on their insurance but a little extra at the same time.”

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Confused.com Reveals Home Insurance Theft Claims Are Highest In November

Confused.com has revealed that November is a month to be feared amongst the British public, as the darker nights and the approach of Christmas means burglars are out in force.

Summer has come to an end marking the official start of long winter nights. However, with less daylight, Confused.com is warning people to beware as the cover of darkness can prove a tempting offer for opportunistic thieves to target vulnerable homes.

Research released by Confused.com reveals that the most home insurance theft claims are made in the month of November, accounting for 9.1 per cent of home insurance theft claims*. This marks a huge 20% increasewhen compared with the month of April where burglary claims were at their lowest**.

With the average cost of a burglary at £3,500***, its vital homeowners take all the preventative measures they can to avoid becoming a victim. Confused.com urges people to check their home insurance policies to make sure they are fully covered in the event of a burglary as dark winter nights could prompt an increase in claims as a result of break-ins.

Commenting, Sean O’ Callaghan Detective Superintendent of Essex Police, said: “The onset of darker evenings, marked by changing clocks, always signals a change of tactics by police towards preventing burglaries. The cover of darkness has obvious attractions to these criminals.

“In fact, in the month of November, 676 burglaries took place within the area of Essex**. It is important to remember that opportunists carry out most burglaries. As a resident you can make a few small changes to your property and your daily routine that can help to make your home safer, by putting would-be burglars off and making life very difficult for them.”

Detective Superintendent O’ Callaghan, continued: “Having your property burgled can be very upsetting, as not only do the victims have to deal with the psychological effects of having their home entered, but they also have to spend time dealing with insurance companies to try and get back the monetary value of any stolen items, whilst also coming to terms with the loss of any sentimental or irreplaceable items.”

Mark Gabriel Head of Confused.com, Home Insurance, added: “Having adequate cover in place will minimise the financial impact and take the sting out of having to replace any of your stolen possessions.”

For more home theft prevention tips, or to learn more about home contents insurance visit Confused.com.

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