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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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Confused.com Research Reveals Reasons For Lack Of Life Nsurance Cover In The UK

New research from Confused.com has revealed that 50% of adults surveyed do not have a life policy in place, worryingly, of those without life insurance, 29% have children and 52% are married, meaning loved ones would be left financially disadvantaged should the worst happen.

31% of people do not to take out life insurance because they don’t benefit from it personally. In fact, people in the UK are so laid back about future planning for their loved ones, 34% of people say that covering their possessions is more important than covering their lives.

Moreover, 20% would prefer to spend their money on an annual holiday and 11% see covering their laptop as more of a priority.

The research suggests a shift in UK mentality with more people opting to live for the moment, rather than thinking ahead.

However with life insurance policies costing an average of just £22.29 a month, it’s not really affordability that should be questioned but people’s priorities.

Matthew Lloyd, Head of Life Insurance at Confused.com, said: “It’s worrying that people are blaming cost for not having any life insurance when they spend so much money on other things, which are arguably less important than future planning for their loved ones.”

“With over 50% of people not having life insurance and 56% of their partners not having life insurance this shows a worrying future for peoples loved ones. The benefit of life insurance is peace of mind; knowing your family will be looked after financially.”

“An average life premium YTD is roughly 74p a day, which is loose change in many people’s pockets, however 34% people say they can’t afford it. Shopping around for the best deal available on comparison sites like Confused.com is essential in finding the right policy at the right price.”

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Confused.com Research Reveals How Households Reduce Energy Usage In Their Homes

New findings from Confused.com* show that 45% of UK households are avoiding switching the lights on in their homes, in a desperate attempt to reduce energy usage and keep bills down.Surprisingly 3% of people eat by candle light which is great for the romantics in us, but not ideal on a daily basis.

The research also shows that 14% of people are sharing bathwater with their family, as householders turn to more extreme ways to keep the cost of their energy down.

Household bills have risen dramatically over the last few months** and 72% of UK householders are trying to save as much energy as possible. Following a summer of price rises, bad press and damning findings from Ofgem showing that energy suppliers are making a massive profit of £125*** for each average customer, people are now being forced to ration their energy usage.

In the Energy Summit, the Prime Minister, consumer groups, energy suppliers and industry regulator Ofgem for the first time agreed that consumers need more help to get the cost of their gas and electricity bills down and urged consumers to shop around.

As many UK residents face another cold winter with many struggling to pay their bills, 52% of people admit that they wear more clothes in winter to avoid putting the heating on. Worryingly, 70% of the 55+ age range group admit they already do this, and this is before the latest price hikes have taken affect.

Lisa Greenfield, Confused.com energy analyst, said: “It’s worrying that energy prices keep rising, leaving many UK residents struggling to pay their bills. However it’s encouraging to see people adapting to this by consciously thinking about energy saving ways. Over 75% of people think about saving energy and the 55+ age group appear to be the most energy conscious.”

“We worry that people are taking extreme measures and are suffering in a bid to save energy, just by making simple changes like only using the dish washer when its full, turning your washing machine down to 30 degrees and not putting warm items in your fridge/freezer as it has to work harder to cool it down can save you money on an annual basis. However shopping around on a price comparison site and switching your tariff or supplier could save on average £248.”****

To get one-to-one advice from the Energy Saving Trust on how to cut your energy bills, those interested can join the Confused.com live webcast on 27th Thursday, at 12.30pm. They can also get their energy questions answered on the Confused.com site as well as view the energy price infographic.

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Confused.com Research Reveals Smart Phone Users Risk Lives When Driving

Confused.com has revealed that UK drivers prioritise their social lives before saving lives on the road. Almost half 40% (38.95%) of motorists check their phones whilst driving, with 27% admitting to logging onto Facebook behind the wheel. The car insurance expert also found that nearly half (45%) will not start their journey unless they can see their phone; a lethal combination considering that drivers are four times more likely to crash when using a mobile phone.

The increasing popularity of Facebook and Twitter means that the ‘Twitch Factor’ is on the rise, with one fifth of motorists not being able to last more than 15 minutes without checking their phones. 15% of workaholic motorists take advantage of time stuck in traffic to catch up on their work calls or emails, and over one fifth (21%) update their status whilst caught behind a red light.

Surprisingly, although 75% of motorists are aware of the penalty for being on their phone behind the wheel, 60% of them still answer their phone when they’re driving. The ignorance of drivers suggests a harsher penalty should be introduced, withover 50% of motorists supporting this idea.

Adrian Walsh, Director of RoadSafe said: “It’s a frightening thought that people are checking their smartphones whilst driving. Many studies from across the world prove that drivers using phones are slower to respond than those who are just over the drink-drive limit. It is dangerous to use a phone – even hands free when driving.”

To encourage drivers to stop using their phones while on the road, Confused.com have teamed up with the iPhone app ‘DriveSafe.ly’.The app speaks email, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages aloud allowing drivers to concentrate on the road and stop texting while driving.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Our research shows that although people are aware of the consequences involved, they struggle to tear themselves away from their mobile phones and social media. Using these devices while driving is incredible dangerous and app’s such as DriveSafe.ly which are designed to protect drivers should be welcomed.”

For a free download of ‘DriveSafe.ly’, customers can visit the Confused.com driving apps page.

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Payday Loans Company Helps Build A Brighter Future For African Villagers Through Savings Scheme Sponsorship

Payday Express, a British provider of short-term consumer finance, is helping to promote the saving habit among hard-pressed villagers in Uganda and Kenya, through regular donations to the Build Africa charity.

Build Africa aims to establish a better long-term future for people in rural Uganda and Kenya by investing donations to build and develop schools and education, and by empowering adults to save their way out of poverty and make emergency finance accessible to community members.

Payday Express, a leading provider of fast payday loans in the UK has set up a monthly donation to Build Africa to sponsor the set-up of Build Africa village savings and loan associations (VSLAs).

These associations are set up and run as self-managed groups that work by pooling the savings of the group members. They offer members a safe haven for their money, which is in turn used to provide small loans for members, and helps maintain a welfare fund, offering short-notice emergency financial help to those who need it.

This month’s donation from the payday loan provider will go to support Umoja B VSLA group based in Kiryandongo District in Western Uganda.

Over the next year the funds donated each month by Payday Express will help Build Africa set up six VSLAs.

Payday Express administrator Kristina Winch said: “It feels good to work for a company with a strong focus on social responsibility. “We regularly donate money to various charities with our ‘pay a pound to dress down on Fridays’ programme, along with other ad hoc initiatives.

“But it’s great to be developing a long-term partnership with one charity that’s doing such a great job to help poor people improve their own futures.”

Operations manager Sarah Carroll added: “The work that Build Africa is doing with the VSLA projects to help poor families save and invest their way out of poverty is commendable, and we can’t wait for our donations to extend their reach into more communities.”

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Confused.com Reveals Car Insurance Prices Rise By More Than 12% Year-On-Year

Confused.com has revealed that the price of car insurance has risen by more than 12% year on year.

According to the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index, drivers have been lumbered with an average year-on-year rise of 12.3% in the cost of comprehensive motor insurance cover – this equates to a£92 jump in just 12 months.

The biggest annual price hikes affect postcodes in the North of England. As of quarter three 2011, Bradford has suffered a 27.5% year-on-year rise in the cost of average comprehensive cover and Oldham has fared even worse with a 27.9% year-on-year increase. Liverpool and Manchester have also seen insurance prices driven up significantly as has the Ilford area of Essex.

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) customers have not gone unscathed however, suffering an annual rise of 19.9%, equating to an increase of £192 over 12 months.

This rise of 12.3% year-on-year is especially significant when compared to the Consumer Price Index – a measure of inflation – which currently stands at 4.5%, making the rises in car insurance prices almost three times as high as inflation in the UK. The national average comprehensive car insurance premium currently stands at£843.

Top five UK areas with the highest annual premium rises year-on-year, based on the Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index are Oldham (27.9%), Bradford (27.5%), Liverpool (26.8%), Manchester(26.6%) and Ilford (23.7%).

The five UK areas with the lowest annual premium rises year-on-year include Perth (0.3%), Kirkwall (0.8%), Motherwell (2.2%), Dumfries (2.4%) and Edinburgh (2.5%).

Despite the year-on-year hikes, there is some good news for drivers as the average price of a comprehensive car insurance policy fell by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2011: the first quarterly decrease for over three years.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance for Confused.com commented: “The year-on-year picture is quite worrying as some drivers are being hit with more than 25% increases. Car owners in the affected areas are going to have to be as savvy as ever to find the cheapest and best deals for them by shopping around.”

For a more detailed look at the latest index, interested parties can visit: http://www.confused.com/infographic/car-insurance-interactive-2.

Over 4 million quotes are used in the construction of each quarter’s car insurance price index – this makes it the most comprehensive insurance index in the UK.

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Confused.com Reveals Motor Maintenance Ignorance Endangers The Safety Of Others

Confused.com has revealed that drivers know very little about car maintenance with a worrying 72% unaware how to check brake fluid levels, leaving them in potential danger at the wheel.

Moreover, 69% of motorists have no clue how to check their engine coolant, a fluid which prevents a vehicle from overheating and if left unchecked can cause serious damage to the motor.

In fact, 57% of drivers don’t even know how to change a tyre, while 47% are also unable to even locate the jack.

As Car Care week kicks off, Confused.com is urging drivers to take the time to get to know their motors and keep their cars roadworthy in a bid to keep Britain’s drivers and pedestrians safe.

Motorists are so laid-back about car maintenance that 48% haven’t even looked at their car manual, but with over 28.5 million cars on the road, Brake the road safety charity and Confused.com are urging drivers to love their cars more in a bid to cut down on accidents.

Katie Shephard, spokesperson for road safety charity, Brake, said: “Driving is one of the most dangerous things people do on a daily basis. It’s vital that all drivers are doing regular maintenance checks of their vehicle to ensure they are safe on the road. Shockingly, five people are killed and a further 65 are seriously injured on UK roads every day. Brake urges all drivers to check their vehicle regularly to ensure they’re not endangering their lives, and the lives of innocent road users.”

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com Head of Car Insurance added: “Car maintenance is essential. We all love a bit of TLC so don’t forget your cars need a helping hand to. A lack of car maintenance can cause road safety issues and 72% of drivers don’t know how to check their brake fluid. If a car has insufficient brake fluid, air can get into the brake lines and your vehicles ultimately could stop working and cause serious problems, not only for you but also for others.

“Make sure you do regular checks on your car and also ensure you have breakdown cover just in case the worst happens.Shop around for the breakdown cover you need as costs can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

To encourage the nation to care for its cars, Confused.com has put together a car maintenance video offering a solution to some of the problems highlighted.

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Confused.com Research Reveals Weather Conditions Are Affecting Home Insurance Claims

From an Indian summer to predicted snowfall in a matter of weeks, Britain’s weather remains a mystery with adverse conditions severely affecting home insurance claims, Confused.com has found.

In the last year alone, storm related home insurance claims have risen by 68% overall, with policy holders in Central Scotland 117% more likely to claim for a storm.

Storms are not the only weather conditions affecting home insurance claims with lightning striking twice for 1 in 10 unlucky UK residents; particularly in Wales and the West where people are 89% more likely to be hit by lightning than the UK average. Surprisingly, London, known for its lack of green space is the area that is 47% more likely to make claims due to falling trees.

With unpredictable weather likely to continue as winter approaches, Confused.com is reminding customers to check their home insurance and make sure they are covered for adverse weather.

Mark Gabriel Head of Home Insurance said: “The consequences of having insufficient home cover are potentially severe. Many Insurers will offer home emergency cover as an optional extra on their contents policies – you will either be charged extra on your standard annual premium, or pay a monthly subscription fee.But make sure you shop around for cover as premiums can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

Interested customers can read the full ‘lightning strikes twice’ home insurance research here at Confused.com:
http://www.confused.com/press/releases/lightning-strikes-twice-for-nearly-1-in-10-customers-who-claim.

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Confused.com Find Bald Tyres Can Mean Insurance Claims Are Denied

Confused.com has revealed that drivers could see their motor insurance claims denied and face fines of up to £10,000, simply by failing to take proper care of their tyres.

One defective or bald tyre could see drivers hit with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points or up to £5,000 and 6 points for two defective tyres.

In fact if all four tyres were defective, the maximum fine could be as much as£10,000 with a whopping 12 penalty points.

As Tyre Safety month kicks off, Confused.com’s new poll of drivers also reveals that many motorists don’t know how to keep their tyres roadworthy. The company interviewed 2,000 motorists and found that:
– 57% of drivers don’t know the correct tread depth for their tyres which is 1.6mm
– 58% don’t know the correct pressure of their tyres
– 18-24 year olds are least likely to know how to put air in their tyres
– 87.4% of people do not change their tyres for the winter weather

According to the poll, 58% of people do not know what the correct tyre pressure is for their vehicle with18-24 year olds being the key culprits. On top of this, 1.4% of people don’t even realise that their tyres need air.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Tyre maintenance may not sound like the most exciting topic on the planet but is important to basic road safety. If your tyres have too much air or too little this can wear the tread of tyres down quickly.”

“If a tyre has a tread of less than 1.6mm it is qualified as an illegal tyre. If the police stop someone with an illegal tyre they will be fined up to £2,500 for each illegal tyre. If someone is in a crash and their tyres are below the legal tread limit, a fine can be issued causing their insurance to be denied.”

“Tyres must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are up to road safety standards. An easy way of checking tyre tread is the 20p check. Place a 20p coin into the main tread of the tyre and if the rim of the coin is covered by the tread this shows it is a legal road worthy tyre.”

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Confused.com Reveals The Rudest Drivers And Launches Etiquette Guide

Confused.com has revealed the results of a new poll which suggests motorists need a fuel injection of mannersConfused.com. The majority of UK drivers consider themselves to be courteous drivers (92%) but think that almost 1 in 3 (31%) of other motorists are in the slow lane when it comes to courtesy in the car.

If motorists could stop other drivers doing one thing while driving it would be using mobile phones at the wheel (27%), tailgating (23%) and showing aggressive behavior (22%). Drivers would also like to see more road users indicating at junctions (35%); less litter thrown out of car windows (17%) and more people letting drivers out at junctions (11%).

London and the North West are home to the rudest drivers (by their own admission), and young drivers, older drivers, people in white vans and in four wheel drives are UK motorists’ biggest bugbears on the road according to the UK poll of 2,000 motorists*.

The poll of 2000 drivers in the UK was carried out by Onepoll on behalf of Confused.com and all figures have been rounded up to the nearest 1%.

For more information on the driving etiquette guide from Sim De La Torre, and other motoring articles, visit Confused.com.

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Confused.com Reveals That Overvaluing Possessions Could Lead To A Higher Insurance Premium

Confused.com has revealed that valuing contents incorrectly could see customers paying more than they need to for home insurance.

According to new research by Confused.com, in 2011, the average amount people are valuing their home contents at is £50,000 with the most expensive value being £5 million.* Some of the most unusual items insured in 2011 included an astronaut autograph collection, a hot tub and a signed 1966 world cup final programme.

But Confused.com are warning that although these possessions may mean the world to their owners, getting them valued correctly is essential as people may be paying more for their home insurance than they should be.

With the economy taking a turn for the worst, Confused.com is urging homeowners to be money savvy and remember that home insurers will only pay out the market value of an item, so it is false economy to insure your contents for more than they are worth.

Mark Gabriel, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com said: “People always ask whether they need home insurance. Home insurance gives peace of mind should the worst happen. Everyone places a different value on their possessions but getting the right amount of cover is important.

“Do your research when valuing your home contents as you want to make sure you are not over-estimating and paying a larger insurance premium than you should be. On the flip side, one of the most common problems is under-insurance for contents because many people do not realise the value of possessions.

“There is so much competition when it comes to home insurance providers on the market today, so use a price comparison website to ensure that you get a great deal and get your worldly possessions insured, no matter how unusual they are.”

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Payday Express Appoints New Project Manager

A new IT project manager has been appointed at short-term loan provider Payday Express, as the company drives forward its business by prioritising key systems and projects.

Rajeev Chakraborty started work at the instant approval payday loans company on September 15, succeeding contract project manager Femi Awoyemi, who was responsible for the successful deployment of the company’s new loan management system in June.

Rajeev brings with him valuable skills and experience working with agile software development, at a time when the IT team transitions to this new methodology.

His role will include managing a range of projects undertaken by Payday Express’s internal development team, which constantly seeks to improve the service delivered to customers. The team is currently working on developing a system to be able to take customer applications over the phone, and will soon develop a customer portal, to enable customers to log in and easily manage their accounts via the company website.

He will also work closely with digital marketing project manager Nushin Nahidpour, who manages the fast payday loans company’s out-sourced development projects.

These projects include adding new features such as a blog and daily news feed to the website.

“I am really looking forward to working with the teams at Payday Express and growing with the business,” said Rajeev.

“The environment is amazing – there is a real buzz when one enters the workplace, reflecting the enthusiasm of staff and the speed at which the company is growing. The emphasis placed on continual improvement is exciting!”

Nushin added: “We are really pleased to welcome Rajeev on board and can already see that he is an excellent addition to the team, with his enthusiasm and experience with agile project management and software development.

“Our projects are fast-moving and varied, so it is vital these are managed by a dedicated and delivery focused PM.”

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Confused.com Reveals The Cheapest Cars To Insure For Young Drivers

New research from Confused.com has revealed the cheapest cars to insure for 17-20 year olds. The results showed the Ford Ka2 topping the leader board, followed closely by the Peugeot 107, while the worst car to run for young drivers looking for low insurance prices was the Honda Civic*.

The costs of car insurance for young drivers hit record highs in the second quarter 2011, with 17-20 year olds paying as much as four times the average amount for car insurance.

The Confused/Towers Watson price index showed that motor insurance based on a 17-20 year old male is now £4,006 per year for comprehensive cover, highlighting the need for research when buying a car.

To help young drivers, Confused.com has undertaken research to give teenagers a helping hand and unveiledthe five cheapest and most expensive cars to insure for 17-20 year olds.The research also highlighted that 50% of under-25s could save up to£594 on their car insurance premiums by using Confused.com.

Gareth Kloet, head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Young drivers and learners are telling us that the cost of insurance is the biggest barrier to getting behind the wheel: more so than the cost of buying the car.

“Buying your first car should be exciting, not a worry about whether you can afford the insurance costs. Here at Confused.com we want to offer young drivers the chance to find the perfect car with the cheapest insurance.”

“Once the car has been found drivers should shop around for cover as premiums can vary greatly between providers; a comparison site is a great way to do this.”

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Payday Express Customers To Benefit From Faster Payments

Short term loan specialist Payday Express now has the ability to fund loans within 45 minutes of application, thanks to a new loan management system and faster payment procedures offered by banks.

The company has offered same-day loans for some time, with the use of a straightforward online application form, and cash transfers occurring three times each day. Now, however, following deployment of a new loan management system, loans can be distributed every 45 minutes.

This speedy service is complemented by the faster payments facility operated by many banks, meaning that transferred funds clear immediately. Money can therefore be received by many Payday Express customers within one hour of application.

Loans till payday, which have grown in popularity in recent years, give borrowers access to small amounts of money for short periods to smooth out the peaks and troughs they may experience with their income, without them having to build up long-term, high-level debt. They are ideal for those who don’t wish to use ongoing credit resources such as credit cards, bank overdrafts and long-term bank loans, offering an alternative credit solution to temporary cash flow issues.

Payday Express offers fast payday loans valued between £80 and £800, which customers re-pay on their payday, once cash flow is no longer an issue.

Payday Express operations manager Sarah Carroll said: “If customers simply want to borrow a small amount of cash for a short period to cover unanticipated expenses, or to use as a stop gap between salary payments, they want to be able to apply for the money simply and discreetly – and to receive it quickly.

“At Payday Express, we have worked hard to develop our systems and our website to meet these expectations. Since launching our online application service in 2008 we have enabled customers to discreetly apply for a loan and receive an approval decision within a matter of minutes and then, if approved, to get their money the same day.

“However, we’ve now improved our offering further, with the introduction of a system that transfers money every 45 minutes. Our customers can therefore receive their money within less than an hour of applying, subject to status.”

It is important to note that, although most customers can receive their funds within less than an hour of application, this is subject to status and whether additional verification is required, as well as being dependent on their bank’s facilities.

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Confused.com And Dogs Trust Study Reveals How Owners Keep Their Dogs Happy On Car Journeys

According to a new study into car owners and their pets by Confused.com, more than one in three (39%) pet lovers takes their dogs or cats on car journeys with them regularly. Of those surveyed, 41% say their pets enjoy being in the car.

The Confused.com study reveals that listening to the radio helps pet owners keep their animals amused on longer journeys with Adele, Madonna and Lady Gaga being the most popular artists to keep pets happy on the move.

Some owners admit to singing to their pets to keep them amused. Apparently Radio 1 is the top choice for in-car pet entertainment, closely followed by Radio 2 and 5 Live.

Confused.com has teamed up with the charity Dogs Trust to help ensure dogs enjoy the car journey even more by avoiding travel sickness and staying safe. 12% of pet owning motorists say they let their dog stick his head out of the window on the journey but according to experts at Dogs Trust this is not a great way to keep your pet happy.

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust said: “Dogs might really enjoy the sensation of having their heads out of the window but it is dangerous for them so we would always advise keeping ears, paws and noses inside the vehicle while the car is moving.”

25% of pet owners who take their dog or cat in the car say that their animal enjoys the journey, as long as they keep them amused. Talking to them and taking plenty of their toys are the top ways that dog and cat lovers use to keep them happy.

Almost 10% of pet owners say they have almost had a near miss when driving because of their pet’s behaviour in the car.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Road trips should be as fun for our pets as they can be for us, and keeping our pets happy in the back is also going to reduce distraction for us as drivers, making our journeys safer for us and our animals.”

For more information on the keeping canines comfortable in cars, read more at http://www.confused.com/press/releases/Keep-canines-comfortable-in-cars

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Confused.com Urges Motorists To Fall Back In Love With Service Stations

Confused.com has revealed new research which shows that motorists are shunning motorway service stations on long journeys and risking their lives as a result. The survey by car insurance experts revealed that 79% of drivers are not taking sufficient breaks on UK roads.

The research, which explores the UK’s motorway service station habits, found that a third (32%) of motorists have fallen out of love with the ‘airports of our roads’ and actively avoid stopping, even on long journeys.

One in seven of those questioned admitted that they would not take any breaks at all during a four-hour journey. However, research from Newcastle University has revealed that this bad driving habit can significantly increase the risk of accidents.

Dr Joan Harvey, Chartered Psychologist at Newcastle University, who carried out the research said: “When driving on motorways, or other monotonous roads, a motorist’s maximum concentration level is only maintained for 20-30 minutes, after this time they will start to become bored and will drive on ‘auto-pilot’. After a further 40 minutes of driving their blood sugar levels will drop. These two factors are a dangerous combination as the motorist will start to feel sleepy and will be slower to react to any hazards that might occur.”

Dr Harvey’s research outlines the need for motorists to stop at every third service station (or every hour and a half) on long journeys to ensure they do not become bored and put themselves at risk.

One in ten motorists prefer to park-up and picnic on long journeys – packing their snacks before leaving and pulling up at the service station to tuck in.

Further research supports this, IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) chief examiner Peter Rodger commented: “Research suggests that one in five crashes on motorways are sleep-related. Regular breaks at service stations are essential for preventing such accidents from happening.”

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Our research shows that only 8% of us are service station worshippers. By highlighting the huge variety of great service stations dotted along our motorways, we hope to convert more motorists to the happy service station side of life. We’re calling for all motorists to re-kindle their passion for the service station and stay safe on the roads, particularly over the busy Bank Holiday weekend.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Finds EDF’s Gas Price Rise Could Cost UK Customers Dearly

Confused.com has revealed that EDF Energy’s recent price rise announcement could cost UK energy customers over £100 per household.

This announcement has seen gas prices rise by 15.4% and electricity prices rise by 4.5%. EDF’s energy prices have increased by £116 on its standard cash/cheque tariff effective from 10th November 2011.*

The Big 6 energy suppliers price rises mean an average increase of £160 per year to an average standard bill paying by cash or cheque, increasing from £1,132 to £1,292.**

EDF was the last of the major energy suppliers to announce its price rise, which is set to affect 3.2m customers. However, more than 25m households are expected to see an average of £160*** added onto their gas and electricity bills from 10th November 2011.

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com said: “Now that all the major supplies have shown their cards, consumers are now in a position to make an informed decision on switching their gas and electricity without fear that their chosen tariff could go up in a few months’ time.

“There are always ways to reduce your fuel bills, such as considering a dual fuel tariff, paying by direct debit and managing your account online. If you are concerned about future rises, a fixed of capped tariff will offer price security although you’ll be paying over the odds if prices fall. Of course, cutting down the amount of energy you use and investing in some energy efficiency measure will reduce your bills even further and continue to save you money in future.”

More information on energy prices and household utilities comparison can be found on Confused.com’s website.

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Payday Express Uses ‘Stars’ Scheme Alongside Charity Contributions

Short term loans provider Payday Express has explained how it combines a peer recognition program with a charity scheme to maintain staff morale and encourage social responsibility.

Operations manager Sarah Carroll, who began working at the instant approval payday loans company two years ago, introduced a ‘Dress Down Friday’ imitative which allows staff to dress casually on the last day of the working week if they contribute £1 towards a charity fund.

At the end of each month, a donation is made to a charity chosen by a group of employees who have been named ‘Payday Stars’ for that month. Another scheme introduced by Carroll, ‘Payday Stars’ is a peer recognition programme which encourages staff to nominate any of their colleagues whom they feel are deserving of special attention that month, as a result of performing exceptionally well or going beyond the call of duty to fulfil their responsibilities.

The entire company is informed of the nominations and a winner selected from each department. Each of them is then awarded £20 in shopping vouchers, and the winners collectively decide which charity should benefit from the month’s ‘Dress Down Friday’ funds.

Charities to have previously received donations from payday advance loans company Payday Express include NSPCC, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Teenage Cancer Trust, World Horse Welfare and Stepping Stones Nigeria, among many others.

Payday Express Contact Centre Team Leader Alison Eller said: “We’re very proud of our ‘Payday Stars’ program, which enables staff to receive recognition from peer nominations, and to be rewarded for exceptional work.

“An added bonus is allowing the winning staff members to select a charity that is close to their hearts to be the recipient of our combined donations for the month, giving them the chance to make a difference and give to those less fortunate.”

Collections Agent Steven Marshall added: “It’s great seeing the letters of thanks from the monthly charity we’ve donated to and knowing we’re doing our little bit each week to help different causes.

“I really like the fact that Payday Express has a ‘give back’ focus and that they also encourage staff initiatives to support causes such as Red Nose Day and Movember – often with hilarious results!”

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Payday Express Improves Card Fraud Protection

Short term loan specialist Payday Express has advanced its fraud protection by implementing an improved cardholder verification process, to help combat debit card crime.

Like many companies in the financial services industry, along with many other business sectors, instant approval payday loans provider Payday Express is particularly keen to tackle card not present (CNP) fraud.

CNP fraud can occur when exchanging funds using the internet, telephone or post, when the holder of a credit or debit card does not physically produce the card at the point of making a payment.

Payday Express has previously developed a number of checks to prevent and tackle CNP fraud and has strengthened these with the addition of a more stringent cardholder verification process, for cases where customers call in to pay with a different card to the one originally registered on their account.

The aim is to ensure that the company’s exposure to CNP fraud is limited, which decreases the number of payments charged back to the business; and also to ensure that there is better protection for those who have been victims of card theft.

Details of any suspicious transactions are always investigated thoroughly by Payday Express and are also reported to relevant organisations, including the police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).

Payday Express Online Fraud Manager Daniel Ibrahim said: “The recent development of our processes is testament to the importance that Payday Express places on combating fraud.

“We at Payday Express are committed to protecting vulnerable victims of fraud, while ensuring that genuine customers receive a quick and easy fast payday loans service.”

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