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Financial, Financial Services, Insurance, Insurance Services, Personal Finance

Insure4USA.com Goes Social With Twitter for Expands Social Outreach

Insure4USA.com, a leading independent online insurance service has adopted social networking site, Twitter, to keep in close contact with its growing list of followers. According to Alex, CEO of Insure4USA.com, the insurance industry thrives on information and communication. Moreover, the industry is best suited to leverage social networking to the fullest. A huge workforce, a client base of various ages, and the constant need to liaise with various partners such as doctors, claims adjusters, and regulators, to name a few, can be best met through social networking.

Alex says, “People have changed the way they access information online and seek quicker and more personal attention when they look for affordable insurance. There is a variety of information to share with our customers concerning changes in insurance rules, policy updates, quotes, and much more. In this respect we found Twitter to be a powerful tool that reaches not only peoples computers, but their cell phones as well.”

No longer does the industry need to take a conservative approach to new technologies and business practices. Social networking is all about sharing information, and when it comes to an important issue like life, health, or even auto insurance, Insure4USA.com feels it must go the full distance to enhance internal communication. The website now whole-heartedly embraces social networking and plans to expand its horizons to other sites as well.

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M&S Money Urges Householders To Secure Their Sheds

A new survey by M&S Money* has revealed that the average shed now holds £988 worth of contents – an increase of £100 from the 2009 figure**.

The most expensive items that people keep in their sheds are lawnmowers (38%), bikes (28%) and DIY equipment/tools (22%). However, the survey found that almost half of people questioned (49%) admitted they leave their shed unlocked at times. This figure has doubled in the past year, from just under a quarter (24%) in 2009.

Almost a fifth (18%) of respondents in this year’s survey revealed they frequently leave their shed unlocked and, only 12% of respondents felt that their shed was very secure against burglary and would deter thieves.

M&S Money is urging householders to check that their home insurance policy covers items in their shed. M&S Home Insurance policy provides unlimited cover for theft of property from a shed. Policyholders must take reasonable steps to ensure they have secured their shed.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: “The value of items kept in sheds can mount up, as our survey shows. We would urge householders to check whether their home insurance policy provides adequate cover for theft from a shed, and what security measures they may need to demonstrate to ensure any claims made are valid.”

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M&S Money Credit Card Scoops Industry Award

M&S Money has won the 2010 Moneyfacts award for Best Card Provider (Introductory Rate). The awards were announced at the Millennium Hotel, Mayfair, London in front of 300 industry professionals from leading financial institutions who had gathered for the special luncheon which was hosted by ITV News’ Economics Editor, Daisy McAndrew.

M&S Money Credit Card Scoops Industry Award

The awards were presented to those companies that have consistently offered the most competitive products, the best levels of service and shown the greatest innovation in the personal finance world during the last twelve months.

The M&S Credit Card offers:
– 0% interest on all shopping for ten months from account opening
– 0% interest for six months on balance transfers made within six months of account opening (2.9% fee, minimum £5)
– No cash advance fee & 55 days interest free when buying M&S Travel Money with the card
– M&S points earned every time the card is used, with regular bonus offers of extra points on purchases at M&S
– 15.9% APR typical variable. Actual rate received will depend on an individual assessment of circumstances.

Colin Kersley, M&S Money Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that the M&S credit card has been recognised at the Moneyfacts awards. The card not only has a competitive APR but also 10 months at 0% interest on shopping, making it one of the most attractive credit cards in the market.”

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M&S Money Warns England Fans To Take Care When Flying The Flag

M&S Car insurance has announced that according to a new survey over a fifth (22%) of England fans will add a St. George flag to the family car this month to show their support for the England team whilst they play out in South Africa for the World Cup.

M&S Money Warns England Fans To Take Care When Flying The Flag

In the period leading up to the England team, captained by Steven Gerrard and led by manager Fabio Capello, played their first match against the USA on 12th of June, the survey revealed that almost as many women as men were planning on adding the flag to their car. This was 21% of women compared to 24% of men.

As a result of the survey findings which also revealed that 56% of those who are planning on placing a flag on their car will be attaching it to the antennae and 17% will place it by the passenger side wing mirror, and only 13% will be placing the flag in the front widescreen, M&S Car Insurance is advising motorists to put safety first and think carefully about where they position the flag on their vehicle. Worryingly, only 43% of the respondents stated that they believed that flags can be a distraction depending upon where they are placed.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: -“Many motorists and their families will be keen to demonstrate their support for England by placing a flag on their car. While it can be a popular way for fans to show their support, we are asking motorists to be aware of the safety issues to ensure they avoid any unnecessary accidents on the road.-“

About M&S Money:
M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company-‘s 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel currencyretailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

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LV = Recruiting For Over 300 Staff

LV=, insurance and investment group, has announced it is currently recruiting for over 300 jobs. The jobs being recruited for will be based in locations around the UK including in Bournemouth, London, Huddersfield, Hitchin and Bristol.

LV = Recruiting For Over 300 Staff

LV= offers a wide range of financial products and services including life insurance, protection, home insurance, investments, car insurance, pensions and retirement solutions, pet insurance, travel insurance and commercial general insurance products.

Many of the roles will be based in the company’s general insurance division and include positions in sales, customer services, claims and technical management. Other roles currently on offer are within various head office functions including marketing, ecommerce, finance and human resources.

The company has undergone a transformation since 2007 when a new board led by CEO Mike Rogers, was appointed. As well as a new brand image, the company has opened new offices around the UK and made a number of corporate acquisitions including Highway Insurance and the former GE Life business ‘Tomorrow’.

David Smith, HR director of LV=, said: “LV= is going through a period of significant growth so it’s a very exciting time to join us. Our general insurance operation is a particular hotspot for growth and we are looking for people both with experience in this field but also for individuals who are looking to move into this sector from other careers. When many other financial companies are making cut-backs we are actually expanding so this not only means that there is the opportunity to join us but also lots of great career prospects.”

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LV= Announces Income Protection Enhancements

LV=, protection and retirement specialist, has announced that it has made enhancements to its income protection policy, resulting in another coveted Defaqto 5 Star Rating.

LV=’s income protection policy (which forms part of the protection menu, the Flexible Protection Plan) now includes Guaranteed Increase Options, which means policyholders can increase their cover without any medical or financial underwriting if they:
– Increase their mortgage
– Get married or register a civil partnership
– Have or adopt a child
– Have an increase in basic salary as a result of promotion, changing employer or gaining qualifications.

The policy now also includes Back to Work Support, meaning LV= may provide financial support and advice to help policyholders return to work with confidence.

Plus, LV= has added a Career Break Option where policyholders will be covered (for up to a maximum of £1,500 a month) if they decide to take a break from work. If they then return to the same job within 24 months they’ll be able to go back to their original amount of cover and premium without the need for any medical questions (provided they haven’t made a claim during this period).

Mark Jones, LV= head of protection, said: “These new enhancements further improve our already strong income protection proposition, and will help advisers offer greater flexibility and support to their clients.

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LV= Finds Dodgy DIY Improvements Damage House Values

New research by home insurer LV= has revealed that in the last few years as many as 4.05m homeowners have undertaken electrical jobs without professional help, 3.3m have attempted plumbing work and 1.35m have carried out structural work such as removing walls. 900,000 have undertaken major building works, such as loft conversions, and 450,000 have tackled potentially dangerous gas repairs.

According to the LV= survey, many homeowners admitted undertaking these works in an attempt to improve the resale value of their homes. However, the effects of doing these jobs badly can reduce the sale price of a property by more than 5% in some cases.

John O’Roarke, managing director of LV= home insurance, said: “With house prices falling or stagnating in some parts of the UK, it’s understandable that many homeowners should try to bump up the value of their properties through DIY home improvements.

“But although nine out of ten people in our survey (88%) recognised that jobs like gas work should only be left to the professionals, nearly 0.5m Brits are still prepared to give it a go. Not only could bungling these jobs be dangerous, and costly to put right, but if they caused a serious problem with the property it could invalidate the home insurance cover.”

The LV= report surveyed both homeowners and estate agents, and reveals a myriad of conflicting opinions when it comes to the impact of DIY improvements. 21% of home owners believe that redecorating adds the most value to a house, followed by kitchen refurbishment (14%), garden work (12%), and bathroom replacement (6%).

Meanwhile 69% of estate agents believe decorating will make no difference at all to the asking price of a property. 64% responded that garden landscaping won’t add value; whilst 22% said even a new kitchen won’t improve the price. Estate agents also believe that the sale price of a property could decrease by more than 5% in some cases, if ‘improvement’ work was done poorly.

Despite popular opinion, estate agents say that some of the most costly jobs are likely to have only a minimal impact on the asking price of a home. Those agents who believe that improvement work usually or always adds value reported that a new kitchen, if done well, can add around 2.5% to the price, while a good new bathroom or garden landscaping can each add 2.2%.

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LV= Reveals That Today’s Kids Have Less Freedom Than Previous Generation

According to new research from LV= Streetwise, a charity which educates children about safety, today’s parents don’t allow their kids the same liberties as they enjoyed when they were growing up.

24% of children aged 15 and under said they aren’t allowed to sleep over at a friend’s house, 60% are forbidden to use public transport on their own, and 43% can’t visit their closest park without a parent by their side. In contrast, just 4% of adults were banned from sleeping-over, 2% were forbidden to use public transport or go out on their own in familiar surroundings, like their local town or park.

The restriction on children’s outside activities appears to be a direct result of parents’ growing fears and anxieties. 65% of mums and 63% of dads believe the world is more dangerous now than it was when they were growing up. ‘Stranger danger’ is the biggest worry for 54% of parents, followed by bullying (47%), mugging (47%) and road danger (34%).

On average, children today can look forward to walking to school on their own by the age of 11, use public transport on their own at 12, and babysit their brother or sister by the time they’re 14, compared with the respective 9, 11 and 12 years of age of their parents generation. However many parents know they’re being tougher on their children with 36% feeling uneasy that their kids don’t get the same opportunities as they did to experience freedom as a youngster.

The new research findings mark the launch of the unique LV= Streetwise safety roadshow, which helps to educate children about safety in the home and outdoors using a converted ‘bendy bus’ featuring a life-size kitchen, lounge, and road and rail hazard simulators. The roadshow will be travelling round county fairs and other outdoor events across the UK this summer.

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Elephant Auto Insurance Welcomes Two New Hires

Richmond, Virginia based Elephant Insurance Services (Elephant), a leading provider of auto insurance announced two important new hires today. John Carpenter has been named Operations Manager, and Greg Minkler has been named Marketing Manager.

Carpenter brings a strong track record in organizational change, operational management, personnel development and external vendor management with Fortune 200 companies. He joins Elephant from his most recent position as Site Director for Insurance Services at Bank of America. Prior to holding that position, Carpenter spent 5 years at Capital One in multiple leadership roles.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of a new organization with a forward thinking approach to providing auto insurance, and am eager to add my experience to such a well run business as it continues to grow and evolve. The operations area at Elephant has a proven ability to provide customers with multiple methods of securing high value auto insurance.”

Minkler joins Elephant from his most recent position at Affinion Loyalty Group as Director of Product Marketing. He brings a history of both B2B and B2C analytical marketing to Elephant. Before joining Elephant, Minkler also held positions with Fair Isaac, as well as Capital One. “I’m excited to help build on the analytical marketing strategy that Elephant is employing in the auto insurance industry. The ability to provide great auto insurance, multiple discounts, and a cheap alternative to high priced policies is dependent on matching the right product and message to the right customer. “

About Elephant
Elephant Insurance Services is a direct-to-consumer (web and phone) auto insurance company.

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Solicitors Seeing Rise In Fraudulent Personal Injury Claims

LV= has issued new research revealing that the legal profession has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people attempting to claim compensation from exaggerated or invented injuries.

Solicitors Seeing Rise In Fraudulent Personal Injury Claims

The research reveals that over half of all solicitors (57%) have noticed an increase in the number of prospective clients faking their injuries in order to make a claim in the past ten years.

Among solicitors who have encountered suspect personal injury claims, over half (52%) say the claims are most likely to involve a car accident, with whiplash the most frequently exaggerated injury (46% of all exaggerated claims). Post-traumatic stress was the next most commonly ‘made-up’ injury (21%) followed by strained muscles (10%).

The vast majority of solicitors (89%) feel that the ‘blame culture’ associated with personal injury claims has been exacerbated by the introduction of the ‘no win no fee’ arrangement, also known as the ‘Conditional Fee Agreements’ system.

The LV= research found that over six in ten legal professionals (63%) believe that TV advertising of these kinds of services is one of the key reasons for the increase in people reporting false personal injury claims. The other reasons cited were people thinking it’s an easy way to make money (70%), an increased awareness of the availability of compensation (62%), and the need to hold someone else responsible (49%) if they had been in an accident.

The legal profession is cracking down on cheats as a result of the findings, with the vast majority of solicitors refusing to take on claims, or strongly discouraging claimants if the facts don’t add up.

Commenting on the findings, Asim Butt, a partner from Keoghs LLP, a law firm specialising in the investigation and handling of suspected fraudulent personal injury claims on behalf of insurance companies, said: “The research by LV= supports the experience within our fraud unit that some types of car insurance fraud are now reaching epidemic proportions. Our legal system is intended to ensure that fair compensation is provided to those who genuinely suffer injury or loss as a result of an accident. It is not there to be hijacked by those who wish to abuse the system by pursuing false, bogus or exaggerated claims. Insurance fraud is not a faceless crime; it is an indirect tax on the public, levied by dishonest people and is an unacceptable feature of today’s society that needs to be addressed.”

Martin Milliner, LV= technical claims director, said: “Genuine cases of personal injury where another person or company is at fault are certainly causes for compensation. However, drivers who invent or exaggerate their injuries to make a claim not only break the law but also push up the cost of car insurance premiums for all motorists. We encourage all solicitors to continue to apply rigorous questioning to anyone claiming a personal injury, and to investigate very carefully any concerns they have about the reliability of a claimant’s story.”

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M&S Pet Insurance Warns Chocolate Treats Can Be A Doggy Danger This Easter

M&S Pet Insurance is warning dog owners of the dangers of chocolate poisoning in household pets ahead of the Easter weekend.

Chocolate eggs and other treats left around the house at Easter can be a big temptation to four legged friends, however unlike most people they can become extremely unwell if they eat large amounts of chocolate which is intended for humans.

The toxic chemical within chocolate is called Theobromine and the amount contained within chocolate varies according to the type and quality of chocolate. Dark chocolate usually contains high levels of the toxic chemical, compared with white chocolate which contains comparatively little. Even a small amount of high quality dark chocolate eaten by a dog can cause clinical signs such as hyperexcitability and restlessness, vomiting, tremors and convulsions.

While M&S Pet Insurance policyholders have access to a 24-hour advice line, 365 days a year, meaning that if the worst happens this Easter they know they have support at the end of the phone, as it is much better to avoid the problem in the first place.

Vetfone nurses provide concerned pet owners with immediate advice on an animal’s condition and can decide whether emergency medical treatment is required.

Vetfone Deputy Operations Manager, Clare Scantlebury, said: “Easter is a great excuse to indulge in all things chocolaty, but dog owners should think carefully about storing chocolate eggs in a safe place out of the reach of hungry dogs.

“The potential danger depends on the amount of chocolate eaten, the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate and is showing signs of illness, seek medical advice immediately.”

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “It’s not just the chocolate at Easter which can cause illness and injury in pets. We have seen claims when dogs have eaten small novelty toys from Easter eggs and shredded plastic used as packing material in Easter baskets.

“Small toys may cause internal damage or an intestinal blockage which can be life threatening. Ideally keep these objects well out of reach of your pets and supervise your dogs closely if children are playing with the toys.”

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LV=, Insurance, Pensions And Investments Group, Has Announced That It Is Opening New Offices In Huddersfield

This is in addition to LV=’s road rescue company, Britannia Rescue, which is already based in Huddersfield town centre, employing around 100 people. The new LV= offices will be in Folly Hall and are scheduled to open in July 2010. This will also become the new home to Britannia Rescue, which will be moving from its current offices in Station Buildings, where it has been based for over 20 years. Having celebrated its 25th year of operation in Huddersfield last year, Britannia Rescue has reached capacity at Station Buildings and needs to move to enable the business to expand further.

LV=, Insurance, Pensions And Investments Group, Has Announced That It Is Opening New Offices In Huddersfield

As well as the Britannia Rescue management team, LV= will open a new 24-hour call centre in Folly Hall to deal with both calls from LV= car insurance customers who have been involved in an accident, and Britannia Rescue breakdown calls. The 24-hour service will also be expanded to LV= home insurance customers during 2010 and the new office is set to become the company’s primary 24-hour call centre.

The new jobs there will be advertised later in the year and will include customer service advisor roles, team leader positions and management opportunities.

LV= is a leading mutual financial group with over 3.6 million members and customers. The company offers a wide range of financial products including insurance, pensions and investments.

The new LV= office at Folly Hall will have the capacity for around 175 people. It is located 10 minutes from the station in a Grade II listed building which has been renovated as part of the regeneration of Huddersfield’s Waterfront Quarter.

Simon Stevens, general manager of LV=’s Huddersfield operation, said: “We are delighted to be expanding in the town. Huddersfield has been a fantastic base for our Britannia Rescue business and with our positive experience here we are confident that Huddersfield will also be a great location for part of the LV= car insurance claimsoperation.

“We are committed to Huddersfield and to providing new jobs in the area. LV= is a fast-growing general insurer and when many other financial companies are making redundancies we are actually expanding. This means that not only is there the opportunity for local people to join us, but there are also great career prospects and the chance to move up in the company.”

Cllr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It is excellent news that such a well known and respected company is investing in our area. We have a good relationship with LV= through their Britannia Rescue operation which has been based in the two for many years and we are delighted they have chosen to expand their operation in Huddersfield and create jobs for local people. Working with Kirklees businesses, from small traders to larger organisations, is one of the many ways in which the council continues to tackle the problems caused by the recession.”

Barry Sheerman, MP for Huddersfield, said: “The fact that LV= is expanding in Huddersfield is an excellent omen. Increasingly Huddersfield is being seen as an exceptional place to live and work, and in which to find talented and hardworking employees. The Folly Hall scheme adds to the innovative regeneration of our waterfront development and I hope that LV= and the town prosper together.”

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M&S Money Readies For Valentine’s Day Rush For Wedding Insurance

New figures from M&S Money show that February is one of the most popular months of the year to buy wedding insurance, with sales of M&S Wedding Insurance expected to increase in the weeks after Valentine’s Day as couples planning their big day make sure they are covered in case the worst happens.

M&S Money Readies For Valentine's Day Rush For Wedding Insurance

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “Considering the cost of an average wedding and the current economic climate, wedding insurance really should be at the top of every bride and groom’s list.

“When buying wedding insurance, it is important to think through all the services planned for the big day and make sure the right amount of cover is in place. Once the cover is in place couples can get on with the preparations for the big day.”

Dave Simms, Personal Lines Manager at Ecclesiastical Insurance, which underwrites M&S Wedding Insurance, said: “Supplier failure was the main cause for wedding insurance claims in 2009 and can seriously disrupt a perfectly planned special day. Suppliers struggling in the current economic climate can cause brides and grooms stress and heartache by not being able to deliver contracted services. This often happens at very short notice before the big day.

“In such circumstances, having proper wedding insurance in place can help you get your wedding back on track and help to ensure you’re not left out of pocket because of failed services. Wedding insurance really should be a top priority for newly engaged couples.”

Couples taking out an M&S policy can cover themselves against various nightmare scenarios, including a damaged cake, lost rings or stolen flowers, however there are exclusions, for example the policy does not cover cancellation where the bride or groom decides they don’t want to get married.

M&S Wedding Insurance – Key Features:
Four levels of Wedding Cover
No excess
Up to £17,500 cancellation cover
Stress counselling included as standard
M&S Cardholders receive 100 M&S points when they take out a new policy

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M&S Home Insurance Urges Romantics Check Rings Are Insured Before Proposing This Valentine’s

M&S Home Insurance is advising anyone purchasing a ring before popping the question this Valentine’s Day to check it is covered by their existing home contents insurance.

Brits spend an average of £1,800 (source: confetti.co.uk quoted on thisismoney.co.uk) on an engagement ring. While many people may be tempted to take out specialist insurance offered at the time of purchase, they may not realise the ring may already be covered by their home insurance policy.

M&S Home Insurance offers unlimited cover for possessions in the home* – so policy holders can be confident that their valuable items have adequate cover. This can be extended to cover items outside of the home.

Insurance for valuables is particularly important at this time of the year – February is one of the worst months for burglaries** as it is dark early in the evening, and many homes are empty, with people still at work, or parents out on the school run.

As the price of gold has risen by 25% compared to this time last year (Source: goldprice.org), demand for gold jewellery is high, making heirlooms that have been passed down the generations, and other older items of gold a valuable commodity for burglars, as they can be sold on quickly and easily.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “Many contents insurance policies have specific limits on single items, so if you think an item of jewellery may be worth more now than when it was bought, it would be worth having it revalued to ensure it is going to be covered by your existing policy.

“While many items are irreplaceable because of the memories or a person or an event that are attached to them, it’s a comfort to think you can at least afford to have the item replaced with something of similar value if the worst happens.”

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M&S Money Launches New Flexi Cash ISA Option

M&S Money has announced the launch if its new flexi cash ISA option, offering a variable rate of 2.65% AER/tax-free. This includes a bonus rate of 1.25% for 18 months from initial deposit.

M&S Money Launches New Flexi Cash ISA Option

Research commissioned by M&S Money revealed that people are now more concerned about easy access to their savings (53% compared to 22% in 2009) and are looking for interest rates with a bonus, as well as fixed rates. When asked what an important factor was to them when putting money into savings, 56% of respondents wanted a savings provider they could trust, compared to 34% in 2009.

The new Flexi Cash ISA requires a minimum deposit of £100 to be made, either paid in one lump sum or £25 by monthly direct debit, up to the Cash ISA allowance of £3,600 or £5,100 per tax year. Transfers from other ISA providers are also allowed under the Flexi Cash ISA.

Flexi Cash ISA is one of the options customers can use within the M&S Cash ISA account to divide their tax free savings allowance between variable and fixed rates. From April 2010, the new limit for Cash ISA savings will be £5,100 per tax year for everyone aged 16 and over. This new limit will already exist for those aged 50 and over from early April 2010.

As an example, with the M&S Cash ISA, a customer would be able to save £2,550 in the variable Flexi Cash ISA option, and the remaining £2,550 in one of the fixed rate savings options available.

Colin Kersley, Chief Executive of M&S Money, commented: “Our research shows that more people than last year are looking for a savings provider they can trust. At M&S Money we have been providing a safe home for customers’ savings for many years, and the company itself is 25 years old this year.

“We are also part of HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, and are continuing to develop our savings range. Cash savings are protected under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the first £50,000 of our customers’ savings are 100% guaranteed.”

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M&S Home Insurance Helps Householders Reduce Their Environmental Impact

M&S is the first home insurance provider in the UK to offer policyholder claimants two unique features to help reduce their impact on the environment.

M&S Home Insurance is now offering the features to new customers at no added cost and will be making them available to existing customers on policy renewal from 1st February.

While lost or damaged possessions are usually replaced with equivalent new items M&S Home Insurance claimants for fridge freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers, will be offered an environmentally-friendly A rated energy-efficient replacement, saving up to 140kg of CO2 each year*.

Additionally, insured properties requiring a rebuild will be reconstructed in line with the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) 4, using sustainable materials where possible, emitting at least 44% less CO2 than building regulations stipulate**.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “These new policy features, which we believe are firsts in the UK insurance market***, mean that the M&S Home Insurance policy is one of the most environmentally friendly products of its kind.”

Nick Kidd, of AXA Insurance, said: “It is becoming increasingly common for companies to launch ‘green’ products on the basis of carbon offsetting facilities which our research suggests is not valued by customers.

“The M&S product goes significantly further by providing tangible environmental benefits which will help customers to save energy, save money and ultimately, to help save the planet. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average home will emit around 5 tonnes of CO2 a year, so these new product features can have a real impact.

“At AXA we’re committed to reducing our negative environmental impact and are really pleased to work with M&S Money on this innovative product.”

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Put Home Insurance Top Of The Christmas Wish List

As a survey reveals that a third of households leave gifts under the Christmas tree well before the big day, home insurance provider M&S Money is advising householders to make sure security remains a priority this festive period.

Crime statistics reveal that domestic burglaries increase during the coldest and darkest months of the year – November, December and January (Home Office Report ‘Seasonality in recorded crime’).

The increased value of property stored in homes in the weeks before Christmas means that householders should be particularly vigilant to the threat of a break-in.

A survey by home insurance provider M&S Money has revealed that security is the last thing on the minds of 39% of householders who say they leave presents under the Christmas tree well before December 25th. Only 7% of householders are security-minded and wait until Christmas morning to put presents under the tree.

Furthermore, only 20% of people say they are ‘very confident’ about what is covered by their home contents insurance, meaning many people may be unaware they are exceeding the limits of their normal home contents insurance cover.

While 75% of UK households have home contents insurance, only 7.53% of policies across the market offer unlimited sum cover for the contents of homes. M&S Home Insurance gives unlimited cover so policyholders can relax knowing that they will never be underinsured, no matter what the value of the presents stored at home.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “At Christmas it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget about home security. However, we all know there are criminals who see this time of the year as providing them with rich pickings.

“Householders can take practical measures to deter burglars and protect their homes by keeping expensive Christmas presents out of view, closing curtains during the long dark December evenings and fitting timers to lights and radios which will create doubt in the burglar’s mind.”

David added: “Christmas should be a fun time of the year. By making sure you have adequate home insurance you can enjoy festivities in the knowledge that the contents of your home are protected should the worst happen.”

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64% Rise In The Number Of Drivers Being Clamped In The Last Year

LV= has revealed a 64% rise in the number of drivers being clamped in the last year. Municipal clampers typically charge £116 and private clampers £120, with the legality of private clamping companies currently under dispute.

According to the research from car insurer LV=, local councils took £21m in clamping fees over the last 12 months compared with £58m taken by private clamping firms.

It’s not just the fines drivers have to pay; according to the research 4% of drivers who had their car clamped ended up with damage to their vehicle adding to their financial woes.

As the private clamping industry is currently unregulated, motorists have no official route of complaint or to get money back in the event of being unfairly clamped. Driver who find themselves in this situation are advised that the most effective route of complaint is to send a letter via recorded delivery including relevant photography of the clamped vehicle and localised area.

The rise in clamping by private firms has been particularly dramatic over the last 12 months, increasing from 292,023 incidences to 486,705 incidences, year on year.

The most common reason cited by people for parking on private land is the lack of available legal parking spaces in the vicinity (12%). LV= is calling on the government to increase legislation on private clamping companies and increase the number of parking spaces available.

17% of drivers believe they were clamped even though they were being parked legally and 59% said there was little or no warning displayed to indicate they were parking in a private space.

Moreover, 11% of those clamped by private individuals said their vehicle was not released immediately, even after they had paid the release fee. And a number of the motorists interviewed said they received high levels of abuse from private clampers.

John O’Roarke, managing director of LV= car insurance, said: “What we’re seeing is a huge surge in the number of drivers being landed with unreasonable and extortionate fines. Private clampers make millions every year and in some cases are using intimidating and aggressive tactics to raise money from drivers who have unknowingly parked in the wrong place.

Via EPR Network
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Fake Injuries Are On The Increase

LV= car insurance has reported that GPs have seen an increase in the number of people feigning injury in order to claim compensation. The research conducted among GPs has revealed that 65% of doctors have seen an increase in the number of attempts to make a fraudulent injury claim over the past ten years, with almost one in four reporting a surge since the recession began.

Fake Injuries Are On The Increase

The LV= research reveals a 25% rise in personal injury claims over the past six years, costing the NHS £8m in consultation fees every year and the insurance industry nearly £2bn in compensation payments*.

The most commonly attempted personal injury fraud is whiplash, which has a significant impact on car insurance costs, estimated at 20% of everyone’s premium*. The insurance industry is working closely with the medical profession to ensure that legitimate claims are supported whilst weeding out any false claims.

Doctors have also reported cases of people trying to fake post-traumatic stress and depression as ways of fraudulently claiming compensation.

The UK has twice the number of whiplash injuries reported compared with the rest of Europe* and the medical profession is becoming more wary of people attempting to make fraudulent claims. 49% of GPs said they are now more likely to scrutinise patients ‘injuries’ where compensation could be gained, and 36% said they are now less likely to write a letter to support a claim.

Dr Harry Brunjes, Chairman of LV=’s medical advice provider, Premier Medical Group commented: “The medical profession always has been, but is increasingly sensitive to individuals who could potentially defraud their employer or insurer as a result of exaggeration or even fabrication of clinical signs and symptoms.”

Although the vast majority of GPs said the increase in faked injuries was driven by people trying to get compensation [AU1]other common reasons cited included people trying to get time off work (66%), the ‘blame’ culture that exists in the UK (70%), because they are hypochondriacs (13%) or simply because they want attention (31%).

Martin Milliner, head of claims at LV= car insurance, said: “Clearly anyone who has a genuine injury as a result of an accident that wasn’t their fault, and loses out or can’t work as a result of it, is entitled to compensation. However anyone trying to get money for an injury that doesn’t exist is not only breaking the law but also wasting valuable NHS time and resources. We would urge any GP who has doubts about someone reporting an injury to investigate further to ensure that it is genuine.

“People may see making up an injury as a result of a car accident as a harmless crime and a quick way to make money, but if they are allowed to get away with it all car insurance premiums would be pushed up which is unfair on the honest motorist.” Anyone found guilty of making a fraudulent claim will also have a criminal record, could lose their job and could go to prison for three years or more, according to the official Sentencing Guidelines Council guidance.

Via EPR Network
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Driving Record can Make or Break Car Insurance Quotes

Do you have a copy of your driving record? If not, maybe it’s time you got one. Knowing what your driving record looks like can help you be a more conscious driver on the road. And as any good insurance agent knows, cautious drivers are more likely to pay less for their car insurance, according to an article on InsuranceAgents.com.

Driving Record can Make or Break Car Insurance Quotes

Hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country were cut again in the last month. Many households are living on a severely reduced income, and saving money seems to be becoming a full-time job all its own. But don’t drop your auto insurance policy to save money—instead, try to find a more affordable plan. And to do that, you should keep a copy of your driving record, to see where improvements can be made.

A responsible driver—whose goal is to keep their auto insurance as affordable as possible—checks their driving record at least every 2-3 years (more often if they know they have several violations in one year). The amount you pay for your car insurance policy will be affected by whether or not you have a clean driving record. As such, InsuranceAgents.com encourages drivers to seek a copy of their driving record—a move it says is more than a little convenient to drivers.

“Knowing how many violations are on it or whether you have an ideal driving record is valuable knowledge,” according to the InsuranceAgents.com article, ‘Reviewing Your Personal Driving Record.’ “If you’ve got a clean record, you should be sure to alert your car insurance agent so you can get a reduction on your auto insurance premium. On the flip side, if you find that you’ve got many violations on your driving record, you can proceed by taking steps to clean your record and/or learn better driving habits.”

A copy of your record can be found at your DMV, on the Web, or with your car insurance carrier. Having the knowledge provided by your record can be very useful when you are looking to lower your car insurance premium, or find more affordable rates by requesting auto insurance quotes.

Once you know what kind of driver your record reflects to your DMV and your car insurance carrier, you can start the search for more affordable car insurance by shopping online for car insurance quotes.

“If your current carrier is charging you too much for your policy—perhaps due to some infractions on your driving record—then you may want to consider finding a different policy, ask various car insurance agents, they may be able to help. Perhaps another carrier can offer you more affordable car insurance quotes and policies for your driving record,” suggests the article by InsuranceAgents.com.

Via EPR Network
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