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Insurance

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Insurance, Investment, Money, Personal Finance

Report Says The Recession Will Have A Positive Impact On The Savings Habits Of Today’s Seven Year Olds

The Children’s Mutual’s ‘Turning Seven’ report has revealed that the recession will have a positive impact on the savings habits of today’s seven year olds. According to the leading Child Trust Fund provider, the current recession is developing a younger generation with a more responsible attitude towards money – the likes of which has not been seen since the end of the Second World War.

‘Turning Seven’, which delves into the financial attitudes of seven year olds and their parents, found that two thirds of parents polled insisted that their seven year old children were better informed about finances than they were at the same age. 47% also revealed their seven year olds have already saved up money for something specific, such as a computer game. The report highlights that the current generation of seven year olds will be much more pragmatic about money.

Two thirds of parents feel that their seven year olds now understand that money ‘does not grow on trees’ and are optimistic that the economic hardship currently being experienced is a positive for their children, with a third of parents believing it will make their child more astute and responsible with money. Indeed, 83% of UK parents now insist that their children ‘earn’ their pocket money.

David White, Chief Executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “We are all acutely aware that the recession has put many people in difficult financial situations, but what is surprising is that there has been a positive impact through prompting reflection and encouraging a change in attitude and behaviour. We know that many families are feeling the squeeze, but encouragingly, our report demonstrates that parents and children are creating a ‘positive austerity’ and are using the downturn as an opportunity to educate their children about the value of money which ultimately could alter savings habits in the UK f r o m the ground up.”

The ‘Turning Seven’ report has been released today to coincide with the oldest members of the Child Trust Fund Generation turning seven, and as a result receiving an additional £250 top up payment f r o m the Government into their CTFs.

Child Trust Funds are designed to provide a tax efficient, long term savings vehicle for all eligible children. Each eligible newborn child (born on or after 1 September 2002) receives a £250 (£500 for low income families) Child Trust Fund voucher f r o m the Government when their parents register for Child Benefit. The Government will make a second contribution of £250 (£500 for low income families) when the child reaches seven and is considering a third in the child’s teenage years. Parents, family and friends can all then add to this account up to a maximum value of £1,200 each year.

Via EPR Network
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Health Initiatives Gaining Momentum With UK Firms, Report Says

PruHealth, private medical insurer, has revealed as part of its new Workplace Health Report into the impact of health and wellbeing measures and culture in the workplace, that 89% of larger firms in the UK and 33% of SMEs offer health incentives for their employees.

Senior executives (75% of larger firms and 55% of SMEs) believe fostering a healthy lifestyle in the workplace is part of their role as a responsible employer. Furthermore, 83% of employees stated that an employer’s attitudes to health and wellbeing are an important factor when looking for a new role, which means providing a health and wellbeing programme has never been more important to help attract and retain quality.

Firms also believe health initiatives can help increase staff morale, improve productivity and reduce absenteeism as a ‘halo’ effect of a healthier workforce. Additionally benefits of encouraging a healthy culture in the workplace are also evident, with 51% of larger firms and 38% of SMEs experiencing a drop in absenteeism since introducing wellbeing initiatives.

With sickness and absence costing UK plc £20 billion a year larger firms with over 250 employees are actively encouraging a healthier and happier workforce as part of their responsibility as employers. As well as introducing initiatives, 81% of senior management are leading by example and engaging in healthy behaviour in the workplace, like sponsoring employees’ charity fun runs (55%), taking part in exercise classes and sports teams at work (49%) or eating healthily in the office (35%).

With economies of scale proving a barrier for some companies, only 33% of SMEs offer health initiatives to staff. However, 47% of SME senior executives said they are setting a good example through healthy behavior and taking part in exercise classes and sports teams at work.

PruHealth’s Vitality incentive programme enables smaller companies to provide a full ‘blue-chip’ range of healthy activities for employees as part of their corporate private health insurance, enabling companies of all sizes to benefit from a healthier workforce.”

About PruHealth
PruHealth was launched in October 2004 as a joint venture between Prudential and Discovery Holdings from South Africa to provide private health insurance. Since launch, PruHealth has grown quickly. PruHealth medical insurance now covers over 190,000 lives and in a sample of its individual customers, one third said they had changed their behaviour for the better because of its Vitality reward scheme which encourages policyholders to look after their health.

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The Cost Of University For This Year’s Recent A-Level Graduates Could Be As High As £25 Billion – Almost £3 Billion More Than Last Year

The Children’s Mutual has reported the cost of university for this year’s recent A-level graduates could be as high as £25 billion – almost £3 billion more than last year. The Children’s Mutual warns that thousands of young adults celebrating their A-Level results and their parents may remain unaware of this rising cost.

The Cost Of University For This Year’s Recent A-Level Graduates Could Be As High As £25 Billion - Almost £3 Billion More Than Last Year

According to the leading Child Trust Fund provider, the average student needs to find about £42,000 to fund three years at university, but this doesn’t take into account the costs of any further training they might want to do after their degree. Currently 87% of young people in the UK are receiving financial help from their parents and help towards university costs is something many students expect and parents expect to give*. Increases in year-on-year university costs also mean this bill will rise in future years.

One way parents of future scholars can help mitigate the rising costs is by saving regularly from when their children are very small. The Child Trust Fund (CTF) was created by the Government to provide every eligible child with a nest egg when they turn 18, with parents, friends and family all encouraged to help save. Launched in 2002, more than 4.4 million children now have a CTF account. Topping up a child’s CTF on a monthly basis could result in a significant lump sum when the child turns 18, perfect for helping with university costs.

David White, Chief Executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “University can be as much of a millstone as it is a milestone. While parents will be pleased about their children’s successes as they receive their A-level results and many look forward to university, the high costs involved can be a real financial strain to a huge number of students and their parents. For families planning to support their children through university, finding a lump sum to cover the costs can be very difficult. Often, parents are left with no other option but to dip into their savings or remortgage their house. This can have a serious impact on their own financial future.

“From 2020 all 18 year-olds will have access to their maturing Child Trust Funds as they enter adulthood and the money saved in these could make a real difference to both future university students and their parents.”

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Homeowners Insurance Rate Quotes Explained

When it comes to saving money on insurance, consumers may want to utilize homeowners insurance quotes. Applying to receive homeowners insurance rate quotes is free, fast and easy to do. But homeowners must first learn just what homeowners insurance rate quotes are, and where they can find them.

Homeowners Insurance Rate Quotes Explained

According to a newly published article on InsuranceAgents.com, some shoppers who are unused to using quotes are surprised to learn the quote is not exactly what they pay.

“A homeowners insurance rate quote is an estimate from the insurance carrier to the potential policyholder. Shoppers should keep in mind that the quote is nonbinding; its purpose is to reflect the general price range that a person applying for coverage might pay,” the article, What Is a Homeowners Insurance Rate Quote? states. “However, the final premium the shopper ends up paying usually isn’t a drastic difference from the homeowners insurance rate quote they were offered.”

Time is of the essence: with rates rising across the country, homeowners can’t afford to stall saving money on their coverage any longer. The first step to saving money and finding home insurance quotes is to know where to look.

Homeowners can find quotes online, by talking face-to-face to an agent, or receiving them from insurance companies/offices/agents over the phone. InsuranceAgents.com, however, recommends finding the insurance quotes online because of its ease and efficiency.

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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.

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AAA Auto Insurance Services Review

A name that is trusted among most drivers is AAA Auto Insurance. And as one of the oldest American insurers, AAA also provides road side assistance in addition to offering auto insurance. For many drivers, AAA may be able to provide more affordable and quality services—a valuable commodity these days.

AAA Auto Insurance Services Review

A newly published article on InsuranceAgents.com, “AAA Auto Insurance: Not Just Great Coverage,” encourages drivers and motorists to evaluate the advantages of working with AAA, an all-service auto insurance provider.

Recent reports show more and more drivers are dropping their expensive auto insurance, suspending regular vehicle checks and tune-ups, and avoiding costly roadside assistance, in an effort to save money and make ends meet. But instead of paying several garages high bills, it may be more affordable to invest in one all-service company like AAA Auto Insurance.

Doing business with AAA Auto Insurance will provide drivers with the ability to properly insure their vehicles as well as receive multiple roadside services.

“[AAA Roadside Assistance] was implemented by AAA auto insurance in 1915 as a response to car breakdowns plaguing drivers all over the country. Nearly 100 years later, car breakdowns are still common and AAA boasts more than 30 million members to their program,” the article states.

Roadside assistance from AAA auto insurance includes:

• Battery service
• Tire service
• First aid for your car (minor adjustments, parts or supplies)
• Towing service
• Lock out service (in case you lock your keys in your car)
• Fuel delivery

In addition to insurance and roadside assistance, there are plenty of other services offered by AAA auto insurance. To learn more about AAA, contact your local branch and speak with a AAA auto insurance agent.

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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.

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New InsuranceAgents.com Article Discusses Nationwide Condo Insurance And What Makes It One Of The Best


New InsuranceAgents.com Article Discusses Nationwide Condo Insurance And What Makes It One Of The Best

With a wide array of insurance policies available for condominium owners, insurance companies are going the extra mile to stand out from the pack. Since 1926, Nationwide has grown into one of the largest insurance companies in the world and is now one of the leading sellers of condo insurance.

While companies such as State Farm, Allstate, Progressive and GEICO only offer basic protection for condominium owners, Nationwide makes sure its customers receive maximum protection. In the event of an unfortunate circumstance such as a fire, burglary or even windstorm, Nationwide assures its customers’ personal possessions will be covered.

“Nationwide condo insurance offers unique coverage options for its customers,” according to the article on InsuranceAgents.com, Nationwide Condo Insurance: Why Are They a Top Contender? “Most condo policies offer basic protection, but Nationwide goes the extra mile to tailor a policy that is convenient for you.”

In addition to providing customers with personal liability coverage, which protects them against any claims filed against them, Nationwide also offers special discounts that only its customers can benefit from.

“With Nationwide, you can benefit from deals on fire and ultrasonic burglar alarms, fire extinguishers and locks on all exterior passageways,” according to the InsuranceAgents.com article.

By helping customers protect what’s most important to them, Nationwide has persuaded many condominium owners to put their trust into the Columbus, Ohio, company. If you want to become a Nationwide customer today, go online or visit your local Nationwide agent to gain more information.

Visit InsuranceAgents.com for expert articles and condo insurance quotes from up to 5 local insurance agents.

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Students Are Struggling To Fly The Nest, Reveals Lloyds TSB Student Banking

A survey by Lloyds TSB Student Banking has shown that almost half (47%) of young people starting university degrees this autumn believe they will be the most financially disadvantaged students for many generations.

Students Are Struggling To Fly The Nest

The survey of more than 1000 17-25 year olds who plan to go to university this year showed that those going into higher education have a bleak outlook on the financial costs of the course. Almost one third (31%) of those questioned said they thought that the costs of going to university would soon outweigh the benefits of a degree.

The same percentage – up from 27% in 2008 – is looking to stay at home to save money, meaning they will miss out on their first taste of independent living. The Lloyds TSB Student Banking research also revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of students believes that getting into debt while they study debt is inevitable because of the state of the economy. To compound their fears, one in five (20%) believes that it will be difficult to find a job after graduation.

Catherine McGrath, director of current accounts at Lloyds TSB, said: “It’s no surprise that in the current economic climate young people are thinking about how their university career will affect them financially and are considering the ways to make their money work harder.

“It’s important that students-to-be concentrate on their studies and don’t spend unnecessary time worrying about the future. Therefore picking the right bank accounts, using sound money management techniques and considering part-time work are all important steps that will help students manage their finances during their degree course.”

Although the majority students-to-be said that they relished the opportunity to manage their own money, more than a quarter (28%) of potential freshers admitted to being worried about managing their own finances, with 25% saying that they hadn’t received any financial guidance in advance of starting their course.

Independent financial expert, Alvin Hall, commented: “The current economic climate is very daunting for young people, many of whom may be wondering whether spending money on their education really is the best bet.

“Young people need to remember that a degree is an investment in themselves and that sometimes it takes a while for that investment to pay off. In the meantime, they need to do everything in their power to make every penny count and ensure that, when they are standing on their own two feet as graduates, they can look back on their studying and spending without regrets.”

About Lloyds TSB:
Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, insurance, student accounts and credit cards, investment and cash ISA accounts designed to meet different customers’ needs.

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The British Public, Which Has Been So Severely Hit By The Economic Recession And The Crumbling Sterling Exchange Rate, Is Turning To Campervans And Motorhomes As Both A Cheap And Fun Alternative To The Foreign Holidays They Would Normally Have

The old VW Campervan, so beloved of hippies in the 1960s, is making a big comeback. The British public, which has been so severely hit by the economic recession and the crumbling sterling exchange rate, is turning to campervans and motorhomes as both a cheap and fun alternative to the foreign holidays they would normally have.

Holidays abroad are becoming increasingly expensive. The pound has lost a third of its value overseas in the last year, and Spain, which is probably one of the most popular destinations for holidaying Brits, has suffered inflation running at 14% for the last few years and is now more expensive to visit than Blackpool or Southend.

A spokesman for Staveley Head, one of the UK’s leading motorhome insurance providers, said “This time of year is always a busy period for campervan insurance enquiries, but this year we are experiencing an unprecedented number both on the internet and by telephone. People are finding it more financially viable to buy a used campervan or motorhome and have several holidays touring the UK than to spend the same amount of money on one big continental blow-out. And it’s not just the bottom end of the market that’s active. More and more people are buying the larger American style motorhomes which offer virtually all the facilities you can find in a hotel.”

Another advantage of the motorhome is that it easily accommodates the spontaneous holiday or long weekend that everyone wants when the British sun decides to shine. No last minute planning needed with a campervan , no airport delays or travellers cheques needed – just get in it and drive. How many people sleeping under canvas and wallowing in the mud at the Glastonbury Festival wished for a campervan.

The Staveley Head spokesman went on to say “It isn’t only motorhome insurance where we are seeing a substantial increase in activity. Caravans, both statics and tourers, appear to be increasingly popular this year. And the volume of caravan insurance policies we have issued in recent weeks is far exceeds the same period last year.”

Staveley Head is one of the country’s leading motorhome insurance brokers and will give you all the advice and assistance you need regarding this matter, including a very competitive campervan insurance quote, if you log onto their website at http://www.staveleyhead.co.uk You can also compare caravan insurance quotes and even take out motorhome insurance online.

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Molly Is The New Face Of M&S Pet Insurance

A beagle from South Wales is to become the new face of M&S Pet Insurance after winning a national competition to find a cat or dog with true star quality to feature in a future marketing campaign.

To enter the competition, which ran from April until the start of June, M&S pet insurance customers were asked to simply submit a photo and a few words about why their cat or dog is a star. Following the huge response to the competition and after some close deliberation by the judges, five-month-old Molly, who lives with The Mainwaring family in Blackwood, Gwent, was named the M&S Pet Star contest top-dog.

This means that Molly will now have a professional photo shoot and be featured in promotional material for a forthcoming M&S Pet Insurance campaign. The Mainwaring family will receive £100 worth of M&S vouchers. Sian Mainwaring said: “Molly is very mischievous and certainly has a mind of her own but we forgive her anything – most of the time. She means so much to us and it is wonderful that she will now be the face of M&S Pet Insurance.”

Amanda Newman, M&S Head of Marketing, said: “The huge response to the competition illustrates the fact that we are a nation of cat and dog lovers. It was wonderful to spend time looking through all the photos and reading why the cats and dogs mean so much to their owners.”

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

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 9,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,527 billion at 31 December 2008, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as ‘the world’s local bank’.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

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The Children’s Mutual Reveals Child Trust Funds Top 4.4 Million

The Children’s Mutual has highlighted that the latest figures issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show the continuing revolution in children’s savings and demonstrates parents’ commitment to their children’s futures in the current environment. The quarterly Child Trust Fund (CTF) statistics released by HMRC have revealed that 4.4 million children under seven in the UK now have a Child Trust Fund.

David White, Chief Executive of the Child Trust Fund provider, The Children’s Mutual said: “These latest figures show that the Child Trust Fund generation is growing steadily and, unlike any generation before them, in 11 years’ time the first CTF recipients will reach adulthood with greater financial knowledge and an important financial headstart. The average amount saved each month by our CTF customers is £24. Over 18 years, these savings could produce a fund of around £9,750*, a significant financial help for young adults who may want to attend university or put down a deposit on their first home.

Recent research by The Children’s Mutual found that despite the recession parents still feel that saving for their children and giving them the best future they can is very important. In the last year The Children’s Mutual has seen a considerable rise in the number of CTFs being opened and a 16% increase on 2007, with record months for the number of parents with newborns opening CTF’s online in May and June.

David continued, “It is now more important than ever during these challenging economic times, that parents take the time to choose where to open a CTF and start saving towards their child’s future. And now that parents no longer have to hand over a CTF voucher when opening a CTF, it’s even easier and faster for them to set up their child’s account.”

Had a product similar to the CTF existed 18 years ago and family and friends saved£100 a month in a shares-based plan for a child over that time, that youngster could now have the benefit of a fund worth £37,400**.”

* Projected values quoted based on investing £24 a month (plus £250 government vouchers at birth and age 7) for 18 years in a stakeholder CTF account. 7% per annum assumed investment return, with charges of 1.5% of the CTF account value each year. Projected values cannot be guaranteed as shares can go up or down. Final payout could be more or less than this.

** The assumed maturity figure is based on a hypothetical calculation, tracking the real performance of shares over 18 years, from 1991 to 2009. They include £250 invested at the child’s birth and at age seven and 1.5% charges, as with the Stakeholder CTF today. This assumes investment in the FTSE All-Share index over that period including reinvestment of the dividend yield. The figures also include lifestyling. Amount Received as at end May 2009

About The Children’s Mutual – Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children’s Mutual’s mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today’s children. The Children’s Mutual is the only UK company that specialises in long term savings for children and is now the choice of 1 in 4 parents for their child’s Child Trust Fund, with more than 650,000 accounts.

The Children’s Mutual has won the The Moneyfacts Award for Best Child Trust Fund Provider every year since its 2006 launch.

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Auto Insurance Quotes Impacted by US Point System for Driving

While many drivers have had their licenses suspended thanks to their state’s driving point system, they might be unfamiliar with how it works and how it impacts car insurance.

Auto Insurance Quotes

Established to hinder the amount of dangerous drivers on the road and to enforce traffic laws, the point system provides DMV’s with an extra set of eyes on the road. Depending on the way the state implements the system, points are added or taken away from your driving record. Although the accumulation of points can either be positive or negative, depending on the state, the goal is the same: decrease the number of dangerous drivers on the road.

Having your license suspended, however, isn’t the only negative outcome of possessing multiple infractions on your driving record.

According to the InsuranceAgent.com article, ‘ The U.S. Point System: How it Affects Your Driving Record and Car Insurance,’ “The more infractions (and therefore, the more points) you have on your driving record, the more risky you are to insure. As such, insurers will offer you higher car insurance quotes and rates.”

If you are worried about your car insurance increasing, but aren’t familiar with your driving record, InsuranceAgents.com says there are steps you can take to ensure you avoid any future infractions. To learn about your state’s point system’s rules and regulations, contact your local DMV and your local police department. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information about the state’s point system.

“They can give you more specifics on the point system that affects you,” according to the article. “You can use that information to know where you stand as a driver in your state and whether or not you need to get proactive and work toward a better driving record.”

Once a driver understands their state’s point system, it makes it easier for them to follow traffic laws. If your driving record is clean, it will be much easier for you to find affordable auto insurance. If you’re currently in need of affordable auto insurance, compare quotes online. With a little patience, you’ll be able to find the most convenient coverage for you.

For more information, visit InsuranceAgents.com.

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Mortgage Protection Insurance Helps Prevent Foreclosure

The loss of one’s primary source of income almost always creates a domino effect that results in difficulty paying even your most menial of bills, let alone your most important bill: the mortgage.

However, losing your job isn’t the end of the world. There are always ways to make ends meet and mortgage protection insurance is available to prevent your home from being foreclosed on. According to an article recently published on InsuranceAgents.com you should speak to your homeowners insurance agent today about job loss protection.

“With an added job-loss rider, mortgage protection will help pay your mortgage payments in the event that you lose your job and can also cover your mortgage if you are otherwise unable to continue the payments on your own,” according to the InsuranceAgents.com article.

It is important for those interested in purchasing mortgage protection insurance to understand what factors go into the amount they are being charged for coverage. Those deciding factors include your employability, the cost of your mortgage payments, and the current state of the economy. The job market has a significant deciding factor on your mortgage protection premium. The higher the risk that you may lose your job, the more your mortgage protection insurance may cost.

With the economy in shambles and job security a term of the past, mortgage protection insurance is now more important than ever. Most policies come with job-loss coverage included but others require you add a job-loss rider. Visit InsuranceAgents.com to get set up with a home insurance agent in your area and ask them if mortgage protection insurance is right for you.

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In A Down Economy, Consumers Look For All Possible Ways To Cut Costs. InsuranceAgents.com Suggests Looking Online For Insurance Quotes

Looking Online For Insurance Quotes

You can preserve your energy doing things you like doing as opposed to doing things you have to do. Finding competitive insurance quotes usually falling in the latter category.

According to InsuranceAgents.com, locating the lowest possible insurance quotes is not only easy and free but takes very little energy and can be done without ever having to leave the house.

“Not many people these days have dozens of hours to spend driving to insurance companies’ offices, consulting with insurance agents face-to-face and doing background research on each carrier,” according to the InsuranceAgents.com article.“But with online insurance quotes, you can let the quotes come to you and simply relax with all that time you saved.”

The way InsuranceAgents.com works benefits you, the potential customer. Once you enter your information and it is received by insurance companies and agents, a bidding war ensues with your business being the goal these agents have their sights set on. This means you have the upper hand, you are in the pilot’s seat, and you can compare and contrast each of their offers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Also, if there is one thing everyone can agree on it is that you can never save enough money. Feel free to ask the agents competing for your business what savings or discounts they can offer or you are eligible for. You will be surprised to find how much money you will save in the end.

“[Y]ou can be sure they’ll be some of the lowest quotes around, because the agents are trying to get your business,” according to InsuranceAgents.com. “Then you can compare multiple online insurance quotes and policies, and find the coverage you need for the price you want. Also, the search is free!”

Nobody likes their free-time being consumed with the search for insurance quotes, so let InsuranceAgents.com do the work for you. It’s simple, fast, and free.

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Does Shopping for Insurance Quotes Hurt Your Credit Score?

With the economy slumping and people relying on credit more than ever, the last thing anyone wants to do is limit their access to credit by damaging their credit score. When you apply for insurance quotes these days most companies will pull your credit to judge what premium they will be charging you. The idea of inquiries showing up on your credit sounds like a very negative thing, but according to a recent article on InsuranceAgents.com, it’s actually no big deal.

insuranceagents

Applying for insurance quotes does not negatively affect your credit score. There is no reason to not shop around for a better rate on your insurance, especially in tough economic times like these when every penny counts.

The insurance company may be pulling your credit, but it’s important to know the difference between what’s called a “hard pull” and a “soft pull”. According to the article, “When it comes to credit checks, there are two types of inquiries: ‘hard pulls’ and ‘soft pulls’. A hard pull refers to credit inquiries for acquiring credit, like from a credit card company or a lender. A soft pull is an inquiry that will review your credit score, much like an agent would to determine an insurance quote. … [T]he insurance company’s name will be listed on your report, but the inquiry will not lower your credit score.”

Though insurance quotes won’t affect your credit, it’s important to understand that your credit does affect your insurance quotes. The InsuranceAgents.com article continues, “While shopping for insurance quotes may not lower your credit score, it is important to know that a good credit score can lower your insurance quotes! Insurance companies and agents that see a potential client with a high credit score will consider you a low-risk client … They will then be able to offer you more affordable insurance quotes. Good credit saves you money in many different arenas of your life, including insurance.”

The best thing you can do if you have good or bad credit is to shop around for insurance quotes. Using services like InsuranceAgents.com you can compare up to five insurance quotes at a time and find the lowest rate.

For more information, visit InsuranceAgents.com.

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Lloyds TSB Insurance Reports Over 50s Driving Down Crime Rates

Lloyds TSB Insurance has conducted a new study that shows community-minded senior citizens are creating ‘safe havens’ with the lowest crime rates in the country.

Lloyds TSB Insurance, the home and car insurance provider, has revealed that Britain’s emerging ‘safe havens’ include North Norfolk, Berwick-upon-Tweed and West Somerset, which experience half the crime suffered in other parts of the country and whose population includes more than two in five people (43 per cent) over the age of 50.

Rates of burglary and malicious property damage are particularly low in these ‘safe havens’, running at around 40 per cent less than national levels.

The study suggests that low crime is promoted by the community-orientated mindset of older people. The over-50s are five times more likely than the under-35s to know their neighbours personally and are far more inclined to report suspicious behaviour in their area.

This anti-crime ‘halo’ created by older people is aided by much higher membership of community groups. One in six (16 per cent) are active in Neighbourhood Watch schemes, compared to a tiny proportion of those in their twenties and thirties (5 per cent).

The waning community spirit of younger Britons is explained in part by more transient, urban lifestyles. Many young people say they see “no point” in getting to know their neighbours and a hard core of one in twenty Londoners (7 per cent) has never met or spoken to anyone who lives nearby.

Phil Loney, managing director of General Insurance at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Our findings demonstrate that younger people aren’t as community-minded as their parents and this mindset can have a big impact on safety and security in our neighbourhoods.

“Young people can learn a huge amount from the older generation about security consciousness. Taking a little time to look out for other people’s property and reporting anything suspicious can have a huge impact on burglary rates and anti-social behaviour.

“We’ve spoken to some security conscious over-50s and have published some of their security tips on our website.”

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2017 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th-29th May 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). YouGov research questioned 18-35 vs. 50+ age cohorts. 4 per cent of over-50s know none of their neighbours personally, compared to 20 per cent of 18-35 year olds

About Lloyds TSB:
Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, travel, home insurance, cheap car insurance, personal loans and credit cards, competitive home insurance quotes investment and cash ISA accounts designed to meet different customers’ needs.

Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.

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Take Time To Compare Car Insurance Policies Before Travelling Abroad, Says Insurancewide

Increasing numbers of travellers are taking to the roads instead of the skies to get to their European holiday destinations, and keeping their car as a mode of transport whilst they explore their vacation destination. However, Insurancewide, one of the UK’s leading insurance comparison websites, is urging holidymakers to check the details of their car insurance policies carefully – they might not be insured for driving abroad, in which case it’s vital to compare car insurance policies to get the correct cover.

If you are whisking your family away, it certainly seems somewhat easier to load up the boot of your car, put the kids in the back seat and take to the road with your satelite navigation programmed. But if you get into an accident without the proper car insurance, or aren’t aware of the rules of the road where you go, you could have more of an adventure than you bargained for.

Holidays can take time to plan but the one thing you shouldn’t miss out in the rush to get ready for your driving break is to thoroughly check your car insurance policy. If you find it doesn’t cover you abroad, or it’s expensive to add this on, go online to compare car insurance, using a comparison website such as Insurancewide. It’s important not to just assume you are covered under your existing car insurance policy before setting off. If you are not it’s essential to compare car insurance nad get the appropriate cover.

You should also check the general rules of the road for where you are going – different places in Europe can have different speed limits, and different road customs in the event of a breakdown. For example, when you drive in Belgium, France and Germany you must have a warning triangle in your car.

So, it’s clear not only should you compare car insurance using a quick and easy insurance comparison site like Insurancewide, you should look into local road rules, and do your best to prepare for your trip. Carry identification with you at all times in case you are stopped by the local police and check basic maintenance such as oil and water levels before you go.

About Insurancewide
Insurancewide, also known as Insurancewide.com Services Limited, is an online insurance comparison website offering insurance comparison tools which allow users to search the market and procure the best insurance policies and quotes. Insurancewide was launched in August 1999 as the first insurance comparison website on the internet.

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