UK Insurance and Finance Articles

Are you struggling to find car insurance companies Northern Ireland?

Posted: January 30th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Car Insurance in Northern Ireland | Tags:

Residents of Northern Ireland may struggle when it comes to finding car insurance companies willing to offer them insurance. While problems of the past stop some insurance providers from offering cover to residents there are now websites who specialise in bringing insurance companies willing to offer protection together. This can make choosing car insurance companies in Northern Ireland a great deal easier for residents.

When looking for car insurance there are two common types, which the car owner may choose to take out depending on the vehicle they own.

Third party, fire and theft
If your car is an older model, you may wish to look into taking out protection by way of third party fire and theft. This is one of the cheapest ways of insuring your vehicle; however, the downfall is that the policy typically only protects your vehicle against the possibility of damage or destruction by fire, and theft of the vehicle. However, it does provide third party insurance in the event that you were to be involved in an accident or you damaged a third party’s property with your car.

Fully comprehensive
If you have a newer model of car are you are buying a car over a certain amount then fully comprehensive may typically be needed. Fully comprehensive is dearer but it does provide the policy owner with greater coverage than third party, fire and theft cover. If you vehicle is damaged in an accident – even if it is your fault – then the policy will usually pay out. There are other benefits available too, which can vary from insurer to insurer.

Car insurance companies in Northern Ireland may typically offer competitive quotes and some may offer better value for money than its contemporaries. Therefore, with this in mind it may pay to compare quotes and the benefits and features given by providers. Providers also typically add in exclusions and limitations to the policy so it may pay to check over the summary of any insurance policy you are thinking of taking out to ensure you know what the cover entails.


Your caravan insurance caravan protection

Posted: January 22nd, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

Your caravan insurance caravan protection is there to cover a wide range of events that you as a caravan owner may be faced with. There are policies available aimed with the static caravan owner in mind and for the touring caravan owner. Some of the benefits are the same whilst others are aimed at protection for different areas based on the type of caravan.

Protection for your touring caravan
In the typical caravan insurance policy for your touring caravan, you may find the following benefits:

  • third party liability to protect against you damaging a third persons property or vehicle whilst pulling your touring caravan behind your vehicle;
  • protection for travelling around Europe with your touring caravan;
  • breakdown cover;
  • so much towards a stay in alternative accommodation in the event your caravan is damaged by a covered risk;
  • cover against the theft of your caravan while it is hitched to your vehicle;
  • protection for the contents of your caravan and any personal belongings in the form of new for old replacements;
  • new for old cover for your touring caravan in the event it is stolen or destroyed.

Your insurance policy typically protects against any of the above. However, it is essential that you check in the wording before you take out the cover as the benefits may differ with providers and so some of these elements may not be covered.

Protection for your static caravan

  • liability insurance in case a holidaymaker were to become injured or even died while staying in your caravan and the fault was yours;
  • loss of rental income in the event a holiday maker who had pre-booked was unable to stay in your caravan due to the caravan being damaged by an insured risk;
  • new for old protection on the contents of your caravan and the caravan itself providing it fell within the criteria set out by the provider;
  • protection against theft;
  • accidental damage;
  • all year round protection for peace of mind when you are not staying in your caravan.

Your caravan insurance caravan protection is there for your peace of mind so choosing an adequate policy whilst keeping the premiums down is to your advantage.


Competitive insurance quotes in Northern Ireland

Posted: January 10th, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Northern Ireland Insurance | Tags:

Residents of Northern Ireland are typically faced with the possibility of being turned down for cover based on the fact of where they live. This is mainly due to the many problems seen in the past when rioters sometimes stole cars to set them alight and use them as barricades. Things have now settled down a great deal, however still some insurance providers fail to offer insurance protection. If you want to find competitive insurance quotes in Northern Ireland, you may wish to choose protection using a specialist website that finds insurance providers on your behalf.

Car insurance is one of the types of insurance that often residents struggle to find when it comes to competitive quotes. There are ways that those living in Northern Ireland may be able to keep the cost of their car insurance premiums down by taking preventative measures. Your insurer may reward you for taking these measures by offering discounted premiums Even if they don’t, it makes sense to secure your vehicle as much as possible:

  • one way is to boost the security of their car. For instance, installing a tracking device may help to recover the car if it is stolen. A quality alarm system, steering wheel lock or gearstick lock may all help to improve the safety of your vehicle;
  • if possible do not leave your car by the side of the road when not in use. When at the roadside it may become accidentally damaged from passing vehicles. It may also be a target for thieves and vandals and of course, it is stood out in all types of weather. If you are able to park it in a garage that is securely locked or if not possible under a carport at the side of the house this may keep it safer;
  • consider taking out limited mileage protection if you are insuring a car that is not used all the time. You protect the car for up to so many miles on the road each year and typically pay less in insurance.

Considerations may be taken into account such as the above for virtually any type of insurance you need when looking for competitive insurance quotes in Northern Ireland.


Finding a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy

Posted: January 3rd, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

Residents of Northern Ireland may sometimes struggle to find insurance as they are often dismissed by the provider simply due to where they live. If you are looking for a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy, you may wish to base your search online with a specialist caravan insurance website.

So, what do you need to consider when choosing your caravan cover?

Caravan security and theft
One of the main factors that insurance providers worry about is theft. This may be of your belongings, contents or your caravan itself. Therefore, you may want to consider the security features of your caravan. Your touring caravan is of course at greater risk of being stolen than a static caravan. However, both are at risk when it comes to the contents and your belongings.

Your policy may payout for a brand new caravan if it meets the criteria set out by the insurance provider. Usually this means the caravan is under a certain age.

Do note that the insurance provider usually expects you to have taken security measures such as installing a hitchlock to help prevent theft when your caravan is hitched to your vehicle. They may also require you to use a hitchlock and a wheel clamp when it is detached from your car.

New for old protection
Contents may be insured on a new for old basis and this typically means that if you are the victim of theft and have met the criteria set out by the provider, they value the stolen items as brand new and this is the amount you may get back, less any policy excess of course. However always check in the summary of the policy to find out what exclusions and limitations may apply.

Protection against liability claims
When looking for a caravan insurance Northern Ireland policy, if you rent out your caravan to others, check what liability insurance is included within the cover. Liability protection is there in case a third party such as a holidaymaker suffered an accident or even death while staying in your caravan. Providers typically offer up to so much liability insurance which may help pay towards any legal costs or compensation claims.


Comparing insurance for static caravans

Posted: January 3rd, 2010 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

Comparing insurance for static caravans is equally as important as ensuring that you get the cheapest premiums. Were you to take out a policy solely based on the cost, you may regret it if a claim had to be made and you found the policy gave inadequate protection.

The needs of the static caravan owner may differ and so may the benefits needed. For instance if you choose to let others stay in your caravan then you need to ensure that your policy provides adequate liability cover.

Why is liability protection so essential?

  • A holidaymaker slips and falls on broken steps and sues you for breaking their leg;
  • The fencing around your decked area needs repair and someone leans on it, it breaks, they fall and hurt their back and sue you;
  • Your aerial is not secure and falls onto a holidaymaker’s car and they sue you for damages.

Any of the above events may mean you have to pay legal costs and costs for compensation. Liability insurance typically pays out towards these types of costs, which may add up to thousands of pounds.

Protection against a loss of pre-rental income
If you rely on the income from renting out your caravan then you may wish to check whether your provider includes a loss of pre-rental income in your policy. This works if a holidaymaker pre-books your caravan for a holiday and then for some reason your caravan is damaged by an insured risk (such as fire, flood or other damage) and they cannot stay in it. Without cover for the loss of rental income, you may lose a great deal of money. If it is covered, you may claim towards your loss.

New for old cover
When comparing insurance for static caravans you might wish to check if the provider offers new for old. New for old is typically there to replace the contents or belongings in the caravan if they are destroyed or stolen. If this happens, you are provided with brand new replacements. However, some insurance providers also offer new for old on the caravan itself. However there is certain criterion that has to be met, for instance your caravan has to be under a certain age, so check with the provider.


A brief guide to direct insurance Northern Ireland

Posted: December 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Northern Ireland Insurance | Tags:

Direct insurance for Northern Ireland residents is fast becoming the boon it has proved to many consumers in the mainland UK and elsewhere. It’s called “direct” because it is possible to buy directly from the insurance provider without going through a high street broker or other expensively-maintained “shop”. Typically, the savings in operating costs of those who are selling direct to the consumer are then passed on by way of cheaper premiums for the insurance cover bought.

The range of insurance products now being offered in this way in the province is beginning to match that provided on the UK mainland – with prices steadily becoming almost as competitive. Here is just a glimpse of some of the products already available for direct sale to customers:

  • Motor insurance – one of the biggest bugbears, perhaps, has been the extra premium paid by Northern Ireland drivers for insuring their cars, compared with those on the mainland (insurers blamed the uncertain security situation in the province as the reason for an increased risk and, therefore, higher premiums). Greater competition – and a considerably improved security situation – however, has been largely responsible for tumbling prices and a full range of products that cover cars, vans, motorcycles and even bicycles. There are insurers who specialise in motor policies for women drivers and those who offer cover for breakdowns and roadside emergencies;
  • Home insurance – whether it’s the building itself or the contents that need covering, direct insurance in Northern Ireland offers a range of products to choose from, including special packages for students (living at home or in student accommodation);
  • Pet insurance – whether it’s simple cover for the family pet or insurance for a horse (or horses, of course) there are competitively priced policies specifically written for Northern Ireland residents;
  • Health insurance and life insurance – if you are looking for health cover for you or your family or considering life insurance to ensure they are adequately provided for in the event of your death, direct insurance might provide the most cost-effective option for you;
  • Business insurance – small business insurance to cover the wide range of liabilities to which your livelihood might well be exposed is also now widely available in the form of direct insurance, Northern Ireland.


Choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs

Posted: December 15th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

When choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs, many different factors have to be taken into account. One of these of course is the cost of the cover. You also have to be sure that you are taking out a policy that is suited to your caravan needs. For instance, if you have a touring caravan you need tourer insurance, and if it is a static caravan, then static insurance.

Caravan insurance varies in cost and when considering buying a caravan you may want to give some thought to the insurance for it. For instance, if you buy one of the German models of caravan you may find it harder to get insurance than you might if you buy UK model. You may also pay higher insurance premiums as some of these models pose a high risk of being stolen.

If you have a static caravan then you may want to check with the provider to find out if your insurance covers the exterior of your caravan. For example, if you have a patio, decking and fencing around your caravan these all add up in value, and if you lose them along with your caravan and they were not covered you lose out.

You might want to ensure the policy includes a loss of rental fees if you rent out your static caravan, if you are unable to rent it out if it becomes damaged due to an insured risk.

A touring caravan is at risk of thieves when you are out on the roads travelling to your destination. If you stop for a break, your caravan may be unhitched from your vehicle if you do not have preventative measures. If you install a hitchlock, this typically stops thieves from unhitching your caravan and taking it away. Security devices such as this may help to keep down the premiums of the insurance.

When choosing the best caravan insurance for your needs, and you wish to tour around Europe, find out if European cover is included in your policy. Providers typically allow you so many days coverage out of the year. Some may offer more than others so compare this.


How to keep down your static caravan insurance quotes

Posted: December 11th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

One of the first things that you probably notice when looking for and comparing static caravan insurance quotes is the premiums differ between insurance providers. While in some cases this may be due to competitiveness of the insurance provider it may also be due to the fact of what you get for your money. For instance you may get more benefits for your money with one provider that what another offers. Therefore, it is important that you ensure you are comparing like-for-like cover.

Discounts on your insurance
When looking for quotes providers may offer discounts on your insurance if you have taken certain considerations into mind before applying for your cover. Here are some of the ways you may be able might help to keep the cost down on your monthly premiums.

A touring caravan is typically more at risk of being stolen than a static caravan. If your choice of caravan is a touring one, you may wish to consider installing a tracking device into the caravan. In the event that it is stolen, there is typically a better chance of the caravan being recovered and returned to you.

You might also wish to consider attaching a hitchlock on your caravan. This typically deters thieves from unhitching your caravan from your vehicle and attaching to theirs.

There are such as tagging schemes, caravan registration, for example and if you have a tag installed in your caravan and your caravan is recovered, the tag may help the caravan’s owners be located.

Corner steady locks are another security device that you may wish to attach to the rear end of the caravan. This may stop the front of the caravan from being raised and attached to the vehicle of a potential thief.

If you have a static caravan, you may be able to keep down your static caravan insurance quotes if you install a Thatcham approved alarm on your caravan. You may also wish to consider security lighting around your static caravan.


Cheaper car insurance for Northern Ireland

Posted: December 7th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Car Insurance in Northern Ireland | Tags:

Getting cheaper car insurance for Northern Ireland involves pretty much the same considerations as other parts of the United Kingdom, or indeed, most other parts of the world. What those considerations most often boil down to is the seemingly obvious issue of making yourself appear to be a better risk to the motor insurer. The following are some of the most common ways in which drivers might make their insurance application more appealing.

  • Security – throughout the 1970s until the early 1990s, many insurers shied away from the potentially lucrative business in Northern Ireland because of the “troubles”. Although those times appear now to have been consigned to history, securing your vehicle by installing immobilisers and/or alarms often helps to reduce risks and, therefore lowers the cost of premiums;
  • Excess – a key to slightly cheaper car insurance in Northern Ireland (as in most parts of the world) is to shoulder more of the risk yourself by accepting a higher voluntary excess;
  • Usage – if you do not plan to use your vehicle so often and keep to a lower annual mileage, many insurers are likely to offer discounts;
  • Parking – related to security issues, once again, a vehicle that is kept parked in a garage or on a driveway off the street, is likely to pose less of a risk to theft, vandalism or other damage and, so, might attract a lower premium rate;
  • Ordinary – by avoiding more “exotic”, expensive-to-repair, cars and going for the more commonly “ordinary” makes and models, the insurer’s liability for repairing or replacing any damage or loss is thereby reduced and you are likely, therefore, to pay less for your premiums;
  • Choice – there are an increasing number of providers eager to sell car insurance for Northern Ireland residents. A specialist broker may be able to help you trawl through all the possibilities available and might help identify some of the best deals on the market.


Tourer caravan insurance for security on the road and off

Posted: December 7th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

If you own a touring caravan then you need to look for tourer caravan insurance to ensure that you have security and peace of mind on and off the road. At the very least, you need to have liability insurance for protection in the event that you caused an accident and a third party were to sue you. Liability insurance typically pays towards up to so much of the cost of a legal claim.

Your touring caravan insurance policy typically covers the contents of your caravan, which may include your personal belongings. When taking a policy you may want to consider the following.

  • whether the provider offers new for old or takes depreciation into account;
  • whether new for old cover includes the actual caravan itself;
  • find out if equipment such as Sat-Nav, mobile phones and personal DVD players are included;
  • find out what limits and exclusions there are to contents insurance.

If the provider offers you new for old on your insurance policy, any items that are stolen from the caravan, destroyed or damaged are typically replaced as brand new. This may work out dearer in premiums each month but if your caravan and belongings are new, you may want to pay that little extra more. If you have an older model and only take the essentials with you, then you may want to go for cover that considers depreciation.

When taking out caravan insurance you may want to check if breakdown insurance is included in the policy. Some providers may include basic cover whilst others may ask that you pay to add it into the policy.

If you travel around Europe, you need European insurance included in your tourer caravan insurance policy. This typically means you do not have to apply for insurance at each of the countries you visit. Generally, insurance providers include so many days’ protection. If anything happened to your touring caravan and you were unable to continue on your travels while it was being repaired the policy typically pays towards alternative accommodation. Again, this is generally up to a certain amount per day for up a set period.