UK Insurance and Finance Articles

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.


Motor Trade Insurance

Posted: December 16th, 2009 | Author: George | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , ,

Buying an insurance policy for a business that involves the selling, fixing and generally working with motor vehicles is very necessary in today’s world. . Even if it is only a part-time business, a good motor trade insurance policy for your firm can help give you peace of mind in case of unexpected occurrences. A motor trade policy is an insurance cover that is specifically designed for assisting motor traders of all sizes.

There is a huge choice of policies, coverage and features that you may want to choose for your motor business. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of what kind of trade insurance you need that would fit perfectly to the company requirements as well as the allotted budget. Visit http://www.quote-buster.co.uk/motor-trade-insurance.html to compare policy features and prices.


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.


Finding cheap car insurance companies in Northern Ireland

Posted: November 28th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Car Insurance in Northern Ireland | Tags:

Those living in Northern Ireland may have in the past been limited to obtaining insurance quotes for their car from the high street lenders. You may be paying over the top for your premiums as, until recently, there was not always the choice or availability of good deals for those living in NI. Thankfully, there are specialist brokers who search for cheap car insurance companies in Northern Ireland for you and who do not place restrictions on you because of where you live. When you look for insurance this way, there are also ways that you may be able to save on the cost of the insurance.

  • The make and model of your car plays a big part in how much your quote for insurance may work out so you may want to consider this before buying your car. For example if you buy one of the larger engine size sporty models of car then you may have to pay a great deal more in premiums than if you were to buy a car with a smaller size engine.
  • The younger you are generally the more your insurance costs. While you cannot do anything about your age, you may want to consider a smaller car and you may be able to keep down the premiums if you take advanced driving lessons.
  • If you become a member of a recognised motoring club, you may be able to get a reduction in premiums. Some insurance providers offer this reduction as you are seen to be a more mature and conscientious car owner.
  • Where you park your car overnight many also reflect on the cost of the insurance premiums. If it is by the side of the road, it may be at risk of accidental damage due to pedestrians or other vehicles. It may also be a bigger risk to thieves. If you park your car in a garage, it should be seen as being safer and may help you to keep down the cost of your monthly premiums.
  • Of course boosting the security on your car may help to deter thieves. Car theft may be one of the biggest reasons why you may not be able to find cheap car insurance companies in Northern Ireland. If you install devices such as an alarm, immobiliser or a tracking device you may be able to save something on the cost of your insurance.


Benefits to check for in caravan insurance online

Posted: November 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Caravan Insurance | Tags:

There can be benefits to taking out your caravan insurance online rather than going with one of the providers on the high street. The first of these is that of course you are able to take your time and compare the policy features and benefits as well as check out how much the costs are for insurance. You can also benefit from accessing a wider choice of cover, as well as maybe taking advantage of online discounts too!
Once you are online, what should you think about? Quotes for insurance may vary considerably between providers and if you are lucky, you may be able to get a suitable policy with more benefits for the same cost as a policy which is offering fewer benefits. To help find a suitable deal, here are some of the features you may want to check are included in your caravan insurance policy:

  • Brand new replacement caravan – Having a policy that provides you with a brand new replacement for your caravan in the event that it is written off or stolen may be essential to you if you have a brand new model. Usually the insurance pays to replace your caravan if it is under a certain age at the time of it it being destroyed or stolen. When deciding how much to insure your caravan for also take such as steps and awnings into account along with any security devices you may have installed on your caravan – insurers may offer a discount if you have the latter.
  • Low excess – All caravan insurance protection comes with a certain amount of excess you have to find out of your own pocket in a lump sum in the event of a claim. Some insurance providers may ask for a higher excess than others may so you may want to compare how much the provider asks for when applying for insurance.
  • Awnings – Awnings may cost a considerable amount of money to replace if they become damaged or destroyed. They are generally covered in the insurance policy; however, they may not be covered against damage due to storm.
  • Patios – If you have a patio, decking and/or fencing around your static caravan you may want to check if these are covered in with your static insurance. The exterior of your caravan is often usually covered for damage due to storm and vandalism, aerials are protected, and some providers extend cover to patios whereas others may not.
  • Check the small print – Taking out your caravan insurance online gives you plenty of time to check the small print and summary of any policy you are considering. It is within the small print that you are able to find limitations and exclusions on how much provider’s payout for such as awnings and gas bottles.