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Nearly half of UK vulnerable to winter weather
Britain is bracing itself for the long-awaited barrage of winter weather and home insurance company Direct Line has revealed that 40 per cent of properties are vulnerable to damage caused by sub-zero conditions.
The Met Office is warning of snow falls, sleet and freezing temperatures as the UK is finally hit by wintry weather following a relatively mild December and January. Experts have issued a "yellow" warning of snow and ice in rural areas and some northern cities.
Direct Line has found that nearly half of homes are susceptible to frozen pipes and broken boilers if temperatures drop into the minuses. Whilst the cold weather is expected many homeowners have yet to make sure their property is ready to cope with it.
Stuart Curson, head of company's home insurance, said: "As the last two winters have demonstrated, bad weather can cause serious damage to property, as well as enormous stress to homeowners. Whilst this winter has proved mild so far, the current weather predictions should ring alarm bells for many householders." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
One in five skiers travel without insurance
Winter holidays are quickly becoming a favourite for Brits looking for a different kind of getaway.
However, research by Barclays has found that one in five UK skiers are hitting the slopes without any travel insurance. Whilst skiing is a very enjoyable and fun activity it also carries a high risk factor.
Bosses of the bank's insurance branch have warned that injuries such as a broken leg can cost £1,100 in Europe and £9,000 in North America. Even common problems such as torn ligaments and fractures can be very costly.
Kieran Murphy, managing director of Barclays Insurance, said: "Even experienced winter sports enthusiasts can have an accident so it is essential to check you have adequate travel insurance in place so you don't get hurt financially too."
Santander Insurance recently found that 17 per cent of holidaymakers planning to head out on the piste had only experienced skiing from playing computer games. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Brits favour pets and phones over their own life
Brits would rather take out pet insurance and cover for their phone than protecting their own life.
A study by the Friends Life Group revealed that finding cover for their four-legged friend was more important than safeguarding themselves should the worst happen. The survey revealed that 14 per cent of people had pet insurance whilst only ten per cent had critical illness cover.
People were more likely to get mobile phone protection with nine per cent automatically taking out cover. Direct Line recently revealed that 33 per cent of dog owners would treat their pet to desserts and sweets suggesting they valued their canine more than themselves.
Steve Casey, head of marketing at Friends Life, said: "It is a fact of life that we seem to prioritise insuring things like our mobile phone or our pet over insuring our income. But the consequences of us being unable to work for a prolonged period, for example because of illness, can be severe." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
TomTom releases two new Simpson's sat nav voices
Motorists can now be given a hand by two more of their favourite characters from The Simpsons, after TomTom released voice packs for Mr Burns and Marge. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Not enough been done to cut delays for motorists, says Warranty Direct
The government needs to do more to prevent motorists being caught up in delays caused by utility roadworks, according to Warranty Direct. More »
By Jonathan Dawes, Breakdown Cover - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Land Rover drivers are biggest speeders
Land Rover drivers have been named as the biggest speeders on public roads, according to research by car insurance company Confused.com.
The website found that 26 per cent of motorists that drove a Land Rover Discovery had broken the speed limit on a public road whilst the company's Range Rover Sport model was top of the list for breaking speed laws on the motorway.
Ford Galaxy Zetec was found to be the top vehicle in which motorists would use a handheld device whilst driving; the survey revealed that 1.94 per cent of people were guilty of this offence.
Land Rover recently unveiled a range of six new models with the latest Sport vehicle retailing at £48,795.
Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com says: "The rules of the road are designed to help shape our driving habits and to maximise road safety. Keeping on the right side of the law will obviously help to not only minimise the cost of your insurance but also help keep you on the road and keep the roads safe". More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
Quarter of Brits worry about cold weather damage
The wintery weather is causing more Brits to worry about their property being damaged.
Siberian winds and heavy snowfall are set to hit the UK in the coming days and it is raising concerns for Brits who believe that any damage to their property could push up the cost of their home insurance.
Research by Santander found that one in four (25 per cent) people worried that their house could be hit by adverse weather conditions. A further 37 per cent believed that they would struggle to pay lighting and heating bills if temperatures dropped any further.
A survey by Direct Line found that 40 per cent of homes across the country did not have adequate cover and were susceptible to frozen pipes and boiler breakdowns.
Steve Burton, head of marketing at Santander, commented: "People are concerned about a wide variety of risks from the effects of adverse weather or their ability to pay the bills during the winter, but in some instances there are steps that can be taken to reduce the level of risk." More »
By Marianne Straker, Home Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
North America tops fly-drive destination
As temperatures drop across the UK many Brits will be daydreaming of a summer getaway and new research has ranked North America as the best destination for fly-drive holidays.
Whilst Hong Kong was recently named as the best city break beating off competition from the likes of London and Paris, the lure of driving along Route 66 with the top down is too alluring for holidaymakers.
Carhiremarket.com also noted Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as popular destinations. The African country was recommended for it's plethora of safari tours as well as Victoria Falls, whereas the southern hemisphere states were highlighted for their wide open spaces, rugged terrains and "breathtaking" sights.
However, neither could hold a candle to North America which the website described as having "superb scenery" and also pointed to the easy car access around the country with a host of well-signposted roads. Not to mention the thousands of iconic sites the US has to offer. More »
By Tom Farley, Travel Insurance - Thu 2 Feb 2012
Highways Agency warns over icy conditions
The Highways Agency has warned motorists about the dangers of icy conditions, with temperatures falling across the UK. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Fri 3 Feb 2012
Bid to make roads safer for motorists and cyclists
Brake is working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that motorists and cyclists in West Yorkshire can use the roads safely together. More »
By Tom Farley, Car Insurance - Mon 6 Feb 2012
