Where to look for cheap car insurance

In a climate of rising fuel prices, car tax band changes and congestion charging, many UK motorists are looking at their car insurance renewal as a way of saving themselves some cash. The bad news, according to the AA British Insurance Premium Index, is that drivers have been hit with an average £20 rise in car insurance premiums in the three months leading up to June 2008.

So are the days of cheap car insurance coming to an end or can we still save money?

Choose the right type of cover for your needs

One of most important factors in the cost of your car insurance is the level of cover that you choose. There are three types of car insurance cover available in the UK:

• Third party cover – This is the most basic form of car insurance and the minimum level of car insurance required by law. It covers any injuries or damages to a third party as a result of an accident but it does not cover you or your car.

• Third party fire and theft cover – This adds protection against fire and theft to the standard third party cover. It still does not include personal accident cover.

• Comprehensive cover – How comprehensive your policy is depends on the options, or ancillary covers, that you choode. This could mean adding a courtesy car, legal assistance, windscreen cover and more.

Obviously the more comprehensive your policy, the more protection you have. However some drivers, particularly young motorists, may prefer more basic cover to keep their costs at more affordable levels.

Where to find cheap car insurance

It`s vital to remember that there is no such thing as `market-leading` car insurance policy – some can be cheaper than others on average, but every insurance quote differs depending on your circumstances, where you live, your job, your driving history and, of course, the car you drive.

Consequently it`s important to take as thorough an overview of the market as possible. This can be done quickly and simply using a comparison website. You simply enter your details and the comparison site will retrieve quotes from a number of car insurance companies on your behalf - in some cases over 80 – saving you both time and money.

Comparison websites are the easiest way to save money on car insurance – however, even if you don`t use one of these services you should still shop online as most providers offer their cheapest deals on the internet. Often, providers will offer 10-20% discounts to customers who get a quote online, although these discounts should also be factored into the quotes retrieved by comparison sites.

Which car insurance provider is the cheapest?

Research from a comparison website shows that swiftcover.com and Kwik-Fit are the cheapest car insurers on average in the UK with average premiums of £277, however you should not assume that they are the cheapest for everyone.

There are numerous car insurance providers in the UK including the AA, Admiral, Asda, Auto Trader, Barclays, Bell, Bradford & Bingley, Budget, Bullseye, Churchill, Debenhams, Diamond, Direct Choice, Direct Line, Elephant, Endsleigh, esure.com, its4me, Ladybird and many more. When comparing quotes you should consider not just the cost and who is cheapest, but also the level of cover on offer.

For example, a 26-year-old driving a 2007 Ford Fiesta Style, parked in a garage overnight with five or more years` no-claims and a £250 excess could pick up a quote as low as £318.15 through Privilege car insurance – however, this does not include a courtesy car or legal assistance. If these options are included, the same driver could pay an annual premium of £333.90 through Virgin Money car insurance and enjoy additional peace of mind. It`s also worth bearing in mind that many insurers charge an additional premium if you opt to pay by monthly instalments rather than in full. This can make a seemingly cheap quote rather more expensive.

Many car insurers automatically renew policies every year but you should always shop around and compare quotes before you accept the renewal price offered by your current insurer. Use their renewal notice as a prompt to make a car insurance comparison online to see if you can find a better deal.

It makes sense you need a valid driving licence to obtain a UK car hire. But what are the little driving licence details you should know before you attempt to rent a car?

In the UK, all drivers must have their full licence for a minimum of 12 months prior to renting a car. Both parts of the driving licence must be presented at the company when choosing a car hire. This include the photo card and the paper counterpart of the driving licence. At no time are photocopies acceptable. You should also have additional identification to confirm your identity, such as a second credit card, a passport or a utility bill from within three months from the same address as your driving licence.

If you have points on your driving licence, you can still rent a car with up to 6 points. However, if you have more than 6 points on your driving licence, you are usually not allowed to get a car hire. For drivers with a DD, DR or BA within the last 10 years, it is unlikely you will be able to hire a car. If you have drunk driving or no insurance offences, it will inhibit your ability to get a car hire for up to 5 years or longer.

For drivers unable to locate their driving licence, in some situations a DVLA licence check can be done with 3 forms of photo identification. These checks are done when the DVLA office is open during business hours on Monday through Friday, with limited hours on Saturday mornings. There is a fee to check driving licences through the DVLA.

If you are visiting the UK, you must also have your driving licence for at least 12 months prior to renting a car and must be entitled to drive the group car chosen. For those who have a driving licence not written in English, an international driving licence in English must accompany the foreign driving licence.

When you know what to expect, you can have your driving licence, indentification and paperwork in order so the car hire process goes smoothly. Remember to bring originals as photocopies are never acceptable for a rental vehicle.

When you decide to visit the UK to tour the scenic country in a car hire, get familiar with the regulations for driving first. Knowing the rules of the road in the UK ensures your trip is pleasant. After all, you cannot enjoy your holiday if you wind up paying fines or even going to prison because you are unfamiliar with the local regulations.

You can drive a rental car with your national license in the UK as long it is in a language with Roman numbers and letters. If you have a license other than one from the UK, you need to have an international driving permit in English. Your drivers license must be carried with you all the times when you are in the UK.

Now that you have your car hire, you are ready to start driving the roads for new adventures. The rules in your country may be different, so carefully consider the regulations in the UK. Remember to drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right. If you speed or drive dangerously, there are severe penalties including imprisonment so engage caution before driving. Drinking and driving incurs steep fines and prison sentences so don’t drink and drive. Radar and speed cameras are used to determine whether a driver is exceeding the speed limit.

Carefully observe roadside signs, usually indicating speed limits of 30 miles per hours to 70 miles per hour depending on the type of road. Always wear seat belts in all seats in the front and back of the car hire. Children under 12 years old are not to sit in the front seats unless they are youngsters in infant or booster seats. Always be polite to UK drivers and police as this is the proper protocol. Fines incurred in rental cars may be charged to your credit card so be careful to observe the rules when driving and parking.

When parking, the restrictions are shown on signs. If there are yellow lines on the roadside, you cannot park in that area. There is no stopping for any reason near double yellow lines. There are parking metres and machines called “Pay and Display” where you pay to park. The maximum parking time you are allowed in most paid parking areas in the UK is two hours.

Finally, make sure you fill up with the right kind of fuel for your rental car. The car hire may use unleaded super 95/98 petroleum or diesel. Most service stations in the UK accept debit and credit cards for payment but verify before you start to get your gas.

When you are well-prepared for your UK holiday and car hire, you are certain to have a wonderful time!

We’ve discussed the benefits of renting a car for both short term and long term use. A rental car is the perfect way to drive in style without paying top dollar for car payments, insurance and ongoing maintenance. You can change your car whenever you want so you can drive a luxury sedan to that important meeting or a sporty convertible on a special date. But what exactly to you need to start renting a car?

When you are well-prepared, the car rental process is quick and smooth. Bringing along the proper documents ensures a speedy interaction so you can on the road right away. Whether you are a local or traveling, having the following documents ensures you get the vehicle you want, when you want it:

• a valid drivers license;
• a current passport;
• your actual credit card so identifying numbers and marks may be taken – the card should bear your name;
• additional proof of your name and address, such as a current utility bill; and
• any automobile insurance policies you may currently have to assist you in deciding whether extended insurance cover is necessary.

If you are a UK driver, you must bring your photocard driver’s license and the accompanying driver record document. On occasion, car rental companies ask questions regarding the personal driving record of a potential renter. If the renter’s driving history does not meet the company’s established criteria, the car rental may be denied. This helps to control insurance and liability costs for all car renters. There are companies that accept high risk drivers, so do your research before trying to rent your dream vehicle.

When you rent a car, you can also add additional drivers. Some companies charge a fee for this convenience. An additional drive must meet the minimum age requirements designated by the car rental company and have their own driver’s license and credit card. Your additional driver should also have a clean driving record. This ensures you will get your desired rental vehicle and you won’t be dealing with unwanted accidents caused by a well-meaning friend or family member with a poor driving record.

Renting a car is an easy process when you bring a few simple documents to verify your identity, driving record and ability to pay. Once you get through the process, you can rent the vehicle of your choice for any reason. Go on an extended holiday, show off your success at a reunion or simply experience the rush of driving around in your dream car.

A long term car rental offers many benefits to the driver. Instead of having the responsibility of car ownership, a driver can enjoy the vehicle of their choice for one consistent price. A increasing number of business people, parents and teens are taking advantage of long term car hire to meet their transportation needs.

Business Benefits

A car hire enables business people to choose a car based on their weekly or monthly schedule. Whether a business person wants a hired driver for a special meeting or an economy sedan for a long trip, a rental car can be immediately customized the meet the need. Business records are easy to keep because they are simply based on the car hire costs. There are no worries about specialized business insurance. No matter how long the business trip is, repairs to the vehicle are covered.

Parental Benefits

Taking a family vacation can be a disaster if the car breaks down. A rental car is covered anywhere and anytime during emergencies so parents feel reassured they won’t be stranded with their little ones. For everyday use, the budgeting is simple because all the expenses of the vehicle are covered in the rental fee. There are no car payments, insurance costs, warranty bills or repairs costs to exhaust the budget when you have a long term car rental. Best of all, you can exchange the car at any time to meet your growing family’s needs. As you have more children or your children get older, you can trade in a sedan for an SUV or an economy car for a mini-van.

Teen and Young Adult Benefits

Teens can hire a car to try various models while they earn money to buy their dream vehicle. Trying before you buy is a wise way to make your first major investment. By trying out rental cars on a long term basis, first time drivers can discover their favorite vehicles. A teen may be surprised to discover they prefer a luxury sedan to that sports car they always wanted. Young adults attending college have the luxury of a car for summer use without maintaining vehicle expenses throughout the school year. Students staying on campus don’t need a car and its related costs during the school year. A long term car rental is the perfect way to get on the road for summer fun and during college breaks to visit family.

Senior Benefits

A long term car rental is great for seniors on the go who don’t want the trouble of keeping up with vehicle maintenance and expenses. Visit family, take a vacation or just go for a long Sunday drive in the car of your choice. Feel reassured that breakdowns are covered no matter where you are. Best of all, you only pay to have the car when you need it.

A long term car rental is an affordable, convenient means way for people of all ages to get on the road in style.

Whether you have a long or short journey, hiring a car chauffeur can free you to do more important things. Instead of dealing with traffic and road rage, you can be working, sleeping or partying while your chauffeur safely drives to your destination.

A busy executive or time-challenged business owner will appreciate the extra time to get caught up on work. With laptops, cell phones, PDAs and mobile office options that all fit in a briefcase, you can take your work to go while your chauffeur does the driving. Have an air of prestige when you arrive at meetings or corporate gatherings in a hired car. You can even conduct private meetings in a chauffeur car hire on your way to that big deal closing. When a chauffeur does the driving, you can devote profitable, productive time to your business enterprises.

Families and executives need the extra time to catch up on sleep in today’s busy world. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a business trip, a chauffeur car hire will give you a chance to grab some necessary relaxation to fuel your activities. Have more fun on your getaway and be more alert during your business meetings when you get sleep instead of dealing with traffic for hours. When you hire a chauffeur to drive, you arrive refreshed instead of exhausted.

You can even take time out to party and relax when you have a chauffeur. Many people, including famous celebrities, put their own lives and the lives in jeopardy by drinking and driving. Hiring a car chauffeur gives you the chance to party without guilt or worry. Nobody has to be the designated driver and everyone can have a good time. Kick back instead of driving and let a chauffeur take care of the road while you take care of the good times.

Hiring a car chauffeur can ultimately save you money, too. When you land that major business deal because you had time to prepare instead of raging at traffic, you benefit from having a chauffeur. Catching up on your sleep instead of missing meetings or arguing with your family is priceless. Saving lives and avoiding fines or jail time when you go out to party makes a hiring a car chauffeur absolutely invaluable.

Save your time and energy on your next trip and get a car chauffeur so you can close deals like a mogul, sleep like a baby or party like a rock star.

A

Additional Driver

When there is more than one driver associated to a rental, the second, or subsequent, driver is referred to as the additional driver. There may be a charge applied for each, or all, additional drivers.

Airport Surcharge

An additional charge which applies at certain airport locations, and which is included in the rate quoted at the time of reservation.

B

Barn Doors

Barn doors are the name given to the twin rear doors on most vans - each opens to the side, just like traditional barn doors. These are good for getting tall objects inside the back of the van.

 
continue reading "Car Hire - Jargon Buster"

In today’s world of competitive marketing and cutthroat competition, a customer can’t really predict whether the deal he/she is closing will benefit her or not, most of the time most, consumers, just go on with the deal just to avoid all the hassle of inquiring for more economic alternatives, or discounts. This also applies to car rentals, nowadays, it’s hard to call anything a cheap car rental, with the inflation rate of products, continuing gas price increase it’s hard to keep product prices down, so here are a few tips to keep your car rentals cheap, even if every other factor is making it expensive.

1.Reserve your cheap car rental internet sites instead of over the counter ones. Internet sites, offer internet only discounts which could very beneficial for you, cheap car rentals can be achieved by being witty, put discounts like these to your advantage and you’re sure to save a lot.

2.One way to get cheap car rentals is to try to get the most out of your rental. Most car rentals require you to fill the tank when you return it, so on your way to returning the rented car, fill it up with the cheapest type of gas you could find, you’ll save more than when they make you pay for the gas at an inflated rate.

3.If you can, always rent at only one Car Company, companies give you cheap car rentals for frequently renting their cars, discounts, coupons and sometimes even miles.

4.Ask the car rentals if you can exchange your flyers miles for car rental miles. This is especially useful when your flyer’s miles is about to expire, instead of just letting it go to waste, get a cheap car rental for it.

5.For a cheap car rental, try to make reservations as early as possible, car rental; companies give discounts for customers who reserve early.

6.To get your rental cheaper, pick up your car early in the morning, just as the shop is opening, so that there will be a shortage on the cheap car rentals, at this point, the renters may give you a free or a marked down upgrade.

7.Look for packages like hotels and rental packages or if you want a cheaper car rental find a package that includes air fare, car rental and hotel stay, these packages give you great discounts on all three, so if you’re planning to do all, I suggest you get a package deal to get the most out of your money.

8.To get a cheap car rental at your own, price, find rent-at-your-own-price internet sites that look for the best possible deal with the budget that you’ve given them, but be careful with this, review the company’s history first before you get into it, or make sure that there are no other cheaper means before you close the deal, remember, once you make a reservation, you can’t cancel it.

9.If you’re going to use the car for more than five days try to find weekly rates from car rentals, with weekly rates, the sixth and seventh day are almost always discounted, so look for this when you’re out for a cheap car rental.

10.Instead of picking up your rental at the airport, save money by picking it up at the shop, this’ll reduce airport surcharges.

There’s more to renting the car than just reserving it and paying for it, to make sure that you get the best deal follow these steps and tips.

STEPS:

1.Choose three to four car rental firms that fit your wants and needs, do this either through the phonebook, or through the internet, remember to scan every possible firm before you make a choice, you don’t want to overlook the best car rental because you got bored from looking

2.Contact the agency and ask about their special offers, location, availability, pickup sites, rates, special rates, hotel and airline partnerships, extra charges, insurance, everything you can think of that can help lower what you have to pay for your car rental, or what would make the car rental more convenient for you.

3.Choose a pickup point; find one that is near you so it won’t be a hassle, some car rental companies pay for the cab ride you have to take, some pick you up at your home or at the airport to take you to your rental.

4.Pick a car, depending on your needs, find a car that could fit all the people you’ll have in it, and if you’re alone just use a compact, some rentals charge higher for larger vehicles.

5.The next thing to do, after you’ve totally decided on which to take, remember to reserve it, some car rentals include the reservation fee on the overall rent, some make it out to be an extra fee, you should also look out for this when get a car rental.

TIPS

For the best deals for your money here are some tips when looking, finding and taking out a car rental.

1.When getting a car rental check for available upgrades at no charge, you’d want the best deal so you’d want the best car, to do this, you should go pickup your car early in the morning, when the other cars haven’t been returned yet, this way there would be a shortage on economy cars and the firm might just give you an upgrade for a lower price.

2.Get an internet car rental. These types of rentals offer internet only discounts, and sometimes even accepts find a car at your own price methods where you just give them your budget and they’ll find the best deal for you, plus you wont have to go anywhere to get a rental.

3.Fill the gas tank before you return your car, car rentals will charge you, at an inflated price, the cost of the gas needed to fill the tank.

4.Look for packages like fly-drive-stay or fly-drive, these will get you great discounts on rentals, and what’s more you won’t have to worry about other details like a hotel or an airline, everything’s there. You can find these packages on must travel agencies.

5.If your frequent flyer discount or free flight is about to expire, there are some car rental companies that offer to exchange these discounts to discounts on your car rental, although its more cost effective to just fly with your frequent flyer discount, if its going to expire anyway, why wait?

These are just a few of the things you’ll need to know, but always remember to be pesky, ask questions, ask for discounts, the only reason why people don’t get better value for the things they buy is because they’re too shy to ask.