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.

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.

Unfortunately, a major reason for fatal car crashes is driving while intoxicated. Another reason for car accidents is driving when you are tired and not alert. While hiring a chauffeur adds elegance to your prom or wedding, it is also a safe way to be transported throughout the night. Because the chauffeur is not participating in the reverie, their sole focus is to safely drive you where you need to go.

Everyone enjoys having a chauffeur to shuttle them around on prom night or their wedding day. You can ride around in the prestige vehicle of your choice without worrying about all the little details, including taking the wheel. You never have to worry about getting too tired or tipsy to drive because your chauffeur will be waiting to drive you to the next destination. Why should this pleasure be restricted to proms and weddings?

There are many other occasions in your life when a UK car hire would be appropriate. When you graduate college, you’ll want to celebrate your accomplishment. A chauffeur can drive you around town in style while you revel in the fact you are college graduate. After you have your first baby, a chauffeur can ride you, your little one and your family home from the hospital safely. When you plan a reunion with your mates from school, arrive in a prestigious car hire to show off your status. You can even hire a chauffeur to enjoy a night out on the town with your family. After you become a business mogul, a chauffeur can whisk you away to that important meeting to close the deal while you work on last minute details.

Once you appreciate the convenience of a UK car hire on your prom or wedding night, you will want a chauffeur to escort you to all the major events in your life. Appreciate greater comfort and safety when a chauffeur takes the wheel.

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!

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.

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 prefer a sports car, luxury sedan or SUV, you can get the prestige hire of your choosing.  See how well that sports car handles the long and winding road.  Experience the relaxation and comfort of a luxury sedan that glides along.  Tackle any terrain in a bold SUV that takes you from the country club to the hunting club. 

You may decide to get a prestige hire to make a special appearance.  Perhaps you’re going a gathering of mates from university or a former job and you want to arrive in an impressive ride.  Or maybe you’re attending a family reunion, wedding or formal event and want to show everyone how well you’re doing.  You may even want to have a prestige hire to attend a business meeting or party of great importance.  Having the right car can give you the appearance and confidence you need to close the deal. 

Besides the invaluable opportunity to look fabulous in a prestige hire, you can test drive your favorite luxury vehicles before making a major purchase.   Renting a car is a great way for first-time luxury buyers to experience a variety of different models to make a more educated decision.  Veteran prestige car owners can compare the newest models to see which one is the best on the block.  There are also practical advantages to comparision shopping with prestige hires including:

-find out how comfortable you feel driving a car in everyday circumstances and not just for a ten minute test drive;

-gather firsthand knowledge about the cost to run the car including gas and general maintenance;

-make a final decision based on experience, for example, a veteran SUV driver considering a sports car or a luxury sedan owner looking for a sportier ride; and

-get to know the little things about the car before you buy it such as whether the seats are comfortable for long rides and if it offers all the amenities you want.

A prestige hire give you the chance to drive your dream car without making a major investment.

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.

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.

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]]> http://www.yhire.co.uk/hints-and-tips/car-hire-jargon-buster/feed/ http://www.yhire.co.uk/prestige-hire/how-to-find-the-best-deals-on-prestige-contract-hire/ http://www.yhire.co.uk/prestige-hire/how-to-find-the-best-deals-on-prestige-contract-hire/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:05:36 +0000 admin http://www.yhire.co.uk/prestige-hire/how-to-find-the-best-deals-on-prestige-contract-hire/ You can find a number of companies offering car and van hire on a long-term (usually three years or over) basis. Prestige contract hire is available to individuals, Sole Traders, Partnerships and Ltd Companies. For businesses, it offers major incentives in terms of tax and administration costs.

For individuals, it appeals to those who are looking to finance a luxury car with the benefit of fixed payments that cover maintenance, warranty and breakdown cover. A lease or contract will also build the costs of road tax into payments.

Prestige Contract Hire for businesses
The main benefit of Prestige Contract Hire for businesses relate to administration and tax. If you acquire some sort of contract or lease, rather than purchasing your company cars, you’ll have off balance sheet funding, avoid disposal costs, and avoid the costs of depreciation (and avoid a large initial cash payment).

If the vehicle is used exclusively for business use, you’ll also be able to claim the VAT back. In terms of administration, it means that you’ll not have to worry about things like tax and breakdown cover, since this will be covered by the contract hire company.

Funding a Prestige Vehicle
Contract Hire (PCH) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers more affordable ways to finance a luxurious car such as a Ferrari or Aston Martin, and avoid the depreciation trap. At the highest end of the prestige car hire market, you’ll find the Ferrari.

The F430 Spider, based on a combination of the latest F1 technology with style from the 1961 racing cars starts at a selling price of 137,000. Prestige contract hire perhaps a more realistic way of getting your hands behind the wheel, at around 2,000 pounds a month for businesses plus deposit of around 6,000 pounds: and you’ll be tied into a contract of around 48 months and cover an expected 10,000 miles per annum. Other vehicles available under this type of scheme include Mercedes, Porsche, Range Rover and Audis.

For Personal Contract Hire you are required to pay fixed rentals for a fixed period, and then simply return the vehicle at the end of the period. Road tax will usually be covered, and you can opt to be covered for warranty or breakdown packages as part of your monthly payment.

Personal Contract Purchase could be used by people who have been given a monthly vehicle allowance, to allow you to finance the purchase a vehicle at the end of a term, for an amount agreed at the outset - the Guaranteed Future Value (GFV or ‘balloon payment’). You may also be free to hand the vehicle back at no further cost (although you may lose your original deposit), or part exchange it for a different vehicle using the difference between the GFV and the actual value.
For both types of contract, monthly payments are based on factors including:

How much is the vehicle worth new?
How much is your deposit?
How long will the contract last?
What is your estimated mileage?

If you have a specific car in mind, the prestige contract hire firm you chose should be able to find a deal that suits your needs.

About the author

Shaun Parker has been at the forefront of the prestige car leasing industry for the past ten years. To find out more see www.ambervehiclesolutions.co.uk

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