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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Do motorists need refresher driving tests?

Confused.com staff writer, 15 Jul, 2011

Is now the time to introduce a 'refresher' driving test every five years?

Join the debate over on our Two Pennies Worth blog.

Topics: Get motoring Tags: Car insurance Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Compare car insurance

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Confused.com staff writer

Content from one of our staff writers.

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Why YOU'RE to blame for gas price hikes

Why YOU’RE to blame for gas price hikes - Confused.com email address password Forgotten? Confused.com Home Contact Us Accessibility Press Room Home Page Insurance Car Insurance Home Insurance Life Insurance Van Insurance Motorbike Breakdown Travel Insurance Medical Insurance Small Business Pet Car Depreciation Caravan Money Credit Cards Mortgages Life Insurance Savings Accounts Car Leasing PPI ISAs Annuities Loans Prepaid Cards Utilities Gas & Electricity Broadband Home Phone Digital TV TV, Broadband & Phone Commercial Energy Mobile Phones Mobile Broadband Business Broadband Travel Travel Insurance Holidays Hotels Car Hire Excess Insurance Info Insurance Info Motoring Info Money Info Household Info Travel Info Home Info My Account Why YOU’RE to blame for gas price hikes Naphtalia Loderick, 15 Jul, 2011

blue gas flame pound symbol British Gas has become the second of the “Big Six” energy firms to raise prices, and the remaining four are likely to follow suit. Why? Because only one in five households switch.

It’s going to be a long, cold winter for many households across the UK as one by one, gas and electricity suppliers announce price rises.

British Gas is the latest to announce price hikes: the cost of gas will increase by 18 per cent and electricity 16 per cent, as of 18 August, adding around £190 to the average duel fuel household bill.

Scottish Power got the ball rolling last month by announced gas price rises of 19 per cent and electricity by 10 per cent as of 1 August.

And industry experts say the other suppliers are likely to follow suit. Why? Because only one on five households – just 20 per cent – bother to switch.

Win-win for energy firms

How does this keep prices high, you ask. Well, when one supplier raises prices the others follow suit because they know 80 per cent of consumers won’t bother to switch to a cheaper provider supplier – in other words, they know your custom is guaranteed. So why would they lower prices? Answer: they don’t.

It’s a win-win situation for the energy firms. The only loser is the consumer. However, in so many other areas consumers are used to shopping around for the cheapest price.

Supermarkets, for example, are in a constant battle for custom, with their price wars often making headlines.

And when it comes to car insurance, 70 per cent of motorists looked around for a better deal at renewal time, according to retail analysis firm Mintel.

Consumers missing out on savings

So why is it that when it comes to the cost of heating your home, consumers fall short? Well, energy firms don’t exactly make it easy to shop around.

Energy regulator Ofgem’s review of the energy market, published in March this year, found there were too many tariffs on offer, confusing consumers and putting them off looking for a better deal.

Ofgem’s review also found that energy suppliers were quick to raise prices when the cost of wholesale gas – the amount suppliers pay for their energy – rose, but slow to cut rates when the price of gas fell.

The regulator is consulting with the industry over reforms which, it is hoped, will make it easier to shop around.

Fuel poverty on the rise

But with newly released figures showing that fuel poverty is on the increase, householders will have to act now if they want to save money on their heating in time for winter.

A household is described as being in fuel poverty when it has to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on keeping warm.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), 5.5 million households were affected by fuel poverty in 2009, up from 4.5 million the year before.

The DECC predicts the numbers for 2010 and 2011 will have increased because of further rises in the price of gas and electricity.

However, consumer watchdog Consumer Focus says the predictions for fuel poverty in 2011 are likely to be an underestimate.

Audrey Gallacher, director of energy at Consumer Focus, said: ‘Worryingly, the predictions for fuel poverty in 2011 are likely to be an underestimate as four of the Big Six have yet to announce their expected price rises.

“If these are in line with the increases announced from British Gas and Scottish Power, around 12 million people, or 6.4 million British households, are likely to be in fuel poverty when the latest price rises hit.”

Switch and fix

Consumers who want to avoid price rises can opt for a fixed or capped energy tariff. These deals set the unit price (also known as the kilowatt hour or kWh price) of your gas and electricity for a certain period of time.

However, due to the price guarantee that comes with fixed and capped tariffs it does mean that they cost more per unit than standard tariffs, but they do provide peace of mind to those worried about future price rises.

And with prices almost certainly on the increase, consumers on fixed or capped tariffs are likely to see a benefit.

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com, said: “We advise consumers to opt for a fixed or capped tariff as they offer price security against from future hikes.

“Paying by direct debit and managing your account online will also be cheaper.

“The best deals are sure to be pulled soon so we urge consumers to act quickly.”

How to switch

If you want to know more about how to switch energy suppliers, read our step-by-step guide to switching. And be bamboozled by energy no more with our round-up of the top ten energy myths.

Best buy dual fuel fixed and capped tariffs as at 20/07/2011

SupplierTariffAverage UK billEDF Fixed S@ver V2£1,009npowerPrice Protector£1,054EonFixed Price 5£1,126Scottish and SouthernFixed price 6£1,143Scottish PowerPlatinum Fixed Energy January 2014 Online NSC£1,202British GasPrice Promise March 2013£1,284

Topics: Shrink your bills Tags: Gas & electricity, Consumer rights Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Reduce your energy bills 50% of Confused.com customers save at least £210 when they change tariffs Compare the whole UK energy market for the best deals Fill in one short form, and we do all the legwork for you

Why not switch today!

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Naphtalia Loderick

Naphtalia Loderick reports on all things personal finance at Confused.com. She started out on a weekly newspaper, via a national news agency and a stint in the fun but ‘not as glamorous as it appears on screen’ world of TV at the BBC researching consumer films for The One Show.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Do speed cameras work?

Chris Torney, 20 Jul, 2011

A road speed sign Figures that show the effectiveness of speed cameras are being released. But some motorists will get the picture sooner than others.

Drivers will soon be able to decide whether speed cameras in their area are effective after the government ordered local authorities to release data about prosecutions and accident rates at every site in the country.

But residents in certain areas face a wait of months for this information because ministers have not put a deadline on exactly when the statistics should be made available to the public.

Lancashire County Council became the first authority to release speed-camera data on 20 July, but it is not yet clear how quickly other councils will follow suit.

What the government wants

Road safety minister Mike Penning asked all of England’s highways authorities to publish the number of drivers caught and fined at each speed camera location, as well as accident and injury rates before and after the cameras were introduced.

Mr Penning gave a deadline of 20 July for each authority to tell the Department for Transport (DfT) the website address where this information would be published.

But the edict said merely that the authorities should put up the speed camera data information “as soon as practical” rather than setting a strict deadline.

The DfT will then set up its own website providing links to local websites where the public can find speed camera date for their area.

Public should be informed

At the time, Penning said: “We want to improve accountability and make sure that the public are able to make informed judgements about the decisions made on their behalf.

"So if taxpayers’ money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.

"That is why we want full details of accidents and casualties at camera sites, along with the number of offences arising from each camera, to be easily accessible.

"This will help to show what impact cameras are having on road safety and also how the police are dealing with offenders."

How you can use the information

Even if you don’t live in Lancashire, it is worth looking at what the council there is doing to make the effectiveness of its speed cameras more transparent.

The website gives information on the number of fines issued following speeding offences at each camera site in the county, as well as the numbers of drivers who attended speed-awareness courses or who had their fines cancelled over the course of 2010.

There is also a map of the area with the precise location of cameras marked on: by clicking on each one users can see the number of accidents at the site by year, as well as when the camera was installed.

This allows comparison of accident rates before and after each speed camera came into use.

Speed isn’t the only problem

A new survey has highlighted the fact that slow or over-cautious drivers can also cause problems for other road users.

Research carried out for Confused.com found that half of the UK’s motorists attempt “unsafe” overtaking when stuck behind an excessively slow vehicle. A third say they have had an incident or near miss as a result.

Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com, says: “Slow drivers need to be taken as seriously as motorists caught speeding.

"Our findings confirm they are a constant source of anxiety on UK roads and responsible for a large number of accidents each year.”

Topics: Get motoring Tags: Car insurance, Staying safe Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Compare car insurance

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Chris Torney

Chris Torney is a regular contributor to Confused.com, and is the personal finance editor at the Daily Express. Chris has been a journalist for more than 10 years on the Daily and Sunday Express, and contributes to a wide range of personal finance and business magazines and websites.

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Young driver car insurance tops �4,000

Young driver car insurance tops £4,000 - Confused.com email address password Forgotten? Confused.com Home Contact Us Accessibility Press Room Home Page Insurance Car Insurance Home Insurance Life Insurance Van Insurance Motorbike Breakdown Travel Insurance Medical Insurance Small Business Pet Car Depreciation Caravan Money Credit Cards Mortgages Life Insurance Savings Accounts Car Leasing PPI ISAs Annuities Loans Prepaid Cards Utilities Gas & Electricity Broadband Home Phone Digital TV TV, Broadband & Phone Commercial Energy Mobile Phones Mobile Broadband Business Broadband Travel Travel Insurance Holidays Hotels Car Hire Excess Insurance Info Insurance Info Motoring Info Money Info Household Info Travel Info Home Info My Account Young driver car insurance tops £4,000 Naphtalia Loderick, 29 Jul, 2011

An L plate on a blue car Confused.com’s latest car insurance price index has revealed the average cost of cover for single men aged 17 to 20 is now more than £4,000.

Car insurance costs for young male drivers have crashed through the £4,000 barrier for the first time, with 17 to 20-year-old single men now paying an average of £4,006 for annual comprehensive cover.

Meanwhile, women aged 17 to 20 face paying £2,151 for the same cover, according to the the quarterly Confused.com/Towers Watson Car Insurance Price Index.

Costs are even more eye-watering for males in this age group living in the Manchester and Merseyside region who pay an average of £5,633 for annual comprehensive cover.

Their female counterparts who live in outer London face the highest costs - £3,382.

The male/female car insurance price divide is set to even out in December 2012, when it becomes illegal for insurers to calculate premiums based on gender but for now the battle of the sexes is still rife where cost is concerned.

Save money – tie the knot

However, there is one way young drivers can cut costs – get married.

According to the statistics, single males aged between 17 and 20 who add a spouse to their policy can knock a hefty £1,000 off their policy cost.

Females looking to do the same would see the cost of cover fall to £1,924.

But, if you’re amonng the majority of 17 to 20-year-olds who aren’t looking to tie the knot, the best and simplest way to cut costs is to shop around.

Gareth Kloet, head of motor at Confused.com, said: “For young male drivers it has never been more important to shop around for the best price.

“Our consumer research shows that 50 per cent of under 25s could save up to £556 on car insurance* by using Confused.com. This is one way to help combat these rises.”

Prices rises slow

The average price of a comprehensive policy for male and female drivers aged 17 to 20 went up 1.5 per cent across the UK between April and June 2011.

But there is some good news for drivers because the price rises are slowing - down from 4.1 per cent between January and March 2011.

The annual rate of price inflation for comprehensive cover for drivers in this age bracket is now 24.2 per cent.

The cost of comprehensive cover still works out as cheaper than third-party, fire and theft, which is up 33 per cent in the last year.

There are a number of ways you can look to lower the cost of your cover.

Don’t overestimate your mileage

Mileage is one of the rating factors insurers use to calculate a person’s premium so it pays to spend a little time trying to estimate as best as you can how many miles you’re likely to drive each year. Bear in mind that underestimating your mileage could invalidate your insurance policy when it comes to making a claim.

Higher excess, lower premium

Consider a higher voluntary excess to cut your annual premium. This is an amount you choose to pay in the event of a claim. In return for opting for a higher excess, the insurance provider will usually lower the premium. But don’t forget that the voluntary excess will always be paid in addition to any compulsory excess.

Value your vehicle accurately

It’s incorrect to assume the higher you value your car the more money you’ll receive in the event of a claim. Insurers will only pay out the current market value of the vehicle so inflating the value of your vehicle serves no purpose other than increasing your car insurance premium.

To find out more about the latest car insurance price rises click here. You can also use our interactive map to see how your costs compare with other parts of the UK

*Based on online independent research, Consumer Intelligence (May ’11). 50 per cent of consumers, aged 17 - 25, could make this saving.

Please watch our 30-second guide for more information.

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Naphtalia Loderick

10 charges to avoid at the airport

Sue Hayward, 27 Jul, 2011

An airport terminal Extra costs when you fly can put a dent in your holiday budget. We explain how to avoid them.

Airports are expensive places. First up there’s duty free to tempt you into spending your holiday cash, not to mention plenty of sneaky rip-off charges before you make it to the departure gate. Here are 10 to avoid.

Drop-off fees

Drop passengers outside the terminal and you’ll pay £1 for a 10 minute slot at airports including Luton, Belfast, Bristol and Edinburgh. There’s no charge at Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted or Southampton but there’s no easy way to avoid this at fee charging airports as any free parking, if it exists, may be a considerable distance away.

Trolley charges

Need a trolley to get your bags to check in? You’ll have to stump up £2 at Luton and Bristol and £1 at Stansted and Manchester, and unlike at the supermarket, these charges are non-refundable. Trolleys are free, however, at Heathrow, Edinburgh, Belfast & Southampton. Take cases with wheels so you don’t need a trolley.

Plastic bags

Forgot to pack your toiletries in clear plastic bags before airport security? You’ll need to pay £1 to buy them at Luton, Bristol, Belfast, Manchester and Stansted but you can get them free at Heathrow, Southampton & Edinburgh. Better still, take your own as you can buy packs of 50 resealable bags for around 60p at most supermarkets.

Fast-track fees

The option to jump the queue at security means a £3 fee at Luton and Edinburgh, £3.50 at Manchester (plus a £1.50 booking fee), or £5 at Bristol. Bigger airports like Heathrow don’t do this but have family lanes to help those travelling with children get through quicker. But there’s little risk of missing your flight even if you don’t pay as officials will generally escort you through if you’re late and stuck in a slow queue.

Currency charges

Poor rates and commission charges mean you lose out changing money at the airport. Shop around on the high street for fee-free commission deals from places like M&S, the Post Office or Halifax. Or pre-order currency online for airport collection to bag the best rates.

The cost of smoking

Most airports won’t let you out of the building for a cigarette once you’re airside but Belfast recently introduced an outdoor smoking zone for passengers. The downside? It costs £1 a time.

Snacks & drinks

Buy a Boots ”meal deal” on the high street and it costs £3.29 yet the same deal from Boots at Luton Airport is 50p more at £3.79. Retailers blame high airport rents for the higher prices, so shop around for snacks or fill up before you travel.

Airport development fees

Blackpool hit the headlines charging passengers £10 a time for mandatory contributions to upgrading airport facilities: unless you’re under 16 you can’t avoid this one. There are two machines taking cash or cards and if you don’t pay, you won’t get through security, simple as that.

Speedy boarding

This costs over £10 each way with easyJet but you need to get to the gate early or you may miss your slot. And if there’s a shuttle bus from the terminal to the plane, you may be first on the bus, but if it loads up with other passengers who haven’t paid extra, you still may not be first on the plane. Don’t pay if you’re travelling with children as airlines have a duty to sit kids, (up to around age 12), with one of their parents even if it means moving other passengers.

Cash machine charges

Stock up before the airport or you may be forced to use those stand alone cash machines that charge up to £5 a time. If you run short of cash just pay by card to avoid any fees.

Topics: Travel & holidays Tags: Travel insurance, Get away from it all, Cutting costs Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Compare travel insurance

Whether you’re off on a short-hop city break in the UK or Europe, a relaxing summer holiday in Spain or even a global adventure, Confused.com can find the right travel insurance for you.

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Sue Hayward Carl Chambers

Sue Hayward is a personal finance broadcaster, journalist and author. Sue talks and writes on money matters including chatting on BBC Radio & TV as well as contributing to magazines, websites and newspapers. Sue's also written two books; the latest of which is 'How To Get The Best Deal'.

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Thursday, October 20, 2011

It pays to be prepared with a survey

Esther Shaw, 27 Jul, 2011

A row of Edwardian houses Buying a property without a survey could be a costly disaster if you fail to spot problems or faults before you move in.

Cutting out a survey might save homebuyers some money in the short-term but it could be a costly mistake in the long-run with new research showing that unforeseen repairs can run into thousands of pounds.

New findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), show a quarter of all homebuyers who fail to have a survey are forced to make unplanned building works to their property after purchase.

The figures show that the average bill for these works, such as damp-proofing or repairing a roof is over £1,800 – although the cost can be much higher in some cases.

Lender’s valuation report

There are three main types of survey to choose from, including the lender’s valuation, the homebuyer report, and the building survey.

If you need a mortgage, your lender will insist on a its own valuation, but while many people assume that this is sufficient when buying a home, this is merely to confirm that the property it worth more or less what you are paying for it. This is based on the property’s location and size, and is not designed to highlight any problems. The valuation can cost up to £400.

It’s wise to pay more for some form of professional survey to make sure there are no hidden problems that could cost a large amount to put right after you move in.

If any issues are identified, you can ask the seller to put them right or negotiate a discount on the sale price.

Homebuyer report and building survey

Both the homebuyer’s report and building survey are more detailed, and designed to uncover any structural problems or urgent defects – enabling you to make an informed decision before purchase.

Generally speaking, the homebuyer report is enough for standard properties under 100 years old. It includes a market valuation and rebuild costs, as well as advice on defects; the report runs to around 25 pages, and costs around £250-£500.

Buyers purchasing a large, old or unusual property should consider paying for a building survey, the most comprehensive report, as this includes defects, repair and maintenance options.

You will be told if repairs are needed such as rewiring or roof work, along with the costs involved, as well as the results of tests for damp and damage to walls and timbers; this costs from £400 to around £1,000.

Home condition report

The good news is, for those who would otherwise rely purely on a lender’s mortgage valuation, RICS has introduced a new simple type of home survey – the home condition report.

Designed for newer properties and produced by a home inspector or RICS surveyor, this report provides a clear report on the physical condition of the property, plus details of urgent faults.

Crucially, this low-cost report does not provide an additional valuation, but sits alongside a mortgage valuation.

How a survey could save £8,000

Julie Robson and her husband were very glad they opted to get a building survey carried out on the new four-bed semi-detached cottage they are buying in Warrington, Cheshire, as this uncovered around £8,000 of defects.

The couple have moved house a few times before, and say they usually rely on the homebuyer report to highlight any problems, but as this property is more than 150 years old, their solicitor recommended they pay for a more detailed survey.

“When we looked around the property, we could see certain problems straight away, such as the fact the boiler needed to replaced,” says 47-year-old Julie. 47.

“We decided to pay for the building survey which cost us an extra £550 on top of the £330 we were already paying for the homebuyer report and we’re very glad we did. It uncovered damp problems and faults on the roof. It’s far better to be safe than sorry, and we are now in the process of renegotiating the price based on the results.”

Surveys are a “prudent investment”

Crucially, a private survey covers aspects that are of the utmost importance when buying a house – aspects that are not covered by the lender’s valuation.

Richard Sexton from e.surv chartered surveyors says: “Typical problems that may be identified include dampness, rotten timbers and roof defects. Without a proper survey, these problems can go unnoticed for a long period of time, meaning you can end up liable for a much greater expenditure further down the line.

“While, on average, a survey identifies work that requires £1,800 to repair, we have seen some horror stories where it’s been much worse. Look at it this way, and a private survey begins to look like a prudent investment.”

David Dalby from RICS agrees that in difficult economic times, it pays to be prepared.

“Nobody wants to be left with a home that needs extensive repairs or one they can’t sell on,” he says. “By having a survey you’ll be armed with information on the condition of the property which puts you in a stronger position to decide whether to proceed with the purchase, or negotiate a better deal.”

Topics: Smarter spending, Property market Tags: Mortgages Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Home insurance

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Esther Shaw

Esther Shaw is a regular contributor to Confused.com and is the former deputy money editor at The Independent and Independent on Sunday. Before that, she worked as a money and City reporter on The Daily Express and Sunday Express.

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The need for speed: The best motorbiking films

Confused.com staff writer, 27 Jul, 2011

Three motorbikes lined up together Bikers are passionate about their hobby, and many live and breathe two wheels. So when it comes to settling in for a night in front of the telly or at the cinema, a film featuring motorbikes is a top choice.

By Gemma Rathbone

Motorbikes have a starring role in many classic action films and are often part of some of the most iconic scenes in blockbuster films.

Who can forget Tom Cruise riding along the highway as an F14 flies overhead in Top Gun. Or Arnie demanding: “I need your boots, your clothes and your motorcycle” in Terminator 2.

As well as these infamous motorbike cameos, there are many flicks partly or wholly dedicated to two wheels.

In no particular order, here is a list of favourites as voted by Confused.com customers:

On Any Sunday

A must-watch for racing fans, this documentary follows the lives of motorbike racers including Steve McQueen, David Evans and Mert Lawwell. Asking: “Why do they do it?”, the film looks at the people who devote, and risk, their lives to racing.

Packed full of adrenaline, it is one of those awe-inspiring films that will make your chicken strips seem a mile wide.

As life-long biker Marc puts it: “There is nothing better than a day spent dirt biking than sitting back with a beer and On Any Sunday.”

The World’s Fastest Indian

Starring the legendary Anthony Hopkins, The World’s Fastest Indian tells the story of Burt Munro, who has spent 25 years working on his 1920 Indian to make it go faster. He dreams of leaving New Zealand for the Bonneville Salt Flats, where he hopes to set a new record.

A real heartwarmer, it got many votes in our poll.

Faster

Narrated by bike-mad actor Ewan McGregor, Faster follows the riders in the 2001 and 2002 MotoGP seasons. All the usual suspect are there – Valentino Rossie, Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Carlos Checa and John Hopkins – and the film captures all the emotion superbly.

It is the ideal choice for a Sunday afternoon in the winter months when the season is over.

TT3D – Closer to the Edge

What could be better than the combination of fast bikes competing in the world’s most infamous street race and 3D technology on the big screen?

TT3D follows sideburned racer Guy Martin and his colleagues during the Isle of Man TT 2010. The challenging mountain circuit throws up huge dangers for the riders and spectators, and this film is a no-holds-barred account of the reality of road racing.

“No film has ever captured a sporting event so well,” explains TT-wannabe Simon. “An absolute must-see, and just as good if you’re not into bikes.”

Silver Dream Racer

Described as “Not bad in its day” by two-wheel enthusiast Stephen, Silver Dream Racer is a 1980 film starring none other than David Essex.

As a young, hot-headed motorbike enthusiast he inherits the prototype for a ridiculously fast machine designed by his brother. He secures finance, and heads off to Silverstone, the home of motor racing, to challenge for the world championship.

Without wishing to spoil the ending for those yet to see it, the crash was mentioned as the best moment by many bikers.

We reckon these are the top motorbike films, based on the comments of fellow bikers, but perhaps you have something to add or another suggestion? Let us know via Twitter @Confused_com and we’ll get out the popcorn.

Topics: Get motoring Tags: Motorbike insurance Confused Topics Get motoring Property market Deal with debt Plan for the future Smarter spending Get wealthy Travel & holidays Shrink your bills Your consumer rights Most popular articles Most comments Most views Most likes Confused.com staff writer

Content from one of our staff writers.

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