|
Don't Get Stuck When It Comes To Static Caravan Insurance |
|
|
|
Having lived my life by coastal towns in the east of England, I have fond memories of days at the beach and holidays by the sea. Occasionally we were treated to a holiday in a static caravan to avoid being swept into the North Sea by the inevitable summer storms that frequent this green and pleasant land of ours. In all honesty, my memories of summers past seem to have a lot more sun in them than the ones of late have had. I vividly recall spending a number of consecutive summers on a campsite in Cornwall and not once did we get rained out of our tent. I have attempted camping with my own children this summer, and the one before and the one before that even. Each time, we have lasted, on average, four days before rain stopped play as it were. Each time we were in a tent, and each time the water came and joined us in our sleeping bags. There was one particular time, back in a familiar Cornish bay that whilst packing away a sodden tent I looked longingly at a static caravan; through the window the warm glow of amber lit the faces of a family happily playing cards, oblivious to the torrent of rain outside causing the evacuation of the camping site. The probably got their full two weeks in that beautiful bay, and with all the comforts of home. I used to think that donning the rucksack and kipping under canvas was an adventure. I now understand that after sleepless nights, there isn't much joy to be had on a family day out in an unfamiliar picturesque town. Sleep deprivation detracts somewhat from enjoying ones golden time off away from the office. Having a comfortable bed, a kitchen out of the wind with running water and yet still feeling like you are experiencing the coastal wilderness is a sensible and happy compromise as far as I am concerned. Static caravans are not just holiday homes though, and it is estimated that there are thousands of people living in static caravans in the UK at any one time. Having one of these caravans as a home doesn't mean that everyday life is a holiday; there are essential financial matters that need to be addressed and these are no different from living in a home made of bricks and mortar. In fact, some of these matters may be more complicated than you can imagine; take insurance for example. Although not particular to the UK (yet some may say), the effect of global warming on the weather systems has in turn had a detrimental affect on people living in trailer parks in the US. We are all familiar with the images on national TV of swathes of caravans pounded to destruction and the sad tales of those that have lost their home. Many of them had failed to fully insure their static homes, and they have become homeless due to the forces of nature. Residents in the UK should take heed and ensure that they purchase adequate caravan insurance. They do say that an Englishman's home is his castle, and having a coastal residence either requires fortress walls or a way of protecting ones property financially. Apologies for the forthcoming cliche's, but I conclude that life can be a holiday, but the cloud will only have a silver lining if you cross the caravan insurers palm with silver! About the Author: Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the travel industry and has a keen interest in the Caravan Association. Find out more about static caravan insurance and how to find the right cover for your needs at Naco Services. |
|
Do You Need Contents Insurance? |
|
|
|
Make sure there is no compulsory purchase of an associated product such as buildings and contents insurance or mortgage payment protection insurance. Likewise, if you sold anything of value over the last year, and have not informed the insurance company, then you are paying home contents insurance for something you no longer own. Other expenses which can be claimed against tax, include: A) Utility Bills - such as water rates B) Advertising Fees - incurred when trying to find appropriate tenants C) Letting Fees - such as those incurred by the use of a letting agency D) Insurance - such as buildings insurance, house insurance and contents insurance E) Maintenance Costs - such as gardening and cleaning costs F) Repairs - such as general maintenance repairs. Maybe this would be a good time to check that you're not paying too much for car or contents insurance. If so, then there's a very good chance your home contents insurance premium would be reduced, as the security in your house is a major consideration in assessing your premium (along with the crime rate in your neighbourhood, so you may also want to check and see if this has gone up or down also). Home contents insurance covers almost everything else you would take with you if you moved house. As such, you need to read your home contents insurance and/or home buildings insurance renewal notices very carefully to make sure that they reflect, as accurately as possible, your life today and not your life of yester-year. You will now need to swap over names on water and electricity bills and get yourself some building and contents insurance. If you have home contents insurance then you are insuring your personal property for the replacement cost of buying the same thing new. Securing my shelter entails payments to the local council (rates, water, land taxes etc), bank interest and also house and contents insurance. Buildings insurance to protect your property's construction and home contents insurance to protect your moveable household objects and valuables, you should first check you home contents insurance policy. Most companies will have office and contents insurance, employer and public liability insurance. TIP: Consider separate buildings & contents insurance if you need both buildings and contents insurance, get quotes for separate policies for maximum potential savings. It would also be wise to get home and contents insurance too. Don't forget to organize property and contents insurance. Lenders will offer better discounts, fixed rates or cashbacks if you are prepared to take the lenders building and contents insurance. You will also be protected in the event of a claim on your home and contents insurance, knowing that your maintenance is up to standard. Common bills are council tax, maintenance, buildings and contents insurance, amenities (to include electric, gas, water and telephone). CeMAP training also covers the different types of insurance that the borrower may need, for example life cover, critical illness cover, or even buildings and contents insurance. Most insurance companies will give you up to 10% off your contents insurance if you have these kinds of locks fitted. Insurance policies such as buildings and contents insurance, life assurance and mortgage payment protection insurance to name just a few. TIP 2: Only pay for the home insurance you need calculating an accurate figure for the buildings and contents insurance value can be awkward, which is why a lot of homeowners are either under insured or paying for levels of cover they don't really need. One more way is to add your mobile phone to your home contents insurance policy (if you have one), that will surely be a good idea. About the Author: Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs For more information and resource links on renters insurance visit: Renters Insurance Online |
|
|
Drivers Urged To Check Motor Insurance Small Print |
|
|
|
It is important for motorists to be fully aware of the terms and conditions of their motor insurance policies, it has been suggested. Research carried out by swiftcover reveals that a significant number of British drivers could be unwittingly putting themselves under financial pressure due to a lack of comprehension about what is and what is not covered by their insurance. In the company's study more than a third of motorists were shown to be unaware of the effects of underrating their mileage in an attempt to reduce insurance costs. Some 25.8 per cent of respondents reported to be unaware whether driving beyond their stated amount of miles would have an impact on their insurance cover, with 16.1 per cent claiming that it would not have an effect. However, it was stated that a failing to contact their supplier upon exceeding their mileage may result in motorists invalidating their cover. As such, consumers were urged to constantly check their mileage and to get in touch with their insurance provider should they notice something is awry or their circumstances change. Further research showed that more than a fifth of motorists are unaware whether or not they will be covered should they have an accident while smoking or eating at the same time as driving. This figure comes despite just under two-thirds (65 per cent) of respondent stating that they consume while on road, with over one in three choosing to smoke. The financial services firm pointed out that although eating or smoking while driving is not a criminal offence outright, should they suffer an accident while doing on these things than they could be accused of being negligence. It was purported that motorists' reaction times can be up to 50 per cent slower should they be talking on the phone or having a cigarette or snack. Meanwhile, swiftcover stated the Highway Code recently listed smoking and eating as dangerous distractions when behind the wheel. Following on from being forced to dip into their own pockets and purses, it may be possible that those drivers with inadequate levels of insurance might find that their ability to manage other demands on their spending. Such areas could well include loan, credit and store cards, utility bills and mortgage or rent repayments. In addition, the study indicated 29 per cent of drivers think that their policy will automatically cover them should they get behind the wheel of a friend or partner's automobile. Tina Shortle, spokesperson for swiftcover, said: "While choosing the lowest price car insurance policy is most people's objective, it is also important to know exactly what is and isn't covered. Drivers make a lot of assumptions about their policies, so it's best to read all terms and conditions carefully and to regularly review the terms." Consumers looking to buy a new car over the coming months might wish to consider taking out a secured loan to finance their purchase. In selecting this type of loan, borrowers may be able to select a top-of-the-range model quickly and effectively, in addition to being left with enough spare cash to help get a comprehensive insurance policy. A secured loan could also be recommended for those wishing to meet the cost of damage to a sailboat. In a study conducted by Saga in April it was shown that hitting an underwater object while on the sea will cost the typical consumer 2,419 pounds. Meanwhile, the average burglary claim stands at 1,820 pounds. About the Author: Mark Dawson writes for the the Loan Arrangers where you can apply online for low cost loans, you can also compare secured loans online, and apply for poor credit loans. |
|
A Glossary on Car Insurance |
|
|
|
There are numerous car insurance brokers who can get away with a very average package at such a hefty price tag simply because their clients don't know anything about it. If you don't like to be in the mercy of these unscrupulous brokers or to ensure that you will be able to obtain the right coverage for yourself and your car, here are a number of important terms that you have to fully understand: Liability Coverage. This is the an insurance coverage wherein the claim can be used to pay for a damage you have caused to another vehicle or even person. There are many types of liability coverages that you can choose from. There's the damage to property, if you happen to hit his side door, hood, or any other part of the car. You can also avail of a liability coverage so you can pay for the medical expenses of the injured party. A liability coverage may differ, depending on the state you're in, so you have to verify that with your Department of Insurance. You can also ask this office if you want to have more information about liability coverage. Accident Forgiveness. Whether you like it or not, there are some accidents that can be your own doing. Normally, you won't be able to make any claim for the damage done to your property. What's more insurance companies may even increase your premium. Fortunately, there are some companies that are offering accident forgiveness. A person who has not met any at-fault collision or accident within the span of 5 years will be able to have this privilege. Should you meet an at-fault accident, there will be no surcharges to your premium. Appraisal. When you apply for a car insurance, your vehicle should be appraised first to determine its total value. This will be used by the insurance company to determine how much your coverage will be and your interest rate. This process is also performed during accidents to identify the damage's extent. It will be necessary in determining if you deserve the claim that you want or if you are worthy to be given such. This should be accomplished by an independent entity, which means he doesn't work for the company and you shouldn't have any personal information about him. Collision Coverage. This is an insurance coverage that can guarantee you payment if your car gets damaged because of collision or after being hit by an object. You will also be able to make a claim for this if your vehicle overturns. Keep in mind, though, that a collision coverage normally is very limited. This means you won't be able to use it if your car breaks down because of bad weather, someone steals or vandalizes it, or if it catches fire. Make sure you have read and fully understood the terms and conditions of your collision coverage to avoid making unnecessary claims. Deductible. This refers to the amount that you have to pay personally. Not all insurance policies will be able to cover the entire cost. Sometimes they can only pay a portion of it, and you need to shoulder the rest. If you increase your deductible, you can bring down your premium. It's also ideal to know how much you will likely spend so you can already set aside a considerable personal contingency fund. About the Author: Mark Robinson writes for Auto-Insurance.GuideFin.com. Visit his website for information about auto insurance - http://auto-insurance.guidefin.com. |
|