Car Insurance is also known as auto insurance or motor insurance. In broader sense car insurance is also known as vehicle insurance which can be purchased for cars, trucks and other types of vehicles. The primary purpose of car insurance is to provide protection against all looses that occurs during traffic accidents and it also provides protection against liability that could be incurred in an accident.
Coverage
Minimum level of car Insurance each motorist required to carry depends on individual state law. Liability insurance covers all the claims against the policy holder. When you drive a car or any vehicle which is not owned by you then in that case you are covered by the owner of the vehicle’s policy. Non owners policies may be offered that would cover any vehicle the insured person drive. When you rent a car and if you have full coverage of comprehensive policies then it is also applied to the rental car. If you are paying via Visa or MasterCard then the card provide supplement collision damage coverage to the rental cars but there are some restrictions so please check this beforehand.
Liability
Liability part of car Insurance is the amount coverage for the damage by the insured driver during the accident. For example if the driver while driving the car damage a side of a house during the accident then the liability coverage will pay for the damage up to the liability amount.
Collision
Collision part of car Insurance is the amount coverage for the damage of the car during accident for the insured person subject to a deductible. The main purpose of this coverage is to pay for repair of the damaged vehicle or pay cash value of the vehicle if it is not repairable. This coverage is optional.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive part of car Insurance is the amount coverage for the damage of the car other than accident for the insured person subject to a deductible. If the car is damage in fire or vandalism or if there is a loss due to theft or weather or impacts with animals then this coverage is used. The main purpose of this coverage is to pay for repair of the damaged vehicle or pay cash value of the vehicle if it is not repairable or if it is lost. This coverage is optional.
Loss of use
If the insure vehicle is unusable then during the time the vehicle is repaired then the loss of use coverage of car Insurance covers the rental car expenses.
Uninsured or underinsured coverage
If during the accident the at-fault party either does not have car insurance or does not have enough car insurance to cover for the loss then your car insurance company acts as at fault party’s car insurance company.
Loan payoff or Lease payoff
If the value of the car is less than the amount owe by the loan then this negative equity is covered by this part of car insurance coverage in case the vehicle is beyond repair during an accident or any other non-collision loss.
Towing or Roadside assistance
Tow and other roadside assistance during accident are covered by other coverage but if there is towing and other roadside assistance due to non-accident related to breakdowns, flat tires, gas outs then this part of car insurance coverage is used.
For more info visit at cheap car insurance, cheap auto insurance online, auto insurance
Submitted By: Jack Sufi
Sunday, April 27, 2008
How To Lower The Cost Of Your Auto Insurance
Buying auto insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. The auto insurance premium rate varies depending on the company and the type of policy coverage you choose to have. Here are some guidelines to lower the cost.
Shop Around- Compare the costs by shopping around at least four to five insurance companies and comparing the quotes. Take the help of your friends, relatives and yellow pages. Your insurance company should offer fair price and posses excellent service records. Check the financial ratings of the company as it indicates the strength and stability of the company.
Ask for higher deductibles- Deductible is the amount of money that you pay before making any claim for an accident. The collision and comprehensive coverage are sold with the deductibles. Higher the deductibles lower will be the premium rate. Increasing the deductible from $200 to $500 may reduce the cost by 15 to 30 percent.
Drop collision and comprehensive Coverage on older cars- If your car is worth less than 10 times your premium inthe current market, consider dropping the collision and comprehensive coverage.
Buy auto coverage from your existing insurer- Buy insurance coverage from your existing carrier. This may help you to reduce the cost. Sometimes low rates are available for the longtime customers.
Avoid double health coverage- If you think that you have enough health insurance, and then avoid health coverage with your auto policy. This will help you to reduce the cost.
Maintain a good credit record- Insurers are using the credit history while determining the price of insurance. Statistically, the lower your credit score, the more you are likely to file claims. A person with a good credit score is more likely to settle the accident without the support of the company. Try to maintain a good credit record.
Discounts with low profile car- Cars that are expensive to repair or attractive to thieves will have a higher rate. Consider buying a low profile or average car as it your insurer might come up with discounts for such a car.
Take advantage of the low mileage discount: Obtain some discount on premiums by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.
Consult about group discount- Sometimes you can get some discounts on group plans provided by your employer, or a business groups, or other associations. Find out whether such a plan is available.
Seek Car Safety discount- Some insurers offer discount if you keep your car equipped with air bag, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts. Take advantage of this.
Submitted By: Evan Trump
Shop Around- Compare the costs by shopping around at least four to five insurance companies and comparing the quotes. Take the help of your friends, relatives and yellow pages. Your insurance company should offer fair price and posses excellent service records. Check the financial ratings of the company as it indicates the strength and stability of the company.
Ask for higher deductibles- Deductible is the amount of money that you pay before making any claim for an accident. The collision and comprehensive coverage are sold with the deductibles. Higher the deductibles lower will be the premium rate. Increasing the deductible from $200 to $500 may reduce the cost by 15 to 30 percent.
Drop collision and comprehensive Coverage on older cars- If your car is worth less than 10 times your premium inthe current market, consider dropping the collision and comprehensive coverage.
Buy auto coverage from your existing insurer- Buy insurance coverage from your existing carrier. This may help you to reduce the cost. Sometimes low rates are available for the longtime customers.
Avoid double health coverage- If you think that you have enough health insurance, and then avoid health coverage with your auto policy. This will help you to reduce the cost.
Maintain a good credit record- Insurers are using the credit history while determining the price of insurance. Statistically, the lower your credit score, the more you are likely to file claims. A person with a good credit score is more likely to settle the accident without the support of the company. Try to maintain a good credit record.
Discounts with low profile car- Cars that are expensive to repair or attractive to thieves will have a higher rate. Consider buying a low profile or average car as it your insurer might come up with discounts for such a car.
Take advantage of the low mileage discount: Obtain some discount on premiums by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.
Consult about group discount- Sometimes you can get some discounts on group plans provided by your employer, or a business groups, or other associations. Find out whether such a plan is available.
Seek Car Safety discount- Some insurers offer discount if you keep your car equipped with air bag, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts. Take advantage of this.
Submitted By: Evan Trump
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Nine Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Cost
You may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverage you request and the kind of car you drive. Listed below are a number of things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs.
1. COMPARISON SHOP.
Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance department (phone numbers are on back page). You can also check consumer guides, insurance agents or companies. This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies or agents have the lowest prices. But don’t shop price alone.
The insurer you select should offer both fair prices and excellent service. Quality personal service may cost a bit more, but provides added conveniences, so talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the quality of their service. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs. Check the financial ratings of the companies too. Then, when you’ve narrowed the field to three insurers, get price quotes.
2. ASK FOR HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES.
Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision cost by 15% to 30%.
3. DROP COLLISION AND/OR COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES ON OLDER CARS.
It may not be cost-effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars.
4. ELIMINATE DUPLICATE MEDICAL COVERAGES.
If you have adequate health insurance, you may be paying for duplicate medical coverage in your auto policy. In some states, eliminating this coverage could lower your personal injury protection (PIP) cost by up to 40%.
5. BUY A 'LOW PROFILE' CAR.
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs. Write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the Highway Loss Data Chart.
6. CONSIDER AREA INSURANCE COST IF YOU ARE MAKING A MOVE.
Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in center cities where there is more traffic congestion.
7. TAKE ADVANTAGE Of LOW MILEAGE DISCOUNTS.
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
8. FIND OUT ABOUT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT OR AIR BAG DISCOUNTS.
You may be able to take advantage of discounts on some coverage if you have automatic seat belts and/or air bags.
9. INQUIRE ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS.
Some insurers offer discounts for more than one car, no accidents in three years, drivers over 50 years of age, driver training courses, anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes and good grades for students. See the following page for a guide to these and other discounts.
Source by contentmart.com
1. COMPARISON SHOP.
Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance department (phone numbers are on back page). You can also check consumer guides, insurance agents or companies. This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies or agents have the lowest prices. But don’t shop price alone.
The insurer you select should offer both fair prices and excellent service. Quality personal service may cost a bit more, but provides added conveniences, so talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the quality of their service. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs. Check the financial ratings of the companies too. Then, when you’ve narrowed the field to three insurers, get price quotes.
2. ASK FOR HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES.
Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision cost by 15% to 30%.
3. DROP COLLISION AND/OR COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES ON OLDER CARS.
It may not be cost-effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars.
4. ELIMINATE DUPLICATE MEDICAL COVERAGES.
If you have adequate health insurance, you may be paying for duplicate medical coverage in your auto policy. In some states, eliminating this coverage could lower your personal injury protection (PIP) cost by up to 40%.
5. BUY A 'LOW PROFILE' CAR.
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs. Write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the Highway Loss Data Chart.
6. CONSIDER AREA INSURANCE COST IF YOU ARE MAKING A MOVE.
Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in center cities where there is more traffic congestion.
7. TAKE ADVANTAGE Of LOW MILEAGE DISCOUNTS.
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
8. FIND OUT ABOUT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT OR AIR BAG DISCOUNTS.
You may be able to take advantage of discounts on some coverage if you have automatic seat belts and/or air bags.
9. INQUIRE ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS.
Some insurers offer discounts for more than one car, no accidents in three years, drivers over 50 years of age, driver training courses, anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes and good grades for students. See the following page for a guide to these and other discounts.
Source by contentmart.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Finance Your Car With Poor Credit
Cars don't look at your credit before they decide to breakdown. Anyone, with poor credit or great credit, could find themselves in a situation where they need an auto loan. Fortunately, those with poor credit do have options available for financing their vehicles.
"Bad Credit Car Loans"
One of the most common methods of purchasing a car with poor credit is with a "bad credit car loan". You can acquire these loans through auto dealerships, online lenders, and high risk lenders. Typically these loans are available for anyone with a credit score below 600. People can find themselves in this situation after a divorce, after bankruptcy, if they have little credit, or if they have made poor financial decisions. The "bad credit car loans" are designed to protect the lender. They have higher interest rates than conventional auto loans. However, it is in your best interest to shop around for a bad credit car loan
Risks of Shopping around
There is a risk of shopping around for an auto loan. Submitting loan applications to several different companies will lower your credit score even more. It is in your best interest to find an organization that will find various Bad credit car loans for you, but only check your credit report one time.
Home Equity Loan
Another way to get auto financing with poor credit is with a home equity loan. The interest rate on a home equity loan is usually lower than the interest rate on a "bad credit car loan". Another advantage is that the interest is tax deductible on a home equity loan. The one obvious disadvantage to this type of financing is that you are using your home as collateral. If you are not able to pay your loan, then you put your home in jeopardy.
Do not lose hope if you have poor credit. There are still options available to finance your car. Bad credit car loans, and home equity loans can help you achieve your goal of purchasing a new vehicle.
source by www.isnare.com
"Bad Credit Car Loans"
One of the most common methods of purchasing a car with poor credit is with a "bad credit car loan". You can acquire these loans through auto dealerships, online lenders, and high risk lenders. Typically these loans are available for anyone with a credit score below 600. People can find themselves in this situation after a divorce, after bankruptcy, if they have little credit, or if they have made poor financial decisions. The "bad credit car loans" are designed to protect the lender. They have higher interest rates than conventional auto loans. However, it is in your best interest to shop around for a bad credit car loan
Risks of Shopping around
There is a risk of shopping around for an auto loan. Submitting loan applications to several different companies will lower your credit score even more. It is in your best interest to find an organization that will find various Bad credit car loans for you, but only check your credit report one time.
Home Equity Loan
Another way to get auto financing with poor credit is with a home equity loan. The interest rate on a home equity loan is usually lower than the interest rate on a "bad credit car loan". Another advantage is that the interest is tax deductible on a home equity loan. The one obvious disadvantage to this type of financing is that you are using your home as collateral. If you are not able to pay your loan, then you put your home in jeopardy.
Do not lose hope if you have poor credit. There are still options available to finance your car. Bad credit car loans, and home equity loans can help you achieve your goal of purchasing a new vehicle.
source by www.isnare.com
What's A No-fax Payday Loan And How Do I Get One?
Cash advance loans, otherwise known as payday loans have really become popular in recent times. Although most of the time people that are on a fixed income seem to use this particular type of loan, they are available to everyone. The reason why they are so popular among those that do not have additional money is because they tend to run into financial crunches from time to time and need a helping hand. It's difficult to turn any quarter without seeing advertisements for companies that offer you this quick cash that is available just by signing your name.
In recent years, there has been an inundation of companies that offer this particular service in the United States. The reason that this is the case is because many business people see it as an easy return on the money that they lend out on a short-term loan. Another reason why they may like it is because it really requires no overhead, other than cash on hand, and you can start one of these businesses relatively easily. Something good that has come out of so many people competing in this particular field is that it has gotten to where there is some competition and rates have come down to a certain extent. The Internet has also played a big part in these companies who are trying to get ahead and taking advantage of any avenue of making their company succeed.
What makes a no fax payday loan different?
In order to enter into a contract, the law requires that you are at least 18 years old unless you have a cosigner that is at least that age. That is the first step in applying for a payday loan, giving proof of your age by showing a legal document of some sort. Another thing that you are going to need to prove is that you have been able to hold onto a job for a minimum of three months and that you meet other minimum requirements, such as the amount of income that you make. Typically, showing proof of your income is as easy as giving them a pay stub. One other thing that you're going to need to have is a checking account that is active and does not have any bad marks against it, such a bounced checks. You also need to have lived in the same place for a minimum of three months.
The reason that a no fax payday loan is different is because you are not required to fax in these various forms in order to prove that you meet the minimum qualifications. This is typically taken care of by the payday loan company by calling the various companies, such as your employer and the bank to confirm that you actually do meet the requirements that they set forth. This can really make it a lot more convenient to use this particular type of service because you do not have to worry about gathering all the paperwork together at one time and taking it into the lending office as proof.
How is it possible for me to receive a no fax payday loan?
One of the easiest ways to get a no fax payday loan is by using one of the companies that are available on the Internet. It's not that difficult to find them, they are heavily listed in Google and available just for doing a web search.
What is the cost if I were to take a cash advance with one of these companies?
Keep in mind, these businesses are in the market to make money and they do a very good job of that. They do give a service to people that need to get some cash in advance but they do expect to collect a heavy toll for doing so. Typically, one of these payday advances last for about two weeks in which time they will want the money back. Not only do they ask for the original money back but they also ask for $25 for every $100 that you borrow. Of course, this is just a round figure but it is pretty common for this type of price to be paid on a payday loan. A typical payday loan is $500 which means that the individual that borrows that amount of money will end up paying $650 back to the company.
You are protected to a certain extent by something that is known as the truth in lending act that was put into process in 1968. According to this act, any financial institution that lends you money must disclose how much they are going to charge you in interest on an annual basis. This is typically known as APR or annual percentage rate. This will help you to see how much you are going to be putting out by taking them up on their offer to lend you money in advance.
It always pays to be smart whenever you are taking out one of these payday advances. This is particularly the case because if you take out too much money and are unable to pay it back you will end up spending a good chunk out of each of your next paychecks just to get caught up. Be careful of the finance rates that they charge and be smart, only borrow what you need or out you may get caught up in a web that you're unable to get out of.
source by www.isnare.com
In recent years, there has been an inundation of companies that offer this particular service in the United States. The reason that this is the case is because many business people see it as an easy return on the money that they lend out on a short-term loan. Another reason why they may like it is because it really requires no overhead, other than cash on hand, and you can start one of these businesses relatively easily. Something good that has come out of so many people competing in this particular field is that it has gotten to where there is some competition and rates have come down to a certain extent. The Internet has also played a big part in these companies who are trying to get ahead and taking advantage of any avenue of making their company succeed.
What makes a no fax payday loan different?
In order to enter into a contract, the law requires that you are at least 18 years old unless you have a cosigner that is at least that age. That is the first step in applying for a payday loan, giving proof of your age by showing a legal document of some sort. Another thing that you are going to need to prove is that you have been able to hold onto a job for a minimum of three months and that you meet other minimum requirements, such as the amount of income that you make. Typically, showing proof of your income is as easy as giving them a pay stub. One other thing that you're going to need to have is a checking account that is active and does not have any bad marks against it, such a bounced checks. You also need to have lived in the same place for a minimum of three months.
The reason that a no fax payday loan is different is because you are not required to fax in these various forms in order to prove that you meet the minimum qualifications. This is typically taken care of by the payday loan company by calling the various companies, such as your employer and the bank to confirm that you actually do meet the requirements that they set forth. This can really make it a lot more convenient to use this particular type of service because you do not have to worry about gathering all the paperwork together at one time and taking it into the lending office as proof.
How is it possible for me to receive a no fax payday loan?
One of the easiest ways to get a no fax payday loan is by using one of the companies that are available on the Internet. It's not that difficult to find them, they are heavily listed in Google and available just for doing a web search.
What is the cost if I were to take a cash advance with one of these companies?
Keep in mind, these businesses are in the market to make money and they do a very good job of that. They do give a service to people that need to get some cash in advance but they do expect to collect a heavy toll for doing so. Typically, one of these payday advances last for about two weeks in which time they will want the money back. Not only do they ask for the original money back but they also ask for $25 for every $100 that you borrow. Of course, this is just a round figure but it is pretty common for this type of price to be paid on a payday loan. A typical payday loan is $500 which means that the individual that borrows that amount of money will end up paying $650 back to the company.
You are protected to a certain extent by something that is known as the truth in lending act that was put into process in 1968. According to this act, any financial institution that lends you money must disclose how much they are going to charge you in interest on an annual basis. This is typically known as APR or annual percentage rate. This will help you to see how much you are going to be putting out by taking them up on their offer to lend you money in advance.
It always pays to be smart whenever you are taking out one of these payday advances. This is particularly the case because if you take out too much money and are unable to pay it back you will end up spending a good chunk out of each of your next paychecks just to get caught up. Be careful of the finance rates that they charge and be smart, only borrow what you need or out you may get caught up in a web that you're unable to get out of.
source by www.isnare.com
Quick Secured Loans When You Need Money Fast
Many Brits are taking advantage of the tremendous opportunity to find quick secured loans through online independent loan brokers. Secured loans have become more and more popular, as homeowner loans and other personal secured products have been offered at very low rates. Many lenders have been passing on Bank of England base rate cuts to their customers, which have provided great APR financing opportunities to customers.
Secured loans are simply loans awarded based on the provision of a secured asset by the borrower. Most borrowers offer both secured and unsecured loan products, but secured debt is much less of a risk for the lender. When the borrower gives the lender a property lien to receive a loan, he is essentially promising to repay his debt, or award the collateral in lieu of the inability to do so. Because of the risk reduction, most lenders have better rates and offer higher loan amounts to secured borrowers. Many bad credit borrowers rely on secured loan products to obtain debt as they find unbelievably high rates, or no offers at all without security.
With the continual development and growth of the internet and web-based technology, consumers are finding it more and more efficient to obtain quotes and to have access to quick secured loans. Many online brokers offer searchable databases, or simply collect customer data and preferences, and then promptly deliver product options and rates. Brokers are very good about taking a borrower’s needs and interests, and helping match those up with the best loan product and best rate available from their collection of providers.
The amount of debt available from a quick secured loan varies. Lenders look at the borrower’s credit history, as well as the value and equity of the secured asset. The more value and equity in the secured property, the less risk there is to the lender. Lenders also look at income, but this is not quite as relevant with secured lending, again because of the assumption that a borrower is putting up collateral because they can manage the debt.
Many lenders offer secured loan products, or any purpose loans, for up to 250,000 pounds for lenders with good credit and good property value. Some people want loans for much less, and many lenders have great rates and products for loans as little as 5,000 pounds. Regardless of the situation, brokers can help lenders with security to offer.
The best way for an individual consumer to get the best product at the best rate is to develop good borrowing habits, and become knowledgeable about the loan environment. Many consumers instinctively turn to banks or big lenders, but brokers often can help look at all the available options.
Depending on consumer needs, certain loans may be more advantageous. Additionally, some loan discounts are available for certain borrowers, certain situations, or from certain providers. Debt should be used responsibly, but for consumers need a quick secured loan, there are many options and many benefits to finding the best loan product.
source by www.isnare.com
Secured loans are simply loans awarded based on the provision of a secured asset by the borrower. Most borrowers offer both secured and unsecured loan products, but secured debt is much less of a risk for the lender. When the borrower gives the lender a property lien to receive a loan, he is essentially promising to repay his debt, or award the collateral in lieu of the inability to do so. Because of the risk reduction, most lenders have better rates and offer higher loan amounts to secured borrowers. Many bad credit borrowers rely on secured loan products to obtain debt as they find unbelievably high rates, or no offers at all without security.
With the continual development and growth of the internet and web-based technology, consumers are finding it more and more efficient to obtain quotes and to have access to quick secured loans. Many online brokers offer searchable databases, or simply collect customer data and preferences, and then promptly deliver product options and rates. Brokers are very good about taking a borrower’s needs and interests, and helping match those up with the best loan product and best rate available from their collection of providers.
The amount of debt available from a quick secured loan varies. Lenders look at the borrower’s credit history, as well as the value and equity of the secured asset. The more value and equity in the secured property, the less risk there is to the lender. Lenders also look at income, but this is not quite as relevant with secured lending, again because of the assumption that a borrower is putting up collateral because they can manage the debt.
Many lenders offer secured loan products, or any purpose loans, for up to 250,000 pounds for lenders with good credit and good property value. Some people want loans for much less, and many lenders have great rates and products for loans as little as 5,000 pounds. Regardless of the situation, brokers can help lenders with security to offer.
The best way for an individual consumer to get the best product at the best rate is to develop good borrowing habits, and become knowledgeable about the loan environment. Many consumers instinctively turn to banks or big lenders, but brokers often can help look at all the available options.
Depending on consumer needs, certain loans may be more advantageous. Additionally, some loan discounts are available for certain borrowers, certain situations, or from certain providers. Debt should be used responsibly, but for consumers need a quick secured loan, there are many options and many benefits to finding the best loan product.
source by www.isnare.com
Universal Life Insurance | Various Insurance Policies To Secure Ourselves
“Life insurance” the name reads as though it is very intricate, but it is very easy to invest in it. There are many types of life insurance policies today. We can easily choose according to our needs and budget. There are cheap insurance policies too. Every common man can also buy a life insurance policy; it is not that only the rich people should secure themselves with these insurance policies. In fact a common man should more think about the security of his family after his death. Each policy has its own benefits. Before investing in any type of policy be it a cheap policy or an expensive life insurance policy, but you need a proper guidance. Nowadays there are many qualified professionals available online to advise us on various types of policies and their advantages. All we need is to come to a decision very smartly and then invest or buy a particular policy.
The life insurance policy of course is a must for everyone but do think about more various types of policies too, like the business insurance policy. A business insurance policy guards an individual business man, his employees and some characteristics of the business from financial or any other damages which can result in any happenings through an accident, fire exposure or any other unpredicted accidents which can lead a business to face many losses. Business insurance coverage can be purchased for an extensive assortment of proficient careers and different fields of occupations and also for different types of trading companies, manufacturing companies, processing companies as well as any retail companies.
Despite the fact that your business is very small or wide spread big business, you need proper guidance before investing in any type of insurance policy and for this can easily consult any of the experts or you get information online. They will very well guide you towards the right path. It is only a matter of few minutes to simply log on and find the basic information.
The different types of the most familiar business insurance policies brought by business owners are: the commercial property insurance, the general liability insurance, the professional liability insurance and many more. A commercial property insurance policy covers almost all the losses, e.g. building coverage, stock coverage, tools coverage any physical damage or any type of losses. The crime, theft insurance guards the business against the loss if any of burglary, theft or robbery is taken place. Though we will not be completely cover our losses but really it works to some extent. As the famous saying goes that something is better than nothing, in this case it can be true. It is always wise to protect our house or business and ourselves from any types of damages than to regret ever in future. We cannot be irresponsible and let go things very easily out of our hands when we know that there are many alternative to secure our future and our loved one’s future. We cannot let our loved ones to struggle in any field, be it in studies, health or business. If ever we do not have any type of insurance done, then just imagine the pains our loved ones will have to go through or even we at present if anything happens to our well established business.
source by www.isnare.com
The life insurance policy of course is a must for everyone but do think about more various types of policies too, like the business insurance policy. A business insurance policy guards an individual business man, his employees and some characteristics of the business from financial or any other damages which can result in any happenings through an accident, fire exposure or any other unpredicted accidents which can lead a business to face many losses. Business insurance coverage can be purchased for an extensive assortment of proficient careers and different fields of occupations and also for different types of trading companies, manufacturing companies, processing companies as well as any retail companies.
Despite the fact that your business is very small or wide spread big business, you need proper guidance before investing in any type of insurance policy and for this can easily consult any of the experts or you get information online. They will very well guide you towards the right path. It is only a matter of few minutes to simply log on and find the basic information.
The different types of the most familiar business insurance policies brought by business owners are: the commercial property insurance, the general liability insurance, the professional liability insurance and many more. A commercial property insurance policy covers almost all the losses, e.g. building coverage, stock coverage, tools coverage any physical damage or any type of losses. The crime, theft insurance guards the business against the loss if any of burglary, theft or robbery is taken place. Though we will not be completely cover our losses but really it works to some extent. As the famous saying goes that something is better than nothing, in this case it can be true. It is always wise to protect our house or business and ourselves from any types of damages than to regret ever in future. We cannot be irresponsible and let go things very easily out of our hands when we know that there are many alternative to secure our future and our loved one’s future. We cannot let our loved ones to struggle in any field, be it in studies, health or business. If ever we do not have any type of insurance done, then just imagine the pains our loved ones will have to go through or even we at present if anything happens to our well established business.
source by www.isnare.com
Term Life Insurance | Term Life Insurance Policy A Must For Everyone
Today everyone needs to think about his or her life. What if something will happen to him suddenly? Did he get his life insured? What will happen to his family after his sudden death or illness or if he met with an accident? All these questions are to be asked by him. For this you need basic information and there are many life insurance companies which can provide you with the right information. The life insurance company of Canada will help you out of all these questions.
If you want your family to get secured even if you are not there with them, then definitely you will have to get good life insurance policies which can play a major role in your life throughout. As far as my opinion I feel that everyone must have a term life insurance policy because these policies benefit you a lot as they have a fixed duration. But before buying these policies you will have to get the thorough information about them. In this policy the family will not be given anything if the insured person expires after the term of the policy gets over. But still there are added returns for these type of policies and you certainly judge them before you invest.
A term life insurance policy may be inexpensive, particularly if it is regarded about the sum the people left behind will benefit if at all something happens to the person insured. In some cases if the person has taken credit against some property or so, then they will get benefits of the term life insurance policy to cover up the credits against the fixed period of time. If at any circumstances, God forbid anything happens to the insured person then the life term insurance policy will take care of all the credits. The other family members need not have to worry at this situation then. This is true that if nothing happens to the insured person within the time of the insurance expedition, then in this case the family will not receive any amount but then there are no regrets too in life at least. These types of insurance policies are usually bought with the thought of the payments of the credits. The whole life term policy differs than to the term life insurance policy. In this case the insurance company takes care of the whole thing if anything happens to the person or his dies accidentally before the term of the policy. Then his family will get the whole amount which was insured with the whole life insurance.
So if you have not invested anywhere in any such insurance policies, then I feel that immediate action should be taken against it, because as far as my experience says that no one will like his or her family to suffer after he is gone or let the family members to compromise on the type of living styles they were used to previously. Before investing to any type of policies, you should read them simultaneously and then opt for a particular policy. You can benefit more with the information provided at the Choice Ins.
source by www.isnare.com
If you want your family to get secured even if you are not there with them, then definitely you will have to get good life insurance policies which can play a major role in your life throughout. As far as my opinion I feel that everyone must have a term life insurance policy because these policies benefit you a lot as they have a fixed duration. But before buying these policies you will have to get the thorough information about them. In this policy the family will not be given anything if the insured person expires after the term of the policy gets over. But still there are added returns for these type of policies and you certainly judge them before you invest.
A term life insurance policy may be inexpensive, particularly if it is regarded about the sum the people left behind will benefit if at all something happens to the person insured. In some cases if the person has taken credit against some property or so, then they will get benefits of the term life insurance policy to cover up the credits against the fixed period of time. If at any circumstances, God forbid anything happens to the insured person then the life term insurance policy will take care of all the credits. The other family members need not have to worry at this situation then. This is true that if nothing happens to the insured person within the time of the insurance expedition, then in this case the family will not receive any amount but then there are no regrets too in life at least. These types of insurance policies are usually bought with the thought of the payments of the credits. The whole life term policy differs than to the term life insurance policy. In this case the insurance company takes care of the whole thing if anything happens to the person or his dies accidentally before the term of the policy. Then his family will get the whole amount which was insured with the whole life insurance.
So if you have not invested anywhere in any such insurance policies, then I feel that immediate action should be taken against it, because as far as my experience says that no one will like his or her family to suffer after he is gone or let the family members to compromise on the type of living styles they were used to previously. Before investing to any type of policies, you should read them simultaneously and then opt for a particular policy. You can benefit more with the information provided at the Choice Ins.
source by www.isnare.com
Secured Personal Loans For Your Financial Needs
When Brits need to find the best loan amount available, at the lowest rate possible, secured personal loans are a viable option. Secured loans offer many advantages over unsecured loans. Secured debt is simply debt assumed by offering a property or asset as a security, or collateral, to reduce the risk to the lender for making the lender. Homes and cars are common assets used as security for loans.
The benefit to lenders when borrowers use security to obtain a loan is that in the event of non-payment, lenders may have the option to repossess the asset. This gives them some type of financial security that they will, at the very least, be able to recoup their costs. Along with the financial security, lenders also realize that borrowers willing to expose their property to risk of loss must believe they have the ability to manage the debt obligation.
Secured personal loans is a very broad phrase used to describe loans of virtually any type that are backed with a secured asset. Some people call secured or unsecured personal loans any purpose loans, because they are often awarded for virtually any purpose. Secured loans, especially, are awarded for home improvements, car purchases, vacations, large purchases, or various other reasons. Lenders are not quite as concerned with the use of the funds if the loan is secured. They are more likely to presume the borrower has a good reason for taking on the debt if they are securing the loan.
Debt consolidation is another common reason consumers turn to secured personal loans. As average credit card debt continues to rise, many people find themselves stuck with significant debt, at very high interest rates. Secured loans are often available at much lower rates. Therefore, many people take out secured loans and use the funds to pay off their credit card debt. This can be a great way to reduce monthly payments, lower interest payments, and greatly diminish the payoff time required for debt.
Along with better rates for secured borrowing, consumers also have the opportunity to borrower more money. Again, lenders usually are more flexible if the borrower is willing to subject their assets to risk to obtain a loan. A loan obtained through a secured property can off be for as much as 250,000 pounds. This gives the borrower great leverage to work with in accomplishing their goals with the debt.
Along with the interest and value available through secured debt, consumers also find greater flexibility from lenders when they offer collateral. Many lenders promote the fact that they will work with virtually any loan need and credit situation if security is involved. Some lenders even offer deferred payments for up to 6 months for a secured debtor.
The important thing is for the borrower to carefully consider their debt needs to determine if secured personal loans are right. Loan brokers are a great resource as they have access to many great loan products and can quickly compare benefits and rates of various loans, in order to find the best option.
Resource by www.isnare.com
The benefit to lenders when borrowers use security to obtain a loan is that in the event of non-payment, lenders may have the option to repossess the asset. This gives them some type of financial security that they will, at the very least, be able to recoup their costs. Along with the financial security, lenders also realize that borrowers willing to expose their property to risk of loss must believe they have the ability to manage the debt obligation.
Secured personal loans is a very broad phrase used to describe loans of virtually any type that are backed with a secured asset. Some people call secured or unsecured personal loans any purpose loans, because they are often awarded for virtually any purpose. Secured loans, especially, are awarded for home improvements, car purchases, vacations, large purchases, or various other reasons. Lenders are not quite as concerned with the use of the funds if the loan is secured. They are more likely to presume the borrower has a good reason for taking on the debt if they are securing the loan.
Debt consolidation is another common reason consumers turn to secured personal loans. As average credit card debt continues to rise, many people find themselves stuck with significant debt, at very high interest rates. Secured loans are often available at much lower rates. Therefore, many people take out secured loans and use the funds to pay off their credit card debt. This can be a great way to reduce monthly payments, lower interest payments, and greatly diminish the payoff time required for debt.
Along with better rates for secured borrowing, consumers also have the opportunity to borrower more money. Again, lenders usually are more flexible if the borrower is willing to subject their assets to risk to obtain a loan. A loan obtained through a secured property can off be for as much as 250,000 pounds. This gives the borrower great leverage to work with in accomplishing their goals with the debt.
Along with the interest and value available through secured debt, consumers also find greater flexibility from lenders when they offer collateral. Many lenders promote the fact that they will work with virtually any loan need and credit situation if security is involved. Some lenders even offer deferred payments for up to 6 months for a secured debtor.
The important thing is for the borrower to carefully consider their debt needs to determine if secured personal loans are right. Loan brokers are a great resource as they have access to many great loan products and can quickly compare benefits and rates of various loans, in order to find the best option.
Resource by www.isnare.com
Make Sure Car Dealer Finance Is The Cheapest Option By Comparing Finance Online
When buying your new or used car with a dealer it can be very tempting to take the finance offered by them, after all they can be very persuasive. However keep in mind that all sales staff at every car dealership will use the same lines when it comes to selling car dealer finance. They will tell you the great deal you saw on the web was wrong or that the car will not be here tomorrow as someone else is very interested, however they are all cons to get you to take the finance out with them.
While in some cases you can get an excellent rate of interest and deal, the majority of time you are able to save a lot of money by going online with a specialist website and letting them search the whole of the marketplace for a good rate of interest and loan for you. So while by all means get a quote for car dealer finance, but then double check to make sure you cannot get a cheaper deal yourself. Always remember they are not going to do you any favours and they are not providing you with a service but are simply selling you a product, a loan, which you might be able to get cheaper yourself.
There are many ways you can get finance without taking car dealer finance; the first is to take out a loan or hire purchase for the car. This entails putting a deposit down on the car then making repayments over the term set out in the loan. The amount you will have to pay per month will be decided by how much the loan is for, how long you have taken it out over and how much deposit you have put down on the car.
Another option for car finance is to take out PCP, personal contract purchase. With this option you pay a deposit on the car then pay over a fixed period of time with monthly repayments that are generally very low and at the end of the loan you then have choices to make regarding your options. Once the agreement comes to an end you have to decide if you are going to pay the final lump sum left owing on the car, hand the car back and pay nothing more or part exchange the car.
Credit purchase is another option than can be used instead of going with car dealer finance. This option is very similar to PCP except that when the agreement comes to an end you have to find the money left owing on the car and pay it in full, then the car is yours.
Information about all of these options is available with a specialist website and along with this they can gather you quotes which you can then compare for the cheapest against the car dealer finance that was offered at the showroom. Whichever option you choose to take always make sure that you have read the terms and condition of any finance agreement before signing on the dotted line. The key facts can reveal hidden costs that could be included in the loan and will also state how much in total your choice of finance will cost you.
source by www.isnare.com
While in some cases you can get an excellent rate of interest and deal, the majority of time you are able to save a lot of money by going online with a specialist website and letting them search the whole of the marketplace for a good rate of interest and loan for you. So while by all means get a quote for car dealer finance, but then double check to make sure you cannot get a cheaper deal yourself. Always remember they are not going to do you any favours and they are not providing you with a service but are simply selling you a product, a loan, which you might be able to get cheaper yourself.
There are many ways you can get finance without taking car dealer finance; the first is to take out a loan or hire purchase for the car. This entails putting a deposit down on the car then making repayments over the term set out in the loan. The amount you will have to pay per month will be decided by how much the loan is for, how long you have taken it out over and how much deposit you have put down on the car.
Another option for car finance is to take out PCP, personal contract purchase. With this option you pay a deposit on the car then pay over a fixed period of time with monthly repayments that are generally very low and at the end of the loan you then have choices to make regarding your options. Once the agreement comes to an end you have to decide if you are going to pay the final lump sum left owing on the car, hand the car back and pay nothing more or part exchange the car.
Credit purchase is another option than can be used instead of going with car dealer finance. This option is very similar to PCP except that when the agreement comes to an end you have to find the money left owing on the car and pay it in full, then the car is yours.
Information about all of these options is available with a specialist website and along with this they can gather you quotes which you can then compare for the cheapest against the car dealer finance that was offered at the showroom. Whichever option you choose to take always make sure that you have read the terms and condition of any finance agreement before signing on the dotted line. The key facts can reveal hidden costs that could be included in the loan and will also state how much in total your choice of finance will cost you.
source by www.isnare.com
Driving An Expensive Or High-Performance Car? Make Sure Your Car Has Adequate Insurance
When buying insurance, most people ask for "full coverage" without knowing what they're asking for. What's the problem? There is no such thing as "full coverage". While understanding your coverage is important for everyone, it is vitally important if you're driving a Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Viper, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, or Aston Martin.
If you're driving an expensive, exotic or high-performance car, you will want to make sure that after an accident you receive OEM parts, OEM paint, the ability to repair your vehicle at the auto body shop of your choice, and the amount of money needed for the repair.
Repairing an expensive car with non-OEM parts and/or improper workmanship will result in substantial diminished value. With expensive cars, even a proper repair will result in diminished value. What is diminished value? It is the lowered market value of a vehicle subsequent to repair. For instance, a Porsche or Ferrari will be worth less after an accident, even after it has been properly repaired. For research on diminished value, see http://www.hurt911.org/accident/car-accident-car-value.html
You do not want to get into an argument with your insurance company as to whether or not your vehicle can be repaired or should be totaled. Often, insurance companies will want to repair your car, when you think it should be totaled. If the insurance company agrees to total your car, most insurance policies only provide "actual cash value" insurance coverage which would only give you with a payment based on the current replacement cost of your vehicle, less depreciation (the decrease in the value of your car due to use, deterioration and the passage of time).
In the event that an exotic or high-priced car is totaled, the best replacement coverage is "agreed value" or "stated value". The only insurance companies I have found to offer agreed value insurance are Chubb and MetLife.
Chubb's web site states: "You and Chubb can agree on a value and lock it in for a full year. That's the exact amount you'll receive if your car is stolen or totaled in a covered loss. Never mind the "book" value. We even waive the deductible. No haggling, no depreciation, no deductible, no problem."
MetLife's web site states: Equivalent New Automobile Replacement for Total Loss is offered for vehicles within the first year of purchase or the first 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What's the difference between Chubb's "Agreed Value Option" and MetLife's "Equivalent New Automobile Replacement" coverage? For high-value cars, Chubb is definitely the better choice. Chubb offers its agreed value coverage every year and readjusts the agreed value upon policy renewal. From what I have seen, the adjusted agreed value even years and over 100,000 miles later is substantially higher than actual value. Additionally, on a different topic, Chubb also offers up to $1 million of underinsured coverage, which is also vitally important. Make sure you ask your Chubb agent for the maximum underinsured coverage.
For average value new cars, MetLife is a good choice. MetLife does not offer its Equivalent New Automobile Replacement coverage after the first year or first 15,000 miles. For drivers of most new cars, this is still a good value because it is not uncommon for someone to total their new car soon after purchasing it. Usually, just driving a car out of the showroom can result in as much as $10,000 depreciation.
source by www.isnare.com
If you're driving an expensive, exotic or high-performance car, you will want to make sure that after an accident you receive OEM parts, OEM paint, the ability to repair your vehicle at the auto body shop of your choice, and the amount of money needed for the repair.
Repairing an expensive car with non-OEM parts and/or improper workmanship will result in substantial diminished value. With expensive cars, even a proper repair will result in diminished value. What is diminished value? It is the lowered market value of a vehicle subsequent to repair. For instance, a Porsche or Ferrari will be worth less after an accident, even after it has been properly repaired. For research on diminished value, see http://www.hurt911.org/accident/car-accident-car-value.html
You do not want to get into an argument with your insurance company as to whether or not your vehicle can be repaired or should be totaled. Often, insurance companies will want to repair your car, when you think it should be totaled. If the insurance company agrees to total your car, most insurance policies only provide "actual cash value" insurance coverage which would only give you with a payment based on the current replacement cost of your vehicle, less depreciation (the decrease in the value of your car due to use, deterioration and the passage of time).
In the event that an exotic or high-priced car is totaled, the best replacement coverage is "agreed value" or "stated value". The only insurance companies I have found to offer agreed value insurance are Chubb and MetLife.
Chubb's web site states: "You and Chubb can agree on a value and lock it in for a full year. That's the exact amount you'll receive if your car is stolen or totaled in a covered loss. Never mind the "book" value. We even waive the deductible. No haggling, no depreciation, no deductible, no problem."
MetLife's web site states: Equivalent New Automobile Replacement for Total Loss is offered for vehicles within the first year of purchase or the first 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What's the difference between Chubb's "Agreed Value Option" and MetLife's "Equivalent New Automobile Replacement" coverage? For high-value cars, Chubb is definitely the better choice. Chubb offers its agreed value coverage every year and readjusts the agreed value upon policy renewal. From what I have seen, the adjusted agreed value even years and over 100,000 miles later is substantially higher than actual value. Additionally, on a different topic, Chubb also offers up to $1 million of underinsured coverage, which is also vitally important. Make sure you ask your Chubb agent for the maximum underinsured coverage.
For average value new cars, MetLife is a good choice. MetLife does not offer its Equivalent New Automobile Replacement coverage after the first year or first 15,000 miles. For drivers of most new cars, this is still a good value because it is not uncommon for someone to total their new car soon after purchasing it. Usually, just driving a car out of the showroom can result in as much as $10,000 depreciation.
source by www.isnare.com
Budget Car Insurance – Car Insurance Buying Tips
Car insurance is an integral part of the insurance budget. There are a lot of variables that cause the rates to increase or decrease. Some of these variables cannot be controlled by the insured but there are some things the insurance buyer can do to keep their policy reasonable without losing a lot in protection.
What Are Your Assets? – Do you own a home? Do you have several vehicles? Do you own a business? Do you rent an apartment? Your strength in assets is a factor when selecting your liability limits. If you accidentally injure or kill someone in an automobile accident and you carry low liability limits on your car policy then your assets are next in line to be used to pay for the damages.
The Age of the Vehicles – Newer vehicles usually require physical damage coverage by the lender. Older vehicles with a lot of miles sometimes do not warrant physical damage. Physical damage rates can be adjusted up or down based on the deductible you choose.
The Age of The Drivers – Adult rates, senior adult rates, and rates for young drivers make a huge difference in the overall rate. Young drivers on vehicles with physical damage coverage can be very costly.
What are the Discounts? – There are a number of discounts on car policies. The multi-policy discount is given by insurance companies for purchasing both auto and home insurance. Retirement discounts are available to the senior adult. Young drivers receive discounts for drivers training education. Some companies give good student discounts for young student drivers that maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Full Tort or Limited Tort – Many states have a discount for selecting a limited tort option. Tort is your right to sue for pain and suffering damages over and above the basic liability settlement. This varies from state to state.
This is the overall picture what insurance companies use to determine your individual rate. You have a choice when it comes to liability, physical damage, and tort options. Ask plenty of questions about these three areas when purchasing car insurance
source by www.isnare.com
What Are Your Assets? – Do you own a home? Do you have several vehicles? Do you own a business? Do you rent an apartment? Your strength in assets is a factor when selecting your liability limits. If you accidentally injure or kill someone in an automobile accident and you carry low liability limits on your car policy then your assets are next in line to be used to pay for the damages.
The Age of the Vehicles – Newer vehicles usually require physical damage coverage by the lender. Older vehicles with a lot of miles sometimes do not warrant physical damage. Physical damage rates can be adjusted up or down based on the deductible you choose.
The Age of The Drivers – Adult rates, senior adult rates, and rates for young drivers make a huge difference in the overall rate. Young drivers on vehicles with physical damage coverage can be very costly.
What are the Discounts? – There are a number of discounts on car policies. The multi-policy discount is given by insurance companies for purchasing both auto and home insurance. Retirement discounts are available to the senior adult. Young drivers receive discounts for drivers training education. Some companies give good student discounts for young student drivers that maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Full Tort or Limited Tort – Many states have a discount for selecting a limited tort option. Tort is your right to sue for pain and suffering damages over and above the basic liability settlement. This varies from state to state.
This is the overall picture what insurance companies use to determine your individual rate. You have a choice when it comes to liability, physical damage, and tort options. Ask plenty of questions about these three areas when purchasing car insurance
source by www.isnare.com
Make Sure Car Dealer Finance Is The Cheapest Option By Comparing Finance Online
When buying your new or used car with a dealer it can be very tempting to take the finance offered by them, after all they can be very persuasive. However keep in mind that all sales staff at every car dealership will use the same lines when it comes to selling car dealer finance. They will tell you the great deal you saw on the web was wrong or that the car will not be here tomorrow as someone else is very interested, however they are all cons to get you to take the finance out with them.
While in some cases you can get an excellent rate of interest and deal, the majority of time you are able to save a lot of money by going online with a specialist website and letting them search the whole of the marketplace for a good rate of interest and loan for you. So while by all means get a quote for car dealer finance, but then double check to make sure you cannot get a cheaper deal yourself. Always remember they are not going to do you any favours and they are not providing you with a service but are simply selling you a product, a loan, which you might be able to get cheaper yourself.
There are many ways you can get finance without taking car dealer finance; the first is to take out a loan or hire purchase for the car. This entails putting a deposit down on the car then making repayments over the term set out in the loan. The amount you will have to pay per month will be decided by how much the loan is for, how long you have taken it out over and how much deposit you have put down on the car.
Another option for car finance is to take out PCP, personal contract purchase. With this option you pay a deposit on the car then pay over a fixed period of time with monthly repayments that are generally very low and at the end of the loan you then have choices to make regarding your options. Once the agreement comes to an end you have to decide if you are going to pay the final lump sum left owing on the car, hand the car back and pay nothing more or part exchange the car.
Credit purchase is another option than can be used instead of going with car dealer finance. This option is very similar to PCP except that when the agreement comes to an end you have to find the money left owing on the car and pay it in full, then the car is yours.
Information about all of these options is available with a specialist website and along with this they can gather you quotes which you can then compare for the cheapest against the car dealer finance that was offered at the showroom. Whichever option you choose to take always make sure that you have read the terms and condition of any finance agreement before signing on the dotted line. The key facts can reveal hidden costs that could be included in the loan and will also state how much in total your choice of finance will cost you.
While in some cases you can get an excellent rate of interest and deal, the majority of time you are able to save a lot of money by going online with a specialist website and letting them search the whole of the marketplace for a good rate of interest and loan for you. So while by all means get a quote for car dealer finance, but then double check to make sure you cannot get a cheaper deal yourself. Always remember they are not going to do you any favours and they are not providing you with a service but are simply selling you a product, a loan, which you might be able to get cheaper yourself.
There are many ways you can get finance without taking car dealer finance; the first is to take out a loan or hire purchase for the car. This entails putting a deposit down on the car then making repayments over the term set out in the loan. The amount you will have to pay per month will be decided by how much the loan is for, how long you have taken it out over and how much deposit you have put down on the car.
Another option for car finance is to take out PCP, personal contract purchase. With this option you pay a deposit on the car then pay over a fixed period of time with monthly repayments that are generally very low and at the end of the loan you then have choices to make regarding your options. Once the agreement comes to an end you have to decide if you are going to pay the final lump sum left owing on the car, hand the car back and pay nothing more or part exchange the car.
Credit purchase is another option than can be used instead of going with car dealer finance. This option is very similar to PCP except that when the agreement comes to an end you have to find the money left owing on the car and pay it in full, then the car is yours.
Information about all of these options is available with a specialist website and along with this they can gather you quotes which you can then compare for the cheapest against the car dealer finance that was offered at the showroom. Whichever option you choose to take always make sure that you have read the terms and condition of any finance agreement before signing on the dotted line. The key facts can reveal hidden costs that could be included in the loan and will also state how much in total your choice of finance will cost you.
source by www.isnare.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
20 Tips to cheaper car insurance.
Car insurance premiums rise year after year,Although your car insurance premium largely depends on your Car, Age and discount there are a few steps you can take to help stop the rise or even reduce your premium.1. Buy from the internet.
Most companies offer a discount for online applications as this is automated process and costs them a lot less to process your application, you can usually see discounts of 5%-10%.Click here to get a instant online insurance quote
2. Shop around.
All insurance companies use different formulas to calculate your insurance premium by adding or detracting money after each question the ask you.By shopping around you could find big savings on your insurance premium.
3. Buy extra products.
Most insurance companies also do other insurance products ie"Building's and content's insurance".Most insurance companies will give extra discounts for purchasing more than one product,by doing this you could save a fair amount on all your insurance premiums.
4. Pay your insurance premium in one go.
By paying your insurance premium in full you can avoid paying costly interest charges that would be added if you paid your insurance premium by instalments.Some insurance companies may charge as much as 15% APR on instalments.You may even receive a discount for paying in full.If you can not afford to pay in full check out what rate a small loan would be you may still save some money.Fill out a online loan application
5. Increase your voluntary excess.
Your excess is the amount paid by you in the event of a claim,by increasing this your insurance company should reduce your premium.
6. Lower your annual mileage.
Lowering your annual mileage can reduce your premium,most insurance companies will quote you for around 12,000 miles a year.Try and work out how many mile's you will do if it's likely to be less you may get a discount.Be honest about this as your insurance company may ask to see old MOT'S and service history to verify your mileage in the event of a accident.
7. Have a Alarm,Immobiliser or Tracker fitted.
Theft of and from your vehicle play a major role in the calculation of your insurance premium.Having a alarm or immobiliser fitted will give you a small discount to your premium and having a tracker fitted could make you quite a saving.
8. Take the advanced driving test.
Passing your advanced driving test will show your insurance company that you have extra skill when driving and are less likely to be involved in a accident.
9. Don't inflate the value of your car.
Adding extra value to your car when you apply for your insurance quote will do nothing for you apart from increase you premium.In the event your car is stolen or written off you will only be paid the market value of your car at the time of your accident.
10.Look after your credit rating.
Insurance companies are now looking at your credit score as part of the calculation for your insurance premium.Maintaining a good credit rating could avoid unnecessary additions to your premium.
11. Insure your car Third Party Only.
Third party only is the minimum cover you are required to have by law it's also the cheapest.If your vehicle is of a low value then you could consider this type of cover.You need to remember that with this type of cover if you was to have a accident that any damage to your vehicle would not be covered for repair.
12. Keep a clean licence .
Insurance companies take driving convictions very seriously and can dramatically increase your car insurance premium,by maintaining a clean licence proves to the insurance you are a safe and careful driver.
13. Remove any unnecessary drivers.
If you have a young driver on your insurance policy that no longer use's the vehicle you should remove them as this will reduce your premium.
14. Young driver's add a older driver.
Some insurance companies will reduce young drivers premiums if they have a older named driver on the insurance.
15. Build up your no-claims discount .
One of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premium is the number of years no-claim's discount.You could receive up to 75% discount for around 5 years of no claims.The more years you can stay claim free the safer driver your insurance company will see you as.
16. Protect your no-claims discount.
Although this will increase your insurance premium if you have a lot of years of no-claims you may want to protect this as a small claim may increase your premium by up to 75%.
17. Buy a lower insurance group car.
A very important factor to your insurance premium is what car you drive.Most insurance companies adopt the Association Of British Insurance Group Rating.This rates vehicle's from 1 - 20 generally speaking the higher the group the higher the premium.By buying a car with a lower group rating can lower your premium especially for young or inexperienced drivers.
18. Join a car club.
If your vehicle is a classic or specialist consider joining a club related to your car most clubs offer insurance schemes which have very good premium rates.
19. Put your spouse as a named driver.
Some insurance companies offer discounts when you add a spouse as a named driver as opposed to unmarried couples,they see marriage as a sign of stability and associate stability with safe driving and there for give you a discount.
20. Take pass plus.
If you are a new driver consider taking your pass plus.some insurance companies could give you as much as a 25% discount and when you have just passed your test and have no no-claims this could make a considerable saving.
Article by www.thevirtualgarage.co.uk The free autotrader uk alternative
Get Cheap Car Insurance - Make Getting Quotes Really Easy
When it comes to getting cheap insurance rates, one of the most important tools you have is information. You need to be knowledgeable about the steps you can take to help ensure that you are eligible for the lowest cheap car insurance rates possible. In addition, you need to know how to locate the companies that offer cheap car insurance and compare available rates.
Everybody wants cheap car insurance, but, alas, the rates are up to the insurer. There are many variables that insurers use in determining your rate, some of which you have influence over and some that you don�t. Age, for example, is one cheap car insurance factor that you'll just have to wait out. However, young or old, you can do things to make you more eligible for the better cheap car insurance rates.
Naturally, the most obvious is to be careful in your driving, avoiding accidents and traffic tickets. Perhaps not so obvious is to avoid making insurance claims if possible. Sometimes, it is cheaper to just pay for less expensive damage than it is to make a claim, when you factor in how that claim will affect your insurance rates in the future.
Other ways to make yourself more likely to receive cheap car insurance rates include use of devices that help to prevent vehicle theft and to recover it if it is stolen, where you live, as areas with a higher crime rate often result in slightly higher rate quotes, and your choice of car. A more conservative vehicle is more likely to have cheap car insurance than is a sports car.
Also important to getting cheap car insurance is knowing where to look. With the advent of the Internet, you have the opportunity to get quotes and compare prices all over the nation. Using that opportunity can greatly increase your chances of finding the cheap car insurance rates you want.
Information is a valuable tool in getting cheap car insurance. The successful consumer knows where to find cheap car insurance and know what variables can affect rates, adjusting what can be fixed and waiting out the rest. Collecting the right information and acting upon it can help you, too, to enjoy cheap car insurance.
Source: www.isnare.com
Everybody wants cheap car insurance, but, alas, the rates are up to the insurer. There are many variables that insurers use in determining your rate, some of which you have influence over and some that you don�t. Age, for example, is one cheap car insurance factor that you'll just have to wait out. However, young or old, you can do things to make you more eligible for the better cheap car insurance rates.
Naturally, the most obvious is to be careful in your driving, avoiding accidents and traffic tickets. Perhaps not so obvious is to avoid making insurance claims if possible. Sometimes, it is cheaper to just pay for less expensive damage than it is to make a claim, when you factor in how that claim will affect your insurance rates in the future.
Other ways to make yourself more likely to receive cheap car insurance rates include use of devices that help to prevent vehicle theft and to recover it if it is stolen, where you live, as areas with a higher crime rate often result in slightly higher rate quotes, and your choice of car. A more conservative vehicle is more likely to have cheap car insurance than is a sports car.
Also important to getting cheap car insurance is knowing where to look. With the advent of the Internet, you have the opportunity to get quotes and compare prices all over the nation. Using that opportunity can greatly increase your chances of finding the cheap car insurance rates you want.
Information is a valuable tool in getting cheap car insurance. The successful consumer knows where to find cheap car insurance and know what variables can affect rates, adjusting what can be fixed and waiting out the rest. Collecting the right information and acting upon it can help you, too, to enjoy cheap car insurance.
Source: www.isnare.com
What is Car Insurance ?
Car insurance is compulsory in the UK. You are required by law to have a policy to cover your liability to other road users.
The Road Traffic Act requires all motorists to be insured against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other people's property resulting from use of a vehicle on a road or other public place. It is an offence to drive your car or allow others to drive it without insurance.
Owning and driving a car means taking on many risks to yourself and others. When a traffic accident happens, damage, injuries, loss or all of these factors may be inflicted upon you and others. Damage and loss of your property may also occur. Fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters are other possible risks.
Car Insurance protects motorists and drivers against liability in the event of accidents they may cause. It can also provide cover for the motorist's own vehicle.
Car insurance is what safeguards you against loss due to traffic accidents, thefts or other reasons. Taking out car insurance is very important as insurance is what secures you from economic loss or damages. In case you do not have car insurance and you are involved in an accident, in spite of who is at fault, you will be paying the compensation concerned with damages. Car insurance is designed to protect yourself and others against these risks.
Many different types of cover are available, ranging from third party cover which protects individuals against liability should they injure a third party or cause damage to a third party's property, but does not provide any cover for the individual's own vehicle or property, through to comprehensive cover, which can offer protection for accidental damage, theft, fire damage as well as liability towards third parties. The minimum legal requirement for car insurance to drive in the UK is Third Party Only,
Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, specifying each party's rights and obligations. Essentially the car insurance company promises to provide specific coverage for you in return for your payment of the car insurance premium.
It is vital to know what your car insurance policy covers. It could be a complete and comprehensive policy that covers you for all risks that might be surrounding your car. The basic requirement is that in the event of an accident, you are covered for the compensation that you may have to pay for injury to other people and their vehicle. This is an amount that could run into several thousands which will be covered in the car insurance policy.
There are two main types of car insurance policies available in the UK :
Third Party
Third party insurance covers the insured when driving on private property as well as on public roads. This policy offers protection against legal liabilities as well as covering third party claims.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance cover is the most popular form of cover, the most important addition being accidental damage cover, where policyholders can get their own vehicle repaired in case of damage. For people who want to be covered against as many risks as possible, then comprehensive policies is the solution.
You should read your car insurance policy carefully to ensure it gives you the level of cover you are seeking. There should be no small print or difficult language in modern insurance policy documents. If you are unsure about what the policy does or does not cover then just ask your insurer or insurance adviser to explain.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About the Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
The Road Traffic Act requires all motorists to be insured against their liability for injuries to others (including passengers) and for damage to other people's property resulting from use of a vehicle on a road or other public place. It is an offence to drive your car or allow others to drive it without insurance.
Owning and driving a car means taking on many risks to yourself and others. When a traffic accident happens, damage, injuries, loss or all of these factors may be inflicted upon you and others. Damage and loss of your property may also occur. Fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters are other possible risks.
Car Insurance protects motorists and drivers against liability in the event of accidents they may cause. It can also provide cover for the motorist's own vehicle.
Car insurance is what safeguards you against loss due to traffic accidents, thefts or other reasons. Taking out car insurance is very important as insurance is what secures you from economic loss or damages. In case you do not have car insurance and you are involved in an accident, in spite of who is at fault, you will be paying the compensation concerned with damages. Car insurance is designed to protect yourself and others against these risks.
Many different types of cover are available, ranging from third party cover which protects individuals against liability should they injure a third party or cause damage to a third party's property, but does not provide any cover for the individual's own vehicle or property, through to comprehensive cover, which can offer protection for accidental damage, theft, fire damage as well as liability towards third parties. The minimum legal requirement for car insurance to drive in the UK is Third Party Only,
Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, specifying each party's rights and obligations. Essentially the car insurance company promises to provide specific coverage for you in return for your payment of the car insurance premium.It is vital to know what your car insurance policy covers. It could be a complete and comprehensive policy that covers you for all risks that might be surrounding your car. The basic requirement is that in the event of an accident, you are covered for the compensation that you may have to pay for injury to other people and their vehicle. This is an amount that could run into several thousands which will be covered in the car insurance policy.
There are two main types of car insurance policies available in the UK :
Third Party
Third party insurance covers the insured when driving on private property as well as on public roads. This policy offers protection against legal liabilities as well as covering third party claims.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive insurance cover is the most popular form of cover, the most important addition being accidental damage cover, where policyholders can get their own vehicle repaired in case of damage. For people who want to be covered against as many risks as possible, then comprehensive policies is the solution.
You should read your car insurance policy carefully to ensure it gives you the level of cover you are seeking. There should be no small print or difficult language in modern insurance policy documents. If you are unsure about what the policy does or does not cover then just ask your insurer or insurance adviser to explain.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About the Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
Cheap Car Insurance 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs.
With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?
Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.
So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don't just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.
And there's ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.
7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips
1.Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.
2.Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.
3.Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won't get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.
4.Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.
5.Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don�t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.
6.Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.
7.Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don't just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.
So if you're in the market for cheap car insurance there's some ideas for you. Don't just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.
by Peter Crump
Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.
So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don't just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.
And there's ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.
7 Cheap Car Insurance Tips
1.Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.
2.Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.
3.Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won't get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.
4.Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.
5.Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don�t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.
6.Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.
7.Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don't just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.
So if you're in the market for cheap car insurance there's some ideas for you. Don't just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.
by Peter Crump
Sports Car Insurance Brokers
This article provides useful, detailed information about Sports Car Insurance Brokers.who negotiates insurance details with a number of companies on behalf of a client. Brokers are independent advisors who will act on the customer\'s behalf and also advise independently and professionally. The advantage with brokers is that since they work independently, a particular company will not influence them and use them to try to sell a customer a poor insurance policy. Insurance brokers are specialists in this field and have the experience, knowledge, and expertise required during these negotiations. They help the customer select a good insurer who will draw up an agreement to suit all the requisites.
Brokers charge some fee for their services. This fee would depend on the number of insurance companies the broker does business with, along with the amount if business the broker does. They can be considered over direct car insurers when the customer needs some valuable advise that is not available through any other resources. They might be able to guide the customer in choosing the best insurance quote available.
Brokers deal with helping the customer choose an appropriate policy, paperwork concerning the legalities involved in purchasing insurance, negotiations with the companies, and later with the insurance claims. A direct insurer would definitely not offer such wide range of services, which is the reason most individuals prefer to go through a broker than buy insurance all by themselves.
Intermediaries also advise individuals and companies on their car insurance needs.
Intermediaries also advise individuals and companies on their car insurance needs.
Intermediaries take care of negotiations and arrangement of policy on behalf of the customers. Banks are the best intermediaries in par with associations such as AAA and RAC.
In addition to the fee charged by the brokers, the insurers also provide them commissions when a customer ends up buying a policy from that company. It is good practice to shop around for a good broker who will not cheat just to get a bigger commission from a badly reputed company.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cheapest Sports Car Insurance provides detailed information on Cheapest Sports Car Insurance, Exotic Sports Car Insurance, Sports Car Insurance, Sports Car Insurance Brokers and more. Cheapest Sports Car Insurance is affiliated with UK Classic Car Insurance.
Getting A Good Car Insurance Rate For Your Teen - Saving Money When You Need It Most
If you'd like to insure your teenager to drive your car, be prepared to pay through the nose. It's an unfortunate fact of life that young people tend to have more accidents than their older counterparts, and insurance companies know this all too well. There may be some variance in the Teen rate your insurance company provides depending on the sex of the child, with males being a higher risk than females, and therefore more expensive to insure. Over all, the likelihood of someone between the ages of 16 and 19 having an accident is four times higher
than those over 19. It's hard to blame insurance companies for charging more to cover themselves and your family. Teen insurance is expensive, but if your child has good grades, this can count towards a discount. Teenagers who maintain a B average or higher will often cost their parent three quarters of what a less academically able student would cost to insure. Also make sure your teen has learned good driving skills and completed safety courses. Having certification from these courses may save you up to 10%, which can be a tidy little sum.
The other important factor in saving money on premiums goes for teens and adults. Keep it clean! Your driving record that is. Tickets and traffic infringements can send your premiums skyrocketing. Once again, gender becomes an issue, with females experiencing less increase in premiums per offense when compared with males. It does seem unfair and biased, but you have to remember that it's nothing personal. Insurance companies let the numbers do the talking, so if you want the lowest insurance costs for your teen, regardless of gender, just remember to make sure they've completed a driving course, they keep out of trouble with traffic and the law, and keep their grades up.
Source: isnare.com
The insider's secrets on availing cheap car insurance
With the streets of Briton teeming with rash drivers, it is in your best interest to get a car insurance. In certain states you are actually required by the law to get a car insurance. So, even if you think of it as an excess baggage to your financial budget, you don't have a choice but to get it. However, there are certain steps that you can take to save money on your car insurance. This piece aims to give you a scoop on how to spend less on your car insurance. First and foremost element that affects your car insurance rate isyour driving record. If you have been driving for a long time and have a relatively clean driving record, then you can get a cheap car insurance. Safety measures like air bags, automatic seat belts, car alarms and brakes can do you good in saving those precious pounds. Approaching the same insurance company that has your other insurance accounts also helps you in getting discounts. Moreover, sticking to the same insurer beyond one year can also make you eligible for discounts. Your premium rate can come down considerably if you
offer high deductibles, which is nothing but the money that you pay prior to making a claim on an accident. Since new and flashy cars have high maintenance values, therefore insurances of such cars is also very high. Mileage also plays an important role in determining the premium rate on your car insurance. Less is your mileage count; lower will be your insurance premium. Another way of saving on your car insurance is by avoiding double health coverage. If you already have enough health coverage, then you can avoid clubbing it
with your auto policy. You can also get great discounts by availing group insurance policies. Find out about such policies wherein you can become eligible for good discounts if you join the policy as a group. The safest and the most trusted way of availing cheap car insurance is by making comparisons of several car insurance offers. Compare the offers from a couple of companies before you decide on your car insurance policy.
Source: isnare.com
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Going green saves fleets £3bn
Switching company cars to greener, 120g/km CO2 emitting alternatives could save the UK and its businesses a mighty £3 billion each year, new research shows. The Energy Savings Trust has calculated the figure as part of a drive to encourage people into cleaner fleet cars.
Company cars account for over half of new car sales in the UK, and less than half of the firms providing them have an environmental policy. Worse still, only a third of the companies that have one bother to consider the environmental impact of their vehicles. It's an area the Government is going to focus on increasingly.
What’s in it for the drivers?
So is this the end of Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Vectra rep specials? Don't expect businesses to start dishing out Toyota Prius hybrids overnight - and the mainstream car makers are readying a new generation of cleaner, downsized petrol and diesel engines to trim emissions.
If all company car drivers switched to a car producing less than 120g/km, they'd save 4.9m tonnes of CO2 emissions (if you factor in private use of the cars) - and dodge the London congestion charge, too.
So how much can I save by going green?
Clean cars also trim tax bills. Employees would save £645m in benefit in kind, and a whopping £1.2bn combined in lower fuel bills. Put that into context; a green fleet policy could save an organisation with 50 cars up to £45,000 a year. Not bad...
Part of the problem is companies offering a cash alternative to a company car list, meaning workers can take the money and add it to their own funds to buy any car they wish. While some companies scrutinise the private wheels their employees use, more than half don’t have a limit and just 6 percent take a look at the emissions the cars produce. In theory, you could run anything from a Fiat Panda to a Ferrari 599 GTB.
By Stephen Dobie
Company cars account for over half of new car sales in the UK, and less than half of the firms providing them have an environmental policy. Worse still, only a third of the companies that have one bother to consider the environmental impact of their vehicles. It's an area the Government is going to focus on increasingly.
What’s in it for the drivers?
So is this the end of Ford Mondeos and Vauxhall Vectra rep specials? Don't expect businesses to start dishing out Toyota Prius hybrids overnight - and the mainstream car makers are readying a new generation of cleaner, downsized petrol and diesel engines to trim emissions.
If all company car drivers switched to a car producing less than 120g/km, they'd save 4.9m tonnes of CO2 emissions (if you factor in private use of the cars) - and dodge the London congestion charge, too.
So how much can I save by going green?
Clean cars also trim tax bills. Employees would save £645m in benefit in kind, and a whopping £1.2bn combined in lower fuel bills. Put that into context; a green fleet policy could save an organisation with 50 cars up to £45,000 a year. Not bad...
Part of the problem is companies offering a cash alternative to a company car list, meaning workers can take the money and add it to their own funds to buy any car they wish. While some companies scrutinise the private wheels their employees use, more than half don’t have a limit and just 6 percent take a look at the emissions the cars produce. In theory, you could run anything from a Fiat Panda to a Ferrari 599 GTB.
By Stephen Dobie
Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 HDi 110 SE driven
First drive
Peugeot’s new 308 SW is piece three from the French manufacturer’s five-part mid-sized jigsaw. Coming after the three- and five-door 308 hatches launched in late 2007, and arriving before the CC and RC Z version is this estate bodystyle. It offers a high roofline and a stretched wheelbase over the regular 308, which means the SW majors on space and can seat seven.
So what’s new about the Peugeot 308 SW?
In the switch from 307 to 308, the Estate has been abandoned leaving just the SW. But to accommodate buyers of both previous models Peugeot will offer the SW in two distinctive layouts.
Opt for S or SR trim and you get a model more in keeping with the old Estate, and designed for fleet buyers. That means a steel roof and rear bench seats.
Sport and SE spec models come with a frankly enormous panoramic glass roofs and three identical second-row seats. The sixth and seventh seats only come as standard on the SE models, but you can add them separately at £300 for one or £495 for two. Not cheap, but then again it’ll cost you £1000 to add two seats to your Citroen C4 Picasso. In the 308 SW they’re for occasional use only, but row three is still roomy enough that the RSPCA won’t be round anytime soon.
All cars are 117mm longer in the wheelbase than the hatch, so there’s plenty of room inside.
What’s the really important bit about the 308 SW?
The space. It feels big up front thanks to the large windscreen, and even bigger in the back because of the panoramic glass roof in our test cars. Even those over two metres tall won’t struggle, and that's before you slide the roof shade back which gives more room and makes the cabin feel even more spacious.
Sit in the front and the 308 feels fresher than any of its rivals; only a VW Golf can better the plastics. The dash has a soft-touch moulding, the circular air vents are attractive, and the wheel is lovely to hold. It’s a genuinely decent cabin.
Climb into the second row and you won’t be too short changed wherever you sit. All three seats are identical, and if you sit in the middle you get a glorious view out through the roof and windscreen.
But having three identical seats means those sitting on the left and right are compromised, and you feel squashed against the sides. It’s not perfect for the person in the middle either, with the transmission tunnel being a tad too wide to make sitting still comfortable.
That sounds like a pretty big problem?
It’s not, but in attempting to accommodate five comfortably, Peugeot has comprised the comfort of four. However, all three seats can be removed, and pop the middle one out and those seats either side can slide inwards for more room. The seats also slide fore and aft, and there’s decent legroom wherever you set them.
Lots of clever features help make family life easier though, with a separate glass tailgate, a luggage cover that folds open when extended, a boot light that is actually a torch, and numerous hooks and cubby holes.
So what are the actual problems?
The driving position still isn’t great, you can’t tell where the nose is, you really need a reversing camera, and that windscreen is a pain. Yes it might flood the cabin with light but the sloping A-pillars block any decent view into corners.
The main sat-nav and audio controls are also horribly fiddly. The air-con controls might be brilliantly simple, but you’ll find yourself fumbling around just above them as you struggle with a dash festooned with identical buttons.
When I’ve dropped the kids off, what’s my drive back over those bumpy B-roads going to be like?
Let's not beat around the bush. The 308 SW isn’t as fun to drive as a Ford Focus. But we knew that already, as the hatch version hadn’t beaten Ford’s equivalent. But the Peugeot isn’t bad either, and everything about the 308 is a lot better than its predecessor.
The electro-hydraulic rack will never be noted for offering any feel but there’s decent weighting on turn in and it never suddenly feels light. The new six-speed ‘box is slick, and inside the 308 it’s all quiet. A full test on UK roads rather than on smooth Sardinian roads will reveal all but the SW is hushed at 70mph.
The ride is smooth and cosseting, with decent body control, and the Michelin Energy Saving Tyres on our diesel test car didn’t feel compromised. Shod with 16-inch wheels our oil-burner was also rode noticeably better than the petrol-powered Sport models on 17s.
So tell me about these engines then?
Naturally aspirated petrol 1.4s and 1.6s start the range, and it’s topped by a 2.0-litre diesel. CAR drove the 1.6 THP 150 Sport (£17,495) and the 1.6 HDi 110 SE (£19,195).
The turbocharged petrol engine is unit co-developed with BMW and found in the Mini. But rather than the full-on 175bhp we had to make do with 150bhp. And this engine feels reined in and strained. At high-revs it’s boomy, and it never feels that fast.
The diesel is a better option, and never really sounds like a diesel either. It’s quieter than the petrol – although engine noise intrudes into the cabin no matter the model – and because you expect less you seem to get more. Making progress is more effortless and relaxed, although while there’s enough torque to overtake dawdlers it’s not exactly quick.
With five or even seven on board you need the 136bhp and 240lb ft of the 2.0-litre diesel. But you want SE trim for the smaller wheels, which means £19,845, which is a lot. A decent Ford Galaxy diesel can be yours for sub-£20k, and while it might be specced as well it will have more space.
Verdict
The 308 is smart and pretty, and creating the SW bodyshell has done little to harm the looks. It’s still a decent drive, the interior quality is better than ever, and there’s lots and lots of space.
Our worry is that perhaps the 308 SW is too multi-purpose for some. If you want some decent space and a really good drive you’ll take that Ford Focus, and if you need to seat seven a Ford Galaxy is a good bet. The 308 sits between the two and whether you think that’s a good or bad thing will largely depend on whether or not you’ll want a 308 SW.
Peugeot’s new 308 SW is piece three from the French manufacturer’s five-part mid-sized jigsaw. Coming after the three- and five-door 308 hatches launched in late 2007, and arriving before the CC and RC Z version is this estate bodystyle. It offers a high roofline and a stretched wheelbase over the regular 308, which means the SW majors on space and can seat seven.
So what’s new about the Peugeot 308 SW?
In the switch from 307 to 308, the Estate has been abandoned leaving just the SW. But to accommodate buyers of both previous models Peugeot will offer the SW in two distinctive layouts.
Opt for S or SR trim and you get a model more in keeping with the old Estate, and designed for fleet buyers. That means a steel roof and rear bench seats.
Sport and SE spec models come with a frankly enormous panoramic glass roofs and three identical second-row seats. The sixth and seventh seats only come as standard on the SE models, but you can add them separately at £300 for one or £495 for two. Not cheap, but then again it’ll cost you £1000 to add two seats to your Citroen C4 Picasso. In the 308 SW they’re for occasional use only, but row three is still roomy enough that the RSPCA won’t be round anytime soon.
All cars are 117mm longer in the wheelbase than the hatch, so there’s plenty of room inside.
What’s the really important bit about the 308 SW?
The space. It feels big up front thanks to the large windscreen, and even bigger in the back because of the panoramic glass roof in our test cars. Even those over two metres tall won’t struggle, and that's before you slide the roof shade back which gives more room and makes the cabin feel even more spacious.
Sit in the front and the 308 feels fresher than any of its rivals; only a VW Golf can better the plastics. The dash has a soft-touch moulding, the circular air vents are attractive, and the wheel is lovely to hold. It’s a genuinely decent cabin.
Climb into the second row and you won’t be too short changed wherever you sit. All three seats are identical, and if you sit in the middle you get a glorious view out through the roof and windscreen.
But having three identical seats means those sitting on the left and right are compromised, and you feel squashed against the sides. It’s not perfect for the person in the middle either, with the transmission tunnel being a tad too wide to make sitting still comfortable.
That sounds like a pretty big problem?
It’s not, but in attempting to accommodate five comfortably, Peugeot has comprised the comfort of four. However, all three seats can be removed, and pop the middle one out and those seats either side can slide inwards for more room. The seats also slide fore and aft, and there’s decent legroom wherever you set them.
Lots of clever features help make family life easier though, with a separate glass tailgate, a luggage cover that folds open when extended, a boot light that is actually a torch, and numerous hooks and cubby holes.
So what are the actual problems?
The driving position still isn’t great, you can’t tell where the nose is, you really need a reversing camera, and that windscreen is a pain. Yes it might flood the cabin with light but the sloping A-pillars block any decent view into corners.
The main sat-nav and audio controls are also horribly fiddly. The air-con controls might be brilliantly simple, but you’ll find yourself fumbling around just above them as you struggle with a dash festooned with identical buttons.
When I’ve dropped the kids off, what’s my drive back over those bumpy B-roads going to be like?
Let's not beat around the bush. The 308 SW isn’t as fun to drive as a Ford Focus. But we knew that already, as the hatch version hadn’t beaten Ford’s equivalent. But the Peugeot isn’t bad either, and everything about the 308 is a lot better than its predecessor.
The electro-hydraulic rack will never be noted for offering any feel but there’s decent weighting on turn in and it never suddenly feels light. The new six-speed ‘box is slick, and inside the 308 it’s all quiet. A full test on UK roads rather than on smooth Sardinian roads will reveal all but the SW is hushed at 70mph.
The ride is smooth and cosseting, with decent body control, and the Michelin Energy Saving Tyres on our diesel test car didn’t feel compromised. Shod with 16-inch wheels our oil-burner was also rode noticeably better than the petrol-powered Sport models on 17s.
So tell me about these engines then?
Naturally aspirated petrol 1.4s and 1.6s start the range, and it’s topped by a 2.0-litre diesel. CAR drove the 1.6 THP 150 Sport (£17,495) and the 1.6 HDi 110 SE (£19,195).
The turbocharged petrol engine is unit co-developed with BMW and found in the Mini. But rather than the full-on 175bhp we had to make do with 150bhp. And this engine feels reined in and strained. At high-revs it’s boomy, and it never feels that fast.
The diesel is a better option, and never really sounds like a diesel either. It’s quieter than the petrol – although engine noise intrudes into the cabin no matter the model – and because you expect less you seem to get more. Making progress is more effortless and relaxed, although while there’s enough torque to overtake dawdlers it’s not exactly quick.
With five or even seven on board you need the 136bhp and 240lb ft of the 2.0-litre diesel. But you want SE trim for the smaller wheels, which means £19,845, which is a lot. A decent Ford Galaxy diesel can be yours for sub-£20k, and while it might be specced as well it will have more space.
Verdict
The 308 is smart and pretty, and creating the SW bodyshell has done little to harm the looks. It’s still a decent drive, the interior quality is better than ever, and there’s lots and lots of space.
Our worry is that perhaps the 308 SW is too multi-purpose for some. If you want some decent space and a really good drive you’ll take that Ford Focus, and if you need to seat seven a Ford Galaxy is a good bet. The 308 sits between the two and whether you think that’s a good or bad thing will largely depend on whether or not you’ll want a 308 SW.
Nissan Murano driven
First driveNissan’s Murano is an odd thing. Since late 2004 only around 1000 of them have made it to the UK each year, but for all its scarcity it was something you wouldn't forget when you did see one. A big showy chrome grille and a lusty V6 engine borrowed from the 350Z meant the Murano was never going to appeal to everyone (there has never been a diesel), but it wasn’t without its fans. And those fans will no doubt be pleased to hear there’s a new one on the way.
So when does the new Nissan Murano arrive?
The official line is that UK dealers will have Muranos to sell late in 2008. It’s hardly surprising that Nissan isn’t in a huge rush to get the new Murano over here. The company is doing very nicely indeed out of selling it in the USA, where the big 3.5-litre 261bhp V6 petrol engine is less of an issue.
Whether it’s worth the wait is entirely down to how you like your SUVs. The Murano is a bit leftfield for many - and those new looks may well divide opinion (some at CAR worry they've destroyed a desirable car with that 'distinctive' new nose).
But can the new car match the old car's slick drive?
So the new Nissan Murano is more suited to the USA then?
There’s no denying that the Murano feels like it’s been built with the wide open spaces of America in mind. The V6 is smooth and is still mated to a rev-holding CVT transmission and there will be neither manual transmission nor a diesel engine.
The gearbox is Nissan’s second-generation Xtronic CVT, and it helps that V6 return decent economy for a big petrol-powered four-wheel-drive: think in the region of 23-26mpg on the official combined cycle. Not great in a derv-obsessed market, but not a complete disaster.
Suspension of disbelief
On the long, straight, corner-free roads of America the soft suspension is angled to comfort, but on the twisty roads of the UK we suspect it would be too wallowy. So like its predecessor the new Murano will have its suspension tuned to suit our winding roads and pot-marked surfaces - it's a bit premature to judge the ride and handling just yet, then.
It’s unlikely that the tweaks will have much of an effect on the steering though, which - while weighty - doesn’t offer much in the way of communication.
Not so sporty after all then?
Nope, but it's not without appeal. The Murano is a good-looking thing to these eyes, and a lot more distinctive than its predecessor in the metal than photos give it credit for. It’s matured a little, inside and out.
The interior loses the hard plastics and rather bolt-on look to the instrumentation for a far more pleasing, cohesively styled facia constructed of vastly improved materials.
It’s comfy and spacious in there, while standard equipment should also be super-sized. Nissan’s interior people are very good at cubby storage, and just try not to repeatedly press the button for the neat pop-up shopping bag holder in the boot.
Verdict
The Murano always was an unusual choice, and it’s more of the same with the new one. Nissan has concentrated on improving it where necessary and leaving the other bits well alone. So it’s more refined, better equipped – the UK will get two trim levels, the entry model costing around £2000 less and doing without premium kit like Bose audio – and quicker.
However, with fresh competition like Mazda’s CX-7, the Murano is no longer on its own. And with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions becoming bigger buying imperatives by the week, many might find the Murano a bit too excessive.
Read here before buy cars
By Kyle Fortune
Land Rover Defender 110XS
Long-term test, first report, 14 April 2008.
My love of our long-term Defender isn’t just about Ray Mears off-road fantasies and humdrum domestic activities. Family Walton also genuinely needs a tow car, because my 12-year-old daughter has a pony and I have an old sailing boat. While it’s been with us, the Defender’s hitch has been properly used and abused.
To understand fully how at home the Defender is in this territory, you just have to look at the Defender brochure, There’s a whole chapter dedicated to the subject of Carrying, Towing and Winching. Winching. Oh god I wanted a winch… but instead I had to make do with a multi-height towbar, plus electrics, which altogether costs £326 (including the ‘S’ type auxiliary plug, used for interior lights on trailers etc).
First problem was the height – the Defender is such a tall car at the rear, even on its lowest setting the towball was on the high side for our Ifor Williams horsebox. You can buy a useful ‘adjustable multiheight tow bar’ which gives a bit more height flexibility – it slides up and down and is locked with a big pin, instead of nuts and bolts, which is handy if you’ve got trailers of various sizes to pull.
Once hitched though, as you would imagine, the Defender is totally at home with a trailer behind it. That 2.4-litre Transit engine, with 232lb ft of torque available from just 1500rpm (and a peak of 265lb ft at just 2000rpm), means it pulls away from a standstill effortlessly, as though there’s nothing behind it. And because the Defender already punches such a big aerodynamic hole in the air, a trailer makes no difference at all on a long journey – it feels stable, unfussed, and on a 200-mile round trip, we got an identical 23mpg.
The only problem with the Defender is that turning circle, which I’ve mentioned before in my magazine reports. In town, with no trailer, it’s a hindrance because it’s hard getting into a small parking space or getting round tight, narrow streets; with a trailer it just cramps your reversing style. You have to start switching from lock to lock earlier than most other tow cars when you reverse, otherwise you just end up following the trailer, instead of ‘kinking’ it in the direction you want. In tight reversing scenarios, it makes you look like a complete amateur. Which hurts my pride.
Actually, there is one other issue, and that's the price. Our long-term test car is a 110 Station Wagon in top-of-the-range XS spec, which means half-leather seats, air-con, CD player and five-spoke alloys. Add a few options, including the third row of seats (£400) and the metallic silver paint (£475), and you’re up to (gulp) £30,000. It may have an agricultural heritage, but the Defender is definitely premium now.
By Mark Walton
Read before Buy cars
My love of our long-term Defender isn’t just about Ray Mears off-road fantasies and humdrum domestic activities. Family Walton also genuinely needs a tow car, because my 12-year-old daughter has a pony and I have an old sailing boat. While it’s been with us, the Defender’s hitch has been properly used and abused.To understand fully how at home the Defender is in this territory, you just have to look at the Defender brochure, There’s a whole chapter dedicated to the subject of Carrying, Towing and Winching. Winching. Oh god I wanted a winch… but instead I had to make do with a multi-height towbar, plus electrics, which altogether costs £326 (including the ‘S’ type auxiliary plug, used for interior lights on trailers etc).
First problem was the height – the Defender is such a tall car at the rear, even on its lowest setting the towball was on the high side for our Ifor Williams horsebox. You can buy a useful ‘adjustable multiheight tow bar’ which gives a bit more height flexibility – it slides up and down and is locked with a big pin, instead of nuts and bolts, which is handy if you’ve got trailers of various sizes to pull.
Once hitched though, as you would imagine, the Defender is totally at home with a trailer behind it. That 2.4-litre Transit engine, with 232lb ft of torque available from just 1500rpm (and a peak of 265lb ft at just 2000rpm), means it pulls away from a standstill effortlessly, as though there’s nothing behind it. And because the Defender already punches such a big aerodynamic hole in the air, a trailer makes no difference at all on a long journey – it feels stable, unfussed, and on a 200-mile round trip, we got an identical 23mpg.
The only problem with the Defender is that turning circle, which I’ve mentioned before in my magazine reports. In town, with no trailer, it’s a hindrance because it’s hard getting into a small parking space or getting round tight, narrow streets; with a trailer it just cramps your reversing style. You have to start switching from lock to lock earlier than most other tow cars when you reverse, otherwise you just end up following the trailer, instead of ‘kinking’ it in the direction you want. In tight reversing scenarios, it makes you look like a complete amateur. Which hurts my pride.
Actually, there is one other issue, and that's the price. Our long-term test car is a 110 Station Wagon in top-of-the-range XS spec, which means half-leather seats, air-con, CD player and five-spoke alloys. Add a few options, including the third row of seats (£400) and the metallic silver paint (£475), and you’re up to (gulp) £30,000. It may have an agricultural heritage, but the Defender is definitely premium now.
By Mark Walton
Read before Buy cars
Volkswagen Passat CC driven
First drive
No, the VW Passat CC isn't a folding tin-top elder bother for the Eos... Nomenclature connotations of Coupe/Cabriolet are entirely misleading. CC first stood for Concept Coupe when the show car was revealed and, as the real deal hits the streets in summer 2008, actually stands for, um, Comfort Coupe. Only in Germany…
VW has done to the Passat exactly what Mercedes did to the E-class, the difference being that the latter acquired a standalone badge - the CLS - whereas this new VW must struggle through life burdened with all the attendant baggage of the Passat name. Personally, I’ve always found the Passat saloon to be an entirely worthy proposition, but I seem to be in a minority amongst my peers.
Ultimately, I suspect, your views on the CC will largely depend on whether you consider the Mercedes CLS to be quite the best-looking thing on the road, or merely mutton dressed as a banana.
There seems to be more than a hint of Phaeton about the front end…
Indeed. And those of us who’ve always felt that the current giant grille treatment meted out on one unsuspecting Audi after another makes them all look like inflatable dolls wearing chrome lipstick will be delighted to see that Walter de Silva’s recent efforts to subject Volkswagens to the same fate have, in the case of the CC at least, been mercifully shunned.
In the metal, the CC is an entirely handsome car which artfully melds oven-melted Passat saloon styling cues with an aggressive new hooter and a coupe roofline. Interestingly, unlike the CLS, the CC doesn’t appear to be colour sensitive, and even looks pretty sharp coutured in the new black, white.
But now you’re going to tell us that it’s just a bog-standard Passat on board...
Happily, not. In fact, the new interior positively oozes class. Switchgear and instrumentation have been rigorously revamped to include a new instrument binnacle which, backlit in white, is a paragon of clarity. A brushed metal-finish centre console houses a tidy new air-con panel and the latest generation touch-screen multimedia system featuring a 3-D sat-nav system that zooms in on junctions life a fighter-bomber on a staffing run.
One version I drove featured a two-tone, black-and-cream trim which extended to the leather upholstery. It was so elegant that even the fillet of wood spanning the dashboard (and I never thought I’d hear myself say this) looked the part. Don’t worry, though, the wood will be replaced with either brushed aluminium or carbonfibre for the UK market.
The front seats are instantly comfortable, and my only gripe with an appropriately flexible driving position is that the steering wheel rake won’t drop quite down enough for those of us who like to sit low within a car. Though 31mm longer than a Passat saloon, none of that gain has gone into the CC’s wheelbase, so accommodation dimensions are much as you left them.
The rear bench has been deliberately sculpted into just two seats, set further inboard than usual to guarantee a surprising amount of headroom whilst effectively negating an increase in car width over the saloon of some 36mm. The boot, though not too tall, is of badminton court proportions.
Presumably the usual mix of VW powerplants are on offer?
Yes, but with one notable addition: joining 138- and 168bhp variants of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, and 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged and 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol derivatives on the launch pad is an Audi-sourced, 1.8-litre 158bhp 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit making its first appearance in VW here. It's this 1.8 TSI that we'll concentrate on here.
Surprisingly, though giving away 52lb ft of torque to the 236lb ft of the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI - and considerably more to the four-wheel drive and DSG gearbox abetted V6 - this new 1.8-litre engine from the right side of the pumps feels better suited to the CC than the other offerings I sampled.
It’s as smooth as a freshly buttered banister, revs with first-date enthusiasm and sounds delicious. Moreover, thanks to a slick six-speed manual transmission, it also gets quite a heavy car moving with slightly more alacrity than the oiler.
And it handles just like a Passat saloon?
Hard to say, because every variant I drove was fitted with a new, active damper, Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system boasting Comfort, Normal and Sport settings and complimentary adjustment to the weight of the electro-mechanical steering assistance. However, extensive button stabbing merely confirmed my view that, all too often, such systems merely obviate engineers from the responsibility of hunting down the proper compromise between ride and handling in the first place.
Differences in ride quality between the three settings don’t exactly yell out at you, though sport mode does offer perceptibly more nuggety progress on all but the very smoothest surfaces, allied to a considerable, and entirely artificial-feeling build up in steering weight. Left in normal guise, the system offers continuous, active adjustment to the damping anyway, offering an acceptable balance of ride comfort and cornering poise. So unless you wish to modify the steering feel to something akin to opening a submarine hatch, I remain gently baffled as to why one should need ACC here.
Any other toys we should know about?
Something called Lane Assist proved highly entertaining at 120mph on the autobahn. This system uses a camera mounted above the rear view mirror to identify the lane markings on the road and, should you stray, actually introduce steering input to bring you back on course. And we’re talking proper input you can feel, here; so much, in fact, that trying a little hands-free motoring became essential…
Hands off the wheel at a good lick, the car drifted gently towards the line, and neatly caught itself on the point of crossing into the next lane. I left it alone and, having slightly over-corrected, it promptly repeated the process on the other side of the car. Further over-correction mapped a sine wave of ever decreasing frequency on the road, and by the third correction, the CC had had enough, yelling audibly, and via message screen, for driver assistance in a carefully crafted tone of voice that drew a fine line between ‘Ahem…’ and ‘Wake up you dozy bastard…’
Amusingly for a German product, this system also promotes rotten motorway driving practice, only leaving the helm alone once activated if you indicate before crossing lane markings. Which leaves it in the realm of the increasingly numerous numpties who will insist on indicating as they pull back in after overtaking.
Whisper who dares… I think I may want one.
And why not? Priced at around £1500 more than the comparable Passat saloon, the CC consistently presents itself as a considerable bang for your bucks; remember, the Mercedes CLS is double the price of this humble VW. Which makes it all the more peculiar that VW is talking about total global sales figures of just 300,000 over the entire lifespan of the car.
However, and despite voluble protestations of an ‘intensive growth strategy’, I suspect the VW top brass are entirely conscious of the fact that their elegant Glass Factory in Dresden now spends most of the time building Bentleys, and do not want another niche marketing, rose-without-trace, Phaeton incident on their hands. Which makes it all the more ironic that the Passat CC should boast an almost identical radiator grille.
I don’t think VW has any real cause for such overt caution here though; the Phaeton is a fine car with the wrong badge being sold too cheaply in the prestige segment. The new Passat CC is a fine car being sold at the right price in a segment that presents no direct rivals at all.
No, the VW Passat CC isn't a folding tin-top elder bother for the Eos... Nomenclature connotations of Coupe/Cabriolet are entirely misleading. CC first stood for Concept Coupe when the show car was revealed and, as the real deal hits the streets in summer 2008, actually stands for, um, Comfort Coupe. Only in Germany…
VW has done to the Passat exactly what Mercedes did to the E-class, the difference being that the latter acquired a standalone badge - the CLS - whereas this new VW must struggle through life burdened with all the attendant baggage of the Passat name. Personally, I’ve always found the Passat saloon to be an entirely worthy proposition, but I seem to be in a minority amongst my peers.
Ultimately, I suspect, your views on the CC will largely depend on whether you consider the Mercedes CLS to be quite the best-looking thing on the road, or merely mutton dressed as a banana.
There seems to be more than a hint of Phaeton about the front end…
Indeed. And those of us who’ve always felt that the current giant grille treatment meted out on one unsuspecting Audi after another makes them all look like inflatable dolls wearing chrome lipstick will be delighted to see that Walter de Silva’s recent efforts to subject Volkswagens to the same fate have, in the case of the CC at least, been mercifully shunned.
In the metal, the CC is an entirely handsome car which artfully melds oven-melted Passat saloon styling cues with an aggressive new hooter and a coupe roofline. Interestingly, unlike the CLS, the CC doesn’t appear to be colour sensitive, and even looks pretty sharp coutured in the new black, white.
But now you’re going to tell us that it’s just a bog-standard Passat on board...
Happily, not. In fact, the new interior positively oozes class. Switchgear and instrumentation have been rigorously revamped to include a new instrument binnacle which, backlit in white, is a paragon of clarity. A brushed metal-finish centre console houses a tidy new air-con panel and the latest generation touch-screen multimedia system featuring a 3-D sat-nav system that zooms in on junctions life a fighter-bomber on a staffing run.
One version I drove featured a two-tone, black-and-cream trim which extended to the leather upholstery. It was so elegant that even the fillet of wood spanning the dashboard (and I never thought I’d hear myself say this) looked the part. Don’t worry, though, the wood will be replaced with either brushed aluminium or carbonfibre for the UK market.
The front seats are instantly comfortable, and my only gripe with an appropriately flexible driving position is that the steering wheel rake won’t drop quite down enough for those of us who like to sit low within a car. Though 31mm longer than a Passat saloon, none of that gain has gone into the CC’s wheelbase, so accommodation dimensions are much as you left them.
The rear bench has been deliberately sculpted into just two seats, set further inboard than usual to guarantee a surprising amount of headroom whilst effectively negating an increase in car width over the saloon of some 36mm. The boot, though not too tall, is of badminton court proportions.
Presumably the usual mix of VW powerplants are on offer?Yes, but with one notable addition: joining 138- and 168bhp variants of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, and 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged and 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol derivatives on the launch pad is an Audi-sourced, 1.8-litre 158bhp 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit making its first appearance in VW here. It's this 1.8 TSI that we'll concentrate on here.
Surprisingly, though giving away 52lb ft of torque to the 236lb ft of the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI - and considerably more to the four-wheel drive and DSG gearbox abetted V6 - this new 1.8-litre engine from the right side of the pumps feels better suited to the CC than the other offerings I sampled.
It’s as smooth as a freshly buttered banister, revs with first-date enthusiasm and sounds delicious. Moreover, thanks to a slick six-speed manual transmission, it also gets quite a heavy car moving with slightly more alacrity than the oiler.
And it handles just like a Passat saloon?Hard to say, because every variant I drove was fitted with a new, active damper, Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) system boasting Comfort, Normal and Sport settings and complimentary adjustment to the weight of the electro-mechanical steering assistance. However, extensive button stabbing merely confirmed my view that, all too often, such systems merely obviate engineers from the responsibility of hunting down the proper compromise between ride and handling in the first place.
Differences in ride quality between the three settings don’t exactly yell out at you, though sport mode does offer perceptibly more nuggety progress on all but the very smoothest surfaces, allied to a considerable, and entirely artificial-feeling build up in steering weight. Left in normal guise, the system offers continuous, active adjustment to the damping anyway, offering an acceptable balance of ride comfort and cornering poise. So unless you wish to modify the steering feel to something akin to opening a submarine hatch, I remain gently baffled as to why one should need ACC here.
Any other toys we should know about?
Something called Lane Assist proved highly entertaining at 120mph on the autobahn. This system uses a camera mounted above the rear view mirror to identify the lane markings on the road and, should you stray, actually introduce steering input to bring you back on course. And we’re talking proper input you can feel, here; so much, in fact, that trying a little hands-free motoring became essential…
Hands off the wheel at a good lick, the car drifted gently towards the line, and neatly caught itself on the point of crossing into the next lane. I left it alone and, having slightly over-corrected, it promptly repeated the process on the other side of the car. Further over-correction mapped a sine wave of ever decreasing frequency on the road, and by the third correction, the CC had had enough, yelling audibly, and via message screen, for driver assistance in a carefully crafted tone of voice that drew a fine line between ‘Ahem…’ and ‘Wake up you dozy bastard…’
Amusingly for a German product, this system also promotes rotten motorway driving practice, only leaving the helm alone once activated if you indicate before crossing lane markings. Which leaves it in the realm of the increasingly numerous numpties who will insist on indicating as they pull back in after overtaking.
Whisper who dares… I think I may want one.
And why not? Priced at around £1500 more than the comparable Passat saloon, the CC consistently presents itself as a considerable bang for your bucks; remember, the Mercedes CLS is double the price of this humble VW. Which makes it all the more peculiar that VW is talking about total global sales figures of just 300,000 over the entire lifespan of the car.
However, and despite voluble protestations of an ‘intensive growth strategy’, I suspect the VW top brass are entirely conscious of the fact that their elegant Glass Factory in Dresden now spends most of the time building Bentleys, and do not want another niche marketing, rose-without-trace, Phaeton incident on their hands. Which makes it all the more ironic that the Passat CC should boast an almost identical radiator grille.
I don’t think VW has any real cause for such overt caution here though; the Phaeton is a fine car with the wrong badge being sold too cheaply in the prestige segment. The new Passat CC is a fine car being sold at the right price in a segment that presents no direct rivals at all.
Soruce By Anthony ffrench-Constant
Tip for buyer car
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