Any car accident is a frightening experience, whether it’s just a slight bump or one where you or another person suffers an injury. As a responsible driver you should always be prepared for such an event by having your insurance details to hand, and if necessary call the police. A car accident injury claim will be easier to process if you are able to write down details at the scene.

Always have a pen and notepad in the car to note such things as weather conditions, whether the other person was using his/her indicator, were they talking on a mobile phone, was it light or dark, time of the accident and whether the other driver or passengers were injured. Also make a note of the other vehicle i.e., model, colour, whether it was a company car and the estimated speed at the time of the accident.

If you’re a passenger in a car involved in an accident, you’re entitled to make a personal injury claim against the insurance company of the person who was responsible for the accident. Taking the names and addresses of all those involved, plus those of any witnesses, will make your claim easier to process.

If possible it’s always a good idea to have a camera in the car to take photos of the accident damage, the road conditions etc. If you are badly injured at the time of the accident, get someone to revisit the scene and take down as much information as they can on your behalf. Every little detail can be of enormous importance in a car accident injury claim.

So, with all these things in mind, make sure you:

1.         Fill out an accident report with the police
2.         Limit your discussion about the accident, and talk in detail only to the police and  your insurance agent
3.         Take down model, year, colour and any damage incurred by the other vehicle, plus insurance company details and whether it’s privately owned or a company car
4.         If possible call your insurance company whilst still at the scene of the accident. A police officer will be able to give more accurate descriptions of the scene at the time.
5.         Do not admit any liability at the scene
6.         Always carry a card containing details of allergies of medical conditions which may require special attention

Although it is a traumatic experience, if at all possible try to remain calm in order to ensure you provide enough evidence to make the processing of your car accident injury claim a straightforward process.

A car accident injury claim may involve a whiplash injury, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a minor inconvenience. Whiplash injury can involve months, if not years, of medication and painful treatments. It’s important to realize that any injury sustained in a car accident should be fully investigated and logged at the time of the incident, so you’ll be given the best options with regard to compensation at a later date.

Some people prefer buying a used car as they hate the fact that a new car immediately loses value as soon as it is driven off the forecourt. Others will be limited to buying a used car budget constraints. Whatever your reasons, use these tips on buying a used car to make those pounds go further.
 
1) Know in advance the type of car you want i.e. the make, model, fuel type and engine size. You are less likely to be swayed by the salesman’s sales pitch. You will also be able to tell if the car being sold is not the exact model the dealer says it is.

2) Shop around for the best deal. You can find used cars in various locations such as your local dealer, the internet, the for sale ads in your local paper and in specialist car magazines such as Autotrader. Do some research and find out the ballpark cost of the car you want.

3) Ask to see the full service history. If a car has been regularly serviced in accordance with the manufactures recommendations it is less likely to have hidden faults. It will also be easier to sell on if you plan on replacing the car within a short time period. Depending on the age of the car, the service history can also affect the warranty although this is not an issue in older cars. Check the history of cars aged over 3 years at www.motonline.gov.uk

4) It sounds obvious but don’t consider buying a used car if you have never seen it. Have a good look at the car both inside and under the bonnet. Take it for a test drive to see how she handles. What you should look at include:

• The state of the tyres –are they legal?
• The state of the interior and exterior
• Do all the doors open and close properly
• Do the windows, wipers, seat belts and seat adjusters work
• Do any lights flash up on the dash and remain on when you switch on the ignition?
• Do the VIN numbers match i.e. the paperwork matches the number on the car (usually found under the flooring or just inside the windscreen).

5) If you are buying a used car from a dealer or used car salesman ask what extras they will throw in if you close the deal today. Some will include a full service including in some cases the replacement of the timing belt. Others may pay the annual road tax and throw in a full tank of petrol.

6) Be careful who you buy from. In the UK you have far more consumer protection if you buy from any dealer as opposed to a private sale or at auction. It is best to leave the auctions to the experts unless your best friend is a car mechanic. Private sales can work out well but take your mechanic with you if possible.

7) Always get a receipt for your payment. Make sure it includes the make, model, registration number of the vehicle and the amount paid. Get the vendor to sign and date it.

8) Ask your friends or colleagues for recommendations. They may know of a local garage that always has good, reliable used cars for sale at the right price.

But the phrase to remember when buying a used car is ‘caveat emptor’ which means ‘buyer beware’. Always do your research thoroughly before parting with your hard earned cash.

These tips on buying a new car should help remove some of the confusion that can arise when you see all those shiny new motors on the forecourt. When you are buying a new car, always be very clear about what you want before you go. Some car salesmen are very good at selling ‘extras’ that you don’t really need. Ask around to see if there are any dealerships in your area that people can recommend.

1. Before you even think about buying a new car you should already know what size car you need. This will be impacted partly by your budget but largely by the size of your family and what you intend using the vehicle for. If you live in the city and just want a small runaround you will buy a completely different model to that required for a family of five who make regular motorway trips. If you want to carry animals in the back, a large load area may be more important to you than space for passengers.

2. How many doors do you want the car to have? If you don’t have kids and are on a tight budget you may not want to spend money on additional doors. But you should remember that generally a four or more door car will retain its value better than a two door vehicle.

3. Decide on the size of engine you need. This will be dictated by the type of travel you do. If you are just going to drive locally a small economical engine may be best but this will prove expensive not to mention frustrating if you are going to drive on the freeway.

4. When buying a new car, if possible pay in cash. Usually you will get a much better deal than if you were to buy on finance. If you have to choose the latter option, check the contract thoroughly before you sign. You must read the terms and conditions as you do not want to find you will be paying off the car until you retire. Check the interest rate, penalty terms in particular those that would apply if you were to pay off the credit early. Don’t accept any additions such as payment protection insurance, unless it is something that you really think you need.

5. Choose those extras with care. We all know that your new car will lose a large percentage of the value as soon as you pay the dealer. If you want to add extras, try to choose those that will help retain their value. Examples include air conditioning and in-car navigation systems. Choosing alloy wheels and a different colored trim will cost you extra and while they may make the car look better, they will not put any money back in your pocket if you sell the car later.

6. Negotiate at every stage of the deal. Never accept the asking price without ask for a discount. Shop around different dealers and use their quotes to negotiate a better deal at the next garage you go to.

7. Consider buying a new car in October or November when many of the car dealerships sell pre registered cars. These cars are technically used cars as they have been registered by the dealers but the only mileage on them is that used in delivery. These vehicles are well worth a second look as you can get great bargain on what is effectively a new car.

8. Even if you have seen the very car that you want, go home and think about it before committing yourself to the purchase. Buying a new car is a big expense and you should be armed with all the facts and be absolutely sure that you are getting exactly what you want before signing on the dotted line.

When it comes to selling your car you want to achieve the highest price possible. Follow these tips to put more money in your pocket:

1.      Clean the car.  It is amazing how many people try to sell a dirty car.  A clean car gives potential buyers the impression that the car has been well looked after.

2.      Don’t try to sell without a valid MOT certificate. To achieve a higher price it pays to have a full servicing done as well as the MOT. You will not be accused of selling a non road worthy vehicle later.

3.      If your car has suffered any minor damage it will be worth having it repaired. You can buy kits to remove surface scratches and getting minor dents fixed is usually inexpensive.

4.      Before you put a price on your car, try valuing it at a number of the websites offering free valuations. You will have a better idea of what it is worth and can produce printed “evidence of valuation” if selling privately.

5.      If you are selling your car in order to buy a new one, consider a trade-in as they are much easier to arrange and cause a lot less grief than a private sale. But remember that you will get less money when negotiating a trade-in.

6.      If you are selling your car privately, take some pictures.  Try to do this on a sunny day as the amount of light in the picture can affect the appeal of the car.

7.      You need to decide where to list the sale. If it is a really cheap car you could try your local shop window or a free newspaper.  But if you want more money consider listing it on AutoTrader or similar types of car magazines.

8.      Write your advertisement out carefully. Yes, you want to attract buyers but don’t lie or print misleading information. Simply highlight the necessary information.  You want to attract interested buyers but don’t want to get thousands of calls asking for clarification on points that should have been listed.  So at the very least include:

a.      Make, model and year of registration
b.      Valid MOT and FSH (full service history)
c.      Age, mileage and colour
d.      Price which should end in 5, 7 or 9 but never 0 e.g. £9995 rather than £10,000 (never put the amount you would be happy with but inflate it a little so you can negotiate with a buyer)
e.      Engine size, fuel type and perhaps condition (be careful with this one)
f.       Do not say in the advertisment that you will consider all offers as this makes you appear desperate to sell.

Be careful when allowing people to test drive your car. If your insurance policy is named drivers only they will not be insured so unless they provide proof of full cover do not let them behind the wheel as you will be committing an offence. Accept payment only as a bank draft and always check with the issuing bank that the draft is genuine.

Once you have successfully sold your car, you need to provide the buyer with a written receipt showing the time and date of the transaction and remember to keep a copy for yourself. The DVLA need to be informed of the sale but you want proof that you were not driving the car if an offence is committed before ownership is transferred. These tips on selling your car will make the process a lot smoother for all parties concerned.

Car insurance is often a scary topic particularly for new car buyers as there are so many variables. There are loads of different companies offering cover and while the popularity of certain comparison websites have soared, not all companies advertise on these sites. For example, some of direct companies not quoted on any comparison site but it may be the most cost effective for your needs. So why not try these tips to arranging your car insurance for less:

1. Shop around for the best quote. By all means use comparison websites but it also pays to check with direct companies as well. When comparing quotes make sure they offer similar levels of cover. Sometimes they will offer a better price particularly if you can quote a figure from a rival company. You have to negotiate the best price when you join a new insurer as they tend to reserve the best rates for new clients.

2. It pays to contact the company who insures your home as often you will get a discount on the premium for the new policy.

3. Start building up your own no-claims bonus as early as you can. Car insurance for teenagers is so expensive you often find young people staying on their parents policies rather than taking out their own comprehensive cover. This may be a mistake in the long run unless they are able to build up their individual no-claims bonus under the parent’s policy.

4. If you are a young driver, it is often worth taking additional driving courses such as those offered for advanced motorists. You may qualify for a discount on your premium.

5. You can reduce costs on your insurance policy by volunteering to pay a higher excess. Rather than pick a figure ask the insurance company to give you quotes based on different excess amounts. Only go with an excess you are comfortable with as you will have to find this money in the event of a claim.

6. Only have named drivers on your cover as this will also keep costs down. Open drive policies are relatively rare and usually more expensive.

7. If you are female you may benefit from a discount as you are deemed to be less likely to have an accident. If you are in a relationship consider putting your partner on the policy as it can lower the premium. Actuaries believe couples are safer than single people.

8. Always tell the truth on any insurance application. Even a “small” lie can invalidate the policy. If you do not know the answer to a medical query ask the company to check with your doctor as then you are cannot be accused of non disclosure.

9. If you have insurance in place and get a speeding ticket or are convicted of a criminal offence contact your insurance company straight away. They will need to update your details and it may result in an increased premium.

10. Pay your annual premium in one lump sum as it is usually cheaper than paying monthly by direct debit.

11. Contact a local insurance broker to see if they can get a better car insurance quote than you have managed to find. They know all the best companies to contact and they are usually aware of any special deals that are offered such as cheaper home insurance when you buy car insurance. Using an insurance broker is, in a lot of cases, a better option because you receive a more personal service.

When you arrange your insurance cover always make sure you read the document carefully so you know the full extent of your cover and your liabilities.

Student car insurance can be extremely costly due mainly to the assumption that young drivers present a higher risk factor. There are many things you can do in order to obtain a discount on your car insurance, so it’s certainly worth taking the trouble to investigate all possibilities.

• If you’re living at home whilst attending school or college, many insurance companies will consider covering you on your parent’s policies.
• Students who achieve a high level of academic success can often get what is known as ‘good student discounts’, and these discounts can offer substantial savings on your car insurance.
• Any student who does little mileage during the school term will also be considered favorably for a discount. You would of course be required to produce accurate mileage assessments.
• Avoid buying a new car, or a sports car, as in both cases the risk factor is always considered higher. Choosing an older model will help to get you a better discount.
• Taking an extended driver’s course will undoubtedly help with getting a better discount.
• Make sure your credit rating is good.

Always get several student car insurance quotes you can make comparisons. That way you can be certain you’re getting the best deal. If your car is quite old then often collision coverage means you are in fact paying out more on a monthly basis than the car is actually worth. So it’s important to ensure that the coverage you choose is comparable with the value of the vehicle.

Fitting safety devices within an old car such as an alarm, can lower the cost of student car insurance, so look carefully at a list of all the discounts available

Your previous driving record, your age, sex and where you live may influence an insurance company’s decision, so when applying for quotes be sure you list all the relevant information they may need. It will save you time in the long run and you can then be confident the information you receive covers all the necessary points.

Driving sensibly will ultimately lead to your being able to obtain a reduction in your premium when the renewal of your policy comes due. Study any policy to see how their offers compare.

Many insurance companies today are aware of how important it is to offer good student car insurance discounts, so be sure you investigate the market thoroughly.

Women are generally deemed to be safer drivers than men, which means that as a general rule, they cost insurance companies less money. This may be due in part to the fact that most women drivers take fewer risks on the road, which in turn saves insurance companies money. Nevertheless it is still important to make sure you get the best women’s car insurance policy available.

Insurance companies normally have a discount system to make car insurance cheaper, and this will involve ascertaining how responsible you are and whether or not you have any tickets on your license. Your occupation and past driving record will influence the type of discount they are prepared to offer.

What Type Of Insurance Do You Need?

Before you start trawling through a list of insurance companies, work out what sort of car insurance coverage you’re looking for. If you’re already insured do you want to stick with the areas covered on your present policy, or do you want to consider extra coverage which would be of more benefit to you? Will you want a women’s car insurance policy that includes cover for your possessions as well as any medical expenses you may incur ? Whatever you decision in this respect, you will need to be certain you at least obtain minimum coverage for the best premium available.

What Discounts Are You Eligible For?

Insurance companies differ in what discounts they offer, but it’s good to be prepared by understanding what discounts you may be eligible for. These will mainly include things such as your credit record, driving record, how much safety equipment you have installed in your car, which may also include an anti-theft device, your occupation, age etc.

Armed with as much information as you can accumulate you are then ready to go online and seek quotes from several insurance companies. With your list of needs in front of you, you can make certain that each quote covers the areas of your list.

Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues or friends about their women’s car insurance coverage. It’s surprising how much you can learn by simply asking the relevant questions.

Women’s car insurance that offers a high no claims discount that continues to rise every claim free year will certainly benefit a careful woman driver. Extras such as a free courtesy car in the event of a breakdown, plus a helpline that’s in operation daily are all important issues for a woman driver to consider.

Older drivers are generally considered to be safer drivers, so it’s possible to get good car insurance deals. This doesn’t mean you should settle for the first quote for over 50 car insurance you receive, and there are many ways to get even better options if you’re prepared to do your homework. Middle aged drivers tend to be more sensible drivers. Insurance companies welcome such drivers particularly if they have good credit reports and a good driving record with few claims or accidents.

Getting the best deal for yourself and any other family member is important, so don’t be complacent when it comes to renewing your policy. Things have changed over the past few years, so the insurance company you are at present insured with may not necessarily be offering the best deal available. For one thing, you may have a different car which could be cheaper to insure than the one you had previously. If you’ve moved house to a different area this may well affect your policy.

It Could Pay To Shop Around

Initially get quotes from several different insurers within your area. Remember to add any additional information which may affect the policy. Adding another family member to the policy will make a different to the rate quoted, but once again each insurer may give a different rate.

Part of your premium is normally based on the number of miles you travel on a weekly basis. Once you reach middle age it may be that you drive fewer miles over the period of a year, which means you can lower your premium. If your premium isn’t lowered automatically by your insurer as you reach the age of 50, then you should start shopping around.

For many, the money they have available decreases as they get older. Because of this it’s essential that you make certain to enquire about all the many substantial opportunities available with regard to motor insurance.

The stability of the insurance company, and their customer service is important, so if you can, try to talk to friends or relatives who are already insured with the company of your choice. This will give you more confidence when finally signing with them.

Over 50 car insurance is offered by most insurance companies, but do be aware that some offer better rates than others. All the time spent investigating rates will prove to be worthwhile and you’ll eventually get the best deal possible for your car insurance.

Young driver insurance can be expensive, so it’s important to look around to find how you can reduce your level of risk and attain cheaper insurance. There are several things you can do which will enable to pay less for your insurance:

Pass Plus Course

Pass Plus course is designed to help new drivers gain more experience, develop their driving skills and learn new techniques which will improve their anticipation and awareness. It includes all weather driving, out of town and rural roads, town driving, motorway driving and night driving. Many local authorities help with the costs of Pass Plus training so it’s a good idea to check this out in your particular area. Many driving schools have an approved driving instructor who is registered to give the Pass Plus training. It will certainly be easier to get young driver insurance at a better rate if you take this course.

Avoid Upgrading Your Car

Many young drivers spend money upgrading their car’s performance and appearance. However, any form of upgrading will definitely increase premiums. Try to avoid using your car for long or unnecessary journeys. Low mileage will get you a better rating.

If you car is old install a Thatcham approved alarm. By doing this you can save  some money, but do ensure it’s professionally installed. Parking your car in a garage, or at least off the road when not in use, can save you as much as 5% on the premium. If you have to park on the road try to find a well lit area.

Avoid leaving valuables in the car when parked. Coats, bags, parcels all give a thief a reason to smash the window and grab whatever they can lay their hands on. Be vigilant and you won’t have to make a claim.

Get an insurance quote on the model of car you’re considering purchasing so you know exactly what the premiums will be. When you’ve seen a car you like, look at it in daylight so you can see any minor faults. Get an experienced mechanic to look it over for you to make sure it’s safe and has no unseen problems.

Get quotes for Third Party only, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Comprehensive cover. These are all priced in a different way so it’s worth looking at them all. It is possible to get reasonable rates for young driver insurance. Consider each of the above tips and let them work to your advantage.

Each month meetings are held by a body known as the Group Rating Panel who decide which car insurance group different models are assigned. The Group Rating Panel includes members of the Association Of British Insurers and Lloyds Market Association.

Cars are generally assigned to one of twenty groups based on the research which has been carried out by the Motor Insurance Research Centre at Thatcham. Many car insurers use the groups set by the Group Rating Panel, but there are those who prefer to set up their own groups. There are several factors involved in calculating the group ratings, i.e., parts costs, damage incurred and repair times, availability of parts and body shells, plus security. Cars in the higher groups, namely the higher performance models, are considered a high risk factor, and so are likely to cost insurers more in insurance claims..

A new set of fifty car insurance groups has recently been introduced by Thatcham so that each car model is banded with similar cars. Based on research, the factors used to determine ratings are:

Cost of New Cars
The cost of a new car will be a guide as to the cost of a replacement car in the event of an accident.

Parts
Parts costs are compared with different manufacturers and the lower the cost of the parts involved, the lower the group rating will be.

Accelerator and Speed Capability
The top acceleration and speed of a car influences the group rating, as top performance cars are often the subject of frequent insurance claims.

Repair Times
The longer the repair time the higher the costs involved. Also different paint finishes are important in the satisfactory repair of a vehicle, so this can add up to a higher group rating.

Security
New cars have a security rating based on such things as alarms and  immobilizers.

Car insurance groups make quoting for car insurance easier. The exact model of your car is the important factor, as there may be several different models within a specific maker’s range. Some may be classed in group 1 which is the lower group, whilst another model may be classed in group 20. The size of your car does not necessarily mean you will be in the lower group as many small cars are now capable of high acceleration and speed, and also have computerized equipment making them just as costly to repair.

You can search ABI database to find your car insurance groups rating, and this information will be helpful particularly if you’re thinking of buying a new car. In today’s world it’s important to ensure that you’re not paying more than is necessary for your car insurance.