The AnswerBank Articles

UK Being Driven Abroad

Many people now, it seems, are driving on holiday rather than taking the plane. This gives a much more adventurous feel to your getaway. It also is much more flexible and may even be more environmentally favourable than alternative methods of transport. No doubt this is the reason why nearly one in five drivers in the...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Stay At Home To Go Away

Many of us are feeling the pinch as the credit crunch stretches on and on. For most of us this means doing without little luxuries like eating out, a night on the town and apparently going abroad on holiday. There are close to seven million people in the UK who have not left the region to go on holiday, it has been re...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Grow Your Own Fuel

A new report from the government has stated that there needs to be more evidence before the sustainability of biofuels is determined. Transport secretary Ruth Kelly and environment secretary Hilary Benn are both behind the paper, which states that while current biofuel policy should not be dropped, it should be change...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Holiday Locations 'More Popular After Screen Exposure'

The popular media of the day influences the appeal of travel destinations and activities. In the past media such as literature, music and poetry have been a major element. A notable example is Ullswater in the Lake District where William Wordsworth penned the classic ‘Daffodils’. The visual arts have taken...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Accidents Happen When We Are Tyred Out

Millions of motorists fail to check their tyres, according to a study by the RAC Foundation. Research by the RAC Foundation revealed that up to three million UK motorists admit to not checking the age and condition of their tyres - which could lead to road accidents and an increase in the cost of motor insurance bills...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Thieves Get On Your Bike

Many of us are turning to alternative transport to our cars. This can be as an effort to save money or to help the environment. Whatever the reason it seems that when using our bikes we should be more careful about where we leave them.   Cyclists in the UK have been reminded to make sure their vehicle is locked ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Going Green 'Saves Money'

Opting for an environmentally-friendly car will save motor insurance customers money, Which has claimed. With running costs rising and road tax now closely linked to engine emissions, choosing a car which minimises environmental impact while remaining practical and fun is not always a straightforward task. The consu...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Cutting Back Can Cut You Off

We are well into the credit crunch and some people may be finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. However, consumers should be aware of the dangers in cutting back on essential purchases during the economic slowdown. A representative from the British Insurance Brokers' Association has maintained the importan...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Regular Services 'Could Save You Money In The Long Run'

 People who fail to look after their cars properly could end up facing big repair bills or even a motor insurance claim, Motor Codes has suggested. According to the group, although money is tight for some motorists at the moment, skipping a vehicle's annual check up is a false economy. The organisation said the c...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

PPI Proposals 'Will Leave Car Buyers Vulnerable'

Car insurance customers who buy a new vehicle on finance will suffer if proposals by the Competition Commission are adopted, the Retail Motor Industry's National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has claimed. Plans to implement a 14-day cooling off period before dealers can sell car buyers payment protection insur...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Car Finance Fraud 'On The Rise'

Motor insurance customers may find more checks are conducted before they are accepted for car finance in the future, after dealers were advised to crackdown on fraudulent applications. Global information services company Experian has claimed the automotive industry needs to be careful as fraudsters have recently start...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Independent Garages 'Need To Sign Up To New Code'

People who are about to get car repairs done after an insurance claim may be pleased to hear the motor industry has been praised for its commitment to a new customer service code introduced earlier this year. Consumer Focus said it was encouraged by the number of subscribers from franchised dealer networks to the Moto...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Best Money-Saving Green Cars Revealed

Motorists who are finding it difficult to cover the cost of car insurance, fuel, maintenance and road tax could make significant savings by opting for an eco-friendly car, it has been suggested. Whatgreencar claimed with many drivers feeling the effect of the economic downturn there has never been a better time to opt...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Plan In Advance To Avoid Drink-Driving

Motorists have been urged to make an early decision with regards travel arrangements in order to avoid running the risk of drink-driving during the festive period. A spokesman from the Institute of Advanced Motorists suggested that an increase in social gatherings over Christmas can make it more difficult for drivers ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

New Cars 'Should Be Equipped With Tyre Pressure Gauges'

Including tyre pressure gauges with all new cars could result in a drop in motor insurance claims in the UK, it has been suggested. According to a motoring assistance firm, under-inflated or defective tyres significantly contribute to the number of deaths of driver's traffic collisions. The chief executive explained: ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Drivers 'Should Not Leave Their Cars With The Engine Running'

Police are warning motorists who leave their unattended cars running on cold mornings that they could end up having to make a motor insurance claim. Officers from local police forces have issued the warnings after a spate of thefts across the country. A woman left her car running to warm up while she went back inside....16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Fewer Accidents 'Would Mean Lower Insurance Costs'

Insurers would be able to cut the cost of cover for motorists if accident rates came down, it has been claimed. According to the Association of British Insurers, this is something that may be achieved given time, but it added it is not a short-term solution. The group said another way to reduce the cost of motor insur...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Pet Owners 'Confused About Insurance'

Animal owners are often unaware that there are three different types of pet insurance available, it has been claimed. A veterinary practitioner has said there is a lot of confusion surrounding the cover available. He stated: "Ringing around isn't always the best way to find the cheapest policy and clients very of...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Drivers Vote For Their Favourite Gadgets

Motor insurance customers have voted night vision and adaptive cruise control as the most highly desired in-car technologies. A poll by MSN Cars found these two pieces of equipment were the ones drivers would most like to have in the next vehicle they buy. Participants in the survey were given a list of in-car technol...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Rejection Of Congestion Charge 'Is Victory For Motorists'

Greater Manchester's rejection of the proposed congestion charge is a victory for cash-strapped motorists who are already shelling out car insurance, fuel and vehicle excise duty, it has been claimed. The Association of British Drivers (ABD) has welcomed recent news that residents in all ten council areas voted agains...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010