The AnswerBank Articles

Police Offer Home Security Advice

Police have launched a new campaign to raise awareness among homeowners of opportunistic thieves during the summer. The force's burglary figures showed that a third of all incidents were recorded during the summer months during the last financial year, meaning many local residents will have had to claim on their home i...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Are Robberies On The Increase

We all hope that it doesn’t happen to us; a robbery, mugging or burglary. Unfortunately, it seems that crime is still very much prevalent in the country. The British Crime Survey revealed that there are over 100,000 robberies in the country every year, although the Home Office stated that domestic burglary has ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Which Reveals Charity Card Swindle

Most of us like to think we do our bit for those not as fortunate as ourselves. This may be something as small as dropping some change in a rattling tin or as large as making a monthly direct debit donation to charities. Recently there has been a rise in Charity goods which offer to make a donation on your behalf on yo...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Consumers 'Do Not Read Refund Policies'

We have all been there; on a shopping trip bought an item of clothing and it’s the wrong size. Do we just live with it and give it away as a present the next time someone has a birthday or do we exercise our consumer rights and take the offending garment back to the shop for a refund. Most consumers admit to not...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

OFT Uses Novel Approach To Get Scam Message Across

Although many of us have received scam texts and emails saying we have won a prize most people realise that it is just a ruse to get our details so some criminals can fleece us for all our money. Unfortunately there is still a large proportion out there that is taken in by these villains. Over 3 million UK adults fall...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Consumer Group Reveals Best Way To Complain

People in the UK have been advised how to get what they want when they complain to companies, it has been reported. According to Consumer Direct (a government funded service), it is essential that customers remain calm rather than be aggressive, while they should also be clear about how they want the problem to be res...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Consumers In Debt 'Have A Range Of Options'

Many of us have felt the pinch over recent years and have seen our finances stretched almost to breaking point. For some, things were much worse and now they are struggling to pay off debts that can rise to the tens of thousands on credit cards, personal loans, finance and even mortgages. Consumers struggling to meet ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Car Cloning Is On The Increase

An increasing number of vehicles are falling victim to car cloning. This is where criminals steal the identity of legitimate vehicles by replacing the number plates and VIN on a stolen car with the details from a vehicle of the same make, model and colour.   Motorists need to use due diligence before buying a ne...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

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

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

Schoolchildren Help Police Crackdown On Bogus Callers

It is a horrible situation and we all hope it doesn’t happen to us but increasingly door step crime seems to be in the news. A typical scenario is when the criminal knocks on our front door with some false pretext and while you are busy their accomplice sneaks in the back way to steal whatever they can carry. Esp...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Carjacking – Do Not Let Them Get Your Car

Drivers who could do without the inconvenience of a motor insurance claim need to be wary of carjackers, it has been suggested. A leading stolen vehicle recovery systems specialist issued this warning following a number of occasions where motors were stolen after being left unattended with the engine running. It highl...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Teenagers 'Making Illicit Online Purchases'

Many of us are familiar with shopping online; it can be a great way to save time and money. The goods come right to your door and often you can find fantastic bargains by shopping around. It seems the nation’s children are finding the internet a tempting place to do their shopping as well. Unfortunately, they are...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Landlords Insurance Vital

Many of us do not own our own home and are in rented accommodation. When times are hard and it is difficult to make ends meet, some think that not paying their rent can help. However, this is not a good option and should be avoided at all costs. This is becoming an increasing problem for landlords who are worried they ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Parents Invited To Get Child Car Seats Checked

Motor insurance customers who are concerned they may not have fitted their child's car seat properly are being given the opportunity to get it checked. Local police forces have launched a service during which a road safety officer will ensure parents have done all they can to provide protection for youngsters in the e...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Government Cracks Down On Uninsured Drivers

The government has revealed it will be introducing new regulations in a bid to tighten the net on people who drive without car insurance. Under the revised system, anyone who owns a vehicle will be required to have cover. At the moment, people are only breaking the law if they drive without insurance. This closes the ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Society Of Will Writers Offers Advice On Inheritance Tax

Many of us know that when a close relative passes away we may be entitled to some of their estate. For example if a parent should leave their house to the children they all get a share of the proceeds of the sale of the house. However, the tax man also gets a share. This is called Inheritance Tax; it can also be called...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Removal Of Drink-Drivers 'Good News For Law-Abiding Motorists'

Law-abiding motor insurance customers should welcome the fact that 9,000 drink-drivers have been removed from UK roads recently, it has been suggested. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) claimed the figure demonstrated targeted enforcement campaigns work, adding it is encouraging to see initiatives such as this...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010