Insurance Premium Tips

MORE TH>N CALLS FOR GREEN CARS

2006-04-26T02:43:00.000-07:00

Conservative leader David Cameron's calls this week to reduce traffic in the school run and for motorists to switch to hybrid cars are already high on the agenda for leading motor insurer MORE TH>N car insurance.

Registrations of hybrid vehicles increased by three-quarters from 2004 to 20052, demonstrating a very real rise in the demand for eco-friendly vehicles.

If prices were to rise significantly, over a third of motorists said they would cycle or walk more short journeys and one in three (30%) would switch to public transport.

UK’s Passion for Cars Triggers Huge Increase in ‘Concrete Gardens’

2006-04-23T18:49:00.002-07:00

10/02/2006

British drivers are concreting over their front lawns to make room for their ever-increasing collection of cars, according to research out today from DirectLine Car Insurance.

Close to nine in 10 (85 per cent) households own a car with four in 10 (40 per cent) now owning two or more cars. This coupled with 40% of motorists complaining of limited street parking in their area, has caused one in five (17 per cent) space-starved car-owners* to turn their front gardens into concrete drives.

The cost of on-street parking is also driving motorists to pave over their gardens – over one million** UK drivers pay on average of £439 per year for the privilege of parking outside their home - be it for parking permits or garage rental.

So desperate are drivers becoming for parking spaces that close to one in six (14 per cent) have moved home specifically to gain a garage or drive.

The cost of paving over a garden doesn’t come cheap with research showing car-owners spend on average £1,300 on turning their gardens into drives – with one in 10 (11 per cent) spending more than £3,000.

Direct Line has commissioned the research to tie in with the launch of its new multi car discount. Policyholders will now be given a discount on their insurance if they insure two or more cars with Direct Line.

For every 2nd, 3rd and up to a maximum of 10 cars the customer will benefit from a 10% discount on the price of the policy. So, for example, a family of four with mum, dad and two children all driving their own cars the family would save 40% on the cost of a policy overall. The policy is also open to friends living at the same address.

The UK is truly a nation of car lovers with Brits spending more on their wheels than almost anywhere else in Europe. One in four motorists say they spend more than £10,000 on a car – and many admit to taking out loans (32 per cent), forfeiting holidays (three per cent) and blowing their savings (44 per cent) to fund them.

Emma Holyer, Direct Line’s Motor spokesperson, said:

“It doesn’t seem to matter how difficult it is to park or how much it costs to keep a second car Brits still buy them. We have turned into a nation of car fanatics foregoing fun activities in order to get our next set of flashy wheels. The two-car household is now more likely to be the three or four car household with the costs of owning the cars running into thousands. To help all those with two or more cars Direct Line will now be offering a discount to anyone insuring more than one car with us.”

Front gardens aren’t just vanishing because of car space – one in 10 (12 per cent) households admit that they’re not green-fingered and want a front garden easy to maintain. Currently five per cent of households are planning to exchange their turf for concrete.

The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line motor insurance by YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 2,037 GB adults were questioned online between 6th to 10th January 2006.

*According to the findings 85 per cent of households are car-owners. 45 per cent own one car, 31 per cent own two cars, seven per cent own three cars and two per cent own four cars. 15 per cent of households do not own any cars.

**There are 33.8 million drivers in the UK (Census data, 2001) and according to the YouGov findings four per cent of motorists have to pay for parking outside their property. 0.04 x 33,809,493 = 1,352,380

***According to the findings 86 per cent of households in the UK have spent on average £7,819 on their cheapest car. The findings also revealed that UK households own on average 1.6 cars. £7,819 x 1.6 cars = £12,510.4.

AB 69 Impacts Not Just Immigrants

2006-03-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

AB 69 Impacts Not Just Immigrants
La Comunidad - AB 69, nicknamed the driver s license bill , was made a Wisconsin law on March 10, when Governor Jim Doyle signed it. The impact on Wisconsin residents has yet to be determined. Community members say, however, that AB 69 will affect not only

Health workers in high demand

2006-03-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

Health workers in high demand
Hampton Roads Daily Press - WILLIAMSBURG -- Margie McMillen of Gloucester is a registered nurse who sometimes drives more than 100 miles a day to care for her patients in their own homes. Her employer, Richmond-based Advanced Technologies in Home Care, gave her a car to do it

Luxury shares for a lot less
Montgomery Advertiser - A 1989 Ferrari 348, left, and a 1965 Shelby Cobra are on display at the Classic Car Club showroom in New York on Tuesday. The club gives its members the opportunity to use a wide variety of classic cars for a fraction of the price of owning or

Blog: Memories of Kenny Rogers' perfection
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Detroit Tigers' Kenny Rogers pitches to Houston Astros' Lance Berkman in the first inning of a spring training baseball game Sunday, March 19, 2006, in Kissimmee, Fla. Rogers pitched five innings and gave up seven hits and two runs. The Tigers won 5

Non-negotiable health
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - You re lying on an examination table in your local hospital emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack and no health insurance. When the ER doctor leans over the table to examine you, do you: a) Tearfully ask the doctor if you re going to

New Business Blooms in Iraq: Terror Insurance
Ledger - BAGHDAD, Iraq Twice in the past year, Muhammad Said has survived assassination attempts that left his car riddled with bullets. He works part time as a bodyguard for his father, a Baghdad city councilman, and helps a friend who has contracts with

Car buyers' top 10 mistakes
MSN MoneyCentral - You need more than a driver's license and a checkbook to snag a great deal. These classic blunders are a minefield at every dealership. Yep, getting a new set of wheels is one of those wonderful sources of high-octane excitement -- but don't get too

Experts On Your Side
WAVY News 10 - As a top selling, award winning agent, Chris Faircloth has repeatedly received "Top Real Estate Producer" recognition. Her knowledge of the Hampton Roads area has insured her clients that she is able to find properties that match their specific needs

Tales from the front
Chicago Tribune - Dear Cheryl: Three months ago, I hired a graphic designer to design a logo for my eBay business. I should tell you that I'm in a 12-year relationship with a wonderful man. We live together, but for the past two years, communication has been an issue

GEICO defends using education, occupation data in setting rates
Allentown Morning Call - The debate stems from New Jersey, a state GEICO re-entered in 2004. Legislators there are considering a bill that would ban the use of occupation and education in making pricing decisions. The Consumer Federation wants to extend the discussion to the

Female drivers failing to shop

2006-03-21T04:27:00.000-08:00

Female drivers failing to shop
Fair Investment Company, UK - Mar 14, 2006 Women could save more on their car insurance premiums by shopping around more thoroughly and comparing prices, according to Sainsbury's Bank.

Police seize and crush first car
BBC News, UK - 1 hour ago Police in Dumfries and Galloway have for the first time crushed a car because the driver had no insurance. A 25-year-old from Annan

The Hartford Offers More Affordable Car Insurance in Utah
PR Newswire (press release), NY - Mar 16, 2006 Company's popular 'Dimensions' product, available through independent insurance agents, is now priced more favorably for customers HARTFORD, Conn., March 16

Insurers charge the less-educated more
MSN Money - 16 hours ago records might be identical, but if your neighbor has the right job and you've got the wrong one, you could pay hundreds of dollars more for car insurance.

Lawyer's conviction provides measure of justice
Salem News, USA - 3 hours ago According to court records, Elias was involved in scams to create phony car accidents to generate insurance claims. "Runners" would

Keys Left in Car? Arizona Bill Would Allow Insurance Hit
Insurance Journal - Mar 20, 2006 "The whole purpose of insurance is to where the vehicle is left in a locked garage, in a valet parking area, an emissions testing facility, car wash facility

Sell-- I Mean Tell Me A Story
Student Operated Press, FL - Mar 17, 2006 And Geico Car Insurance has a history of creating entertaining commercials. Their Speed Racer commercial is hilarious, and one of my favorite commercials ever.

The Hartford Announces Lower Car Insurance Prices in Indiana
Autochannel - Feb 15, 2006 New price adjustments will make the competitively-priced Dimensions plan an even better choice when it comes to car insurance in the Hoosier state.

AutoTrader.com Partners With St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

2006-03-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

AutoTrader.com Partners With St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 9 hours ago Up 'til Dawn finale events, featuring an AutoTrader.com remote control car race for No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families

The Hartford Offers More Affordable Car Insurance in Utah
Yahoo! News (press release) - Mar 16, 2006 (NYSE: HIG - News), one of the nation's leading providers of investment and insurance products, announced today that it will offer lower prices to many drivers

US Census Bureau Daily Feature for Feb. 27: Car Insurance
U.S. Newswire (press release), DC - Feb 26, 2006 of insuring cars against accidents began this month in 1898 when the Traveler's Insurance Company issued The average car costs its owner $774 a year to insure.

Sainsbury's Car Insurance offers advice to female motorists
Money News, UK - Mar 14, 2006 Sainsbury's Car Insurance has urged female motorists to shop around before taking up an insurance deal. The bank claims that many

Language Becoming an Issue for Health Insurers

2006-03-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

Language Becoming an Issue for Health Insurers
Los Angeles Times - When she learned the cost of an operation that opened her husband's clogged arteries last fall, Maria Rodriguez was glad she had signed the couple up for health coverage several weeks earlier. But then Blue Cross of California said Raudel Rodriguez

LIVING WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
Richmond Times-Dispatch - Tom Stumm sat proudly at the front desk, fielding phone calls with his service dog, Tony, at his feet. In the next room, Alphonso Hicks labored over a questionnaire, evaluating the work options available to him. Behind him, another member of the Mill

Consider This
Fox 19 - As sentimental as it may be to part with your past, donating your old instrument to eager young hands opens the door for a new generation of musical memories they might have missed. As Black History Month winds down, let s keep the American history

2006-03-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

UK: The curse of the warehouse fire

10 March 2006

Norwich Union helps Wallace & Gromit rise from the ashes of October fire

It seems that 2006 is certainly shaping up better than 2005 for Nick Park, creator of Oscar-winning duo Wallace & Gromit.

The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was worth Oscar gold for Aardman Animations, the company behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. But the curse of faulty wiring – the cause of last October’s tragic Bristol warehouse blaze that destroyed many Aardman originals – could have cost Aardman dear.

At stake were exhibition sets, props and models from Wallace & Gromit and other Aardman films including Chicken Run.

Thanks to Norwich Union, though, these British treasures can rise again.

To read the full news release please go to:

Norwich Union Insurance

BSM Wakefield call centre to close

2006-02-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

16 February 2006 BSM, part of RAC, is to close its call centre in Wakefield in July 2006, with the loss of 60 roles. This decision follows an ongoing review of the BSM business, after Aviva s acquisition of RAC last year, and reflects the need to provide greater flexibility to grow the business for the future. The remaining 30 people, who work in the operational area of business in Wakefield, and the local Wakefield BSM centre are unaffected by this change. Employees at the Wakefield call centre deal with learner sales and new driving instructor enquires. This work will be transferred to RAC s existing call centre operation in Bristol, which currently employs more than 900 people in various roles. As a result of the transfer of business to Bristol, BSM will be recruiting 60 people to handle this work. The company will be working closely with those affected to seek redeployment opportunities and help find alternative employment. David Walker, director of BSM, said: It is always tough to make this kind of decision but change is a necessary part of ensuring the BSM business is robust, maintains its leading market position and develops for the future.

New Driver Disorder Identified

2006-02-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Close to one in three (29 per cent) drivers found to suffer from newly recognised disorder Traffic Stress Syndrome Traffic jams are not only bad for your mood they can also damage your health, according to a new study from Direct Line. The impact of traffic on drivers report co-authored by health psychologist David Moxon identifies a new condition named Traffic Stress Syndrome (TSS), a form of psychological anxiety that manifests itself in certain drivers while stuck in traffic. According to the study, close to one in three drivers nine million* UK motorists currently suffer from TSS and show symptoms of the condition after being held up in traffic for as little as three to five minutes. One in five (20 per cent) experience increased heart-rates and headaches (19 per cent) and one in 10 endure sweaty palms (12 per cent). In more severe cases drivers report nausea, dizziness (eight per cent) and stomach cramps (eight per cent) among the symptoms experienced. The impact of these symptoms along with the Direct Line research reveal a shocking picture of the full extent of TSS on driver behaviour. Loss of concentration and hazardous driving brought about by the condition, have resulted in over two million** accidents for TSS drivers during or following traffic jams. Registered Office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG Tel: 0208 686 3313 Other more common effects of the motoring condition include anxiety, irritation and heightened levels of anger. The research by Direct Line additionally identifies the UK roads which experience heavy traffic and where motorists are most likely to suffer TSS. The worst road for TSS is topped rather unsurprisingly by the M25 South East (31 per cent), followed by the M6 West Midlands (26 per cent) and the M25 Western Sector (25 per cent). Direct Line spokeswoman, Emma Holyer, said: The findings are very worrying with more vehicles than ever on British roads, driving has inevitably become more stressful, and, as a result motorists are suffering. We would encourage drivers to take deep and slow breaths and try to think about other things than the jams when sitting in heavy traffic to avoid getting Traffic Stress Syndrome. Psychologist David Moxon who was part of the research team, described the importance of the findings: TSS is a form of stress that manifests itself in frustrated drivers there is evidence to suggest that chronic TSS can be detrimental to both the physical and mental health of the motorist. Direct Line s top tips for sufferers of TSS compiled by David Moxon: 1. Take deep and slow breaths 2. Listen to calming or relaxing music 3. Use cognitive distraction tasks such as thinking of loved ones 4. If you have a recycle button on your air con use it this will stop exhaust fumes from the traffic jam coming back into your car 6. Place some aroma-oil on a tissue and keep it in the cabin to fragrance your car -endsRegistered Office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG Tel: 0208 686 3313 Notes to Editors: The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line motor insurance by YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 1,792 UK drivers were questioned online between 4th to 6th October 2005. In addition to other demographic questions, subjects answered 10 questions to measure anxiety and aggression levels, each with four scaled responses. The study followed standard procedure for psychological research. From this research a simple projective technique was developed. This comprised four key words that were designed to elicit unconscious motives and show an individuals proneness to TSS. This methodology is used for the majority of studies of this nature, which need to be robust enough to pass the peer-review process required for the publication of scientific papers. *There are 33.8 million drivers in the UK (Census data, 2001) and according to the YouGov findings 99 per cent of motorists have been stuck in traffic and 29 per cent of those of have been stuck in traffic suffer from TSS. 0.99 x 33,809,493 = 33,471,398. 0.29 x 33,809,493= 9,804,752. TOP TEN LIST OF ROADS MOTORISTS HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAFFIC-JAMS (VOTED BY DRIVERS) - M25 South East (31 per cent) - M6 West Midlands (26 per cent) - M25 Western Sector (25 per cent) - M25 Northern Sector (25 per cent) - M6 North Midlands (22 per cent) - M5 Bristol area (21 per cent) - M1 East Midlands (21 per cent) - M1 Home Counties (19 per cent) - M60 Manchester (16 per cent) - M4 Thames Valley (16 per cent) REGIONAL DATA BREAKDOWN Registered Office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG Tel: 0208 686 3313

Misbehaving children 'main hazard in cars'

2006-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

BADLY behaved children are the biggest distraction for car drivers, according to a survey today. While nearly a quarter of drivers asked what distracted them the most said they believed using mobile phones without a hands free kit was the biggest distraction, more than a third said they were personally more distracted by children misbehaving in the car. Other top distractions were tuning the radio, map reading, other cars being driven erratically, arguments in the car and "rubber necking" - when people stare at road accidents as they drive past. Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure.com, which carried out the survey, said parents should take action to keep them and their children safe. He said: "Mothers spend over a third of their total mileage taxi-ing children and their friends to and from school or social activities so it is important that children are both buckled up safely and well occupied in the back. "We advise parents to consider stocking up car pockets with books, in-car games and toys for their children to keep them entertained so that they can concentrate on keeping their eyes focused on the road ahead." This article: ,a href="http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1961682005" rel="nofollow">news.scotsman.com

Lack of driver education to blame for fatal accidents

2006-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Lack of driver education to blame for fatal accidents

Direct Line, the UK s largest car insurer, is calling for changes to the driving test to include education on motorway driving due to the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGV). Accidents involving HGVs are becoming more common with statistics showing a 19% increase year on year*. Direct Line s findings indicate a lack of driver education as one of the main causes of accidents with lorries. One in five (18 per cent) motorists rush to overtake lorries because they feel intimidated and don t know how to adapt their driving around bigger vehicles. This lack of confidence is causing a serious problem on the UK roads. Government data shows there were more than 6,000 accidents involving HGVs in 2003 (the most recent year that figures are available for), resulting in the deaths of 166 motorists and close to 8,000 casualties. Two million drivers (seven per cent) admit that they are completely clueless about how to drive around large vehicles and seven in 10 (70 per cent) motorists would welcome driving test reforms to include training on how to drive around lorries and other large vehicles. The most common way of reacting towards lorries is hesitating around the vehicle (21 per cent). The present practical driving test does not include driving on the motorway at all and it is up to the driving test examiners discretion as to whether learners are tested on dual carriageways. Direct Line Motor spokesperson, Emma Holyer said: More than a quarter (28 per cent) of UK motorists don t like driving on the motorway - and encountering large vehicles at high speed simply reinforces this anxiety. Indecisive driving increases the risk of accidents and we would urge nervous motorists to take extra driving lessons or take an advanced driving test to help build up their confidence. Direct Line is calling on the Driving Standards Agency to ensure the driving test always include motorway driving in a bid to reduce the number of fatalities on the nation s roads. Further findings from the research include: One in five (22 per cent) motorists feel nervous driving alongside HGVs a figure that rises to almost a third (31 per cent) among female drivers Similarly four in 10 drivers (39 per cent) feel stressed and uncomfortable overtaking a heavy vehicles on a motorway one in 10 (13 per cent) drivers worry about being pulled in by the draught created when passing big vehicles at speed 3% of drivers admit to a complete loss of concentration when driving near lorries Motorists who are concerned about their driving could also take the Pass Plus test. This one-day course is designed by the Driving Standards Agency, insurers and the driving instruction industry and helps motorists drive with more confidence. As well as improving driving skills, insurers offer a substantial first year discount for those who have taken the test. Direct Line offers 17 - 20 year olds a 20% discount, 21 - 24 year olds a 30% discount and 25 year olds and above will receive a 40% discount. Direct Line also offers the following tips on driving safely around large vehicles: Keep your distance. On a dry road and in good weather conditions leave at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. In poor visibility leave at least a four-second gap Frequently use your mirrors when driving on the motorway because of the higher traffic volumes Always use the left-hand lane where possible. Remember lanes two and three are not the 'middle lane' or 'fast lane', these are overtaking lanes Overtake or pass only on the right unless in a traffic jam Take special care when joining a motorway. You must give way to motorway traffic Avoid switching lanes suddenly and always indicate when changing lane -ends- Notes to Editors: The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line motor insurance by YouGov. 2,098 UK drivers were questioned online between 2nd and 5th September 2005. * TABLE ONE: CAR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING HGVs YEAR PERCENTAGE OF FATALITIES PER ACCIDENT NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS FATALITIES CASUALTIES SERIOUSLY INJURED 2003 2.74 percent 6048 166 7914 698 2002 2.19 percent 6163 135 7989 760 AVERAGE - 6106 151 7952 729 TABLE TWO: REGIONAL BREAKDOWN OF DATA REGION PERCENTAGE OF DRIVERS WHO FEEL NERVOUS AROUND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES PERCENTAGE OF MOTORISTS WHO HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH A HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE PERCENTAGE OF MOTORISTS IN FAVOUR OF THE DRIVING TEST BEING REFORMED TO INCLUDE MOTORWAY DRIVING LONDON 26 per cent Nine per cent 76 per cent MIDLANDS 18 per cent 11 per cent 62 per cent EAST ANGLIA 24 per cent Eight per cent 73 per cent WALES 18 per cent Seven per cent 62 per cent SOUTH WEST 20 per cent Three per cent 67 per cent SOUTH 22 per cent 12 per cent 76 per cent LANCASHIRE 25 per cent Five per cent 66 per cent NORTH EAST 29 per cent Five per cent 73 per cent YORKSHIRE 22 per cent Nine per cent 75 per cent CENTRAL SCOTLAND 21 per cent 24 per cent 67 per cent NORTH SCOTLAND Nine per cent 12 per cent 55 per cent Source: YouGov research conducted on behalf of Direct Line

It's more dangerous to re-fuel your car than to re-fill your trolley

2006-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

A report released today from Churchill Car Insurance has revealed the most common places to be involved in parking accidents and found that the number one crash hotspot in town is the petrol station forecourt. The study also shows 1.5 million* UK drivers crash each year when parking their cars. The new Town Crash Index from Churchill showed that drivers are ten times more likely to have an accident in a petrol station than when driving children to school or even parking at work. The insurer reviewed over 50,000 accident claims and found that one in four car accidents happen when parking. Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance at Churchill, said The top three locations for accidents are all high-paced, distracting environments. Petrol stations are tight on space, especially when lining up to the pumps and multi-storey car parks often have narrow bays and tight corners. With supermarkets, the high volume of cars coupled with roaming trolleys makes the ideal ingredients for an accident. Churchill s Town Crash Index 1.Petrol station - multi-functional sites with tight spaces and drivers crashing into other cars whilst lining up next to the pumps. 2.Shopping centre multi-storeys - can be poorly lit with tight spaces. Scrapes tend to occur on tight corners. 3.Supermarket car parks are rife with activity a mixture of kids, families and roaming trolleys. 4.Pub - filled with families at lunchtimes and evening visitors leaving late, in the dark. 5.Office car park distracted drivers in a rush to get home after work. 6.Hospital distressed visitors eager to visit family and friends. 7.Schools/colleges high level of activity with bikes, pets, pedestrians and cars. 8.Post Office - located on busy high streets with high volumes of traffic. 9.Restaurant like pubs - filled with families at lunchtimes and evening visitors leaving late, in the dark. 10.Church lots of families and cars all leaving the car park at the same time. Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance at Churchill, said, We spend a lot of time looking at accident patterns including how and why they happen. Drivers cannot avoid visiting these destinations, but they should be aware of their surroundings. If people concentrate on their driving instead of what they are going to do next, they can lessen their chances of having a crash. *Taken from Churchill Insurance claims data. There are 26 million drivers in the UK.

Internet rings the changes for UK consumers as 'online' overtakes 'phoneline'

2006-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

With broadband Britain putting more and more consumers online, the internet has overtaken the telephone as consumers' direct channel of choice according to new independent research released today by the internet insurer, esure. The ICM 'Internet Shopping' poll commissioned by esure shows that people are now three times more likely to shop for items using the internet than they are using the telephone. Peter Wood, esure's Chairman and Group Marketing Director, who today launches Mister Mouse, a new internet icon for the company backed by a multi-million pound marketing campaign, said: "We're in the 21st century and have to listen to 21st century customers' needs. The UK has become a three channel nation for shopping: high street, internet and telephone. This poll shows that the internet has now overtaken the telephone for people who want to go direct." Three quarters (75%) of all UK adults say they make savings by buying products online, with 24% saying that they believe the average saving for internet shopping stands between 10% and 50%. In insurance, this reflects the growth of online discounts: esure, for example, offers a 15% discount on home insurance and a 10% discount on motor and travel insurance when bought via the internet. Peter Wood said: "It costs us less for customers to apply and buy online, so we reflect this in internet discounts that pass on the saving." The rise of security awareness and online security systems is reflected in the survey which shows that consumers are becoming more comfortable with buying - and paying for - products online. Nearly half (44%) of all adults aged 25 - 44 now say they feel 'totally comfortable' with inputting debit and credit card details to pay for online purchases. The esure poll also reveals the top items that UK internet shoppers now buy exclusively online are: Holidays/travel DVDs/CDs/Books Insurance Electrical goods Groceries For those people who do still buy products on the phone or in the high street, the majority now research online before they buy. Specifically for insurance, 43% say they search the internet for the best deals before they pick up the phone. Editor's Notes: ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1005 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 6 and 8 May 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. Regional, gender and age breakdowns are available on request.

Call for under-21 ban on 'irresponsible' car magazines

2006-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

(24 February 2005) Online car insurers, esure and First Alternative, are this week calling on MPs to help bring about a ban on the sale of car magazines that the companies believe are 'irresponsible' to under-21-year olds. Two main examples, Max Power and Fast Car Magazine, combine soft pornography with advice on modified - and modifying - cars, often to change the bodywork or increase engine power, both of which could have adverse effects on both the insurance costs and safety of cars. Max Power's is now one of the UK's largest-selling car magazines and its motto is: "The Definitive Guide to Arsing Around in Cars". It has a recorded profile of readers which shows that 37% are aged between 15 and 19, with 66% under the age of 25. Nearly a quarter of the magazine's readers also spend less than 3,000 on their cars, but clearly buy the magazine with a view to changing their car's performance or look. In the UK, drivers under the age of 21 are responsible for 20% of all motoring offences, with 88% being committed by young men. Young males are also responsible for a disproportionately high percentage of insurance claims and accidents; they also have the most serious and costly accidents on average*. esure and First Alternative are also concerned that the high representation of uninsured drivers among this age group** could be exacerbated by drivers being encouraged to spend limited money on modifications that will inevitably make insurance far more costly and harder to find. Mike Pickard, Head of Risk and Underwriting, at esure said: "It is disturbing that these magazines are promoting many of the things that are probably least advisable for this section of the driving population. Young men who modify cars in attempts to make them go faster are often increasing the potential risk to themselves, their passengers and other road users. Gary Thomas, Head of Underwriting at First Alternative said: "We believe strongly that cars can always be potential lethal weapons and must be seen as such by all drivers - but particularly those most likely to have accidents: nowhere is this more true than among young men. At a time when the Government is focusing increasingly on motoring issues and road safety, we think there should be an age limit on magazines that actively promote behaviour that we believe is irresponsible." esure and First Alternative are writing to all MPs who have shown a prior interest in motoring or road traffic accident related matters through their support of Early Day Motions and Bills to call for their support in introducing an age requirement for buying publications such as Max Power and Fast Car. Press Contact: Adrian Webb, Head of Corporate Communications, esure DDI: 01737 641 000 Mobile: 0771 862 8723 * Sources: Home Office, Offences relating to motor vehicles England and Wales 2002 (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/hosb0504supps.pdf) , ABI figures 2005 and The Greenaway Review of Uninsured Driving in the UK: July 2004 "All of the evidence we have available suggests, conclusively, that the highest risk group of motorists is young drivers and in fact young males. Moreover, this is not a characteristic peculiar to the UK; it is also true of other countries, for example the US, Australia and New Zealand." ** Source: The Greenaway Review of Uninsured Driving in the UK: July 2004 "In 2001 there were almost 267,000 findings of guilt in all courts in England and Wales for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks. Three things stand out from closer examination of this data. First a very striking gender imbalance: over 90% of those convicted in recent years in England and Wales were male. Second, an even more striking age imbalance: almost 60% of male convictions are aged under 25 and almost half of these are under 20."

Brits are cheating speed cameras by swapping points with their partners

2006-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

14 May 2005 Brits are cheating speed cameras by swapping points with their partners Sneaky Brits are cheating the speed cameras by swapping licence points with their partners, according to new research released today. The report commissioned by Churchill Car Insurance reveals that 10 million* drivers would swap points with their nearest and dearest, rather than taking the points themselves. Speed cameras capture the licence plate, but not necessarily the driver, so Brits said that if they reached nine points, they would ask their partner to take the next three points to allow them to keep their licence. Cars have become such an important part of modern life that drivers cannot face the thought of living without their wheels. The main reason Brits point swap is to allow them to continue working, as 14 per cent say that they would have to give up their job if they lost their driving licence. With 16 per cent of drivers in the survey having gained speeding points in the last five years, the notion of trading points has become so common that that 13 per cent of respondents either didn t know that it is illegal or were unsure of the law**. Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance at Churchill said, People have become so dependent on their cars that they will go to great lengths to avoid a driving ban. Unless driving habits change, speeding will become a real threat to the modern motorist. It s not only speeding offences that people are willing to take the blame for. Fifteen per cent of motorists said they would be willing to take the rap for their partner caught on camera, driving in a bus lane and 13 per cent would shoulder the responsibility for their partner skipping a red light. Younger motorists are most likely to swap speeding points, as 57 per cent of 19 - 21 year olds said they would ask their other half to take points for them and 67 per cent would be prepared to do the same for their partner. This is not surprising as new drivers will lose their licence and go back to being a learner, after clocking up six points in the first two years of driving. Point swapping isn t confined to partners, as seven per cent of 19 - 21 year olds say that their parents have taken speeding points for them. The survey also reveals that Scottish drivers are the sneakiest, with 41 per cent of Scots saying that they would ask their partner to take points for them in contrast with the most honest drivers in the West Midlands with just 16 per cent asking their partner to take the blame. With today s busy lifestyles, it can be easy to fall into the trap of speeding. Motorists need to be aware of the penalties involved and potential danger associated with speeding, especially in urban areas, said Darren. Research carried out amongst 2097 drivers by 72 Point on behalf of Churchill Insurance in May 2005. *30% of drivers in the survey would ask their partners to swap speeding points with them. 30% of 33 million drivers in the UK (DfT figures) = 9.9 million drivers **Trading points is illegal and is treated as a serious offence, which could result in a custodial sentence For more information please contact: Frances Browning Churchill Insurance 020 8313 5965 pressoffice@churchill.com Churchill Insurance Company Limited. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.

My favorite film is Forrest Gump - it's exceptional and

2006-01-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

My favorite film is Forrest Gump - it's exceptional and it's by far the best movie I've seen
My preferred fast food is macaroni and chicken but my favourite eating place is La Caravelle in Quebec City

Momentse Colours from the journey here up to today As

2006-01-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Momentse Colours from the journey here up to today

As if for some unknown crime as a child I was sentenced to daily report to a regular public school where they stuff a thousand+ students into a building and 30+ students in a classroom
My 1st Employment was working as a lifeguard at a very small pool in a little farm town called Prairie Home outside of Boonville, MO
I first got married in Canada during a vacation come job hunting trip. We dreamed of finding work and a new life together. The flight back probably lasted longer than the dream.