Car Insurance - Women Need More Cover
By Gill Critchley

UK female drivers need to make sure that they have comprehensive car insurance that will also cover any items that are inside their cars. Information that Sheilas' Wheels collected showed that women in the UK usually leave items that are worth £129 in their cars and therefore really need comprehensive car insurance.

The information also showed how the growing popularity of going out after work, means that 27 per cent of women are leaving expensive outfits and shoes in their vehicles when they go out, and another 67 per cent of female drivers are believed to leave at least 4 pairs of shoes in their cars at any time. This means that many women, who do not have comprehensive car insurance, are having to pay out to replace the belongings that they have left in their car and that have been stolen. The best thing to do to make sure that your car and possessions are completely covered is to compare prices of comprehensive car insurance deals on comparison websites. This will mean that you can find the best cover for your needs and also the best cheap car insurance deal on offer.

Women were also advised that they should not leave their personal belongings in their cars, especially on show, as they were likely to suffer a broken window or lock on their car if opportunistic thieves were to break into their vehicles. If you have to leave any personal belongings in your vehicle, the best thing to do is to ensure that they are locked away in the boot of the car, or at the very least, out of sight.

Choosing The Right Policy
By Adrian Higgins

Third party fire and theft
In addition to third party only cover, this will insure your own vehicle against theft or damage caused by fire.

Comprehensive
Full comprehensive cover is the most expensive car insurance you can buy. In addition to the cover provided by Third Party Fire and Theft, Comprehensive also covers accidental damage to your own vehicle. It is strongly recommended if your vehicle is worth more than £3000.

Protected and guaranteed no claims bonus
For each year of claim free motoring, drivers get a no claims bonus which will lower premiums by up to 70 per cent. Motorists can protect this benefit for an additional price. When protected, drivers are allowed up to one claim for that year or two over a three year period.

A guaranteed no claims bonus enables you to protect your no claims for life. You will normally need at least five years' no claims then the insurance company will guarantee your bonus for life but they will increase your premium if you continue to claim.

Paying for Car Insurance by Direct Debit
By Amanda Brewster

Just a quick note for those motorists who are looking to pay for their next car insurance policy by Direct Debit (DD).

At first sight paying for your policy by (DD) can seem like an attractive option, enabling you to spread the cost of the cover over the year. Be wary though and don't just dive into the first offer you receive as some companies and insurers will charge you through the nose for the convenience of paying them in monthly installments!

Using DD to spread the cost - could mean that your motor insurance cover costs up to 20 per cent more. Around 83 per cent of motor insurance policies charge interest if you pay by direct debit, with 8 per cent not stating whether you will be charged until you get a quote. The average APR is 21.27 per cent but the top rate is 37.12 per cent, charged by Provident, which could add £283 to the average fully comprehensive premium of £762.

You may be better off paying for your car insurance in a lump sum or using a low-interest credit card, which you can pay off at a lower rate than the one offered by your insurer. Insurers that do not charge interest for paying by direct debit on motor insurance include Virgin Money and Age Concern.