Yes Insurance Media Centre for Insurance News

Green company gains BVRLA membership

19/08/2008 16:00:06

An environmentally-friendly automobile-lending service has been announced as the latest member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Green Motion has pledged to follow a number of criteria in order to provide a quality service for its customers, including the guarantee that vehicles are clean and safe, with low mileage.

BVRLA's charter also states that the firm must give complete pricing details in order to ensure it does not hit customers with hidden charges.

This in turn could help drivers pay for their car insurance policies as it will free extra money up.

"Green Motion's membership of the BVRLA further strengthens our organisation's commitment to deliver the highest levels of customer service to both our retail and corporate hirers," said Green Motion founder Richard Lowden.

This comes as Hybrid Car News has stated that despite the demand for environmentally-friendly cars, companies still do not know how to properly market them.

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Infiniti champions its G37 convertible

19/08/2008 15:58:54

Automobile manufacturing division Infiniti has espoused the value of its new G37 convertible model.

The firm has announced that the model, which will be debuted to the world at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, is to hit the US in 2009 before it is rolled out in Europe.

Features of the car include a three-section automatic hardtop which retracts in order to give the vehicle a coupe-like roofline. In addition, buyers can also pick up the car with a unique interior treatment.

However, those who buy the model may find that they pay more for their car insurance policies, as officials could view a convertible as more representative of a road risk.

"The G37 Convertible is under study for launch in Europe where it would join its sister G models, the G37 Sedan and Coupe, in Infiniti Centres which begin opening across the Continent from October," Infiniti remarked.

Infiniti is a division of Nissan which was established in 1989.

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Specification changes announced for Clio

19/08/2008 15:56:59

Renault has announced a number of specification changes for its Clio range of vehicles.

The company has stated that the line-up has become more customer-focused, with 16-inch alloy wheels and part-leather upholstery for some models.

Despite the changes, the firm has revealed that the cars are still as competitively-priced as ever, with a three-door version going for £9,495 and the five-door for £10,365 - which may leave enough money to pay for car insurance costs.

According to Renault, the new Clio specification is a great way to welcome the summer.

"The Clio range has been made even more accessible and focused on our customers, with the addition of some impressive standard equipment to some versions," the company said.

Renault recently announced that it will be sponsoring the Guardian's fantasy football game.

This includes setting up the Renault Cup, in which players can win prizes from the firm.

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Buying vehicles online 'a problem for more than half'

18/08/2008 15:17:14

Over half of the people picking up a new or used car on the internet have stated that the experience is frustrating, new research has found.

According to FindsYou.com, using the net to purchase a vehicle leaves 59 per cent of buyers unsatisfied.

In addition, car insurance customers may be interested to know that the company believes an automated system which informs dealers of when they need new stock would help them meet demand.

FindsYou.com chief executive Guy Walker stated that this method is the "perfect solution" for people looking for a new car.

"The credit crunch and environmental issues mean that car buyers are well researched and know exactly what they want to buy," he said.

Recent research from the Finance and Leasing Association has found that dealer-provided finance has helped people purchase 50 per cent of new cars on the market.

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Uninsured drivers 'cost innocent £31 per year'

15/08/2008 16:02:21

The number of motorists on the road without car insurance is resulting in increased costs for those who have, according to new research.

Statistics from YouGov released by comparethemarket.com show that a combined amount of £500 million is paid by drivers to cover those who have not taken out a deal.

It stated that 12 per cent of motorists have been involved in a collision with such a guilty party while 68 per cent of people had to incur liability for the crash.

Jeremy Moll, head of insurance at comparethemarket.com, stated that prices will go down if drivers stop breaking the law in such a manner.

He said: "At present motor policies are hit by the knock on effect of uninsured drivers and the financial implications they create; so any steps to deter uninsured drivers would be a move in the right direction."

This comes as the Fraud Bureau has warned motorists about a recent rise in fake car accidents, staged to con innocent drivers out of repairs costs.

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Mitsubishi vehicle sale announced

15/08/2008 15:59:32

Drivers looking to pick up a new car may be enticed by the vehicle sales announced by Mitsubishi this week.

The company has slashed the prices of its Lancer vehicles by between £1,500 and £2,000, making the Lancer Equippe now £8,499.

Car insurance customers may be interested to know that the Mitsubishi Colt and its three and five-door derivatives can also be picked up at price reduced by £1,000.

The Japanese automobile manufacturer is offering the vehicles on a low rate car finance deal with 9.6 per cent APR and monthly payments of around £135.

And the sale is to be advertised across the internet, radio and the press in a campaign it has been described as "comprehensive".

It has been designed to "ensure the message of a brighter future with Mitsubishi is shouted from the rooftops ... Anyone wanting to create their own little ray of sunshine can do so with a great deal on a brand new Mitsubishi".

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi officials have announced that the Mitsubishi Evo X car is set to be introduced to the Malaysian market.

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Flash flood warning for drivers

15/08/2008 15:58:22

Motorists in the UK have been warned about the dangers posed by flash floods this summer.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has stated that the amount of rain over the last couple of months has increased the possibility of flooding.

It could be that such a problem sees people claim on their car insurance policies should vehicles be damaged.

IAM commented that drivers should consider an alternative route if flooding looks likely, while they should also travel on the highest section of road.

Furthermore, it is a good idea for motorists to cooperate with each other and leave adequate space in dangerous areas, adding that if they travel through deep flooding they should not take their foot off the accelerator, as water could go up the exhaust.

The warning comes as heavy flooding has been reported in the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire areas of Scotland.

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Drivers 'dumping fewer vehicles'

14/08/2008 16:03:22

There are fewer people choosing to dump their vehicles rather than sell them on, according to new statistics.

Local Government Association (LGA) figures show an 84 per cent drop in the last four years in vehicles left behind by drivers in the East Midlands.

In addition, there was an 80 per cent fall in the east of England and 77 per cent less activity in the south-west, car insurance customers may be interested to know.

LGA councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the environment board, commented that officials in the region have adopted a three-pronged approach to the problem.

"People tell us that these eyesores make them feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood and figures like these show councils up and down the country are working hard to make people feel safe and secure," he said.

This follows uSwitch.com research which found that drivers will waste £168 million on car finance deals for cars with 58 plates next month.

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Blue Lion range 'can see drivers save'

14/08/2008 16:02:28

Motorists who opt for a car in the Peugeot Blue Lion range may be able to make significant savings, the automobile manufacturer has claimed.

According to the company, picking a vehicle from the line can result in a cut in the cost of motoring without a compromise on the choice or size of the vehicle.

It added that vehicle excise duty of the models ranges from £35 to £120, with fuel consumption around 56 and 64mpg.

Such a feature can result in cheap car insurance policies if cover companies choose to reward environmentally-friendly drivers.

"Owning a Peugeot Blue Lion car is more than just saving money, it's a good investment. But sometimes, the most fuel efficient, environmentally friendly cars are only available in single models or are small city cars," commented the company.

Meanwhile, Peugeot this week announced that it had produced its 50 millionth vehicle since it was founded in 1891.

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Drivers 'waste millions on new car finance'

13/08/2008 16:11:14

Millions of pounds will be spent by motorists picking up vehicles with new 58 registration plates this year, it has been claimed.

Research from uSwitch.com has found that some £168 million will be wasted on car credit deals, when there may be another way of financing a purchase.

According to the price comparison site, a personal loan with a low rate of interest could save consumers around £826 in interest payments over three years.

The extra money could be used to pay off road tax and expensive car insurance bills.

Simeon Linstead, head of personal finance at uSwitch.com, remarked that shopping around for a good deal is a smart move.

He said: "Trusting consumers may think that purchasing a vehicle from a reputable dealer also means they will be offered the most competitive finance deal - but this is certainly not the case."

This comes as uSwitch.com found that motorists in Britain are paying more for fuel than European drivers.

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Lexus cars 'may be appealing to drivers'

13/08/2008 16:10:03

French automobile manufacturer Peugeot has revealed the details of its 2009 407 vehicle.

The company has stated that the car has a more distinctive front design than previous models in the range, with rubbing strips and a new grille treatment.

It also features subtle visual differences compared to vehicles in the line preceding it, as well as exceptional road holding, car insurance customers may be interested to know.

Furthermore, the automaker has stated that the model has 140bhp in power thanks to its new 2.0-litre HDi 140 engine with six-speed manual gearbox.

Peugeot remarked: "Subtle visual improvements update a design that is just as dynamic and bold as before but now offers more in terms of elegance, robustness and high quality, both externally and internally."

Meanwhile, the Telegraph has praised the new Peugeot 308 SR vehicle, stating that the space and practicality it offers are strong features.

However, it pointed out unattractive vehicle noise as a problem.

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New sports package for BMW 6 Series

12/08/2008 15:58:16

A new sports package has been announced for the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible models.

Vehicles with the kits come with contoured bonnets which give the cars "an aggressive look", while a special anti-roll stabilisation system and 19-inch alloy wheels are also included.

Motorists can purchase the BMW 6 Series derivative the 630i Edition Sport Coupe from £53,445 on-the-road and the 650i alternative for £65,820.

But car insurance customers may find themselves paying more to cover the vehicles should they opt to upgrade, as companies could consider the cost of the models indicative of an increased risk.

BMW added: "Building on this specification, BMW 650i Edition Sport Coupes and Convertibles also come with a sports exhaust for enhanced engine breathing and aural pleasure."

The BMW 6 Series has enjoyed two stints in production, one lasting from 1976 until 1989 and then again when it returned to factories in 2003.

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Four millionth Volvo produced at Belgian plant

12/08/2008 15:56:54

A Volvo factory in Ghent last week constructed its four millionth vehicle, car insurance customers may be interested to know.

The plant was originally opened in 1965, taking 23 years to build its one millionth vehicle, while it reached two million in 1997, three million in 2004 and four million on Friday August 8th.

A Volvo V50 R-DESIGN ordered by a Dutch customer proved the landmark car, while its first vehicle was the Volvo 120 (also known as the Amazon).

"Initially the Ghent plant was set up to avoid the country's high import taxes on finished cars but over the years Volvo Cars Ghent has, together with Volvo Cars Torslanda, become one of the two main Volvo Cars factories," commented the company.

This comes after EurotaxGlass's and CAP announced that the new Volvo XC60 has a high residual value, meaning customers can get a large amount of the original cost they paid for the model back.

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'Increase in cost of car insurance'

11/08/2008 16:07:19

People in the UK are paying more for their car insurance policies today than they were one year ago, new research has found.

The car insurance index from Sainsbury's shows that the mean price of a premium in June was £514.36.

According to the group, this marks the first time that the amount has exceeded the £500 mark since the index was first collated in June 2005.

The company added that this is an average increase of 5.8 per cent recorded between July 2007 and June 2008.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury's car insurance manager, remarked that a greater amount of personal injury claims and repairs is behind the rise in policy prices.

Meanwhile, recent research from moneysupermarket.com has found that female drivers who have just passed their driving test pay around £1,200 less for an initial car insurance policy than men in the same situation.

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Fatigue warning for drivers

11/08/2008 16:06:12

Motorists have been urged to be aware of the dangers presented by taking to the road while tired.

A warning from the Institute of Advanced Motorists has called travelling while falling asleep a silent killer.

It added that a number of steps can be taken to avoid such a risk, including wearing loose and comfortable clothing and getting plenty of rest before travelling.

The group added that drivers should also look to take regular breaks and avoid taking to the road at times of the day usually reserved for sleeping.

Being involved in an accident due to falling asleep at the wheel could result in motorists invalidating their car insurance policies, as well as putting their lives in danger.

One such incident of driver fatigue was the Selby rail crash in February 2001, in which sleep-deprived Gary Hart's vehicle collided with a train travelling at more than 120mph.

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