In the UK, the credit crunch seems to be having an intriguing affect on car insurance companies. In a bid to appeal to cash strapped customers, it seems that each company is offering an incentive to be sure that their own policies are the ones we go for, and cash back offers are the current trend. But are car insurance incentives really as good as they sound?

Cash back is a simple method to tempt customers, and it seems that the majority of car insurance companies (as well as some general insurance companies) are using the tactic, with the most recent being Tesco, who offer £50 to all club card holders, whilst Halifax go further offering £50 initially, following with another £50 payment every year you renew.

Of course, some such cash back offers have been met with sneers of derision from finance commentators, newspapers, and other insurers alike – warning that such incentives may well confuse customers into taking out policies which may well have been cheaper with a competitor in the long run. Simply, many are arguing that the very mention of cash back is another factor to add into the equation of working out the price, whilst taking in the basic cost, and then considering such frills as a courtesy car or breakdown cover – for it is these latter factors that differ so greatly in price between insurers.

Additionally, others are warning that customers must be careful to ensure that their cash back is included if you proceed to buy through comparison sites, as well as direct – or even if you have to do so over the phone. Similarly, there are also insurers who stipulate that you must activate the payment yourself, in the hope that you forget the offer after a few months.

Thinking about the trend in the context of price comparison websites, one can’t help but wonder whether insurers have begun such incentives specifically in order to hinder the efficiency of such sites. Following another recent, but less publicized, trend in which insurers have begun incorporating their own comparison sections on their sites to increase user traffic (and subsequently conversions), this notion doesn’t seem so far-fetched. And one wonders how far these incentives will go over the next year as insurance companies compete with each other tooth to tooth. One also hopes that too many customers aren’t duped by callous companies offering great deals and perks, but masking other essential charges.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/marks-12078.html 

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 - There's more to giving up smoking than just getting healthy:


March the 11th sees the 25th anniversary of No Smoking Day, a day of national recognition and support for those who want to try and give up. Over the past 25 years the campaign has grown from an awareness day organized by a group of individuals with an interest in health, to becoming a fully registered charity in 1991, and onward to employing a full-time staff and becoming one of the best-known days of its type. In light of the ongoing global economic difficulties and the ‘credit crunch’, this year the campaign is more geared towards how smokers can save money if they give up – alongside the well-known health benefits.

So how can giving up smoking at this time help you save money?

The first financial saving to consider, is what you might save on a day to day, week to week, or year to year basis, if you were to give up smoking now. According to myfinances.co.uk, the average packet of cigarettes costs £5.67 in the UK. If we assume that the average smoker gets through a packet a day, a week of non-smoking will save you £39.69, a month of non-smoking will save you in the region of £177.75 – yet over an entire year you will be set to save a massive £2,069.55. It is fair to acknowledge that not everyone who wants to give up smokes £5.67 worth of cigarettes everyday, but during these times of belt-tightening and cutting back, the prospect of saving over a thousand pounds after a year of non-smoking must sound tempting to anybody.

However, savings from giving up smoking don’t stop with the cost of cigarettes. As life insurance companies become more and more competitive whilst frugal customers threaten to cancel their policies, now is the best-time for non-smokers to benefit from slashed monthly premiums in comparison to their smoking peers. Savings of up to 50 percent on payments can be made for non-smokers, whilst comparison website moneysupermarket.com estimate a 30 year-old male smoker will spend over £8,000 more on life cover than a non-smoker of the same age.

The financial benefits of giving up around the 11th March go even further though. With the growth of No Smoking Day year on year, many businesses, including supermarkets and shops, have tried to get a piece of the action. Supermarket giant, Asda are discounting prices of nicotine patches and gum in an offer to help their visitors stop at this time. It certainly seems that, in terms of saving money from stopping smoking, March 2009 may well be the perfect month to give it a try.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/marks-12078.html 

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By: Sammy Hely

With terrorism all in the news today, many people get nervous, but if you want to be a traveler you need to learn to weigh the warnings and the news. You may decide that it's worth it to travel anyway. Terrorism is nothing new; different areas have had unrest in the past. Read those advisories and decide if what they are talking about will affect you and your trip. Don't trust them blindly.


Travel advisories are issued for a number of reasons. Terrorism is only one of them. They can be issued because of natural disasters, political unrest, disease outbreaks or high crime areas. You need to read to see if these are long term warnings or short term travel advisories.


We think it's a good idea to check with several different sources... as English speakers, we check to see what the governments of Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S are saying. They don't always agree. So if there are differing points of view, what should you do?


Evaluate them for yourself.
Keep in mind your tolerance... will that warning or advisory worry you all through your trip or is it something you can just keep vigilant for and still enjoy your travels?
Is the whole country affected? If there was a natural disaster in one part of the country, the part you're going to may be fine. Health outbreaks and political unrest may be confined to only one area of a country, leaving the rest perfectly safe to travel in.
If the advisories are about violence, are the threats to tourists or tourist areas or is there violence in isolated and remote areas where there is less possibility of it affecting you?


Check to see how long ago the advisory was posted. Some warnings are long term, but you can check to see if the conditions that prompted the advisory have changed.
If you go, dress and pack to avoid calling attention to yourself. This is smart travel anytime, but especially if there is a travel advisory. Stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants. Small places are generally less apt to be targets. Take the phone number for your country's embassy so you can contact them if necessary.


Consider registering with the embassy to let them know you're in the country. You might want to consider travel insurance, but this is tricky... there are many situations that cancellation insurance doesn't cover.


If war is breaking out or if the local terrorists are targeting tourists, you probably should reconsider your travel plans. With a travel advisory or warning like that, you might want to find a country that is safer and friendlier or travel to a new part of your own country.
Almost all travelers can find adventure even close to home. So evaluate those warnings for yourself. Change your plans if you feel you need to, but travel somewhere. It's good for you.




Author Resource:->  This travel tip is brought to you by Stuart Hely, founder of BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast NSW Accommodation. Check us out for the best accommodation deals on http://www.bookcentralcoast.com.au/beaches ">Central Coast Hotels


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By: AJ Cibok

Starting up the engine is the major job of car batteries. Among the additional tasks is the capability to provide additional power for ignition or for lights and other accessories. The battery also runs important systems in times of need. As an example, it powers the electrical systems in the car whenever the vehicle is idling and the charging system is not operating. The vehicle will not start properly if the battery isn't well maintained or is in bad shape; also, push starting isn't a long term option.


Quite frequently, the weather conditions where you reside determines the type of automobile battery that you get and, generally speaking, colder areas need higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) ratings than warmer areas. The Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) are among the crucial considerations in getting a automobile battery and are defined by the cranking demands of your engine. It is defined as the discharge load in amperes which your battery can provide at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit whilst maintaining a voltage of 7.2 V. In warm places, CCA ratings in excess of that which is established by the engine manufacturer are just a waste of money.


The second essential consideration in buying a car battery is the Reserve Capacity (RC). The Reserve Capacity (RC) is the time assessed in minutes in which a battery at the temp of 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be discharged at 25 amperes until the voltage drops below 10.5 V. More RC is typically better because, for instance, in a warm climate a higher RC will be the exceptional option for you.


The 2 most common kinds of vehicle batteries are minimal maintenance non-sealed batteries and sealed or non-sealed maintenance-free batteries. The maintenance-free batteries have the advantage of less maintenance, higher durability, more longevity, quicker charging in addition to significantly less corrosion. They are, however, more prone to deep discharge failure, producing a dead battery since more plate material is shed. In hot climates, the purchase of non-sealed batteries is better since you'll be able to add water whenever it's necessary or test the specific gravity by using a hydrometer.
A twin marine battery represents a compromise between a vehicle battery along with a deep discharge battery. Nevertheless, you will get the very best overall performance for your car if you utilize a vehicle battery. For a leisure vehicle, utilize a car battery for starting the engine and a deep cycle battery to power the add-ons in the interior. Both batteries are going to be automatically recharged whenever the engine is operating and the charging system is operative.




Author Resource:->  Looking for covercraft car covers or more info about car accessories? Whether you are looking for car covers, universal-fit auto covers or some different type of merchandise, our experienced team can support you in locating the right accessories at the right prices.




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California Governor Jerry Brown has signed several new laws that are geared to expand consumer protection for consumers shopping for California health insurance. The census data indicates that almost one in five Californians need health care coverage. With the new health care laws ready to be implemented, they are predicting that these laws could make 2012 a memorable year.

New California Health Insurance Law For Women

In 2012, women will gain more protection whether they choose to get coverage through employer-provided health insurance plans or buy an individual health insurance plan. Brown signed three bills into law in order to provide maternity services for pregnant women and new mothers. According to Brown, this is will give children the "best possible start."

Another date women should watch for in the next year will be on the 1st of July. SB 222 requires individual California health insurance plans to provide maternity services. Also beginning July 1, AB 210 will provide maternity services to group health care plans. Employers will be required to pay for coverage under group health plans for women on maternity leave under SB 29.

Are Small Businesses Affected Too?

According to the chief executive of the advocacy group Small Business Majority, small business firms with employees less than 50 will find that healthcare coverage is more affordable under the new laws in California. That is very significant because approximately 718,220 small employers in California make up 99.2 percent of California's employers in 2006, as stated by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce: Bureau of the Census.

Whether Californians get coverage through their employer or buy individual policies, they could be eligible for "rebates" next year. To comply with federal reform, SB 51 requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of premiums from individuals and small firms on health care for members. As for group policies, 85 percent of premiums must be spent on members' health care.

Blue Shield Of California Will Distribute Rebates To Consumers

Just this summer, Blue Shield of California announced that it would cap its net earning at two percent of revenue and return the excess to their policy holders in the form of rebates. With more than three million California health insurance plan holders, Blue Shield posted a profit margin of 3.1 percent last year. This included income derived from investments. According to a press release from Blue Shield, individual consumer credits range from $25 to $415. Businesses should receive approximately $110 to $130 per worker.

Subsidies For California Health Insurance Made Easier

Gov. Jerry Brown also signed bills that will make it easier for Californians to apply for subsidized California health insurance via the online state health insurance exchange. However, we have to wait until 2014 when it will be fully implemented. Under AB 1296, the forms and procedures needed to get subsidies through the state based exchanged are tackled.
By Wiley Long - President, eCAHealthinsurance.com - California's leading online health insurance agency specializing in individual and family California Health Insurance. Offering personal advisors to help you with all your California Health Insurance needs. Get an online California Health Insurance quote, get personal assistance, compare plans, apply online, and Save!

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Summary: Too many people know from first-hand experience what happens to your health care when a job ends. Health Savings Account plans can cushion the loss of income when it comes to paying for medical care on your own. 

Health Savings Accounts Work Through Periods Of Unemployment

Health Savings Accounts have been around since 2004, and all indications are that they're here to stay. This form of health insurance is more in tune with our times of unemployment and lack of medical care than traditional co-payment health insurance plans. Those policies tend to have premiums on the high side, while HSA plans start with lower than average premiums. A couple of studies have shown that premiums rise slower than average for these policies, too.

Low premiums make it more affordable to maintain coverage during periods of unemployment, but that's not the only way HSA plans can bridge gaps between jobs. As you've probably guessed, a Health Savings Account is specifically designed to pay for health care with benefits that standard accounts don't provide.

Health Savings Accounts Reduce Taxes

Health Savings Accounts allow you to pay for health care with pre-tax dollars. The money you contribute to your HSA can be used to directly reduce your taxable income with an "above-the-line deduction." That basically means you won't need to itemize deductions to lower your income taxes. That works for federal tax returns and for all but three state returns.

After you get that tax deduction, you have a choice about how to use your HSA funds. If you use the money for health care, withdrawals won't be taxed as long as you only spend them to pay for health care that's deems to be eligible. Most things are with the exception of over-the-counter medicines, like aspirin. A purchase like that would trigger a 20-percent penalty fee on the HSA withdrawal and it would become taxable income.

You can spend HSA money on things your high-deductible health plan probably won't cover, such as dentistry or homeopathy. You can also pay for health care for family members who are not covered on your insurance policy.

HSA Plans Foster Saving For Retirement

Your other choice is to invest HSA dollars and let the balance grow with tax-free earnings as you would with an IRA. If your employer contributes to your HSA, that money is yours to keep even after that job is history. Once you turn 65, you can use HSA funds to buy anything without incurring a penalty, but it's still taxable as income when spent on something other than qualified health care.

Many different financial institutions will let you open an HSA. Some restrict what they offer to interest-bearing savings accounts, but others will allow you to invest in stocks and bonds, or mutual funds. These accounts are becoming big business, so HSA administrators are competing with perks to attract your business. Many make it as simple to withdraw HSA money as it is to use a regular checking account. Even credit cards linked to HSA money are on the horizon.

After your HSA balance reaches an amount that you're comfortable with, you might even consider starting a second Health Savings Account that you use strictly for the investment options. Keep one liquid for medical emergencies and devote the second one to letting the tax-free earnings help you prepare for retirement.

By Wiley Long - President, HSA for America (http://www.health--savings--accounts.com) - The nation's leading independent health insurance firm specializing in individual and family coverage that work with Health Savings Accounts.

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With the rising costs of fuel and just about every other good or service we purchase, many of us are looking for cheap carinsurance. When it comes tocheap car insurance most of us are clueless as to how to go about getting a low cost car insurance policy. There are many factors that influence your car insurance costsdrastically.

For example, did you know that the type of car you drive will influence the cheap car insurance you're looking for? Or did you know that using anti theft devices will help reduce your over all car insurance costs? A good driving record will allow you to get cheap car insurance?

The deductible is the amount you pay first out of any claim for an accident. Thecar insurance policy's cost is directly related to your deductible. A lot of people, especially those with a good driving record, who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered varying their deductible. If you have a clean driving record and are prepared for the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

Many times you can get cheap car insurance by combining policies with you existing insurance company. For example if you have a home owners insurance policy contact them and ask for discounts for switching your car insurance to them. If you don't own a home perhaps you have renters insurance or life insurance, contact these companies about the savings you could get by switching your car insurance over to them. Most insurance companies are very accommodating to these requests.

It also pays to shop online for your cheap car insurance; many of the big companies offer a comparison of their coverage versus other companies. As you are requesting cheap car insurance quote online be sure to be completely truthful in answering the questionnaire. Additionally, you should know when you get your online quote you will need to follow up with actual paper work. 

Whatever your motivation, with a little work you too can find the cheap carinsurance you're looking for.

Jeff Kimball is an independent business writer and the author of A1 Cheap Car Insurance.com

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A person would like to enjoy his life to the fullest but somewhere in the corner of his heart there is a constant worry about the future. If given a choice we would all like to make sure that we have sufficient funds and means to take care of contingencies and any emergency situation that may occur. Insurance is one such sure shot method of preparing for unforeseen circumstances that may require a substantial amount of money at a short notice. We have insured our lives, our properties and every conceivable asset has some kind of insurance attached with it. When we are providing such security for our valuables maybe we should also give our pets the security of insurance. A pet insurance can make sure that your pet gets the best medical attention and health care at all times.

Many online websites are also venturing into the area of providing pet insurance online. The pet owner has the convenience of simply logging onto such a pet insurance online site and checking out all the plans available under insurance schemes for various pets. Irrespective of the age, breed and gender of your pet, you are sure to find a pet insurance online plan that suits your budget and fulfills all the health insurance requirements of your beloved pet. Even routine health check ups for the pet which include the regularvaccinations and minor medications are included under the health insurance plans. Pet care and a good vet can cost a good amount of money, so the insurance will insure that the owner can manage the finances easily. 

Our pets can fall prey to a number of diseases and illnesses and at times even accidents that result in life threatening situations. However the advancement of technology has given a major boost to treatment procedures. Pet insuranceonline provides plans that take care of such expensive treatments without causing a financial burden for the owner. Regular installments paid in small amount for a pet insurance can go a long way in ensuring that the pet, be it a cat, dog or other animal, receives the attention that it deserves. Expensive treatment procedures like a kidney transplant or hip replacement for animals are being carried out successfully these days, provided you have the necessary finances to provide such treatment for your pet. Carefully go through all the plans and options available with a pet insurance company and then select one that best suits your needs.

Keeping a pet is not just about having a cute animal to entertain your family members and shower love on it as and when it suits you. A pet has many added responsibilities attached that include maintaining a regular hygiene program for the pet and ensuring proper diet and nutrition for your pet.Regular health check ups and visit to the vet should also be an essential part of your lives. Purchasing a pet insurance online for your beloved pet will ensure that you can continue to provide the loving care and support to the pet at all times and no pet has to have its life shortened due to lack of funds. 




Read More: http://www.articlecircle.com/finance/insurance/give-your-pet-the-best-care-with-a-pet-insurance-online.html

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Buying good travel insurance encompasses suitability, reliability and price.

If you fall sick or are involved in a debilitating accident while travelling, it is a bit of a double whammy. Not only do you suffer financially through possible medical or hospitalexpenses, your travel plans are disrupted, often resulting in financial disappointment from non-refundable accommodation, tours, airfaresand others. Lost credit cards, cash, traveller's cheques and personal possessions can also lead to both holiday and long-term financial stress. 

Anyway you look at it - the small amount you pay for travel insurance justdoesn't rate when compared to the possible consequences - BUT - that doesn't mean you have to pay more than you need, and it is only wise to get the best, most comprehensive, yet most economical cover possible.

What To Look For When Purchasing Travel Insurance 

For a start, purchasing travel insurance through a travel agent or supplier can cost up to 66% more. In addition, travel agents may not always have back up in the event of bankruptcy, whereas all quality insurance companies are underwritten by a reputable insurance body, providing you with absolute protection.

Purchase your trip insurance online. Because online quotation and facilitation costs the insurer less, you pay less, getting the same high quality product for around 10% less.

Be sure of the credentials and the reliability of your insurance company - they should have full details on their web site at the least.

Always check the details of the policy. Different levels of cover may have different limits they pay up to, or may cover you for varying eventualities. This is due to the wide variety of methods of travel, locations visited, variety of sporting activities or events participated in, the age of those travelling or any pre-existing medical conditions. Always ensure your policy adequately covers you for your unique travel needs. 

There are some items that should always be in every policy no matter the level, so be sure you are covered for at least the following:

Unlimited Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance and Unlimited Overseas Medical, Hospital and Dental Expenses - international travel only

Unlimited Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits - this is often for international travel 

Personal Liability

Accidental Death and Permanent Disability

Travel Documents, Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques

Luggage and Personal Effects

If you follow these tips on buying good travel insurance you should achieve both appropriate and economical cover.
Buying good travel insurance encompasses suitability, reliability and price.

If you fall sick or are involved in a debilitating accident while travelling, it is a bit of a double whammy. Not only do you suffer financially through possible medical or hospital expenses, your travel plans are disrupted, often resulting in financial disappointment from non-refundable accommodation, tours,airfares and others. Lost credit cards, cash, traveller's cheques and personal possessions can also lead to both holiday and long-term financial stress. 

Anyway you look at it - the small amount you pay for travel insurance justdoesn't rate when compared to the possible consequences - BUT - that doesn't mean you have to pay more than you need, and it is only wise to get the best, most comprehensive, yet most economical cover possible.

What To Look For When Purchasing Travel Insurance 

For a start, purchasing travel insurance through a travel agent or supplier can cost up to 66% more. In addition, travel agents may not always have back up in the event of bankruptcy, whereas all quality insurance companies are underwritten by a reputable insurance body, providing you with absolute protection.

Purchase your trip insurance online. Because online quotation and facilitation costs the insurer less, you pay less, getting the same high quality product for around 10% less.

Be sure of the credentials and the reliability of your insurance company - they should have full details on their web site at the least.

Always check the details of the policy. Different levels of cover may have different limits they pay up to, or may cover you for varying eventualities. This is due to the wide variety of methods of travel, locations visited, variety of sporting activities or events participated in, the age of those travelling or any pre-existing medical conditions. Always ensure your policy adequately covers you for your unique travel needs. 

There are some items that should always be in every policy no matter the level, so be sure you are covered for at least the following:

Unlimited Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance and Unlimited Overseas Medical, Hospital and Dental Expenses - international travel only

Unlimited Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits - this is often for international travel 

Personal Liability

Accidental Death and Permanent Disability

Travel Documents, Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques

Luggage and Personal Effects

If you follow these tips on buying good travel insurance you should achieve both appropriate and economical cover.




Read More: http://www.articlecircle.com/finance/insurance/tips-on-buying-good-travel-insurance.html

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