It’s always a pleasurable experience to buy a new home appliance, especially one that will make your life easier. As you set off on your rounds to learn about what’s new on the market, and eventually choose which new washing machine, drier, fridge, oven, dish washer (or even all of them) then you look forward to improved quality of life that your new purchase will bring. You are already forming an imaginary picture of your new toy sparkling away in a corner of your home, efficiently carrying out the tasks it has been selected for, when the salesperson who has just spent some time and a lot of their skills and knowledge explaining all the virtues of the new machine that you have chosen, approaches you with an offer for extended domestic appliance insurance, and always after the deal has been completed.

You find yourself asking “if this appliance is so good, why should I need to insure it against breaking down?” But you already know the answer. Nothing stays new forever and if the new appliance will be in use, things will eventually start to wear out, and need to be replaced. 

All quality domestic appliances come with a year’s guarantee, and some with two or even three years. So why look further than that in the short term. Most domestic appliances will give at least two to three years of problem free service if looked after properly.

It’s usually after the machine has been in use about three years or more that the question arises: Is taking out domestic appliance insurance worth the investment? What should be taken into account is how much did the appliance cost, what it will cost to replace it today and how much will the domestic appliance insurance cost against calling out someone from the yellow pages to carry out a breakdown repair on a one-off basis.

If the decision is reached to take out domestic appliance insurance, it is very worthwhile to check out the costs, for parts only or parts and labour. It goes without saying that comparing quotes is a must; with a preference of working with tradesmen who are accredited repair specialist for the appliance you are interested in insuring. Armed with these facts you can go ahead and make your decision. 

Much as in time you will come to love all these appliances that you have bought, especially if they have been loyal servants and given little trouble, sentiment should never be allowed to play a part in deciding to renew your domestic appliance insurance. For a start, you should never agree to be convinced to renew the insurance automatically, or all of your appliance insurance be lumped together on one policy for “convenience”.  Instead you should sit down at the beginning of the year, and carry out the check that you did when you first took out the insurance for a particular domestic appliance, and add another feature.

• how much did the appliance cost,
• how much will it  cost to replace it
• how many years of loyal service has it given me
• how much will the domestic appliance insurance cost

By doing these regular checks, you will be able decide to say “thanks loyal and trusty servant” and vacate its place for a new, shiny model.  That’s life!

Tags: British Gas, Insurance

If you were to ask a UK homeowner, especially during these freezing cold winter months, what was more important: their car, their television or their central heating system, the chances are that they would answer that the central heating system wins it. If you were to follow up your first question with “so why it is not insured against breakdown?” they might find it difficult to come up with an answer, apart from perhaps saying “I didn’t know there was such a thing!”.

While the central heating system is one of the most important domestic appliances you will find, faced with the task of providing hot water for showers and baths, laundry as well as a wide variety of other uses in the home, and the doubly important task of keeping the home warm during the winter months, it is often taken for granted. And when something does go wrong, it comes like a bolt from the blue, as if central heating systems are not supposed to break down. Only a family that has been left without hot water and heat for a few days will tell you what a difficult situation that can be. And according to Murphy’s Law, when do central heating systems break down? During the coldest winter days, when you need them the most. 

And with central heating repair men usually working flat out to service other clients with the same problems, the chances of getting one to come out to help you get your heating system operational again within a reasonable time frame is as cold as the ice on your duck pond.

That’s when you realise that taking out central heating insurance is a good idea, and something that you should have done a long time ago. And if your repair is big one, you also realise that you could have covered the cost of a good few years of central heating insurance ahead of time. You flash back to the moment when the company that installed your central heating system offers you a chance to extend your guarantee, and you gave out that most cynical of replies “I’ll think about it and get back to you”. Now you wish you had. 

If you had paid for a central heating insurance service, you would have been eligible to receive a complimentary annual service call, before the winter kicked in, to make sure that your system was functioning as it should and would be ready to cope with the extra strains of the winter.

And in the case of a breakdown, you have a name and an address to call out, and that means around the clock, and a licensed engineer will be dispatched immediately to carry out repairs.

So if you do not have central heating insurance, don’t freeze yourself out. Contact your local Corgi service center and make sure you won’t be left out in the cold.

Authors Box

British Gas Boiler & Controls Insurance Cover provides protection in the event of the breakdown of your boiler and controls. What’s more, it’s available from just £7 a month! Please note this product does not include an Annual Service of your boiler for more Information Visit http://britishgasboilers.co.uk/homecare-from-british-gas.htm

Tags: Boiler, Boiler Replacement, British Gas, Central Heating, Central Heating Insurance, central heating system, Combination Boiler, Condensing Boiler, Insurance

Join teamGO and help us move one step closer to ending cruelty to children

Date of event: 25 October 2009

The Bupa Great South Run is a fantastic 10 mile run through the historic streets of Portsmouth. Join teamGO in Europe’s premier 10 mile run and help us move one step closer to ending cruelty to children

How to take part

NSPCC Guaranteed Places in the Bupa Great South Run are no longer available but if you have your Own Place and would like to join teamGO we would love to support you.

Call 0207 825 2621 or email gorunning@nspcc.org.uk

We will support you every step of the way

As a member of our team you will receive a comprehensive sponsorship package which includes:

• sponsorship forms
• training advice
• regular newsletters from the NSPCC
• running vest
• fundraising support materials
• dedicated cheerers on the day!

Contact: gorunning@nspcc.org.uk or call 020 7825 2621.

Tags: BUPA, BUPA Great South Run, Charities, Great South Run, Insurance, sponsorship, teamGO

BT customers can continue to benefit from the convenience of paying for and towards their BT telephone services at Post Office branches. The Post Office and BT have extended their long-standing relationship by a further three-year period, from September 2011 to the end of September 2014.

The agreement will enable BT customers to pay for their quarterly bills by cash, cheque or debit card at any of the UK’s 11,500 Post Office branches.

Also, customers can continue to save towards their quarterly bill by making regular payments using their BT payment card in Post Office branches.

John Petter, MD, Consumer, BT Retail said “BT customers have the widest of choice of payment options in the UK, which includes payment at the 11,500 Post Offices around the country where they can pay their bills or make payments towards their next bill via their BT payment card. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Post Office and give our customers another convenient way of paying their bill. ”

Post Office marketing director Gary Hockey-Morley said: “BT customers enjoy the convenience of paying for or towards their bill at the same time as posting a parcel or buying their foreign currency at the Post Office. We are delighted to extend our long-standing and valued relationship with BT, which allows our mutual customers to continue paying at their local Post Office.”

In addition to paying bills, customers can access a wide range of other services at their local Post Office, such as banking and financial services including free cash access over the counter, travel services including travel insurance, passports and commission-free currency, and mail and postal services.

Tags: Banking, Banking and Insurance, BT, Insurance, Passport, The Post Office, Travel Insurance

The biggest problem when buying an off-road as opposed to buying a road bike, is the likelihood of heavy wear and tear. Think about it; bikes thrashed around a competitive race course will have taken a pounding.

Mind you, you might be looking at a MX bike which has rarely left the garage (maybe the owner didn’t want to compete), or indeed a trials bike which most probably hasn’t been thrashed at all, although it might have been smacked against a tree and something knocked askew.

So, you have to look at an off-road bike with an open mind and start from the premise that it has been abused and despite how shiny it looks, it could be hiding major problems.

Also, if the bike has been used for competitions, or fun, and has not been registered, it could be more difficult to check it’s background. And, of course, always be suspicious when offered a too good a deal; don’t end up buying a stolen bike.

Right, so first things first. If you’re offered a bike, or respond to an advertisement, try to find out a little bit about the seller first. If he’s a racer himself, he’ll be enthusiastic and maybe give you a bit of background about the machine, and won’t mind you calling around his house to take a look. If he’s nicked it, then he won’t know much about the bike and will most probably want to meet somewhere dodgy and insist you bring cash. Be on your guard – don’t get lumbered with a stolen bike; it could cost you a visit from the police and a confiscated bike, with no compensation.

And if it looks new and it’s costing you a fair bit, it might be worth getting a HP check done, just in case the seller is still paying off the installments.

So, let’s assume it’s not stolen, nor on HP and that if it is registered, all the paperwork is intact. And if there is no official documentation, ask them for a receipt from their original purchase. Most people do, and should, keep receipts as it’s a way of helping insurance claims. So don’t be afraid to ask for anything that might help prove the bike’s status, including it’s age and original specification.

Also, are you dealing with a private seller, or trader? When telephoning, remember to say I’ve rung about the bike. If he say’s which bike, he’s most probably a trader. If so, then more caution is needed.

Okay, so the paperwork looks right and you’ve confirmed the asking price. Take a quick deckers first at the bike’s general condition. Does your first impression say yes, looks the business? Or does it say hang on a minute, it doesn’t look quite right. First impressions are important, so make sure you listen to your gut instincts.
And if the seller is jabbering on about the economy, or the weather, politely ask him to hang on a minute while you give his bike the once over. And don’t ignore your first impressions about him either. Where does he keep the bike, a garage, or his front room. Does he look like someone who would care for his bike, or someone that would use a sledgehammer to fix it?
So, back to the bike, look for superficial damage. Does it mean that some major damage might be lurking underneath.

Once your first impressions are in, take a detailed look at the bike. Check the forks and the head bearings; if there’s play in the bearings, it’s trouble. Then, how smoothly do the handlebars move through their turning arc. If not smooth, then again, it could be trouble.

Next, check the bearings out in the back wheel and the swing arm. Any play there could again be a sign of trouble. Move onto the rear shocks and check them out by pushing the back end down and see how the shocks handle it. They should resume their natural position smoothly and concisely. If not, they could be shot.

When it comes to the engine, take your time, as this is where a number of gremlins could lurk. See if you can start it from cold; not the owner. If they have warmed the engine up to make it behave better, try and let it go cold again. While it’s running, does it sound sweet, or are there a few knocks, bangs, or tapping sounds? How does the oil look – as it should, or discoloured?

Check out the exhaust for any bad dents, or bits missing, or whether it’s the right exhaust for that bike.

And finally, have a good play with the controls, making sure all the levers work as well as they should and any light and indicator controls do as they are bid.

It may be that the bike has a few problems, many do, but it all comes down to whether you can fix them and what impact they have on the asking price.

All in all, make sure you are comfortable with the purchase and that everything adds up. If it doesn’t walk away and have a think about it.

Tags: Bennetts Bike Insurance, Insurance, Motor Bike, Motorbikes

The Department of Health is urging U.K. holiday makers to check that their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are up to date before they travel.

If they don’t, warns The Department of Health, they could face unnecessary medical costs if they are treated in mainland Europe.

The EHIC replaced the old E111 form and has an expiry date printed on the credit card type piece of plastic. Should the card have lapsed before the date of travel, then travellers will be charged full medical costs if they become ill.

The Department of Health estimates that over half of U.K. travellers do not realise that their EHIC has an expiry date. So the message is check before you travel, as it would be too late when abroad.

Renewal is straightforward, either online, or by phone, and can be renewed up to six months before the due date. Be warned that it can take up to ten days to deliver the renewed card, so people are warned not to leave it too late before they leave.

Log onto the NHS website to get renewal details.

Consumer groups and The Department of Health point out that the EHIC is a superb system, allowing the holder to get the same treatment in any EU, or Swiss hospital, that the locals can obtain. It is free to get the card and once acquired, is easily updated. For everyone travelling in Europe, it is seen as a must-have credential.

It is reckoned that over 28 million U.K. residents hold an EHIC, which replaced the E111 form in 2005, but that over three million are due to expire in March 2009. The EHIC officially entitles the holder to free state provided healthcare, should they fall ill, or have an accident.

But although a superb system, both The Department of Health and consumer groups warn that the EHIC should not be seen as a replacement for travel insurance. It is there to signify that the holder is entitled to a base level of medical cover within Europe. Most importantly, it does not cover transportation costs home in the event of a serious, or debilitating accident, and that can cost a fortune.

Nor does it give cancellation cover should your plane/train/ferry be delayed, provide compensation for lost luggage, or offer personal insurance cover. It also does not cover accidents when ski-ing.

So, be warned, if you haven’t got an EHIC in your wallet, get one. And if you have, check the expiry date, otherwise it could cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Do Just Book It Thomas Cook It!!!

Tags: Holiday, Holiday Activities, Holiday Transportation, Holidays, Insurance, Travel, Travel Insurance

Considering the cost of replacing a boiler, or major parts of your central heating system from scratch, it’s no wonder that insurance plans to cover your boiler, and other parts of your system, have become so popular.

And one for the largest schemes out there is offered by British Gas.

But lets have a look at the basics first.

In the U.K. alone there are over 22 million properties that use a boiler to power their hot water and central hearting systems, and what quite a few might not realise, is that boilers are rarely covered by home insurance.

So if your boiler decides to have a bad day and throw in the towel, you would be at least looking at anywhere between £750 to £3,000 to get a new one and replace it. And as you should have your boiler serviced once a year, you might as well get that in as part of your insurance deal.

Of course, it’s only necessary to get such cover if you are the owner, or landlord of the property, because if you are a tenant, then it’s not your responsibility. But if you are a tenant, do make sure that your landlord, or housing association, does service the boiler at the stated one year interval. If they don’t, not only is it a danger to you, but also against the law.
The various insurance schemes on offer are usually arranged in monthly payments and can cover everything from the boiler itself, to the boiler and central heating system, to the top end schemes which can even cover pipework and appliances.
The minimum you should have is a boiler and boiler service cover. As mentioned earlier, boiler servicing is essential, but it’s said that four out of ten people don’t bother with such cover.
And bear in mind, that the cost alone of having your boiler serviced by a Corgi registered engineer is anything from £75 to over £100, depending on the size of the boiler and the system you have.
But, if you can afford it, it is advisable that you take the leap up and get cover that will at least cover your boiler and central heating system, if not the pipework and appliances.
There are quite a few companies that offer such cover, but one of the most comprehensive schemes out there is from British Gas.

Their HomeCare plan is based on a set monthly fee, which will cover you against a graduated list of things that can go wrong with your boiler, central heating system, and other systems and appliances. The more you pay, the more things are covered. And within each level of the programme, you can opt to effectively pay an excess (as with a car insurance) and pay less per month.

It starts with Level 100, or to be precise, HomeCare Flexi 100™. This starts from £9 a month and the Flexi in the title basically refers to the £50 excess, which represents a £50 fixed fee per repair. Therefore, no matter what your repair costs British Gas, it will only cost you £50 per repair. Now with boiler repairs averaging around £250, you’ll be £200 better off straightaway.

Still on Level 100, the next step up is to HomeCare 100™. This is basically Level 100 without the excess; an all inclusive price.

And it goes right up to Level 400, from £27 which covers boiler, central heating system, and plumbing and drains. In other words, the ultimate cover.

Now, when you take on any of these agreements, just have a quick look at the fine print, because there are a number of possible clauses that you need to understand. There might be a cap of an engineers time on a particular job, certain emergency repairs might not be covered, or that a certain boiler might be deemed too old to include within a policy.

So, whatever level of cover you feel comfortable with, one of these policies will certainly give you peace of mind with what it one of the most important systems in your house.

Tags: Boiler, Boiler Replacement, Combination Boiler, Condensing Boiler, Insurance

Giving some serious thought about motorbike safety will help keep you safe. And just in case that sounds a bit glib, remember that roughly 600 motorcyclists are killed every year and some 6,000 are seriously injured.

So, here follows ten tips to help keep yourself away from casualty.

Firstly, and this cannot be stressed enough, ride defensively. Okay, that doesn’t mean carrying a heat seeking missile system on the handlebars, it means thinking for the other guy, especially the car driver who looks, but doesn’t see you. Most motorbike accidents are caused by careless car drivers. Just because a car driver should do something, don’t expect him to do it. Think idiot, think safe.

Secondly, brush up on technique. Once you’ve passed your test, it doesn’t mean you know everything. Life is all about learning. Good riders evolve, they don’t suddenly appear. Learning how motorbikes work, their stress points, their tolerances and their potential, is a sensible strategy. Learn how to control the bike in all conditions, at all speeds – make sure, like professional riders, you know every inch and every habit of your bike.

Tip three, and this comes from the defensive riding idea, ride intelligently. Think about the road position opening up in front of you. You see a country road, trees on both sides, it’s a quiet Sunday afternoon, good weather and you can open her up a bit, but there’s a wide bend to the left coming up. Do a quick brain scan. Think what might lie ahead. It’s good visibility, but what lurks around that bend, keep an eye open for oil, fuel spills and White Van Man screaming towards you around the corner, overtaking the slow-moving tractor.

Tip four attitude. Riding a motorbike can be one of lifes best experiences. It’s a challenge, it’s freedom, a statement about you. But one fingered gestures, pulling aggressive wheelies and kicking parts of the car who’s just cut you up, will lead to trouble. As said when talking about defensive riding – the other guy is a plonker and that’s his problem. Look down on them, pity them and ride away.

Tip five, don’t forget the bike, your trusty steed. Right, simple mindset: check your bike regularly for problems. Discipline yourself before each ride to take a quick look at the tyres and then a quick test of the brakes when you’ve started the engine. Then, on a rest day, do a quick check of the other vital bits, including: oil, coolants, brake fluid, chain, nuts and bolts, and lights.

Tip six, clothing. Get the most expensive and best fitting helmet you can afford and make sure you wear appropriate and visible clothing. The Darth Vader look might seem a neat idea, but when no-one can see you on a winter’s evening, it’s not so clever.

Tip seven, weather. Seasons differ, conditions differ, but for many motorists and bike riders, this comes as a surprise. Be aware of the weather and how that should affect your riding style.

Tip eight, road signs. There’s no excuse not to brush up occasionally on your highway code. New signs do appear; old ones get updated and the less familiar ones might give you a shock one day.

Tip nine, fellow riders. Respect. These guys love what you do, riding a bike. If you see a fellow biker in trouble, help out if you can. And be courteous when riding as a group. Don’t cause the old boy in the Morris Minor a cardiac when you and the boys overtake at speed.

And finally, tip ten, courses. This country is blessed with people and organisations who offer advice and courses on how to be a better rider, and stay alive. They exist, so use them.

Motorbike safety – give it some serious thought.

As one of the UK’s largest providers of bike insurance, Bennetts do all the legwork for you to find you the lowest priced quotes from their panel of top insurers and make sure you get the protection you and your bike need. Bennetts offer the following bike insurance: Click Here to find out more

Tags: Bennetts Bike Insurance, Insurance, Motor Bike, Safety

Buy the bike of your dreams and castrate it, can be a good way of by-passing the 33 bhp rule, but does it really make sense on your riding fun and wallet?

Okay, a bit of background first. Currently, there are three types of motorcycle licence that can be acquired. Firstly, Category P, which covers the moped. Category A1 covers motorcycles with an engine size over 75cc, but no more than 125cc, with a power output of no more than 14.6 bhp (11kW) and one that can’t go above 62.5 mph (100 kph).

The third licence, the standard motorcycle licence, and known as Category A, or commonly A2, allows you to ride a motorcycle with an unlimited engine size, but, and this is a big but, with a maximum power output of 33 bhp (25kW) and a power to weight ratio not greater than 0.16kw/kg.

In others words, you can happily sit on many models from 125cc to 400cc, as long as they produce no more power than 33 horses, and there are plenty of bikes within the range.

Now, when you pass your test, or if you’re under 21, your stuck with this 33 horses rule for two years, so you’re faced with the dilemma of buying a bike within the power range, or buying a bigger one, and restricting it.

Of course, if you’re impatient to straddle a proper thoroughbred and if you are over 21, or come of age during the two year restricted period, then you can bypass the delay by proving you’re man enough to handle a wee beastie. Two schemes allow you to do this – Direct Access Scheme and Accelerated Access Scheme – but it involves extra training, supervision and money

But lets assume you’re going to hang on. Buying a bigger bike and getting a mechanic to castrate it is a viable idea and many regular riders go for this option. It is not illegal and is an acceptable way of buying your dream bike and using it for the two years before you become a fully qualified bike rider.

But, there are things to consider. The restrictor kit is just that – it restricts your bike to 33 bhp and reduces the power to weight ratio, in effect, totally altering the bike you’ve just bought. The price you will have paid is based on its unrestricted performance, not its castrated state. You will have higher running costs and insurance companies, bless them, do not recognise the restricted status. Premiums are based on the original bike’s performance, not its altered state.

Arguably, you would do better to accept the 33 bhp ruling and hone your skills on a still gutsy machine, before stepping into the big league. Any money saved by doing this can be used to good effect, kitting yourself out and putting some goodies on the machine. The big manufacturers all offer superb bikes within the 33 bhp range.

So, you can buy the bike of your dreams and castrate it, but do you really want to? Have a good think first.

As one of the UK’s largest providers of bike insurance, Bennetts do all the legwork for you to find you the lowest priced quotes from their panel of top insurers and make sure you get the protection you and your bike need. Bennetts offer the following bike insurance: Click Here to find out more

Tags: 33 bhp Ruling, Accelerated Access Scheme, Bennetts Bike Insurance, Direct Access Scheme, Insurance

CBT, what is it and do I need it? No, its not that thing that lorry drivers use to swear at each other across the airways, it stands for Compulsory Basic Training and the word Compulsory gives you a vital clue: you do need it (although, not if you passed your car test before 2001). Confused, then read on?

It started in 1990 as a way of trying to do something about motorcyclists habit of getting themselves injured in road accidents. Of course, you might argue that it’s car drivers that could do with a bit of extra tuition, as they seem to cause most motorcycle accidents by not looking where they are going, but, nonetheless, CBT was born.

The rule is that CBT Boot Camp must be completed before a moped learner, or motorcycle rider learner, is allowed to don the L-Plates and take to the open roads (its D Plates in Wales by the way, although what happens if you cross the border with the wrong plates, is a puzzle)!

To make sure there’s no confusion, a moped is not a 1000cc drag machine with ‘moped’ chalked on the petrol tank. A moped has an engine of size of no more than 50cc and a maximum speed not more than 50 km/h, or 31 mph in old money.

An oddity, some might say, is that if you passed you car test before 2001 (1 February), you do not have to endure CBT to ride a moped. Obviously, anyone getting their car licence before that date, is such a good potential moped rider, that there’s nothing to worry about!

Okay, so most need to take CBT; what does it involve? Its made up of five key parts: 1. Introduction; 2. Practical On-Site Training; 3. Practical On-Site Riding; 4. Practical On-Road Training; and, 5. Practical On-Road Riding.

Each of the five key elements have to completed in sequence. You can’t just ignore the first four and jump onto your moped and head for exciting part five, although the order of the exercises within each element can be in any order. Also, your instructor has to be satisfied that you have passed each element properly, before passing onto the next. And, with the final element, the law demands that you have received a minimum, on-road ride of two hours.

So what do you get when you graduate from CBT Boot Camp. No, not a silver trophy and free meal at the local hamburger joint; you get a Certificate of Completion. Yes, a Certificate of Completion, or, as its affectionately known, a

DL196. This effectively updates your licence to list your new achievements.

Note, a DL196 lasts for two years, although there are a number of clauses and exceptions to this rule.

Right, so you’re hot to trot. Where to go and how much will it set me back? CBT can only be taught by instructors certified by the Driving Standards Agency at an approved site. It costs between £70 and £100, although you can get deals which include the cost of the actual motorcycle test, and some kit may be included in the price.

CBT what is it and do I need it? Remember, it means Compulsory Basic Training and yes, you most probably do need it.

As one of the UK’s largest providers of bike insurance, Bennetts do all the legwork for you to find you the lowest priced quotes from their panel of top insurers and make sure you get the protection you and your bike need. Bennetts offer the following bike insurance: Click Here to find out more

Tags: Bennetts Bike Insurance, Compulsory Basic Training, Driving Standards Agency, Insurance, Motor Bike