March 25, 2007

Motor Trade Insurance – Is The Price Right?

If you’re a Motor Trader you’ll know more than anyone just how price sensitive the automotive industry can be. And as Motor Trade Insurance is likely to be one of your companies biggest outgoings paying the right price for your Motor Trader Insurance is going to be vital.

Whilst the UK has benefited from a pretty stable financial environment in recent years with rising house prices, low interest rates and many companies making money there now maybe signs of a change. During 2006 interest rates rose steadily and with 1 rate rise in 2007 already (and with more forecast as the year progresses) there is every chance that there will be less disposable income in the UK economy.

So what will this mean for consumers and Motor Traders?

Well for consumers it could mean they have less money to spend on new cars, second cars or indeed on the servicing and repair of existing vehicles. There is also every chance that as value for money becomes more of an issue they will shop around to secure the best price and service.

And when Motor Traders Insurance policies come due for renewal there is every chance they too will start looking around to secure the best deal on their Motor Trade Insurance. And if indeed money is an issue it is very easy for companies in the motor industry to opt for the cheapest is best option. After all, isn’t one type of Business Insurance pretty much the same as all the others?

Well for Motor Traders in the UK I would urge you to proceed with caution as whilst low cost motor trade insurance is available from many different insurance providers you don’t want to leave yourself in a position without the right level of cover or the right insurance excess (or deductable).

For many motor traders the best option to take when buying motor trade insurance for the first time or when their current motor trader insurance comes due for renewal would be to consult the services of an insurance broker. An insurance broker who specializes in motor trade insurance can search the market to find you the right cover at the right price so you not only save time – but you also save money.

In the event of you needing to make a claim they can also help you get the claim settled quicker and more favourably. A good insurance broker should give you advice and make sure you only pay for the insurance cover you need and want.

About The Author:
For more information about Motor Trade Insurance visit Northern Counties Insurance Brokers at http://www.northerncounties.com/motor-trade-insurance.php Northern Counties – The UK’s Business Insurance Broker

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March 9, 2007

Tips On Buying A Second Hand Car

Whether to buy a new car or buy a used car is often times the first decision that needs to be arrived at before you can actively begin perusing purchasing your next vehicle.

Let’s take a look at some tips, pros, and cons when it comes to making this decision.

First of all, having been in the automotive business for many years, I almost always lean toward finding a good used car that fits what I am looking for. For me, I believe that used cars offer the best value for your dollar. In most cases, you’ll find used car departments are much more used to and willing to negotiate the price that they have posted on the car. From a negotiating standpoint, most used cars won’t have all of those superfluous dealer ‘add-ons’ stuck on the window either that will just never do.

In the automotive market, used cars will most certainly come with a lower initial price tag than a comparably equipped new car. And not only will the price be lower, you may also find that so is your cost to insure the used car as well as the tags, and taxes. Depreciation being what it is; means that with a car a couple of years old, the biggest depreciation hit has already occurred. And from a tangible perspective, you may have a better chance of getting those upgrades you’d like to have on the used car that you couldn’t otherwise afford going with the new.

Yet, with all of this, buying a used car isn’t for everyone. Finding a used vehicle that fits one’s entire car buying criteria can be a tough exercise in balancing what you want with the value versus risk inherent when it comes to used cars.

Not so many years ago, reliability was a major concern when purchasing a used car… and rightfully so. Today however, reliability problems are a fraction of what they used to be. Today’s vehicles, when properly maintained will easily go for 100,000 miles and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be motoring along as they approach 200,000 miles or more. And with all of the information now available online, the risk factor is again reduced even a bit more.

Even though more reliable today, buying a used car for people means buying a car that is probably out of its original bumper to bumper warranty. This alone, is enough to repel many potential car buyers back to the new car side of the dealership.

As you know, if you are looking at buying a used car, you are probably looking at a car that is outside the factory warranty or at least would have very little remaining. With no warranty you’ll be on the hook to pay for any needed repairs out of your own pocket. However, the biggest expense for most all cars today are the things that aren’t covered by any manufacturer’s warranty anyway; items such as brakes, tires, alignment, batteries, etc.

Of course nobody can guarantee that you won’t encounter a lemon. No matter what the make and model, no manufacturer can produce a vehicle that can withstand years of neglect and/or abuse. Always, always, always give the used car a thorough inspection both by yourself and a qualified mechanic; doing this will catch most problems that may be looming on the horizon.

When it comes to financing the purchase of a used car, you find that the going interest rates will typically be higher than new car rates. This is definitely a piece of the puzzle you’ll want to check out. There is no rule of thumb as to what the difference in the interest rate will be between the two because there are just too many determining variables involved such as; the economy, rebates and incentives involved on the new car side, your credit, length of financing, and even the type of used car you’re looking at. Be sure to crunch the numbers for both sides.

With used cars, insurance can save you some money as well because you’ll typically pay less for your insurance on a like model from a few years past. The reason is simple; less cost of replacement for the insurance company and used cars are generally not high on the stolen lists.

And finally, (the latest) safety features could be a concern if you’re looking at used car (particularly if you’re going back a few model years).

All in all, if the touch, feel, and smell of a new car, isn’t a top priority for you, I think you’ll find that a well thought out used car purchase you can get more car and features and still be within your budget.

About The Author:
Jeff Neilan's car dealer experience offers insightful car buying tips that save you time and money. Be sure to visit http://www.acarbuyersguide.com/ for car financing tips, ownership costs, & more.

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February 11, 2007

Electric Scooters: An Efficient Transportation Alternative


You just returned home from work. After spending thirty minutes in traffic to go a measly eight miles, your patience is shot.

You have not been home for even an hour when you notice that you need to go to the store to get some necessities. Instead of jumping in your car, you decide to save some gas money, along with your last nerve and take in the sights. It’s only a mile or so to the store, so instead of dealing with traffic, you opt for an alternative mode of transportation and avoid the hassle.

Electric scooters have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficient, environmentally friendly makeup. Without the need for petroleum to power electric scooters, you are helping the environment with every ride. Instead burning fossil fuels and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere, you can do your part in saving our wonderful planet and have fun while you’re doing it.

Most electric scooters have the ability to fold down for easy storage or transport. With this added convenience, you can virtually take your electric scooter anywhere.

Electric scooters are perfect for that short trip. Instead of hopping into the car, burning the gas and dealing with traffic, hop on your electric scooter, turn the key and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination headache free.

Some electric scooters can reach a distance of twenty to thirty miles without needing a charge. If you take the average trip to the store two to three times a week, you will still have enough charge for more trips in between. When you take your automobile on several short distance runs, you are burning more gas with every acceleration. Every time you accelerate, you emit more pollutants into the environment and burn more gas than at a steady speed.

Electric Scooters are your cost effective alternative. Though the price range differs among the different types of electric scoters, it is safe to say that the average 250 watt electric scooter that has a range of about ten to twelve miles per charge will run about $150-$200. For a 350 watt electric scooter that range from twelve to up to twenty miles per charge can set you back a mere $180 to $250. And the bigger 500 watt electric scooters that can average twenty to a whopping 30 miles on a charge will hit you wallet for around $300 to $400. One thing to remember: This is a one time fee, and you don’t have to keep filling up the tank, thereby after a few charges your electric scooter has virtually paid for itself.

Overall, when you look at the cost, efficiency, and overall convenience; you will agree that electrics scooters are one more thing in our lives that are not just a matter of convenience, rather a matter of being practical, which makes us more efficient in the long run. You can’t go wrong. Do your part to save the planet, save some nerves and put that

About The Author:
M.D. is the scooter docotr, specializing in http://www.tm-scooterhaven.com To get your electric scooter questions answered with honesty and integrity, visit http://www.tm-scooterhaven.com/electric-scooters-how-fast-how-far.htm

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