December 2nd, 2020 | Andrew Hagger | Uncategorized

Telematics car insurance pioneer, and road safety advocate, insurethebox has released data showing that young drivers in the UK are 18% more likely to have an accident in the winter, when compared to the summer months.

The analysis, seemingly prompted by an ongoing trend of accidents rising across the UK in the months following the clocks going back, identifies that drivers in the Midlands are most affected by this seasonal change, with a 25% increase in accident frequency. The area least affected is the capital – London, which sees an 11% rise in accident frequency.

Gary Stewart, Service Manager at insurethebox said: “The role of adverse weather conditions and reduced visibility for larger proportions of the day are key contributors in the increased likelihood of having an accident in the winter. There is a higher risk in the more rural areas of the UK, likely as a result of more portholes and lack of on-street lighting.”

“Although these elements are unavoidable, there are certain things drivers can do to help prevent accidents; we urge everyone to firstly make their car winter-ready and plan journeys ahead in wintry conditions. Inexperienced drivers entering these conditions for the first time should keep in mind longer stopping distances on wet or icy roads and keep their speed down.”

The importance of daylight was also highlighted in previous analysis by the insurance provider, revealing that the period directly following the clocks change (October and November) brings an increase in accident frequency of 31%, between 5pm – 8pm.

insurethebox collects data using telematics, by fitting a black box to a customer’s car, in order to analyse driving behaviour and risk factors. Based on this individual data, insurethebox rewards safe drivers and calculates a personalised renewal for each customer – as well as educates young drivers about common risks.

With an 18% increased likelihood of having an accident in winter, compared to summer months, insurethebox firmly aim their attention at ensuring young drivers are able to navigate the roads in a safe manner.

March 5th, 2019 | Andrew Hagger | News, Uncategorized

05 Mar 2019 The FCA today announced a number of measures to stop vulnerable people paying way over the odds for rent to own purchases.

In future retailers won’t be able to charge more than 100% of the price of goods – a big improvement as in some cases people are paying up to 4 times the price of items once charges and insurance is taken into account.

Andrew Hagger, Personal Finance Expert from Moneycomms said:

It’s good to see the regulator stepping in to protect some of the most financially vulnerable in our society.

These people have been taken advantage of for far too long, mainly because the retailers know such customers often have nowhere else to turn.

The credit cap of 100% is a welcome move and it’s pleasing that the FCA won’t let these retailers recoup their money via the back door by increasing the cost of add on insurances.

The new rules come into force on 1st April 2019.

March 28th, 2017 | Andrew Hagger | News, Uncategorized

Tesco Bank has today announced their support for National Pet Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate pet ownership;

To help customers protect their cats and dogs, Tesco Bank is offering all Tesco Clubcard holders 50% off Tesco Pet Insurance Accident and Injury cover in the first year when purchased by 2nd May 2017

New research by Tesco Bank has found that the owners of 2.41 million UK cats and dogs would be unable to pay the average cost of an unplanned trip to the vet in the event of an accident or emergency. With the average emergency vet bill totalling £493*, four out of ten pet owners state that the worst thing about owning their cat or dog is worrying when they have an accident or are hurt.

However, despite this worry, the research reaffirmed that we are a nation of pet lovers, with 84% of owners stating that their pet is an integral part of their family, and the most common reasons for owning a pet is for the happiness they bring and their good company.

The new research comes as Tesco Bank announces their support for National Pet Month, a nationwide campaign to encourage responsible pet ownership, and raise awareness of the great benefits that living with a pet can bring your family.

David McCreadie, Managing Director of Tesco Bank, said; “We understand just how important our customers pets are to them, and that’s why we’re supporting this years National Pet Month. Over the coming months, we’ll help customers take better care of their pets by hosting a number of Pet Roadshows at Tesco stores across the UK*, which customers can come along to. These will offer people the chance to see vet-led demos on topics such as brushing your pets teeth and grooming.”