June 28th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Widespread uncertainty and confusion around Inheritance Tax (IHT) means millions of over 55s are at risk of leaving families with what could be a significant tax bill to be pay from the deceased’s estate. Research from financial planning experts at abrdn found that a third (32%) of UK adults over the age of 55 (16.4 million people1) are unaware of whether or not their families could be left to pay a tax bill when they pass away.

abrdn’s research also found three in ten (29%) over 55s don’t think their wealth is large enough to need advice on inheritance tax. Yet, when asked to value their current wealth, on average individuals estimated they would have a total of £354,000 in assets – which is above the inheritance tax threshold of £325,000 and is double for married couples. In London, the average estimation jumped to £556,999.

This comes as HMRC reports a 24% increase in the number of people paying inheritance tax in the 2022-23 financial year2. In April – May 2023 alone, £1.2 billion was paid to the Exchequer in IHT – an increase of £100m on the same period in the year before3. abrdn’s research – which follows its in-depth studies of the financial behaviour of near and new retirees in its ‘Class of’ series – found common confusion around wealth planning, heightening the risk of millions of families incurring unintentional tax liabilities:

• Nearly eight in ten (78%) don’t understand the residence nil rate band – an additional allowance that can increase the amount up to which an estate has no IHT to pay
• Seven in ten (70%) of the over 55s surveyed admitted they don’t know how to reduce inheritance tax bills for their loved ones
• More than half (51%) of the over 55s surveyed also said didn’t know how to start to value their property, savings and investments to understand how inheritance tax could apply to them.
• The majority (55%) didn’t understand the ‘seven year’ rule and two thirds (66%) don’t know how to gift during life without paying tax
• A fifth (19%) also don’t know where to begin setting up a will and 72% didn’t understand how to set up a trust.

Shona Lowe, Financial Planning Expert at abrdn, said: “Inheritance tax is no longer the ‘wealth tax’ it once was. Thanks to years of soaring property prices across the country, alongside the freeze of the ‘nil-rate’ band until at least 2028, more people are likely to be liable.

“Navigating inheritance tax can be a complicated and daunting but it’s a reality of life for more and more people so it’s something to grasp and talk about with loved ones. Our latest research found people feel more comfortable talking about their health problems and politics, than money. 

To help, Shona Lowe shares her tips for those wanting to help their families reduce their potential bill:

#1 Realise the power in gifting

Giving lifetime gifts is a way to reduce the value of your estate and therefore reduce your potential inheritance tax bill.

Some gifts are exempt, which means the value of them leaves your estate immediately. That could be because they fall under the ‘annual exempt amount’, which allows you to gift up to £3,000 each year split between as many recipients as you like. Or it could be because they fall under the ‘small gift exemption’, which allows you to make as many gifts of up to £250 as you choose in a year, as long as each one goes to a different person. 

You can also give away any extra income you have that you don’t need to fund your current lifestyle, provided it’s a pattern of gifting and again, the value of those regular gifts will leave your estate immediately.

If you give a gift that doesn’t fall within one of those exemptions, you will need to survive for seven years after giving it in order for its value to leave your estate completely.   

It’s important to highlight that gifts don’t just have to be made to other people. They can also be made to charities, in which case they are exempt and the value leaves your estate immediately. They can also be made into a trust.

#2 Consider trusts

If you have concerns about making gifts directly to another person, perhaps because it would be a lot for them to have to manage, or you are worried what could happen if they got divorced or had financial difficulties, you could look at making that gift into a trust instead. This can be complex and is an area where specialist advice is really important. On a basic level, it’s about working out the following points:

·      what you want to gift (which could be money, investments or a property for example),

·      who you would like to have control over it and make decisions about that gift after you’ve made it (your trustees, which can be you),

·      who you would like to be able to benefit from that gift going forward (your beneficiaries, which can’t include you if you’re making the gift for inheritance tax purposes) and,

·      how you would like that to work (your trust deed)

Most gifts into a trust will take seven years to leave your estate completely and if they are over your nil rate band, there may also be inheritance tax to pay when the gift is made. Depending on what you put into the trust, you may also need to consider capital gains tax and other taxes too. Specialist advice is critical here. 

#3 Remember who pays, how and when

If you have a will, the responsibility for working out how much inheritance tax is payable falls to your executors. The tax is then generally paid from the estate before it is passed on to your beneficiaries. However, if the tax is payable because of a gift you made while you were alive, the person who received that gift will generally have to pay that inheritance tax.

If you don’t have a will, it will be payable by the person appointed to administer your estate, again from the estate itself.

If you die with money in your bank account, the Direct Payment Scheme (DPS) can allow a portion or the entire tax to be paid directly from that account. Otherwise, the tax can be paid by selling investments or property for example. 

One thing to be aware of is that in most cases, the inheritance tax bill has to be paid within six months of the date of death, after which interest will be charged.

June 26th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Managing personal finances in 2023 presents a unique set of challenges in the UK. With an unpredictable economy, taking control of your financial situation is crucial. This article aims to provide five straightforward steps to clear your debts, cut down your living costs, and achieve financial stability in the year ahead. By implementing these tips, you can simplify your financial management, save more, spend less, and enhance your overall financial security.

Assess Your Financial Situation: The first step in achieving financial stability is to assess your current financial situation. Take an honest look at your income, expenses, and outstanding debts. Create a budget that accurately reflects your income and includes all necessary expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can adjust and prioritize debt repayment.  If you’re going through a financial claim at the moment, you need to plan as if you’re going to be looking at a small claims court loss, just so that you’re prepared for the worst.

Prioritise Debt Repayment: To clear your debts effectively, it is important to prioritise them strategically. Start by focusing on high-interest debts, such as credit card balances or personal loans, as these accumulate the most interest over time. Consider utilising the debt avalanche or debt snowball method to systematically pay off your debts and gain momentum as you progress.

Reduce Living Expenses: Cutting down your living costs is an essential step in achieving financial stability. Look for ways to save on everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation. Consider switching to budget-friendly alternatives, using coupons or discounts, and being mindful of unnecessary spending. Additionally, evaluate your subscription services and memberships to see if any can be cancelled or downgraded.

Increase Income Streams: Explore opportunities to increase your income to accelerate your debt repayment and improve your financial situation. This could involve taking on a side job, freelancing, or starting a small business. Evaluate your skills and interests to identify potential avenues for generating additional income. The extra funds can be allocated towards debt repayment or building an emergency savings fund.

Build an Emergency Fund: Establishing an emergency fund is crucial for long-term financial stability. Set aside a portion of your income each month specifically for unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. An emergency fund provides a safety net and helps prevent the need to rely on credit cards or loans during financial hardship.

By following these steps, you can take control of your finances and work towards clearing your debts while reducing your living expenses in 2023. It is important to stay disciplined, make consistent efforts, and adapt your financial habits as necessary. Remember, achieving financial stability is a journey that requires patience and persistence.

June 20th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than a third (37%) of hire car drivers are unaware that they are liable for the excess (the first part of any claim) if their car is damaged or stolen, which can be up to £2,000, even if it is not their fault.

Excess waiver can be bought to protect drivers from this, however Opinium research of over 1,000 car hirers, commissioned by iCarhireinsurance.com, a leading provider of car hire excess insurance, finds that two fifths (41%) don’t know what excess waiver is and 43% say it is confusing and difficult to understand.

Six in ten car hirers (59%) are also unsure or mistakenly believe that excess cover has to be bought from the rental company.  According to a cost comparison study by iCarhireinsurance.com, travellers could be wasting over £200 a week not buying excess insurance from an independent insurance company.

For example, hiring a medium compact car, e.g., a VW Golf, in Malaga this summer from 29 July to 5 August 2023, the study finds the six rental companies (i.e, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Europcar) surveyed charged on average £259 for excess cover (i.e., £201 for super damage waiver and £58 for tyre and windscreen waiver cover). A week’s policy from iCarhireinsurance.com covering damage, theft, and tyres and windscreen cover is £33.15 or an annual European policy is from £41.99.

If a car hirer does not buy excess cover from the rental company, or they have a car hire excess insurance policy already, then the rental company will hold the excess amount on the driver’s credit card. Over half of hire car drivers (56%) are unaware that rental company is within their rights to do this.

Drivers need to ensure they have enough credit on their credit card to allow rental companies to hold the excess in this way if they are buying cover from another provider, as the survey found that almost a third (30%) of car hirers bought excess waiver from the rental company rather than let them hold the excess amount on their credit card.

Ernesto Suarez, Founder and CEO of iCarhireinsurance said: “The majority of people hire a car without anything ever going wrong, but when it does you risk being liable for hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, so it pays to have excess cover. Do your research and consider looking at independent providers which can be a much more cost-effective option than the rental company’s waiver policies. Then don’t forget to take a credit card with you to cover the excess deposit during the hire.”

Beginner Guide to Car Hire Excess Insurance

• What is the risk? – If a hire car is damaged or stolen in Europe, the car is insured but the driver has to pay the excess (i.e., the first part of the claim) which can be more than £2000.
• Rental company excess waivers – Rental companies often sell three excess policies: super damage waiver, super theft waiver and tyre and windscreen excess. For example, the average combined cost of excess waivers for a week in Malaga this summer is £259. (see above)
• Independent car hire excess insurance is usually cheaper and more comprehensive – A policy from a specialist insurance provider, like iCarhireinsurance.com,  charges only £33.15* for a week’s policy, covering damage, theft, and tyres and windscreen cover. Annual European polices with iCarhireinsurance.com are from £41.99.
• Car rental companies do not have to approve the use of an independent excess policy – this is because they refund the customer, not the rental company.
• The excess amount will be held on your credit card – All customers that do not buy the rental company’s excess insurance, including those with independent excess insurance, will need to let the rental company hold the excess / or deposit during the rental. Some companies will only accept a credit card deposit, not debit or cash, so it is a good idea to have a spare credit card available with enough credit.  When the car is returned undamaged, the deposit is refunded.
• Make sure you’re not charged for existing damage on a car – Always check the hire car for damage before it is driven and ensure any damage is recorded on the check-out sheet. Use the ‘iCarhireinsurance’ app, free to all travellers, with SNAPs technology, to record photos taken on pick up, drop off, and in the event of an accident.
• What happens if you claim – with a standalone excess insurance policy, drivers pay the excess charges and then submit a claim for reimbursement to their insurer.

June 13th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

One in four are spending less on their holidays this year, than last year, according to a new survey of people who have hired a car in the UK or abroad carried out by Opinium for travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com.

Two fifths (40%) say they are spending the same and only a quarter say they are spending more. Of those who are spending less, over a quarter (29%) have or plan to cut back on how much they will spend whilst away, and 27% are holidaying in the UK instead of going abroad.

To save money, a quarter (25%) are cutting back on the number of holidays they take and staying in cheaper accommodation (21%).

Jason Whelan, from Multitrip.com, said: “Following the Pandemic, consumers were eager to travel again and were spending more on holidays. While the cost-of-living crisis is impacting how much people are paying on their travel plans this year, it’s clear that getting away is still really important, whether it be in the UK or abroad

He continues, “To protect your holiday investment, travel insurance is an absolute must. Travelling without insurance could leave you paying a hefty bill if something were to go wrong. We’re seeing increased medical costs globally, so you do not want to get sick or injured abroad without it. Even when travelling in the UK, cancellation cover protects you from unforeseen circumstances, such as you or a loved one suddenly being unable to travel.”

Multitrip.com’s ‘Essential Cover’ policy, which starts from £19.99 includes up to £1,000 per insured person for cancellation or curtailment. In addition, the Essential Cover policy provides for missed departure, delayed departure and ‘holiday abandonment’, i.e., if a flight is delayed to the extent a holidaymaker abandons the trip altogether.

Premier Cover, Premier Plus Cover and Backpacker Cover policies also take these eventualities into account, with up to £5,000 cover in place for cancellation or curtailment for Premier Plus Cover policyholders.

MultiTrip.com annual policies include Covid Cancellation and Medical benefits as standard. To view policy types and exclusions in full visit, multitrip.com.

If you’re travelling in Europe remember to check if your EHIC/GHIC card is valid. The cards are free for Brits and it is advised to take them on holiday as it gives you access to healthcare across the EU for the same prices as a local. But holidaymakers should still take out travel insurance as the GHIC does not cover all medical emergencies. The cards are only used for necessary medical treatment and not for non-urgent care.

May 31st, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Research from Freedom Finance, one of the UK’s leading digital lending marketplaces, reveals that the growing demand for consumer credit is being underpinned by a move for consumers to consolidate debt.

The analysis reveals forty-one percent (41%) of all people who searched for a loan through Freedom Finance’s platform in April 2023 were looking to consolidate debt. The second most common reason was home improvements (25%).

As interest rates on overdrafts and credit cards have increased rapidly since the middle of last year, so have the number of people looking to consolidate more expensive, ongoing debt into lower-cost, fixed-term personal loans. Freedom Finance’s latest Credit Monitor revealed that credit card rates are now at their highest level since December 1997.

Demand for debt consolidation has, in turn, sparked an increase in demand for personal loans, which has bounced back since the market disruption seen last autumn. This demand has led to more consumers using digital platforms such as Freedom Finance – which has experienced a fifty percent increase in demand on its own platform compared to this point last year – to find loan products.

As well as increasing overall demand on the platform, Freedom Finance says that the trend to consolidate household debt has meant that more wealthy borrowers are also using the platform as the average salary of applicants has increased steadily over the past 12 months.

Figures released as Bank of England figures reveal a tightening credit market, showing that consumer credit availability is as limited now as it was in the early stages of the pandemic and worse than in 2008.

Freedom Finance allows customers to choose from the widest panel of unsecured loan providers on the market. Its proprietary technology is dedicated to helping consumers find the best deal, in the easiest possible way, without damaging their credit scores.

Andrew Fisher, Chief Growth Officer at Freedom Finance said that tightening credit conditions are prompting more people to use soft credit search technology to shop around competitive rates.

“We have seen a clear shift in the market of the past few months where all types of borrowers are moving toward using personal loans to pay off other more expensive forms of debt, such as credit cards and overdrafts,” he said.

“Consumers like to use platforms with soft credit search technology because they can get a realistic picture of all their credit options without risking damage to their credit rating.”

May 31st, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Many of us are trying to find ways to cut costs right now. With everything from food prices to energy bills going up, anything we can do to save money is likely to be welcome.

One way to save is to look at what we drive and the way we drive it. For motorists, a car is often both a necessity, making it possible to get to work and pick the kids up from school, and an expensive means of getting around.

However, it is possible to save money on our motors. Here are some ways to reduce spending on your car.

Tyre pressure

By ensuring your tyres are safe to drive on and maintaining optimum tyre pressure, you’re more likely to get the most out of them. This means that you won’t have to replace you tyres as quickly as you would if you didn’t look after them properly.

Plus, you’re legally responsible for making sure you have quality car tyres that are the right thickness. They should have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm in order for them to be legal to drive on. You can run a simple check on this by placing a 20p piece in the tread groove of your tyre.

Drive economically

Avoid aggressive driving techniques like harsh braking, fast acceleration, and excessive speeding. These habits might result in higher fuel costs as you burn through diesel or petrol faster when you drive at excessively high speeds. They can also lead to faster vehicle degradation.

Regular maintenance

By keeping up with basic maintenance jobs on your car, you’re less likely to see things breaking and needing costly repairs.

If you spot any damage or wear and tear, such as worn brake pads, take your car to a mechanic to get the essentials updated and replaced right away. While this can mean having to find the funds, it prevents having to fork out for bigger repair jobs later down the line.

Try getting into the routine of regularly inspecting your car. This will help to see if anything’s different and if anything needs updating.

Review your insurance

Insurance can take up a huge chunk of your monthly outgoings. To be sure you are getting the best price for your policy, look around for better deals when your current cover is up for renewal.

Car sharing

If you and a colleague are heading in the same direction, why not car share to the office? This can reduce money you spend on fuel each month and also reduce emissions. Plus, it could potentially half the amount of wear and tear on your motor as you won’t be driving as much.

Consider fuel efficiency

If you’re in the market for a new car, look at models that offer the best fuel efficiency. While many of us are moving toward electric vehicles in time for the diesel and petrol ban, it’s likely you’ll be driving traditionally fuelled motors for a while longer, so it’s worth shopping around for a car that wont cost the earth to fill up.

May 22nd, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

As summer approaches and wedding season hits full swing, new research from American Express has found that UK wedding guests are set to increase their spend attending weddings by 18% this year, compared to 2022.

The average wedding guest is expecting to spend £1,045 on average per wedding this year, equating to £16.6 billion across the UK. In 2022, wedding goers spent an average of £883 to mark the first year of restriction-free ceremonies, totalling £15.6 billion³ as a population.

The gift of approval

Gifts for the newlywed couple will be the biggest expense for wedding guests in 2023, with attendees expecting to spend an average of £217.90 on brides and grooms. The most common amount spent on a wedding gift is £25-£50 with 20% of UK weddings guests planning to spend that much per wedding in 2023. 10% indicated they are planning to spend £400 or more.

Accommodation is the second biggest cost for guests at £203.90. Accommodation also saw the biggest increase in spend in 2023, up almost a third (32%) compared to 2022.

Top 5 costs for UK wedding guests in 2023

Increase in cost from 2022

1.   Gift for the couple (including cash gifts) – £217.90

+24.6%

(2022 – £164.40)

2.   Accommodation – £203.90

+32.2%

(2022 – £154.20)

3.   Childcare – £202.70

(2022 – N/A)

4.   Travel – £196.20

+22%

(2022 – £160.80)

5.   Outfits and accessories – £160.30

+1%

(2022 – £158.60)

Beyond cash gifts (47%), wedding-goers are most likely to gift newlyweds with couples’ experiences (21%), kitchen appliances (20%) or home décor and glassware (both 18%). Over two-thirds (68%) of wedding guests are looking to get cashback or earn loyalty points from their wedding guest spend.

In addition to increasing guest spend this year, the average number of guests per wedding is expected to rise in 2023. The research found that the average guest count for weddings in 2023 is 74, compared to 66 in 2022.

It’s (only) a piece of cake

Weddings will continue to see a positive rebound effect from Covid-19 in 2023, with over one-third (37%) of UK guests planning to attend more weddings in 2023 compared to 2022. Overall, 52% of UK guests will attend a wedding in 2023 that was postponed since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Somewhere beyond the sea

Plenty of UK couples are taking the opportunity to get married abroad in 2023, with Spain and Ireland ranking top for destinations to tie the knot outside of the UK. Over one in ten (12%) wedding guests will be heading to Spain for weddings this year, with the same proportion heading to Ireland (12%) for ceremonies in 2023.

Wedding guests will also be looking to earn something back for themselves when celebrating marriages this year, with 68% looking to earn loyalty points or cashback when they spend at weddings. American Express offers a range of Cards that earn Membership Rewards points or cashback. For example, the Platinum Cashback Credit Card offers a range of benefits for new and existing Cardmembers. During the first three months of Card membership, new Cardmembers get 5% cashback on eligible purchases, up to £125, and up to 1.25% cashback after that. Representative 35.0% APR variable. 18+, Terms Apply, Subject to Status.

May 16th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than a fifth of people who are planning to go on holiday in 2023, said they would be paying for their holidays using their credit card, according to a survey from Go.Compare.*

Go.Compare asked more than 2000  people about their holiday plans for 2023, where respondents were asked “How are you planning to pay for any holidays you hope to go on in 2023?”, nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits planning on a holiday this year answered that they were planning to use a credit card to pay for their holiday this year, with another 5% planning on taking out a loan to cover the cost.

Under 25s were the group most likely (29%) to be relying on credit cards to pay for their trips, with the under 35s the most likely to take out a loan (9%). It was these younger age groups who were also the most likely to be going on holidays with other family members who would be paying for the trip (21%).

More than a third (40%) of people said they had enough money in their bank account to pay for their holiday, or that their monthly salary covered the cost. The survey revealed that those over 65 were most likely (50%) to pay for their holiday in this way.

Ceri McMillan, Go.Compare Travel insurance expert, said on these results: “It’s worrying that a significant proportion of people are planning to use their credit cards or take out a loan to cover the cost of a holiday this year.  This could be yet another knock-on effect of the cost-of-living crisis, where disposable incomes are being squeezed and people are having to use other methods of payment for big purchases.

“It may be that some people are opting to pay for their holidays on their credit card as it means you are further protected if your travel firm collapses – most credit cards offer buyer protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000 – but it also provides the chance to spread the cost of the holiday across the year. But for whatever reason people are using their credit card, it is always important to fully understand the benefits and risks to your financial decisions, no matter how big or small.”

Go.Compare has written a helpful guide on the things to consider when making the decision to pay for your holiday using your credit card.

Pros

• Provides extra protection from Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act –  if you paid for some or all of your holiday by credit card (not debit or charge card) and if the price of the holiday is more than £100 and less then £30,000 – which could help you get a refund if you need one;

• If you are using a rewards card then you could receive more benefits, such as air miles;
• It allows you to spread the cost of the holiday across more months if you need to.

Cons

• If your interest rate is high on your credit card, it can increase the cost of your holiday;
• Some travel providers may add fees for using your credit cards or not accept them as a means of payment;
• Using your card when you are on holiday may bring with it overseas fees or charges for withdrawing cash.

The full article can be found here: https://www.gocompare.com/credit-cards/holiday-use/

May 10th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Aspiring homeowners can improve their chances of getting on the housing ladder thanks to extra evidence of a borrower’s good financial track record being factored into mortgage checks by a leading lender.

Leeds Building Society has become the first UK mortgage provider to partner with Experian and connect to its free Experian Boost service.

It means the last 12 months’ of regular debit payments, such as council tax and subscriptions to digital entertainment services like Netflix or Spotify, can now contribute to credit scores and be factored into mortgage applications to Leeds.

The service uses open banking to link the borrower’s current account payments to their credit score which is then connected to the Society’s lending systems. During testing, 7.5% of Society applicants would have gained an improvement in their credit score by using Experian Boost.

Leeds Building Society has more than 800,000 customers and last year it helped 18,000 people onto the housing ladder for the first time.

It lends up to 95% of the value of a home both for outright purchase and shared ownership mortgages, applications for which will also be eligible for boosted credit scores.

Last year the Society stopped lending on residential second homes to focus on first time buyers and also published a series of public policy proposals to address the homeownership crisis.

Richard Fearon, Chief Executive at Leeds Building Society, said: “We’re proud to be the first mortgage lender in the UK to make it easier for aspiring homeowners by incorporating free, ‘boosted’ credit scores.

“This will particularly help younger borrowers, first time buyers and anyone on lower incomes who face the toughest challenge to prove their ability to repay. Often through no fault of their own, these groups can struggle to build a good credit score because they need to spend most of their earnings on rent and other regular payments. Indeed, the vast majority of existing Boost users are renters.

“Housing is at its least affordable point since our founding year in 1875, a sad indictment of decades of inertia over the UK’s housing crisis. But we will continue to find ways we can help and put homeownership within reach of more people, just as we have for almost 150 years.

“It is no coincidence that a building society is the first to offer this service – we were the original homeownership pioneers and I’m delighted we’re maintaining that tradition.”

Sigga Sigurdardottir, Managing Director, Consumer Services at Experian, said: “Our partnership with Leeds Building Society further supports Experian’s mission to improve financial inclusion for consumers.

“As many people across the UK face barriers to homeownership, we’re delighted that Boost users can now use their boosted scores to help them get on the ladder, making that dream of home ownership more accessible for people across the UK.”

Customers can opt-in and out of the boost service at any time and the service is completely free. More information can be found at https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/experian-boost.html

May 5th, 2023 | Andrew Hagger | News

Go.Compare car insurance has found that one in six drivers (18%) have had their car keys lost or stolen, and is warning motorists to check their policy documents as not all insurance policies provide this type of cover as standard.

The research, which interviewed over 1500 motorists about whether or not they’ve had their keys lost or stolen, found that women are a lot less likely to lose their car keys than men, with 13% saying they’d previously had their car keys lost or stolen – compared with 22% of men admitting they had lost or had their keys stolen.

In response to this, the experts at Go.Compare reviewed 310** standard car insurance products and found that, while 87% of products will provide cover for stolen keys as standard, this drops to 64% when it comes to covering keys that have been lost.

The maximum amount that insurers would pay out also varies significantly between providers so the comparison site is warning car insurance customers to carefully check their policy and make sure they’re adequately covered if anything should happen.

In most cases, a car insurance policy will cover the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged keys. Some policies will also pay out for replacement locks due, but again, this amount varies between policies.

Ryan Fulthorpe, Go.Compare’s car insurance spokesperson said on the findings; “If one in six drivers are likely to lose their keys in their driving career, it makes sense to have the right amount of cover in place on their insurance policy. According to industry figures, the average cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key is £240***, but it can cost a lot more, for example, the cost of replacing a Toyota Yaris remote key is estimated at £390.

“With such a variety in costs when it comes to replacing a lost or stolen car key, including the complete replacement of a locking system for some new cars, it’s absolutely worth spending a few minutes checking your policy and the level of cover that you have in place for lost or stolen keys.

“Whilst you can’t prevent all eventualities, there are a few ways to keep your car keys safe – for example, you can download a finder app or get a Bluetooth tracking device so that if you can’t find your keys, you can locate them on a map and it will make a sound when you’re in close proximity. Also try to keep your keys in a designated place in the home, but away from external doors.”

Go.Compare has a written  guide about car keys and insurance, which can be found here: https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/lost-car-keys-insurance/.