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Insurance


  • Don't fall for these insurance fairytales
    Emma Lunn
    02.11.09
    Don't wait for real events to prove your 
firmly held insurance beliefs wrong. 
Emma Lunn dispels the myths that turn out to 
be as fanciful as the fairytales of our youth.
  • The soaring cost of insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    23.10.09
    Car and home insurance premiums have rocketed in cost over the past year, as insurers try to mitigate their losses from fraud and bad weather.
  • Refunds for mortgage insurance customers
    Rebecca Atkinson
    07.10.09
    Around one million homeowners who were mis-sold payment protection insurance on their mortgages could claim refunds over around £60 million under new measures unveiled by the watchdog.
  • Make sure your protection is up to scratch
    Ruth Emery
    08.09.09
    Too few people cover themselves and their families against redundancy, illness or death and, when they do, they often buy inappropriate products. Ruth Emery explains how to find good-value policies and make sure you're properly protected.
  • Why have my life insurance premiums gone up?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.07.09
    A Moneywise reader wants to know why his life and critical illness insurance premiums have increased by 69%. IFA Francis Klonowski looks at whether this is highway robbery.
  • 10 tips when buying travel insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.09
    Taking out travel insurance is vital unless you fancy forking out if something goes wrong. Rebecca Atkinson offers 10 top tips on cutting the cost of cover and getting the right policy for you.
  • 10 ways to cut your insurance costs
    Nathalie Bonney
    12.05.09
    Don't ditch your cover because you're feeling the pinch. As Nathalie Bonney shows, there are far better ways of saving money on your insurance without sacrificing your level of cover.
  • Survive the recession
    Liam Tarry
    24.02.09
    The UK is now in a recession, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your finances.
  • Pick'n'mix your own healthcare
    Sarah Coles
    23.02.09
    The Government will now allow you to buy top-up treatment while you are still using the NHS. Sarah Coles examines whether this is really as good as it sounds.
  • Aviva backtracks on bonus payouts
    Rebecca Atkinson
    04.02.09
    Aviva has backtracked on plans to distribute £1 billion to Norwich Union with-profit policyholders this summer.
  • Take cover with mortgage protection
    Sam Barrett
    04.02.09
    As recession looms, it makes even more sense to take out insurance to cover your mortgage and provide for your family in case disaster strikes. Sam Barrett looks at the options.
  • Banks in PPI ban
    Rebecca Atkinson
    29.01.09
    Banks are likely to be forbidden from selling PPI alongside loans and credit cards, following an investigation by the Competition Commission.
  • Is unemployment cover worth it?
    26.01.09
    Unemployment cover could help soften the blow of losing your job by giving you much-needed income while you search for another. Rob Griffin reviews the policies on offer and asks if they're worth it.
  • Is this the end of the road for PPI?
    Rebecca Atkinson
    21.01.09
    Six of Britain's biggest banks have announced they will stop selling controversial payment protection insurance alongside loans following a spate of large mis-selling fines.
  • Drive down the cost of car insurance
    Rebecca Atkinson
    16.01.09
    Car insurance has never been more expensive and is set to jump a further 20% this year. Rebecca Atkinson offers tips to keep the costs down.
  • Insurance fraud costing consumers dearly
    Sam Barrett
    09.12.08
    Insurance fraud now costs the industry around £1.6 billion a year. Sam Barrett asks what constitutes a fraudulent claim and finds out how insurers are cracking down.
  • How to make those crucial money decisions
    Sam Barrett
    26.11.08
    There can be big differences between the best and worst financial products. Sam Barrett helps you work out when you can make those crucial financial decisions yourself and when to get professional advice.
  • The white lies that could cost you dearly
    Sam Barrett
    14.11.08
    Insurance fraud now costs the industry around £1.6 billion a year. Sam Barrett asks what constitutes a fraudulent claim and finds out how insurers are cracking down.
  • How to make sure your claim gets paid
    Liam Tarry
    01.10.08
    Too many of us blithely buy insurance policies only to find we're not eligible for a payout when disaster strikes. Liam Tarry finds out what you need to know to make a successful claim.
  • Don't slip up on legal cover
    Martin Fagan
    19.09.08
    Ever hesitated over the cost of suing after a prang by an uninsured driver or slipping on a wet floor? Martin Fagan suggests rifling through the drawers as you may find you have insurance for legal costs.
  • Further car insurance hikes expected
    Nathalie Bonney
    17.07.08
    Car insurance premiums are going up in price again, according to the latest AA's British Insurance Premium Index. Nathalie Bonney reports.
  • Get the right travel insurance
    Harriet Meyer
    14.07.08
    Buying travel insurance from your tour operator may be easy but it's rarely a good deal. Harriet Meyer reveals how to find the best package for you.
  • Car insurance cheats up 70%
    Rebecca Atkinson
    03.07.08
    Car insurance cheats made fraudulent claims worth £260 million last year, with the number of dishonest drivers up 70% over the past three years, reports Rebecca Atkinson.
  • An introduction to PMI
    Sam Barrett
    30.06.08
    Private medical insurance doesn't have to be an expensive luxury - there's a plan for you whatever your age or budget, says Sam Barrett.
  • Consumers grossly overcharged for PPI
    Rebecca Atkinson
    05.06.08
    Banks are overcharging borrowers taking out payment protection insurance (PPI) by over £1.4 billion each year, an investigation has found. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • Enjoy your holiday without breaking the bank
    Hannah Ricci
    05.06.08
    Saving money on your holiday doesn't have to mean ditching the Med for a weekend in Bognor. Hannah Ricci reveals what you can do to cut the cost of your summer break.
  • Bank charges and PPI complaints jump
    29.05.08
    Britons made a record number of complaints about financial services provision last year, driven by objections about bank account charges and PPI.
  • Give your salary a safety net
    Rob Griffin
    18.04.08
    It is one of the least understood and most undersold insurance policies, but income protection could be one of the smartest things you buy. Rob Griffin explains what it could do for you.
  • Safer wheels, better deals
    Emma Lunn
    17.04.08
    It's official: you're safer on the road than your husband. So would you get a better deal with a women-only car insurer? Emma Lunn investigates.
  • NU with-profit holders in windfall
    Rebecca Atkinson
    06.02.08
    Norwich Union is to pay 1.1 million with-profits policyholders a £2.1 billion bonus in a move that could encourage a vote for the redistribution of its surplus funds. Rebecca Atkinson reports.
  • The top 10 financial rip-offs
    Hannah Ricci
    06.02.08
    Are you wasting your money on financial services you don't need? Hannah Ricci finds out how you can save thousands by bringing this spending to a stop.
  • Consumers waste thousands on useless insurance
    29.01.08
    Consumers are wasting thousands of pounds on useless and expensive insurance policies, consumer group Which? has said, with some policies almost impossible to claim against.
  • Should you get boiler insurance?
    Emma Lunn
    25.01.08
    Central heating cover is often seen as an unnecessary expense, but when you face the prospect of being without hot water and heating, these policies can prove cost-effective. Emma Lunn looks at the options.
  • Finding the best deal online
    Hannah Ricci
    18.12.07
    Price comparison websites may not be as impartial or comprehensive as they claim. Hannah Ricci takes a closer look and advises on how to make these sites work for you.
  • Can you claim a PPI refund?
    06.12.07
    Thousands of policyholders have been potentially mis-sold their payment protection insurance. Are you entitled to a refund?
  • Is your postcode costing you?
    Laura Howard
    29.11.07
    Want to know why you pay more for your insurance? Your postcode may well be to blame. Laura Howard reports.
  • Slash your motoring costs
    Joanna Sutherland
    11.11.07
    Running a car is becoming more expensive, but, as Joanna Sutherland explains, there are many ways to drive down the costs.
  • Plan for later in life
    Sam Barrett
    30.10.07
    Health insurance becomes more pricey the older you get, but with a little help, says Sam Barrett, you can find a plan to suit your needs and your budget.
  • The benefits of youth
    Sam Barrett
    30.10.07
    Don't let ill health or injury tie you down. Low-cost PMI can provide a great safety net, says Sam Barrett.
  • Peace of mind for families
    Sam Barrett
    29.10.07
    A PMI plan that covers your whole family can banish your worries over healthcare, and it doesn't need to be expensive, writes Sam Barrett.
  • Counting the cost of flooding
    Hannah Ricci
    16.10.07
    As thousands of homeowners recover from the summer's floods, those at risk of flooding must ensure they are insured, writes Hannah Ricci.
  • Floods hit property values
    Hannah Ricci
    05.09.07
    Insurers could pay out up to £3 billion after the summer floods, but flood victims may not be able to sell or insure their property. The outlook is grim, says Hannah Ricci.
  • New homes in flood plains
    Sarah Pennells
    05.09.07
    Government plans to build homes in flood-risk areas means homeowners could be left with houses they cannot insure, sell or live in. These plans will help no one, says Sarah Pennells.
  • Pensioners at risk of eviction
    Jeff Salway
    05.09.07
    Unscrupulous sale-and-rent-back schemes are leaving pensioners at risk of losing their homes. Jeff Salway warns against unregulated equity release plans.
  • Stranded by critical illness cover
    Jeff Salway
    30.08.07
    Don't be left high and dry when you come to claim on your critical illness cover. Jeff Salway explains how to interpret the small print.
  • Sneaky insurance sales
    Sarah Coles
    23.08.07
    Keep your eyes peeled when you book online. Sarah Coles looks at the practice of 'inertia selling'.
  • Crackdown on travel insurers
    Emma Lunn
    17.08.07
    Holidaymakers could risk jetting off without cover now that the FSA will regulate all travel insurance sales.
  • Floods wreak financial havoc
    Hannah Ricci
    08.08.07
    Following the summer floods across Britain, victims are relying on their insurers to pull out all the stops to help get their lives back on track, explains Hannah Ricci.
  • Get the right home insurance
    Jeff Salway
    07.08.07
    Thousands are relying on insurance companies following the recent floods - yet over a third of us do not have any household cover.
  • Are over-50s accounts a rip-off?
    Jeff Salway
    25.07.07
    Financial services companies are cashing in on the power of the over-50's 'silver pound'. Jeff Salway reports.
  • Floods may cause insurance rethink
    25.07.07
    The recent floods could cost insurers over £2 billion and might lead to the industry reconsidering the availability of flood cover.
  • Insured to drive abroad?
    Rachel Lacey
    17.07.07
    Most drivers don't know if their car insurance covers motoring trips abroad, so you need to check.
  • Beware: top 10 holiday cons
    Emma Lunn
    26.06.07
    Planning your holiday? Read our handy tips on how to avoid the financial cons this summer.
  • Get the right travel insurance
    Emma Lunn
    22.05.07
    Peace of mind with the right holiday insurance is as essential as the perfect destination. Emma Lunn offers advice on how to bag the best deal for you.
  • The ultimate insurance plan
    08.05.07
    What's the best way to insure your home against plumbing and drainage, wiring and central heating emergencies? Buying just one policy might be the cheapest option.
  • Keen to be green
    03.05.07
    Fighting global warming is all the rage, says Jennifer Hill. Eco-friendliness has become a mainstream issue - but at what cost?
  • Save yourself a fortune
    Jeff Salway
    02.05.07
    Whether you have debts to pay, are looking for a mortgage or want to save for the future, the right advice can save you thousands. Jeff Salway explains where you can get it.
  • Medical cover that won't break the bank
    Kirstie Redford
    26.04.07
    Often regarded as an expensive luxury, but as Kirstie Redford reports, you can still get a valuable level of cover without breaking the bank.
  • Put the brake on premiums
    Laura Brady
    26.04.07
    With motor insurance costs hitting an all-time high, it could be worthwhile looking at ways of reducing your premiums. Laura Brady shows how you can play the system to your advantage.
  • Revamp your finances
    Hannah Ricci
    02.01.07
    Even if your boss isn't feeling generous, it doesn't mean you can't have a pay rise. We show you how you could save yourself £10,000, explains Hannah Ricci.
  • Make sure you get it right
    Rebecca Brennan
    14.11.06
    Are you sure your home and all that's in it is fully insured against a disaster? It could be worth reviewing your cover and finding a policy that suits you, suggests Rebecca Brennan.
  • Why car insurance premiums are about to rocket
    Hannah Ricci
    05.10.06
    UK drivers are facing huge insurance hikes amid industry efforts to compensate for an increase in claims. Motorists need to decide whether they can get a better deal by ditching their supplier and looking elsewhere.
  • Car insurance premiums up
    31.08.06
    Norwich Union will raise car insurance premiums by an average 16% over the next 12 months to counter the rising cost of claims.
  • Hard sell: payment protection
    Sarah Pennells
    10.08.06
    You hope you'll never need it but lenders urge you to buy it. What is it? Payment protection insurance (PPI), of course. Sarah Pennells reports.
  • Will your insurer pay up?
    Isabelle Kassam
    22.02.06
    You can buy cover with a few keystrokes or a quick call, but while it's easy to compare prices, there's much more you should know
  • Are you heading for a breakdown?
    Hannah Ricci
    01.02.06
    Don't wait until you're stranded at two in the morning in freezing fog to get the right breakdown cover
  • Boiling down boiler breakdown policies
    21.12.05
    Come the cold snap, plumbers become like gold dust - very rare and very expensive. The answer is to take out boiler-breakdown cover, but what do the insurance companies offer?
  • Cover up for winter
    Sarah Modlock
    11.10.05
    As one in 10 skiers face injuries, the right cover is as important as the right equipment
  • Closed fund myths exposed
    25.02.05
    Over the past few years the life insurance sector has been decimated, as a consequence of increasing commercial pressures and its own past failings, leaving millions of with-profits policyholders with investments in closed or dormant funds
  • Healthcare on a budget
    24.01.05
    Spiralling premiums are threatening to put private health cover out of the reach of many people. Luckily there are ways to cut the costs.
  • Overpaying, underinsuring
    Sarah Modlock
    27.08.04
    Guess the average difference in premiums between the cheapest and most expensive policies... 20%? 50%? 100%? No, it's 345%.