It is traditionally known as 'car insurance', but could the recent increase in web-based comparison websites be making drivers confused? The Association of British Insurers classifies it as 'motor insurance', and the official body for compensating the victims of uninsured drivers is the 'Motor Insurers' Bureau' (MIB). Although a predominantly U.S. term, 'auto insurance' is also starting to appear in the UK.
There is the question that asks: "does it really matter what it's called?" 'Car insurance' is possibly the clearest term, as it does exactly what it says. 'Van insurance' and 'motorbike insurance' are also reassuringly straightforward. 'Motor insurance' indicates coverage for any engine-powered vehicle. However, this doesn't necessarily mean an insurer will have a quote immediately at hand for a ride-on Shop-mobility scooter!
Car insurance, motor insurance, auto insurance; whatever customers choose to call it, is a huge business for good reason - there are plenty of vehicles to protect. There are approximately 30,000,000 cars licensed in the UK, with 73% of UK households owning at least one car. In 2006, total net premiums for motor insurance in the UK came to £10.3 billion. In the same year, motorists filed £8.0 billion-worth of claims.
It therefore can be surprising to learn that the UK has the status as one of the worst offenders in Western Europe for uninsured drivers on the road. The MIB estimates that one in every twenty cars on the road being driven without insurance, adding up to an estimated £30 to every UK driver's insurance premium in order to compensate. It's every driver's responsibility to ensure that they're insured, and from 2009, it will be an offence to keep a car without insurance - whether or not it is being used - unless you have filed a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration.
However, finding car insurance in modern times can be a minefield. It's a pervasive irony that protecting your vehicle against risks on the road can be a risky business. Type 'car insurance' into a search engine online and the riotous spectrum of policies on offer can make finding the necessary cover seem as complex as finding a needle in a haystack. For those who wish to avoid struggling through the labyrinthine range of coverage options, a whole industry has popped into existence for the purpose of making drivers' choices clearer.
It can, however, be difficult to know which of these comparison companies to choose for the best insurance option. There may be many websites devoted to comparing costs, but it is also important to get the right coverage depending on personal priorities. With thousands of new drivers entering the market every year, motor insurance will continue to be a legal requirement and an essential piece of protection against other road users.
When drivers need clarity about car insurance, there shouldn't be confusion about its name. It doesn't matter what it's called, but that it can be relied on when the unexpected happens.
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I worked for a company for over 4 years. He paid ...
By: judy | 07-11-2008
I worked for a company for over 4 years. He paid my business (he wanted it that way). He paid me hourly. He fired me. Can I collect unemployment?
I am a temporary employee and have been working ...
By: katlou | 07-11-2008
I am a temporary employee and have been working for one agency (except for one week) for almost 14 months. In turn, I have been a floater for one corporation for all this time. My last assignment lasted from 9/22 until 10/31/08. I was told that they would not need my services after October 31 and that because I have been working there over one year as a contingent I couldn't come back for 90 days (although that policy was not enforce, generally, for administrative assistant temps, but more for higher level spots). My agency called me back the following Tuesday AFTER I HAD just filed for unemployment. They said the group I was supporting asked for me back. I declined because they had not treated me very well (barely speaking to me, not giving me work to do, etc., etc.). It would have been excruciating to return. My agency said that because I declined the assignment my unemployment may not take place. A friend said that I could say I was incompetent and could receive the insurance. What does this mean and may I do this (I work and live in New York City). Thank you very much.
Health Insurance called New Jersey Care
By: Caroline | 07-11-2008
Is there a healthcare program for folks who are on state unemployment and are low on cash at this moment? I've heard of one called New Jersey Care or Cares, but can't find anyting on the internet.
Insurance that would not pay
By: Donna | 07-11-2008
Fixmeup2i had surgery on my mouth in feb. I had to have synthetic graft put in my upper gums so that ii could wear dentures.....That was the only way that i would be able to have dentures that fit properly. My oral surgeon filed to my antem blue cross blue sheild dental plan, and they said they would not pay, because it was considered a cosmetic procedure! I also have medicare. So now i have a $2,326.00 bill that i am stuck with. And by the way, the procedure didn't even take! What advice, if any, can you give me? Thanks, Dn7whi@aol.Com
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By: Peter | 07-11-2008
I am covered by three insurence policies but nono of them will pay for hearing aids. Is there some way I can cash out the excess coverage from the two poliocies that rarely pay anything (an occasional co-pay maybe) and use the money to pay for hearing aids?
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By: gadams | 07-11-2008
My husband is retired(disability) after 27 years as CA firefighter with Kaiser benefits. He turns 65 years old this month which would make most people eligible for Soc. Sec. & medicare. However, he never worked another job long enough to qualify. We were paying 606.00 monthly for CA Kaiser benefits which we could handle and were happy with service. He had a heart attack and stroke this year and we decided to move closer to our children in ATL thinking that since Kaiser was in GA too we would have no problems. We find out that they are entirely 2 different companies with different benefits. Also CA has indicated that since we are not eligible for medicare that our monthly rates have shot up to $1400 monthly. What on earth can we do about this? It's not our fault the fire dept didn't take out soc.sec. monies.
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