When it comes to owning a car, it’s not just the purchase price you need to worry about. The ongoing costs, such as car insurance, need careful consideration too. Car insurance premiums have gone through the roof this year. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that the average annual policy is now £484, an increase of11% in just 12 months. For frugal motorists, one way to help cut costs is to look carefully the insurance group of your vehicle. Every car model is allocated a group rating from 1-50. Generally speaking, the lower the insurance group the lower your insurance costs will be.

How are car insurance groups decided?

The Group Rating Panel decides and sets the insurance group rating for each make and model of car. Cars in the highest groups tend to be high-performance models or ones that can be costly to repair or replace. They are in the highest insurance groups because claims against them cost insurance companies the most. Alongside Lamborghinis and Ferraris in the top group, you’ll also find many other high spec models from manufacturers including BMW, Jaguar, and Lexus.

How do I find out what insurance group my car is in?

If you have your car’s registration number, you can go online here to find out the insurance group it is in. If you don’t have a registration number but do know the model, you can look through the lists at Parkers.co.uk.

What cars are in Group 1?

Popular cars including the VW Fox, VW Up!, Vauxhall Corsa, and Citroen C1 all have models that are in the Group 1 insurance category. But remember that the Group 1 rating is only for models with the least powerful engines. As an example, whilst the Vauxhall Corsa 1.0i 12V ecoFLEX Expression 3d is Group 1 rated its beefier 1.6T 16V Sri model is in Group 26.

What about any modifications to your vehicle?

If your car has any modifications it is no longer the standard model. This may affect the cost of your insurance. Modifications could be cosmetic, such as a re-spray or wrap. They could be to improve the accessibility of your vehicle, such as to make it suitable for a disabled driver. Or they could be to improve the power and performance of your vehicle. In all cases, you need to notify your insurance company of anything that is not a factory standard fitting for your car or you risk invalidating your cover.

Do all insurance companies use this rating system?

Not all insurance companies use this group rating system. However, if your car insurance company makes their own assessment it is likely to be very similar. Insurers may also look at accident statistics to determine the risk of insuring your vehicle.

Does a low insurance group automatically mean low prices?

Your car’s insurance group is just one of the factors considered by your insurance company when calculating your premium. Other things, including your age, where you live, and the number of claim-free driving years will also influence the cost of your premium.

Our top 3 tips to get the cheapest car insurance

Whatever insurance group your car falls into, there are several steps you can take to help keep insurance costs down.

• The first thing you should always do is make the time to shop around to compare prices. Online comparison sites can be a good place to start but remember they don’t always show all the options available to you. You’ll also need to read the small print very carefully to make sure the policy you’re buying covers everything you need or you could be in for a shock when you make a claim.
• Look for insurance cover that can be tailored to your specific needs. If you only drive a limited number of miles every year make sure you specify that as it could reduce your premiums.
• Make your money go further buy purchasing your breakdown cover at the same time as your insurance. In many cases, you can save money by buying both together.

Let Easy2Insure shop around to find you the best value deal

If you don’t have the time to get lots of different quotes, ask a broker like Easy2Insure to do the calling round for you. Part of the respected Park insurance Group, we’ve been helping motorists to find the best value car insurance for over 30 years. We’ll make sure you get the cover you need with no nasty surprises lurking in the small print. For a free quote, call our friendly team on 0800 9179522 or get in touch.

The average cost of home insurance is just £297 a year according to the Association of British Insurers. Just £5.71 a week, it’s little more than the cost of two cappuccinos. But this small price can pay out big if your home or its contents are damaged by fire or flood or if you are the victim of burglars.

Burglary is becoming more common. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 650,000 burglaries last year, an increase of 3% from the year before. Extreme weather conditions are also on the rise. We’ve all watch the impact of devastating floods across the UK, and hundreds of thousands of us have relied on our home insurance to come to our financial rescue.

Do I have to have home insurance?

If you have a mortgage, it’s likely that buildings insurance is a compulsory part of your agreement with your lender. This is the part that pays out if your home is structurally damaged in any way. But although the average house contents are worth £25,857 a whopping one in five of us Brits admit that we don’t have insurance.

Why take the risk?

On average, it’s only £34 more to add contents to your buildings insurance. So why do so many of us throw caution to the wind and go without? If you’ve always thought that contents insurance would be too expensive, get a quote now. You may be surprised by how little it costs.

Why do I need home insurance?

Imagine the worst happens, and your home is completely destroyed by fire. Then think about how you will pay to rebuild your home and replace all your contents. That should make it clear enough why taking out home insurance makes sense.

If you don’t think your contents are worth much you should probably think again. Most of us underestimate the cost of replacing all our belongings. Take a few minutes to jot down everything you own. Do this room by room, not forgetting things like your bed, clothes, and tech such as your TV and iPad. Then work out how much it all costs. You may get a shock at just how much it all comes to.

What else can home insurance cover?

Your home insurance can also give you extra reassurance. If you include legal cover, you’re financially protected if anyone makes a claim against you for injury or damage because of an accident in your home or garden. You can also opt for accidental damage cover, that will pay for replacements if you, or a pet, damages any of your contents.

Do I need home insurance if I rent my home?

If you rent your home, your landlord will take out buildings insurance. But you will be responsible for taking out contents insurance. If you don’t, and something happens, you will have to find the money to pay for any replacements yourself.

How to get a great value deal on your home insurance

Here are our top tips on getting the best value deal on your home insurance:

• Buy your buildings and contents insurance together to save money
• Look for home insurance that can be tailored to your specific situation. If you do that, you won’t be paying out for cover on things you won’t need. For example, don’t pay over the odds for a policy that includes cover for bikes in a shed if you don’t have any
• If your contents are worth a lot, you may find that opting for a policy with an unlimited value specified is better for you
• If you have individual high-value items, such as engagement rings or bikes, it can sometimes be cheaper to insure these separately. Speak to your broker for advice
• Tell your insurer if you have invested in additional security measures like CCTV. These could earn you a discount
• Get as many quotes as you can so you can check you’re getting the best price. Comparison websites can be useful, but watch out for limits or exclusions in the small print or you may get a nasty shock if you do need to make a claim.

Let us shop around for the best price on home insurance you can count on

When you call Easy2Insure you’ll speak to insurance experts. Part of the respected Park Insurance group, we have 30 years experience helping our customers to get the best price on home insurance that doesn’t have any nasty surprises in the small print. We’re independent, so we’re not tied to the insurance products offered by just one insurance company. When you ask us for a free quote we’ll call round a large number of insurance companies and use our bargaining power to secure discounts on quality cover for you. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch.

It’s claimed that a van is broken into and tools are stolen every 23 minutes. It’s a major concern for self-employed tradesmen, which appears to be getting worse. The number of thefts of tools from vehicles rose to 22,749 in 2016/17, up two-thirds from 2014/15. And there are warnings to be vigilant as vans are increasingly targeted in ‘peel and steal’ (also known as ‘peek and seek’) attacks. This makes stark reading if you rely on your tools for your livelihood. Read our guide to tools insurance to find out if you need it, and what to look out for when you’re getting a quote. We’ll also outline how to get the best price.

Do I need tool insurance?

From builder to electrician, you need your tools to go about your day-to-day business. If they are damaged or stolen you can’t work. That means you could let customers down and lose your good reputation. It also means that your income dries up, which can be a serious problem for your cash-flow. Replacing equipment can be an expensive business. That’s where tools insurance comes in. If something happens and you need to buy new tools, insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially covered.

If you would struggle to find the funds to replace essential tools quickly, then tools insurance is probably a wise idea for you.

Are my tools covered by my business insurance?

You don’t want to pay out twice for the same cover. If you already have business insurance, check it carefully to see if your tools are already included. It’s important to double-check the small print for exclusions that may apply. For example, make sure any limit on value is sufficient to cover the costs of replacing all your tools. You should also check if there is a maximum limit for any single item. If your toolkit includes specialist, expensive items, you may need to specify these pieces individually. It’s worth taking the time to see if it covers your tools on site and in your van, as those situations are sometimes excluded. And double-check if there are any extra security measures required.

Are my tools covered by my home insurance?

Probably not. In most cases, home insurance won’t cover anything used for business purposes. But it’s always worth checking first to avoid wasting money unnecessarily.

Insurance for tools options

Tools insurance can cover hand tools, power tools, and plant equipment. Think about how and where you use your tools and what sort of insurance cover you might need. It can include cover:

• Against fire and theft
• Against accidental damage
• For tools in your van or car in transit or when left unattended, including overnight
• For damage whilst loading or unloading from your van

How to get a cheap price on your tools insurance

1) Look for a tailored deal, so you’re not paying for anything you don’t need.

2) Stay claim free. Lock tools away securely. And don’t leave them in your van overnight if you can help it. If you can avoid making any claims, you can keep your insurance premiums as low as they can be.

3) In some cases, it could be cheaper to insure your tools as an add-on to your Van Insurance or as part of your Business Insurance. In other circumstances, it will be cheaper to insure each separately. Speak to your broker, or Easy2Insure, for advice on the best value option for you.

4) Shop around. Each insurance company calculates their tool insurance premium in slightly different ways. That means you could get very different prices for very similar cover. Always shop around by calling as many insurance companies as you can. Or get a broker like Easy2Insure to do the calling around for you.

Tool insurance that meets your business needs and budget

Part of the family-run Park Insurance Group, our helpful, UK-based team at Easy2Insure understands the specific needs of all tradesmen. We’re independent insurance brokers, so we’re not tied to just one or two insurance companies. We use our expert understanding of insurance and what you need, to find the best value deal for you. We focus on value for money, but we also make sure there are no surprises in the small print that could cause problems or leave you unable to trade. For more information, or for a free quote on your tools insurance call 0800 917 9522 or complete the form below to get a quote today.

From building plots and fields to private roads, you’re liable if something goes wrong on any land you own. Land Insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re financially protected from claims against you. We answer your top questions so you can find out if you need it, what it covers, and how to get the best price.

Why do I need land insurance?

If someone hurts themselves, or damages their property, on your land they can sue you. Land insurance is a sort of public liability insurance that pays your legal fees, and any compensation awarded, if that happens. As solicitor costs and pay-outs can be very expensive, land insurance is an essential for financial peace of mind for most people who own pieces of land.

Is land owners insurance a legal requirement?

No. Land insurance is not a legal requirement. But considering the potential costs if something unforeseen does happen, it is considered prudent by most land owners.

What sort of land can be covered by land insurance?

Land insurance covers ‘vacant’ land. Even if this land is adjacent to other land you own, if it has a separate title it is likely it will need insuring separately. You can check boundaries here. The sorts of land that can be covered by land insurance includes:

• Fields with or without public rights of way
• Building plots (single or large-scale)
• Woodland
• Land with water, including rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes
• Derelict buildings
• Private roads
• Car parks

Do I need land insurance for my garden?

No. Land insurance is a type of insurance devised for land where there is no dwelling. Your home insurance will normally cover you for any claims of damages brought against you for accidents that happen in your garden as long as it does not hold a separate title to your property.

Can a claim be brought against me by someone who is trespassing?

Yes. Trespassing is considered a civil wrong, not a criminal offence. Landowners have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to protect members of the public from potential dangers on their land. This includes trespassers. For example, if you leave chemicals within reach and a child who is trespassing accesses them, you could be held liable for damages. In today’s ‘no-win, no-fee’ culture, it is very easy for claims to be brought against you. Even if you are found at no fault, the legal fees to get to that point can mount up substantially.

I’ve got a footpath on my land – can land insurance cover that?

Yes. Even if you’ve got public access running through your land, you can find land insurance to cover your liabilities.

We are a group of owners with a shared, private road access to our properties. What can we do?

Your land insurance policy can be adapted to cater for multiple parties on a single policy to protect private roads.

I have a derelict building on the land. Is that covered?

A run-down structure can pose an increased risk. Although the building itself may have no real financial value, if you have one on your land you will need to specify it.

Can anything else be covered by land insurance?

Yes. As well as protecting your public liability, land insurance can also protect you financially from damage that could occur on your land caused accidentally or by straying animals. This can include things like broken gates or fences.

How much will land insurance cost?

This depends on the size, location and type of land you want to insure. For example, costs will be higher if there is public access or risky features such as water or building work on the site. It will also be higher if the land is in a city compared to a remote part of the country. Get in touch for a free quote.

How do I get the best value premium for my land insurance?

• Increase the excess. Higher excesses generally mean lower premiums. Just be careful not to opt for too high an excess
• Limit the indemnity. The indemnity is the maximum limit that can be paid out – for example, £1million, £5million or £10million. Depending on the level of risk your land could pose, you can select the level most appropriate to you. Just be careful not to opt too low or it could cost you big in the long run.
• Shop around for the best value deal. Land insurance is a specialist insurance, and you’ll find some insurance companies

Call Easy2Insure for expert advice and a free quote on your land insurance

Our expert land insurance team at Easy2Insure has 30 years of experience helping people to find competitive insurance with no nasty surprises in the small print. Tell us about the land you have and we’ll use our expertise to identify all the potential risks you’ll face. We’re an independent insurance broker, so we’re free to shop around and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. We know where to look to get the best deals and we know the questions to ask to make sure you’re land insurance cover is water-tight. Call us now on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch using the form below