Archive for December, 2010

RATING insurance groups are evaluations of risks faced by cars and light commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. These ratings are decided by discussions between automobile manufacturers and representatives of the insurance industry, particularly the Association of British Insurers.

STRUCTURE OF THE GROUPS: Rating insurance groups are alpha-numeric, i.e., they have a number and a letter of the alphabet. The numbers range from 1 to 20, while the letters are: A, D, E, U, P, G.

MEANING OF THE GROUPS: The assessed risk facing a car is proportional to the numeric component of the group. A car in a group whose numeric component is ‘1′ faces the lowest risk. The assessed risk increases with the numeric component and is the highest at 20. Given that the premium prices too are proportionate to the assessed risk, cars in groups with the numeric ‘1′ attract the lowest premium. Premium increases with the numeric component of the group, it being the highest at 20.

Examples of Group rating 1 cars: As mentioned earlier in this report, representatives of the automobile industry and insurers meet from time to time to assign group ratings to cars and light commercial vehicles. Ratings may change with time, just as new models of cars may join existing models in a specific group rating. At the time of writing, however, the following car models were among those with group rating 1:

* Citroen C2

* Vauxhall Corsa 1.0

* Smart Fortwo

* Ford Ka

* Ford Fiesta

* Citroen Saxo 1.0

* C1 (from the Citroen car family)

Finally, please note that the group ratings are only indicative in nature and most insurers follow these ratings, though they are legally fee to deviate from them. If you are busying anew car, and insurance cost is an issue, get the insurance group rating of the car and check with an insurer the premium you would have to pay for the type of insurance you need.

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Tips to buy a new car

Everyone wants to buy a new car apart from providing pleasure it also improves the standard of living of a person. The growing models of new cars are making more and more difficult for a person to choose the best of the lot. Firstly understand which one is better for you leasing or buying. If you are planning to buy a new car soon update yourself with the automated information available on the internet. It would be a better option if you purchase your car through a new car dealer.

The best time to buy a new car would probably be September and October this is the time when the new models cars arrive. Even if you have already decided the type of vehicle you will buy, make yourself 100% confident about the vehicle. A buyer is said to be in a key position during the entire buying process. Hence it is very important to be well informed about the product even before entering into dealership. You need to keep in mind certain points before you buy the car from a new car dealer.

The following tips will help you to take proper decision before you buy your dream car.

1) How much can you afford: This is the most important decision you need to make even before selecting the vehicle. Money plays a very important role hence analyzing your budget is very important.

2) Shop and get the best rates and models from different dealers and compare them to find out the best which suits you. Also check out for information on the internet regarding the features and the prices of new vehicles.

3) Find out whether the amounts quoted are before or after the rebate is deducted.

4) Order a new car if you are not happy with the dealers lot. Make sure you make the best decision even though there is a delay. You can also bargain by 10% to 20% as dealers usually tend to add his incentives in the invoice price. Always remember that the dealer pays the factory invoice price to the manufacturer.

5) While purchasing a new car always consider an alternative fuel vehicle as your main commuting car. Another important consideration would be to check how much of the vehicle can be recycled once it has lived its usefulness.

6) Always be cautious about the add-ons the dealer might force you to buy. They are specially designed by the dealers to earn that extra income.

7) Always remember that the manufacturer usually offers a guarantee of 36 months with the automobile. However the dealer might defraud you to buy the warranty you already have.
8) Finally remember that all new car dealers are not scammers. Out of one million people who work for dealership most of them are honest, hardworking and reliable. You need to do a little car research if you want to get the best possible car at a reasonable price. If you are not happy with the dealers lot you are free to walk away.

Did u know?
According to Consumer Reports, only 69 percent of women thoroughly research car prices before they buy, compared to 86 percent of men.

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Imagine falling in love with your vehicle all over again. You know, having the same sense of pride you felt when you first drove off the dealer’s lot.

Possible? With a little elbow grease applied to the exterior and interior, plus a mechanical inspection by a trusted automotive technician, almost anything is possible.

Take that “new car” ride, for example. It may have been thousands of miles since your vehicle has delivered precise steering response and a comfortable, factory-fresh ride, but replacing a few worn undercar parts could make a world of difference in your driving experience.

Replacing worn shock absorbers andor McPherson struts is one simple way to improve ride and handling. Ride control replacement can have important safety benefits as well, since shocks and struts play key roles in a vehicle’s steering, stopping and stability performance.

“Steering, stopping and stability are dependent on properly functioning brake, steering and suspension parts,” said Mark Christiaanse, director of product management for Tenneco Inc.’s Monroe brand of shocks and struts. “A worn shock absorber or strut might not only make your ride less comfortable, but it also could lead to increased stopping distance, reduced steering precision and degraded stability in some situations.”

Monroe recommends replacing worn shocks and struts at 50,000 miles. For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing worn ride control parts that have been driven for 50,000 miles or more can improve the vehicle’s handling characteristics and comfort, according to Christiaanse. (Actual mileage may vary depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and type of driving and road conditions.)

“A new set of shocks or struts can make a huge difference in overall ride quality,” he said. “Replacing these and other worn parts helps bring the vehicle closer to its original performance, which is a great way to enhance your driving experience.”

Will They Have

The Right Parts?

In most cases, it’s not necessary to rely on a vehicle dealership for replacement shocks, struts and other undercar components. A leading ride control brand such as Monroe probably offers exact-fit, model-specific shocks and struts for nearly every popular import and domestic vehicle. In fact, Monroe shocks and struts are engineered to meet or exceed the original units’ ride and handling performance, regardless of make or model.

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