10 reasons to buy a hybrid car
10 reasons to buy a hybrid car
Care for the environment? Want to save the planet? Then you must think in terms of fuel efficiency, non-polluting, and eco-friendly transport. The answer lies in purchasing and using a hybrid car. They not just make a statement that I care but are compact and fuel efficient. Here are some insights that may just tempt you to buy a hybrid. 1. Made of lightweight materials hybrids are small in size. The engine is designed to be fuel efficient. When the car halts at a signal, the engine will automatically shut down and restart when the car shifts into gear. 2. These cars have the advantage of being powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor that takes care of acceleration. 3. The batteries of the electric motor recharge automatically by harnessing the kinetic energy produced during braking. 4. Hybrid car engines produce less emission, give better mileage, idle less, and are fuel efficient. 5. The aerodynamic design reduces drag and the tires are made of a special rubber that reduces friction. 6. The battery has high capacity and is made of nickel-metal-hydride. The battery can run the hybrid when called for. 7. The power-train technology enables using two power sources and enhances fuel efficacy. 8. There are many choices. You can have a hybrid from Honda, Ford, Toyota, GMC, and Chevrolet. 9. If your transportation of choice is a hybrid then the US Government will applaud your choice by giving you significant tax breaks. 10. Using a hybrid means you are active in ensuring the air is clean and that you are a concerned citizen who wishes to save fuel which is precious. Maximize usage by pulse and glide. This means finding the ideal point where electric and gas energy are equally utilized. Generally this ideal lies between 30-40 miles per hour. Stabilization of energy is learnt by practice it really cannot be taught. Another important aspect is that you benefit if you don t rush around and drive at the prescribed speed limit. If you glide, instead of accelerate then you can make a saving of as much as 10 cents a gallon. Lastly check and maintain tire pressures. This will help lengthen the life of the tires and help you save fuel. Reduced tire pressure studies indicate reduces gas mileage by as much as 10%. Before you say yes to buying a hybrid car, you must do in depth research on hybrids, the pros and cons. Talk to manufacturers and owners. Test drive the different makes and check which one would suit your life-style. Some hybrids are ideal for city driving while others are more efficient on open roads. Even if the buying price is steep the fuel that you save along with incentives like tax breaks make a hybrid a good and sensible choice.
About the Author: Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888CarInsurance.com , the premier website to find Car Insurance Quotes including auto insurance quote, online auto insurance quote, free car insurance quote, cheap car insurance quote, on line car insurance quote and more. He also freelances for the premier Insurance Quotes site http://www.1888Insurancequote.com
Grey imports show true sticking power, says Swinton
GREY IMPORTS SHOW TRUE STICKING POWER, SAYS SWINTON
Swinton Specialist motor insurance experiences 18% increase in enquiries for non-standard motors in the last 12 months
Yesterday s boy racers are growing up, but instead of ditching their beloved Japanese imports, like the ever-popular Nissan Skyline, and opting for something a little more refined, they re sticking to their beloved motors.
The UK s largest high street /motor.swinton.co.uk/car”">motor insurance broker, Swinton, is launching Swinton Specialist, a dedicated team to handle the upsurge in customers seeking quotes for non-standard motor insurance. Swinton believe that this boom is due to the reluctance of drivers over 30 to give up their modified cars.
In the last 12 months Swinton has seen a 18% hike in demand for /www.swinton.co.uk/press/article.php?id=67″”>specialist, performance and modified car insurance quotes and the new division will handle enquiries for all modified, high performance, imported and other non-standard motors.
Grey imports ” cars not available in this country ” are remaining massively popular, with exclusive Japanese motors more desirable than ever. Far from being a passing phase in the performance car market, as speculated by some, following the release of films such as the Fast and the Furious, their popularity has soared.
The car s high specification and excellent value given the strong UK pound is coupled with the trend for short-term car ownership and low corrosive driving conditions in Japan ” leaving them in prime condition for UK owners.
Neil Ackinclose, head of Swinton Specialist, commented: “Performance cars have never been more popular in the UK and we are launching Swinton Specialist to provide motor insurance for this growing market. The internet has become THE market place for car sales, and this has opened up the international car market to UK buyers.”
But it s not just yesterdays boy racers who are snapping-up Japanese imports according to Swinton, who have seen a resurgence of men and women in their 20s making the most of low interest rates to buy specialist cars.
“We continue to see growing interest from the younger end of the market, where customers have high disposable incomes and credit is easily obtainable,” says Swinton s Neil Ackinclose. “/car.swinton.co.uk/imported/”">Japanese Grey imports lend themselves excellently to this market, especially when prices can start for as little as 2k!
“We also believe that high house prices have barred many twenty-somethings from getting on the property ladder, meaning their money is freed-up to spend on nice cars. Importing is now extremely popular as it offers excellent value for stylish, individual machines.”
Swinton has also seen a steady increase in the number of /car.swinton.co.uk/performance/”">modified and high performance cars on their books.
Swinton Specialist searches through specialist schemes from top motor insurers and offers low premiums to owners of modified and performance cars ” with great deals on modified cars, performance cars, grey imports, and penalty pointed drivers. Value-for-money premiums are also available for cars with limited mileage, for owners belong to car clubs, as well as those with good security and tracking devices.
Swinton s Top-10 grey imports:
1. Nissan Skyline (Japan)
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Japan)
3. Subaru Impreza (Japan)
4. Toyota Supra (Japan)
5. Mazda RX7 (Japan)
6. Mazda MX5 Eunos (Japan)
7. Honda Integra (Japan)
8. Mitsubishi Pajero (Japan)
9. Cadillac EXT (USA)
10. Ford Mustang (USA)
<a href="http://www.swinton.co.uk/press/article.php?id=67">Modified and performance car insurance</a>
New drivers versus auto insurance
New drivers versus auto insurance
Every year thousands of new drivers head onto the open roads increasing the number of potential accidents. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), in 2005 there were an estimated 31,884 people killed in total passenger vehicle accidents. Close to 14% percent of these car accidents were caused by young and newly licensed drivers between the ages of 16-19 years. As a result of these overwhelming statistics, auto insurance rates have risen significantly with the onus on parents to pay the exuberant premiums.
Young drivers feel as though they are the target of a car insurance conspiracy in wondering why all novice drivers aren t being target regardless of age or gender. When countries world-wide passed legislation for new drivers, known as Graduated Licensing a system designed to phase in young beginners to full driving privileges as they become more mature and develop their driving skills. Astounding statistics revealed in the United States alone, young people made up the vast majority of beginning drivers and revealed that 16 year olds had the highest number of accidents, approximately 26%.
Driver education programs can reduce auto insurance rates
What factors into this equation is maturity and lack of on road experience. Driver education schools aid in not only practical experience, but further educate their students on behind the wheel safety procedures. As part of the ongoing education, parents should also continue to reinforce the dangers and hazards of the road and continually monitor their child s driving practices to secure a clean driving record. Enrolling your child in a driver education program also helps reduce car insurance rates since they are deemed as top authorities in driver safety.
So how can you get cheaper car insurance rates? Firstly, parents should go online and get as many auto insurance quotes, at least four since auto insurance rates vary from company to company, as well as from state to state. Here are some helpful tips in trying to find cheaper auto insurance for your child and some important factors you should keep in mind:
What new drivers should know about car insurance
When you are adding a new driver to your existing car insurance police, typically you will see an increase in your rate, this is due to the fact new drivers need to be listed as a primary driver on one of your family vehicles in order to acquire an insurance rating. When shopping around for cheaper auto insurance whether in person or getting an insurance quote online, pose the question, what happens as the child gets older and maintains a clean driving record, will his/her premiums go down? Depending on age bracket, gender and driving history, this will in fact affect auto insurance rates.
As previously mentioned parents should inquire if their child does qualify for any type of insurance discount, again this depends on legislating factors that govern insurance companies in different states. If your child has successfully passed and was granted a certificate at a recognized driving school, they may qualify for a good student discount .
If you are buying a new vehicle, you may want to consider which vehicles get the lowest rates. Also, be sure to contact your agent or broker to add the new vehicle to your policy.
You may want to consider additional personal liability protection. If you or your child accidentally injuries someone or destroys their property in the event of an accident, there is a chance you may be sued for damages. In the event a judge awards the plaintiff more money than what your insurance policy provides and exceeds the monetary limits, this could prove to be a financial catastrophe. The additional liability can supplement your present policy and with a new driver in the home, this should definitely be given top consideration when inquiring about car insurance.
Written on behalf of http://www.insurancequote4you.com your premium source for finding the best online auto insurance rates.
Shelley Murphy of <a href="http://www.trendmx.com">http://www.trendmx.com</a> brings with her over 10 years of Search Engine Optimization and e-marketing strategies to web based businesses. Holding two BA s in English and Journalism Communications her writing skills have been a great asset for both onsite writing and monthly newsletters publications.
Nearly 4 Million drivers would swap penalty points
A staggering 3.7 million* motorists ” 12% of the drivers on UK roads - would ask a relative or friend to take speed camera penalty points for them if they were facing a driving ban, a new nationwide poll by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Swinton has revealed. The poll, commissioned by leading high street insurance broker Swinton, also revealed that 13% of drivers would take points from a partner or relative to prevent them from being banned from driving. Drivers were asked the questions based on the assumption that they or their friends already had six points and were photographed by a speed camera positioned behind the vehicle so that the identity of the driver could not be confirmed. The figure for potential penalty point swapping rises to 20% among the under-24s. This falls to just 4% of over-55s who would consider asking someone to take their points and 8% of over-55s stating they would consider taking them on behalf of a friend or relative. However, the same poll revealed high levels of honesty among UK motorists towards another illegal act, with 93% of drivers saying they would not drive away from a minor accident such as clipping someone s bumper while reversing. These contrasting figures reflect the attitude of some UK drivers that the trading of penalty points is a less serious offence than other motoring transgressions. Such figures indicate that some drivers view speed cameras as being positioned to inflict financial penalties, rather than actually deter motorists from speeding and breaking the law. The Swinton poll goes some way to confirming what up to now has been an urban myth that a black market could be emerging in the trading of speed camera penalty points. Nick Bowyer from Swinton said: This is potentially a serious problem which needs to be addressed. From a motor insurance point of view, it means that car insurance brokers like Swinton could be insuring some drivers who otherwise might have been banned from getting behind the wheel altogether. There is only so much checking the insurance brokers can do. Until a few years ago many insurance brokers would increase premiums for drivers with as few as 3 penalty points. Today however, we look at each case individually and do not automatically increase insurance premiums when our customers exceed 6 points acquired through speed camera traps. There are distinct regional attitudes to such an illegal move. East Midlands (6%), Eastern England (8%) and the North East (8%) are the regions less likely to ask for their points to be swapped. The biggest potential cheats are in the South West where 20% would ask someone to take their points, and in the South East where 18% of drivers admitted they would consider taking points from someone else. The survey also found that men at 13% were slightly more likely to ask someone to take their points than women. Speeding motorists face a minimum of 3 points if caught by cameras, with 12 points attracting an automatic ban in many cases. Earlier this year a YOUGOV survey found that nearly five and a half million UK drivers have points on their license, 8% issued by police and the rest from speed cameras. It also calculated that 750,000 drivers currently have six points, with 160,000 having amassed nine. (*Figures from Ipsos MORI Financial Services omnibus show that there are currently 31m insured adults aged over 16 in England, Scotland and Wales ) (*DVLA records up to October 2006, current photocard license holders held by people aged 16-99 years old = 24,713,540. A further 17 million people hold paper driving licences).
<P>Swinton Colonnade is the biggest insurance broker on the high street, with branches covering 90% of the UK. Swinton Group was acquired by its parent company MMA Insurance in May 2001. http://www.swinton.co.uk/</P><P><a href='http://www.swinton.co.uk/press/article.php?articleid=33'>Nearly 4 Million Motorists</a></P>
Car Insurance. Bad Eyesight Threatens Your Insurance Cover.
If you have an accident and it?s found that you?d failed to keep your car roadworthy, for example excessively worn tyres, and that was a contributory factor in the accident, your insurer will probably refuse to pay up. And the police may also show an interest too! Quite reasonable many of you will say. But what if it?s you that?s un-roadworthy?
How many driving accidents are accompanied by the comment ?I didn?t see the other vehicle?? And what happens if the problem was your eyesight? Has it deteriorated to a dangerous extent?
Well all of us clearly know if we have an eyesight problem but there are opticians to help on every high street. Remember, if you need contact lenses or glasses for driving then you must wear them and if your eyesight deteriorates you should get a new prescription. It?s the legal responsibility of all drivers to ensure that they?re safe to drive.
Only last week I drew up alongside an elderly driver who was clearly having trouble reading the junction signs. He was leaning forward trying to read the signs indicating towards Leeds and rolling forward at 10 mph ? all this at traffic lights that by this time had turned red ? and he clearly hadn?t seen those! He was lucky that the cars coming across from the right saw him early. I?m not even sure he saw them either!
The law is quite straightforward ? it states that any driving licence holder who cannot meet the minimum level of eyesight must not drive. They are also required to surrender their licence.
The eyesight test for drivers? states that you must be able to read a number plate containing letters and figures 50 mm wide and 79mm high (that?s a legal number plate) from a distance of 20 meters. But you can use your driving glasses.
Having said that there?s no legal obligation for you to have regular eyesight tests but you are required to tell the DVLA if you develop any medical problem that affects your fitness to drive. If you don?t tell them, it?s a criminal offence.
In some American states drivers have to take an eye test every five years but not in the UK. Here, driver aged 70 and over must complete a medical form every three years confirming their fitness to drive and the definition of ?fitness? includes eyesight. If theses drivers fail to send in their medical form, they lose their driving licence. (I wonder what that elderly gentleman at the traffic lights said on his?)
On the insurance front, if you are involved in an accident where your defective eyesight was a contributory factor, your insurance company may well argue that you were negligent and refuse to pay out. This could be simply because you needed glasses to drive but weren?t wearing them at the time.
So drive carefully, and keep your eyes peeled ? elderly gentleman in Leeds please take note!
Michael writes for <a href="http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk">Brokers Online Life Insurance</a> who specialise in <a href="http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/car-insurance/">Car Insurance Quotes</a> online.
