http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/dont-risk-your-ability-to-get-insurance-by-falling-into-the-fronting-trap.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/dont-risk-your-ability-to-get-insurance-by-falling-into-the-fronting-trap.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:28:11 -0500 car insurance can be expensive. This is because providers view younger drivers as high risk, and often inflate premiums to reflect this. But while the prospect of having to pay sky-high prices may prompt you to consider going without insurance, this is simply not an option, as if you own a vehicle, car cover is a legal requirement. Plus, if you get caught driving uninsured, you could face some pretty hefty penalties.

Beware of fronting

As a young motorist, it's only natural that your parents will want to help get you on the road, but you need to beware of committing a type of insurance fraud known as "fronting."
This is where the parent insures the car in their name - implying that they are the main driver - and adds their son or daughter as the second named driver, when in fact the young "second" driver is actually the main driver, and not the occasional driver.

Fronting is fraud

Some people may see fronting as a "harmless" way of reducing their premium, but it's not - and is taken very seriously by insurers. Equally, while well-meaning parents may have done it unintentionally, there is no escaping the fact that this seemingly innocent practice is illegal.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at Esure Car Insurance, said: "Despite many people thinking this is a legitimate way of massaging premiums down with a few white lies, fronting is fraud."
"The simple rule is that if you're deliberately trying to give your insurer the impression of a very safe set of circumstances when you know that the truth is different, you are probably fronting."

Facing the consequences

If you do get caught, the insurer has the right to cancel the policy or charge the correct premium as a lump sum.
Drivers who have had a policy cancelled will then have to declare this on any future applications, and will find it harder and more costly to buy new cover, as the majority of insurance providers may refuse to cover them.
They can also refuse to pay out for any claim you make which means you could be treated as uninsured. You could also find yourself being slapped with a fine, conviction, a minimum of six penalty points and you may even lose your licence.

Further, the insurance industry use various databases to share information so a black mark may be made on any files held on you, and this too could make it harder to obtain insurance in the future.

Drive down the cost of cover

You may find it difficult to get a competitively-priced policy as a younger driver, but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce costs:

• Get discounts on your premium by taking extra safety precautions such as parking your car in a garage at night, and fitting an alarm and immobiliser.
• Choose a car with a smaller engine, as bigger and faster vehicles cost more to insure.
• Avoid vehicles with any modifications from the standard manufacture.
• Make savings by reducing your mileage or by only driving at certain hours of the day.
• Take the Pass Plus qualification (www.passplus.org.uk) to benefit from a reduction of up to a third on your premium.
• Consider lowering the price you pay by opting for a higher excess - but be sure you can still afford this amount in the event of a claim.
• Shop around to ensure you are getting the best possible deal.

Honesty is the best policy

When applying for any type of insurance, it's important to understand that a policy is a contract based on trust between the customer and insurer.You need to ensure you tell the whole truth, and inform the insurance provider of anything that could influence their decision in offering cover. And remember, non-disclosure of information - whether intentional or not - may have an impact on any future claim.

--
You can compare car insurance at http://www.confused.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-view-on-the-electric-car.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-view-on-the-electric-car.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:33:21 -0500
Ford is proving itself to be very forward thinking with the consideration of the implications of the rollout of smart grids, the realtime pricing tarrifs and integrating the electric vehicles onto the existing grid. It is a reality that electricity demands are highest during hot days, with the demands dropping considerably at night and on cold days. The addition of night charging vehicles could be a real boon to the electric industry as with the influx of night charging electric cars, their expensive generation and transmission equipment will no longer have long periods of idle time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently released an estimate that if half of the nation's ‘light vehicles' were light plug in hybrids, they would represent a night charging market worth 230 gigawatts. This is very good news for the wind industry because wind tends to blow harder at night than during the day. With a full vehicle to grid integration, those same vehicles could sell back some of their energy into the grid on those hot summer afternoons when electricity is expensive, while also helping to prevent the starting up of more expensive and less environmentally friendly generation methods. In effect the multitude of cars could act almost as remote storage devices for power created at night, turning it back into the power companies during the day.

Ford is planning on rolling out their first fully electric cars into the 2010 and 2011 markets while their first true plug in hybrids are scheduled to make it to the consumer market in 2012. Ford is also looking beyond the electric vehicles into the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles which they have had versions on the road since 2005. These vehicles have combined to have rolled over a million miles. Ford estimates that electric power will be the stepping stone to the more sustainable hydrogen solution to transportation, especially if IBM is able to crack the lithium air battery they are currently working on. This breakthrough will give electric vehicles a travel range more equal to that of a normal gas powered engines of today.


--
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Foray Vans who are offer Ford Transit vans at great prices as well as other great Ford Vans for Sale.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/why-airport-parking-melbourne-is-smart.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/why-airport-parking-melbourne-is-smart.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:35:12 -0500 airfares, spending budgets, places to see, and a long list of other things. An often overlooked
issue until the last minute is whether to catch a taxi to the airport or drive your car and leave it
at the airport for the time that you're away.

Leaving your car at home can seem the easiest option on the surface. But there are a number of negatives from doing this. Firstly, you need to book a taxi, make sure you're all ready in time, hope that the taxi itself arrives on time, and then pay the cab fare which will probably be quite expensive (unless you live close to the airport).

Furthermore, if you don't have a locked garage at your house, your car will be relatively unsecured.
Most people have to park their car in the driveway or even on the street, which puts it at risk of being broken into, especially if you are going away for a number of weeks or months. Many houses don't even have driveways and if you live in a street with parking restrictions, then it makes leaving your car at home while you're on holidays impossible.

For these reasons and more, a number of people in Melbourne and around Australia are turning to
airport parking while they are away. They can drive to the airport at their own convenience, avoid high cab charges, and know that their car will be safe and secure while they are away. Peace of mind can be very important when you are trying to enjoy a vacation. You don't want to be constantly worrying
that something might have happened to your precious BMW!!

There are other benefits of airport parking melbourne and other Aussie airports. Most airport parking services let you choose if you want to leave your car indoor our outdoors. So as well as getting added security for your prized possession you can also avoid the elements and ensure your car looks as good as you left it when you return!

If your car is a little dirty then you can go a step further, as a number of airport parking services
offer onsite detailing. Imagine leaving your messy dirt ridden car while you go on holidays and arrive
back to a shiny clean vehicle! Some companies also offer mechanical work so if you are overdue for
a car service, while you're away could be the perfect time for a tune up.

So if you are heading on holidays in the near future, it's definitely worth considering contacting an airport parking company at Tullamarine or similar, to secure your cars safety and make sure it's in top shape when you arrive back home.

--
Elliot Dean provides information on airport parking melbourne alongside his web design company


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/good-news-for-motor-industry.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/good-news-for-motor-industry.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:51:19 -0500
The government had originally set aside three hundred million pounds to fund the scrappage scheme, when it was introduced earlier in the year. This release came on the heels of the successful plans put into use in other countries. The scheme basically provided owners of vehicles that were ten years old or older and who had retained ownership for twelve months or longer, up to two thousand pounds for turning over their vehicle for scrap. The money was provided specifically in order to fund a portion of the cost of a new vehicle. It was believed that this funding would hold out till approximately February of 2010, consumer interest and use of the scheme was much higher than was expected and concerns began to surface as to whether or not the funding would run out quite a bit earlier than originally anticipated. T

he government recently agreed to extend the scrappage scheme adding another one hundred million pounds to fund the project. This added amount is considered enough to be able to continue funding the project until at least February as it was originally planned. It is believed that because of this extension in funding, use of the scrappage scheme would remain high throughout the year and into the first part of next year. Part of the result of this is projected to be a boost to the economic recovery and the general strengthening of the economy. On the other hand, the AA warned that a ‘shock increase in fuel duty, which was also announced, would more than cover the scrappage scheme's costs and was for all intents and purposes, giving with one hand while taking away with the other. It remains to be seen, what the full impact of the scrappage scheme will be on the auto industry, so far the numbers appear to be staying positive, however the economy is still stalled and only time will tell if this project will help to kick start it and get it moving in a forward direction again.


--
This article was written on behalf of Foray Motor Group offering great deals on Ford Fiesta in Dorset and Ford Ka in Poole.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/advertising-continues-to-fall-but-recovery-is-coming.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/advertising-continues-to-fall-but-recovery-is-coming.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:45:40 -0500
With October moving towards the midway point, newspapers, magazines and on the air media are hoping that retailers and other brands will switch their advertising in high gear and a goodly portion of their advertising dollars towards these types of medias, as Christmas approaches. All of the media types are optimistic and hopeful about their future earning potential as the end of the year draws near. Even though all of the media types have been down, the way they are currently looking at things is with the idea of a five percent decline is better than a 9 percent decline. They need this type of thinking in order to keep them on the path of optimism so they can continue to push forward in a positive manner, soliciting business from any and all fronts available to them. Most of them are looking forward to the possibility of being able to show some level of growth rather than decline by the end of the year.

Radio tends to be the least affected media as far as internet infraction into business profits go. Most attention to the radio happens in the car while driving from place to place. So even though there are stations that broadcast through the internet, and even programs that let individuals DJ their own programs themselves, none of this has drastically impacted the medium of radio. Until such point as the internet figures out how to enter into your car and supply you with what you need there, radio will have not too much to worry about. They can still look forward to their advertising dollars coming in pretty steadily as the retailers work to reach the buying public while they are in transit.


--
This article was written on behalf of MKH London Advertising who specialize in recruitment advertising. MKH is one of the countries leading Marketing Recruitment Agencies .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-to-sell-volvo.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-to-sell-volvo.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:40:19 -0500
Crown, who entered into negotiations with Ford about two months ago, has offered less than the two billion Geely Holding Group Co, offered. Volvo has not lost favor as a brand, it still has its loyalists and still has a good name, sales have just stalled. This company can and will succeed if it is purchased by a company that allows the people that know Volvo the best to do what they do best. Crown is working towards that goal by trying to attract former Volvo executives as equity partners. Those being sought after include Roger Holtback, who was chief executive officer of the Swedish auto manufacturer in the lat 1980s.

Ford is hoping to finish negotiations and conclude a successful sale during this quarter. They may be narrowing the list of bidders down to one in just a couple of weeks. Geely is currently China's biggest private automaker and they are currently the most likely successful bidder in a bidding war that started more than a year ago. Everyone in Ford, Crown and Geely are being hush hush about the progress of negotiations and which way they might go. Ford will continue to be the supplier of engines and other components for Volvo is working the protection of its intellectual property into the negotiations. Ford needs to be very careful about intellectual property but that is pretty difficult. It is possible to be so closed mouth about intellectual property that you end up damaging the product and damaging the relationships with the auto makers who take over the Volvo nameplate. Still in negotiation are the responsibilities of liabilities such as pensions. Ford is looking to sell Volvo for approximately 2 billion dollars. This less than a third of what the automaker paid for the nameplate ten years ago. Ford had a ‘pre-tax' loss of 231 million in the second quarter compared with 120 million lost in the full year prior. Investors seem to be happy about Ford's decision, as the Ford stocks rose .21 cents to $7.05 in composite trading on the New York Stock Exchange. I'm sure we'll see some upcoming changes in Volvo after the new ownership takes over and starts investing moneys and ideas in this old standard.


--
This article was written on behalf of Foray Motor Group offering great deals on Ford Focus in Pool and Ford Ka in Poole .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/internet-technology-from-a-dream-to-a-car-part.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/internet-technology-from-a-dream-to-a-car-part.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:58:10 -0500
These ideas were developed over the next 6 years and in 1969 the first implementation was carried out. The network used routers which each supported a number of computers and also connected to a number of additional routers. A router is a computer that is connected to each of the networks and its function is to transmit data between the networks. Data is transmitted in the form of packets. A packet of data is simply a piece of data that has two parts. One part is the information itself and the other part is information about the data, for instance where it has come from and to where it is going (its address). The advantage of packet switching is that different packets which may contain related data can be routed in entirely different routes through the network. This first network was known as ARPANET.

Gradually ARPANET grew from just a handful of hosts to over 40 by 1973. More and more limbs were bolted on including international satellite links.

Other networks were developed separately. For instance, in the UK an academic network called JANET was set up along with the international network IPSS. Other examples are CompuServe, Telenet, AOL along with many others.

These disparate networks used quite different methods of working and it became apparent that there was a need to unify them. The internet as we now know it started in 1974. This was the year that the internet pioneers Vinton Cerf, Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine published the internet protocol which was developed into what is now known as TCP/IP. What TCP/IP did was to allow different networks to communicate with each other. TCP/IP was adopted internationally and the internet was born.

The rest, as they say, is history. Nowadays ordering and paying for an item such as car parts over the internet is common place. Mr. J.C.R. Licklider's dream is a fully fledged reality.


--
Paul Robini


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/bentley-mulsanne.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/bentley-mulsanne.html Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:35:47 -0500
The latest addition to the Bentley legacy of luxury cars is not a stones throw away from the high quality that you have previously come to associate with the Bentley name. The new Bentley Mulsanne is the new stylish car that Bentley Motors Limited is offering to the market as from 2010. This newest offering by the Bentley brand takes it name from the history that supports the Bentley brand which includes 5 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (the Mulsanne being the part of the course where the cars reach their highest speed).

Replacing the popular Arnage, Bentley's latest flagship model was unveiled in 2009. Unfortunately you'll have to wait until 2010 before you will be able to get your hand on it. The success of this model will determine what Bentley do next, but the interest that this car is generating is likely to mean it becomes a highly sought after model and the Coupe and Convertible editions are sure to follow.

The car has been paralleled as ‘a powerful athlete that is also a swift and graceful runner' and it has also been said about it that ‘it captures a unique fusion of power, elegance and sporting style'. By looks alone this is a monster of a machine and with it come everything that you expect a Bentley to be.

This car is a modern taken on the classic Bentley style and although a modern look through and through there is a great deal of the original Bentley feel that resonates in the cars presence. "To achieve this look, we spent a lot of time studying iconic Bentleys over time - the Bentley 8 Litre, Flying Spur of the 1950s, Brooklands, Azure and Arnage were all touch points," says Chief Exterior Designer Raul Pires.

More information is to be released about this much anticipated addition to the Bentley brand and nearer the time there is going to be plenty more reviews so watch this space.


--
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Romans International who are an Bentley Dealership and also great Bentley Dealers in the UK.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-emergency-kits_2.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/auto-emergency-kits_2.html Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:02:36 -0500
Whenever you're planning a road trip somewhere, and even when you're going a local distance, it's always good to have an emergency kit in your vehicle. You never know when you may need it or when you may be of assistance to someone else.

Having this kit can save you time and money for things that you would already have stored in your trunk or in your back compartment if you have an SUV.

There are some essentials that you would need in order to make any progress: A flashlight is very important to have because you will need to see. This is especially crucial if it is nightfall and you need plenty of light to see. You will need light to see what is wrong with your vehicle.

Another thing that you would need is some gloves, preferably leather ones. If it's cold out, they can keep your hands warm. They can also protect your hands from getting acquiring dirt or getting injured as you are working on the vehicle. If it's raining, it's good to have a waterproof poncho so that you can stay as dry as possible. A simple set of jumper cable usally come in an emergency kit and can help get you going. In addition, solar blankets can be a real life savers if you are stranded and need to stay warm.

In the event you become dehydrated, you will need drinking water to keep you going. Not having anything such as food or water is a dangerous mix. You should always have some type of food and water available in order to keep you going in the event you have to wait for assistance.

Keep in mind, assistance may not always come right away. It may take several minutes to a half hour for someone to come to your rescue. It all depends on where you are on the road. If you're in a rural area, it may take longer. This is because the assistance may have to come from afar. Until the assistance comes, you will need food and water to tie you down.

In the event of an emergency, it's a good idea to try and park in a lit area, if possible. If not, at least you will have your flashlight and light stick available to get some type of illumination. Make sure that the batteries in the flashlight are good and will work for at least a few hours. It's even a good idea to carry an extra pack of batteries with you in the event the others stop operating.

Some people may think that it's not necessary to have this, but that is far from the truth. It's always a good idea to be prepared, whether the trip is long or lengthy. A good Auto Emergency Kit and a few extra supplies can do wonders for unexpected events while driving.

--
Eric Holm - Owner and Manager of http://www.EmergencyandDisasterSupplies.com We have a great selection of Auto Emergency Kits. Drivers of all ages should have a auto emergency kit and a first aid kit in the car. Emergency Supplies make great gifts and show other you care. Use our free forms, information, and resources.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/cheaper-car-insurance-tips-for-new-drivers.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/cheaper-car-insurance-tips-for-new-drivers.html Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:17:44 -0500
1. Pass the Pass Plus

As safe and responsible driving is valued by insurance companies, some will offer a discount to Pass Plus qualified drivers. Pass Plus is an advanced driving course run by the Driver Standards Agency (DSA), and is primarily for new drivers. Its aim is to improve driving skills towards making the roads safer, and includes practical experience of driving on motorways.

2. Drive a less powerful car

Powerful cars and inexperience don't mix. All too often, new drivers, full of boy-racer bravado but little actual driver experience, find that a quick car is actually a car that's quick to crash. This is why powerful, sporty cars are so expensive for young people to insure. In general, the more powerful the car the higher its insurance group, and the higher the insurance group, the more expensive the insurance. So for cheaper cover, stay away from powerful cars in high insurance groups, and instead go for a modest set of wheels with a small engine.

3. Avoid modifications

As with powerful cars, modified cars are seen as a greater risk by insurance companies and therefore cost more to insure. Modifications are performance or style upgrades to a car, made after it left the factory. ‘Mods' include things like fairings, spoilers, performance exhausts, turbochargers, wheels, etc. Stay away from modified cars if you want cheaper insurance.

4. Upgrade the car's security

A modification that's welcomed by insurance companies is a security upgrade. If your car has little or no security, equipping it with a professionally fitted, approved alarm system will reduce the risk of theft, and fitting an immobiliser will increase the chance of its recovery if stolen. Both measures could result in cheaper car insurance.

5. Park in a secure location

Security also extends to where you park the car. Parking in a safe and secure location, such as a driveway, garage or a secure car park, reduces the risk of theft or break in, and could mean cheaper car insurance. And do we need to add, always lock your car when you leave it.

6. Pay a higher voluntary excess

Voluntary excess is what you agree to pay in the event of a car insurance claim, on top of any compulsory excess. For example, if you have compulsory excess of £300, voluntary excess of £200, and you cause an accident and the bill is £1000 - you will have to pay £500 of the bill. Apart from being a great incentive to drive carefully, voluntary excess will also earn you a discount from insurance providers - and the higher the excess the bigger the discount. But don't forget, you will have to pay both excesses in the event of any claim you make.

7. Add an experienced driver

Try adding an experienced additional driver to your car insurance to see if it results in cheaper quotes. It's always worth sticking, say, a parent on your policy and then running an online search, as some car insurance companies might give a discount to acknowledge the experienced driver. If quotes don't go down, no problem, simply remove the extra driver and run a new quote.

8. Become a named driver

Probably the cheapest way to get insured to drive a car is to be added as a named driver on someone else's car insurance policy - say a parent or a spouse. However, this is only really suitable if you are not the main driver of the car. If you are the main driver, you will need to state this, and the quote will likely rise in line with the additional risk. Note: never be tempted to give false information on a car insurance policy as this could invalidate any future claims.

9. Purchase a lower level of car insurance

The three levels of car insurance are: Third Party Only (TPO); Third Party Fire and Theft (TPF&T) and Comprehensive (aka Fully Comp or Comp). TPO is the legal requirement for cars driven on UK roads, and is generally the cheapest. However, if you opt for TPO, you won't be covered for your own claims, only for claims made against you by others for their injuries or property damage. TPF&T usually costs more than TPO, but also covers your car for fire and theft. Comprehensive is the most expensive, but also covers damage to your own car, and often includes other additional benefits as well.

10. Pay for insurance up front

Paying for a year's car insurance up front can be better for your bank balance. Although you may find it easier to split the cost over 12 monthly payments, many insurance providers will reduce the premium if you can pay for it all in one go.

11. Search online for car insurance

Using an online car insurance comparison site is a great way to find cheaper car insurance. You can quickly compare a whole range of insurance deals on the same page, allowing you to easily discount the ones you think are too expensive. Also, prices are the same as you'd find on an insurance company's own website, or sometimes even cheaper if a specially negotiated offer is running.

12. Build up a No Claims Bonus (NCB)

This is the best way of getting a discount off car insurance that's in your own name. The bad news is, brand new drivers can't get it. A No Claims Bonus (or No Claims Discount) is a discount you earn off next year's car insurance for being a good driver this year. And the more years you go without making a claim or having a claim made against you, the bigger next year's discount could be. Basically, it's a reward for proving to the insurance provider that you're a safe, low-risk driver. So drive carefully in your first year and then start reaping the rewards in your second.

13. Keep your driving license clean

No, we don't mean avoid dropping it in the mud, rather, don't get any points on it. Any convictions you earn, either through speeding, dangerous driving or whatever, will result in higher car insurance premiums. This is because insurance companies will know you to be a greater risk to insure. Therefore, to stop your premiums going up, always drive within the law.

One last thing…

As mentioned a couple of times already, never give false information when applying for car insurance just to get cheaper quotes. This could result in a claim being rejected by your insurance company if the false information is found out, leaving you to foot the - potentially massive - bill. That said, heeding the above tips could significantly reduce your car insurance bill anyway.


--
Read further car comprehensive car guides and articles whilst comparing car insurance at http://www.confused.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>