Benefit Number 1: Cost-Effective

Pre-paid legal plans can take the sting out of hiring a lawyer. Lawyers
fees are prohibitive for most people: you can run bills of thousands of
dollars and this is simply out of reach of most working and middle-class
families.
With pre-paid plans, what you get charged is more in line with what you
pay for your health or home insurance. Plans start as low as $9 per month
and typically dont exceed the $30 mark.

Benefit Number 2: Simplicity

There is a number of very complicated set of fees lawyers charge:
contingency fees, flat fees, statutory fees and hourly rates. In the case
of contingency and statutory fees, you have to get into the intricate
details of how these fees are computed say for a contingency fee how
much is the lawyers commission? and their regulatory nature who
regulates the statutory fee and how do I know if these fees are in line
with regulatory guidelines?-.
The other two types of fees can be equally as complex. Increasingly,
attorneys choose to incorporate any overheads they incur, like secretarial
expenses, parking charges and travel fees into their flat and hourly fees.
They can also set a minimum number of billing units, like three tenths of
an hour (18 minutes), irrespective of how long it takes them to deal with
your problem.
This is just a sample rundown of what might influence the various fees
charged by lawyers, other factors and arrangements can apply too. Contrast
this with the simplicity in which pre-paid legal services are priced and
furnished. The process is simple and straightforward: you sign an agreement
to pay a fixed monthly fee and thats about it. If what youre looking for
is not covered, your plan provider will give you a prior notice of a
different billing so that you know exactly how much you will be charged.

Benefit Number 4: Pre-emptive Law

Pre-paid plans offer unlimited phone consultation and advice. This aspect
of the service can save you a lot of trouble, money and time in the
future. Most legal problems you are likely to face in your day-to-day life
can be solved if you take the necessary steps in line with the law. With
the right advice and consultation with your lawyer, you can detect legal
blunders before they occur and hence minimize the risk of litigation and
protection.

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Summary:
This article looks at the anchorages, harbours and marinas a sailor will come across when sailing off the Costa del Sol, the stretch of Andalucian coast commencing at theUnited Kingdom colony of Gibraltar and running eastward as far as Cabo de Gata. Also included is some general information on: Bureaucracy, the boat and crew, currents, tides and the weather.

Keywords:
Cruising Guide, Harbours, Harbors, Marinas, Moorings, Anchorages

Article Body:
Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel’s registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat’s VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a “permiso aduanero” . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the “tramotana”. It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the “levante” can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar’s three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar’s other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.
Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it’s history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson’s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s body was returned to Britain for a hero’s funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are
sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it’s users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don’t expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don’t miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it’s fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the “City of Flowers” is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W – SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE – E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it’s charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it’s ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE – NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

As you consider this idea for a source of income, your first
decision will be whether to first line up the people willing to
“wear” the bumper stickers on their cars, or the business owners
who will want to advertise in this manner.

A good friend of ours started such a business several years ago,
and he found it easier to sell the business owner by telling him
that 100 to 200 people were all set and willing to wear his
bumper sticker advertisement, because such people were known to
be in the area.

All this boils down to a recommendation that you talk to your
friends, neighbors and co-workers first. Get as many of them as
you can to agree to “wear” a bumper sticker. You might offer to
pay $10 for three months, or $5 for six weeks. With inducement of
money just to put a bumper sticker on their cars or trucks, you
won’t have too many turndowns. One person we know runs an ad in
his weekly shopper newspaper, advertising the fact that he pays
money just for “wearing” a bumper sticker. And of course, don’t
overlook the pulling power of all the bulletin boards in your
area.

This is an ideal business for constant free publicity writeups in
your local newspapers, plus interviews on radio and TV talk
shows. At first, you’ll want as many people as possible to “wear”
bumper sticker ads. What you’ll want to stress in any publicity
write-ups or media interviews is the fact that you’ve got the
“vehicles for exposure” lined up and organized so that any
potential advertiser needs only to give you a call, and you can
launch his advertising program immediately.

Next, you check w a number of printers and determine the cost to
to have bumper stickers made to order. Generally, you should be
able to get a thousand bumper stickers for $100 or less. Whatever
the cost, this initial outlay should be absorbed by your charge
to the advertiser.

So let’s suppose you’ve got 100 people lined up to “wear” one of
these bumper stickers on their cars for six weeks. Figure the
bumper stickers will cost $100. Now, the problem of what to
charge the advertiser.

You should always charge on a “per-car” basis, i.e., on a basis
of circulation, as newspapers do. So, you charge $5 per car per
week, with 100 cars. This comes out to $500 per week, or $3,000
total for six weeks, from the advertiser. Subtract $100 for
getting the bumper stickers made, add $500 as payment for the
cars “wearing” the bumper stickers, and you would end up with a
profit picture of $2,400 for those six weeks.

In the beginning, you should be the one calling potential
advertisers and doing all the selling. Once you’ve got your first
program organized and running smoothly, your next step is a
natural multiplication of your efforts. Run an ad in your local
paper for commission sales people. Brief them on the basics and
get them out on the street selling advertisers for you.

The best time to launch a business of this kind is during the
fair weather seasons, or just in advance of general political
elections in your area. Once established, however, the business
can, and should sustain itself year round.

The selling “keys” to this kind of advertising are basically the
same as those enumerated for “word of mouth” advertising. You’ve
got people all over town spreading the word–talking about the
advertiser. And these people are saturating the area with the
advertiser’s name and message wherever they go.

It’s easy! It’s simple! and it works! Compared with other, more
traditional advertising methods, bumper stickers advertising is
very low in cost.

One of the tricks of the trade is in using short, snappy, even
humorous slogans or telegram styled messages. For instance:
Anderson’s Cafe—6th and Main—That’s where I’m going—How
about you? Another idea is to make the lettering on the bumper
stickers luminous to the headlights of the cars following. Most
important, be sure to make your lettering easy to read, and the
message easy to comprehend at one glance.

Actually, you could start at the front of the yellow pages in
your phone book and probably never run out of places ready to be
sold on your -plan of bumper sticker advertising. Some of the
more traditional places to sell this kind of advertising include:

Taverns Pizza Houses
Physical Fitness Clubs Political Campaigns
Radio & TV Station Movie Theaters
Travel Agencies Trade Schools
Auto Repair Shops Insurance Companies
Flea Markets Newspapers
Appliance Repair Sporting Goods
Special Local Events

The important thing is to always be creative in your selling
efforts. Always show the prospect how his business can grow from
advertising in this manner, you propose, and how your method is
more positive, more responsive, and lower in cost than the more
traditional advertising.

Remember, too, the more clever or “catchy” the message on the
bumper sticker, the more it will make people talk and respond.
For ideas along these lines, go back to the yellow pages of your
telephone book and read all those short, crispy one-liners.

Remember also that advertising is a form of “brainwashing” and
the more people see the message the stronger that message is
imprinted in their minds. Therefore, when they need or are in the
market for the services or product offered by the advertiser,
they’ll quickly refer to the strongest, easiest to recall
advertising message in their minds. And that, of course, means
that if the prospect sees a specific advertising message on the
bumpers of the cars in front of him day after day, when he’s
ready to buy, that particular advertiser will be the one he will
patronize.

You can expand this business to include magnetic sign on the
sides of cars, saddle-back signs on the back of cars, and even
signs in the yards in residential neighborhoods. As I’ve
explained in this report, line up your “method of exposure,”
determine your costs and then go after the advertisers. It can be
a very easy way to achieve real wealth and independence for
yourself!

* Multiple Quotes

Get multiple quotes – use the internet and call a few brokers. It’s easy to gather some good comparison quotes.

Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one from a direct-sell insurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet.

Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim ? How financially secure ? How reputable ? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.

* Different type of car

Insurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you’re planning to buy a new car, check insurance costs before you buy. I once set my heart on a beautiful, high performance, highly tuned Pontiac.

Luckily I checked the auto insurance before I bought it, because I couldn’t get insurance. Every broker, every insurance company flat turned me down because I lived in a high car-crime area. So I had to forget the car of my dreams until I moved up-town.

* Age and Value of Car

Maybe you’re buying a used car ? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower ? So why pay for high-priced auto insurance ? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage ?

A good rule of thumb multiplies insurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you’re quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.

* Higher deductibles (excess charges)

Most auto insurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your auto insurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.

Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible can slash your insurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim !

* Multiple Insurances

I guess this might come under the ‘Get Multiple Quotes’ heading, but it’s still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an insurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer.

This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and auto insurance. Either way it’s worth asking about multi-policy discounts.

* Low Mileage

More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car pool ?

Either way, look for low mileage discounts.

* Good Driving Record

A good driving record always reduces your auto insurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don’t speed, don’t drive dangerously, and you’ll save money (apart from other benefits !)

* Bonus Tip

Okay, I said ‘7 Ways…’, but here’s some extra tips. Fit anti-theft devices to your car. Go on an advanced driver training course. Use daytime running lights. If you’re a college student away from home, consider adding to parents policy.

This short article covers the things you must consider when shopping for auto insurance. Follow these tips and you’ll slash your auto insurance costs.

As a result of the high prices for shipping with an airliner many people end up leaving things behind that they would have rather kept; but this is not necessary, especially when dealing with International Baggage 1stopship. If the price of shipping your luggage is not too high with your chosen airline, you may still encounter problems. Excess baggage is often lost or returned to the wrong passenger due to overages in the amount of luggage that is being shipped.

One of the most reputable International Shipping Company is Robinsons. Robinsons allows for customers to be able to ship all of their baggage without having to worry about it being lost or misplaced by airport personnel. Having a professional luggage shipping company like Robinsons to assist you in your move is one of the most valuable resources for the individual who is relocating internationally. Robinsons offers a variety of ways to ship your things that are priced differently, so you should be able to find a way to ship your things affordably and safely.

One of the most helpful ways of saving money I’ve come across in recent years is to use the comparison websites to make sure that you aren’t paying a penny more than you have to on your household bills. I will regularly log on and do a permanent health insurance comparison or a check to see if our buildings and contents insurance can be bought cheaper than we have it already. Changing electricity and gas suppliers is always worth considering as they tend to put up prices for people who don’t switch providers like the banks and building societies do for those who don’t move their money to the best savings accounts. I believe that we can save about one month’s salary a year by switching or threatening to switch suppliers. Sometime purely mentioning the fact that you are about to change provider to your existing provider will mean that they will drop their price by a huge margin. Its well worth trying, the alternative is too awful to contemplate.

Source: http://www.permanenthealthinsurance.uk.com/blog/2012/01/27/permanent-health-insurance-must-if-you-are-self-employed/

- Shop Around

By comparing prices from several insurance companies, you’ll probably be able to reduce your premiums by a substantial amount. This may seem obvious, but research has shown that a surprisingly large proportion of people either just renew their current policy, or get only one or two quotes. Many insurance web sites will automatically compare dozens of policies for you, making this one of the easiest ways to reduce your insurance bill.

- Buy online

If you buy your policy online you can often get a discount of up to 20% on normal prices, because there are less administration costs involved and the savings can be passed on to you.

- Combine your buildings and contents policies

Many insurers will give you a discount if you take out both types of home insurance with them, and this usually works out cheaper than getting the two kinds of policies from different companies.

- Pay upfront

Although most insurers let you pay your premium in monthly instalments, many will charge interest for this. If you can afford to pay a full year’s premium in advance, then this will work out cheaper in the long run.

- Don’t claim for small amounts

Making many small claims can increase your insurance costs, as your insurer may see you as a greater risk and increase your premiums. You will also lose any no claims discount your policy has. Of course, you’re entitled to claim for anything your policy covers, but ask yourself if making a small claim is really worth the hassle and possible future costs.

- Voluntary excess

This is related to the last point. Insurance policies feature something known as ‘excess’, which basically means that the policy won’t pay out on claims below a certain value. On some policies, if you choose to raise your excess to a higher level, then your premiums will be lower.

- Increase your home security

Beefing up your home security with better door locks, window locks, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems can all result in lower premiums. Ask your insurer what you could do to get extra discounts.

- Reduce your cover

Many policies feature benefits that you might not need, such as cover for personal possessions while travelling, or ‘free’ legal advice. Look through your policy and see what parts of it you really need – by cutting your cover down to size you may be able to reduce your premium.

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

But rattling away, bubble bubble toil and trouble;

was the boiler under the staircase, beginning to rumble.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

As they drifted off to sleep, thoughts of Santa filling their heads.

Mum finally put her feet up after a hard day’s work in kitchen,

and Dad had prepared the fruit salad, that was always his mission.

The parents sat down to wrap the presents; Grandad was bought a gnome

(he would cherish it when became unwrapped in the warm cosy home).

He would then sing the songs of great Christmases past,

The rose tinted memories always seem to last.

Dad tip-toed up to bed, full of booze, cheer and goodwill -

because he had downed the sherry left for Santa on the window sill.

‘Tomorrow is going to be perfect’ that was his consensus (but wait here’s the spoiler;

the next day was going to unfortunately unravel because of the faulty boiler).

As everyone drifted to the land of nod, dreaming of festive bliss

The boiler under the staircase was beginning to hiss.

Poorly pipes began to freeze over, requiring the loving touch of an engineer,

the boiler just could not cope with the coldest month in our year.

As the night moved on, the inside temperature dropped to an all-time low – and

Outside; the moon glazed the new-fallen snow

As the sun came up, ice had formed inside the house,

No creatures stayed these Arctic conditions; not even a mouse.

The sun peaked through the curtains, awaking Mum and Dad,

The children screaming delights of all the Christmas delights to be had,

But as they all awoke, and from bed they started to arise

Realising that Christmas was bearing a frosty surprise.

The boiler was bust, well and truly broken

Making the inhabitants of the house cry loud; truly outspoken

Eighteen people were arriving in less than 6 hours time,

The grandfather clock was aching with every chime.

While panic spread through the house quicker than Santa’s sleigh,

Dad simply sat calmly in his chair, no fear did he convey.

He picked up his phone, and entered several digits

And began to waffle down the phone for several minutes.

As Dad put the phone down the family were dumbstruck,

For dad’s face showed a smile, then up did he pluck

“My dear family, on this cold Christmas day I bring assurance

For clever old dad this year invested in boiler insurance!”

Less than two hours had progressed,

Well and truly before Nan docked her Sunday best

The friendly repairman, (in no way begrudgingly working his Christmas hol’)

Strolled in under the tinsel, a ‘handyman Santa’ out on patrol

In less than thirty minutes, Bob had fixed the tragic -

Bringing warmth back into the home with his magic

Exiting, whistling his goodbyes as he walked out the door

With thoughts of different family’s cheer (and boilers) to restore

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Motorists could be forgiven for not getting other quotes, it used to be a very laborious exercise involving long waits while getting routed through the call centre, and boring repetition of facts to sales advisors. Now, thanks to the internet, it’s all a lot more simple. Car insurers also offer extra discounts to people who buy online.

However, you need to consider the quality of the policy, not just the price:

Check that your low quotation is not due to an extremely high excess.

Check that you will get a courtesy car if your car needs to be taken in for repairs.

Check that legal insurance cover is included, if you want it, and automatic windscreen replacement.

Find out if there is an accident help line in case of an emergency.

It’s a good idea to ring the insurer direct to talk through the policy in detail before signing up online.

Money saving tips recommended!

You can get a quote with over 40 car insurers if you input your details into a good car insurance broker’s website. You’ll only need to give your details once. Call the insurer with the quotation to check exactly what is and isn’t covered.

If you have a garage, then you’ll save by keeping your car there overnight. You’ll also make savings if you can keep your car on a driveway. This is because there is more chance your car being broken into or vandalised if it’s kept on the road.

Give your insurer an accurate picture of how many miles you do each year you will save if you travel less.

Some occupations, like being a landlord, journalist or professional footballer (if only) attract higher premiums. You can save money if you work in finance or the civil service.

Get married! Men under 30 pay more if they’re not married it’s just the excuse your girlfriend is looking for!

Under 25’s pay more, but you can get lower premiums if can put a driver over the age of 25 with a good driving record on your policy as a named driver. That person must be under 60 though, as premiums rise again at that age.

Agreeing to higher excess (the average cost is 100) will help lower your premiums.

If your car is not of a high value, you could get third party cover and make quite a saving compared to fully comprehensive insurance.

Pay as you go insurance is a new option for 18-21 year olds. It’s a recent development introduced by Norwich Union, in which you pay a unit cost per mile. The cost per mile is more between 11pm and 6am. You pay an initial fee of 199 to have a Global Positioning System fitted to your car, and then it transmits details of your mileage direct to Norwich Union. They send you a monthly invoice and you pay for the miles you’ve done!

Taking Pass Plus lessons to improve your driving abilities could save you around a third on your premiums. They cost 15 – 30 an hour and cover driving at night, in busy rush hour jams and fast motorway driving. You can find out more at www.passplus.org.uk . You can also improve your driving skills and make insurance savings with the Institute of Advanced Motorists ( www.iam.org.uk ).

Find out the insurance group of a car before you make the purchase. There are twenty insurance groups the slower and less desirable the car (to criminals) then the lower the rating. You could make considerable savings by choosing a car in a lower insurance group.

If you want a high spec or performance car then you can expect to pay a lot more on your insurance. They’re a lot more likely to be stolen or involved in an accident. Making the sensible choice might be a bit boring, but it will be a lot cheaper.

Watch your speed. Most insurance companies will let you get away with a single fixed penalty fine but if you repeat the offence then your premiums will rocket.

Protect your no claims discount as soon as you can (usually after four years). It costs a bit extra but it’s well worth it.

Satellite navigation in your car will lower your premiums. Insurers have found that people concentrate more on their driving and less on trying to find their way, which means less chance of having an accident.

It’s a good idea to have an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted not just because it could help you keep hold of your car, it will also make you a saving of 5-8%.

If there’s two or more cars in the household, get them on the same policy to get a good discount.