If you’re a Motor Trader you’ll know more than anyone just how price sensitive the automotive industry can be. And as Motor Trade Insurance is likely to be one of your companies biggest outgoings paying the right price for your Motor Trader Insurance is going to be vital.

Whilst the UK has benefited from a pretty stable financial environment in recent years with rising house prices, low interest rates and many companies making money there now maybe signs of a change. During 2006 interest rates rose steadily and with 1 rate rise in 2007 already (and with more forecast as the year progresses) there is every chance that there will be less disposable income in the UK economy.

So what will this mean for consumers and Motor Traders?

Well for consumers it could mean they have less money to spend on new cars, second cars or indeed on the servicing and repair of existing vehicles. There is also every chance that as value for money becomes more of an issue they will shop around to secure the best price and service.

And when Motor Traders Insurance policies come due for renewal there is every chance they too will start looking around to secure the best deal on their Motor Trade Insurance. And if indeed money is an issue it is very easy for companies in the motor industry to opt for the cheapest is best option. After all, isn’t one type of Business Insurance pretty much the same as all the others?

Well for Motor Traders in the UK I would urge you to proceed with caution as whilst low cost motor trade insurance is available from many different insurance providers you don’t want to leave yourself in a position without the right level of cover or the right insurance excess (or deductable).

For many motor traders the best option to take when buying motor trade insurance for the first time or when their current motor trader insurance comes due for renewal would be to consult the services of an insurance broker. An insurance broker who specializes in motor trade insurance can search the market to find you the right cover at the right price so you not only save time – but you also save money.

In the event of you needing to make a claim they can also help you get the claim settled quicker and more favourably. A good insurance broker should give you advice and make sure you only pay for the insurance cover you need and want.

Whether to buy a new car or buy a used car is often times the first decision that needs to be arrived at before you can actively begin perusing purchasing your next vehicle.

Let’s take a look at some tips, pros, and cons when it comes to making this decision.

First of all, having been in the automotive business for many years, I almost always lean toward finding a good used car that fits what I am looking for. For me, I believe that used cars offer the best value for your dollar. In most cases, you’ll find used car departments are much more used to and willing to negotiate the price that they have posted on the car. From a negotiating standpoint, most used cars won’t have all of those superfluous dealer ‘add-ons’ stuck on the window either that will just never do.

In the automotive market, used cars will most certainly come with a lower initial price tag than a comparably equipped new car. And not only will the price be lower, you may also find that so is your cost to insure the used car as well as the tags, and taxes. Depreciation being what it is; means that with a car a couple of years old, the biggest depreciation hit has already occurred. And from a tangible perspective, you may have a better chance of getting those upgrades you’d like to have on the used car that you couldn’t otherwise afford going with the new.

Yet, with all of this, buying a used car isn’t for everyone. Finding a used vehicle that fits one’s entire car buying criteria can be a tough exercise in balancing what you want with the value versus risk inherent when it comes to used cars.

Not so many years ago, reliability was a major concern when purchasing a used car… and rightfully so. Today however, reliability problems are a fraction of what they used to be. Today’s vehicles, when properly maintained will easily go for 100,000 miles and it’s not uncommon for vehicles to be motoring along as they approach 200,000 miles or more. And with all of the information now available online, the risk factor is again reduced even a bit more.

Even though more reliable today, buying a used car for people means buying a car that is probably out of its original bumper to bumper warranty. This alone, is enough to repel many potential car buyers back to the new car side of the dealership.

As you know, if you are looking at buying a used car, you are probably looking at a car that is outside the factory warranty or at least would have very little remaining. With no warranty you’ll be on the hook to pay for any needed repairs out of your own pocket. However, the biggest expense for most all cars today are the things that aren’t covered by any manufacturer’s warranty anyway; items such as brakes, tires, alignment, batteries, etc.

Of course nobody can guarantee that you won’t encounter a lemon. No matter what the make and model, no manufacturer can produce a vehicle that can withstand years of neglect and/or abuse. Always, always, always give the used car a thorough inspection both by yourself and a qualified mechanic; doing this will catch most problems that may be looming on the horizon.

When it comes to financing the purchase of a used car, you find that the going interest rates will typically be higher than new car rates. This is definitely a piece of the puzzle you’ll want to check out. There is no rule of thumb as to what the difference in the interest rate will be between the two because there are just too many determining variables involved such as; the economy, rebates and incentives involved on the new car side, your credit, length of financing, and even the type of used car you’re looking at. Be sure to crunch the numbers for both sides.

With used cars, insurance can save you some money as well because you’ll typically pay less for your insurance on a like model from a few years past. The reason is simple; less cost of replacement for the insurance company and used cars are generally not high on the stolen lists.

And finally, (the latest) safety features could be a concern if you’re looking at used car (particularly if you’re going back a few model years).

All in all, if the touch, feel, and smell of a new car, isn’t a top priority for you, I think you’ll find that a well thought out used car purchase you can get more car and features and still be within your budget.

Auto insurance is at its heart financial protection. You purchase insurance in order to prevent paying thousands of dollars in the event of a collision or other loss. Many different types of insurance are available, covering almost every conceivable means of loss or damage to your vehicle as well as others to which you may cause damage. Very few drivers need to purchase every single type of insurance, so it is helpful to understand each type in order to decide which ones you require.

Property damage insurance is sometimes known as liability insurance. This product is designed to cover damages that you may do to someone else’s vehicle. Your state sets a minimum amount of this insurance that you must carry but the state requirement is often quite low. If the damage you cause exceeds the limits of your insurance you could be sued for the difference. It is therefore wise to purchase as much property damage insurance as you can afford.

Personal injury insurance is usually required by law, though the required amount may vary by state. This insurance pays a portion of your medical bills (generally 80 percent) and a portion of your lost wages (usually 60 percent) if you are injured in an accident. Personal injury protection often includes a small death benefit as well. This insurance may cover your relatives or household members or even everyone in the car, depending on your insurance company’s policies and state mandates.

Bodily injury insurance is extremely important even though it is not required by many jurisdictions. If you are at fault for an accident that injures someone beyond the limits of his personal injury coverage, bodily injury insurance will cover the difference. Otherwise you could be sued for medical expenses.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you are injured beyond the limits of your personal injury protection in an accident caused by someone who does not carry bodily injury insurance, what are your options? You could certainly sue him and likely win your case. However lawsuits are time consuming and expensive, and if he does not have the money to pay you might be stuck with an uncollectible judgment against him. Instead, your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage could cover your injuries. This protection is reasonably priced and will ensure that you are paid in a timely manner. Purchase this coverage if you can.

Collision insurance will reimburse you for damages to your vehicle if you are at fault. Collision coverage will pay up to the actual cash value of the vehicle less your deductible. If your car is financed you may be required to carry collision insurance. However the premiums are high and this product is not recommended for older low value vehicles.

Comprehensive insurance will pay for damage or loss to your vehicle from both theft and acts of God. Comprehensive coverage will pay up to the actual cash value of the vehicle less your deductible. This insurance is usually required if your car is financed but not recommended for older cars with a low cash value.

Many other options are also available, covering everything from medical payments beyond your personal injury coverage to a rental car while yours is being repaired. Most of these options are good to have if you can afford them but not necessary if you can’t. Always speak with your insurance agent if you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage options.

The automobile has been our friend ever since the Frenchman, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot, built the first car in the year 1769. It was a steam powered, three wheeled vehicle with a top speed of six kilometers per hour that was built in the French Arsenal for the purpose of moving cannons. Cars have come a long way since then and a lot has changed about them but one thing remains the same; They save us a lot of tread on our shoes. Unfortunately, they do use some tread on their tires, and to safely drive your car, you need to add fresh tires on occasion.

When the time for new tires arrives, it is time to get the bet price by shopping for a car tires quote at various dealers.

What Should Your Quote Include?

The first thing to look for in any car tires quote is the number of tires included in the quote. Does the quote include a whole set of tires and, if so, does it include the fifth tire for a fresh spare or is the quote merely on a per tire basis. Paying attention to what may seem a trivial detail in your car tires quote here can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road.

The next thing to consider is the tread type to be used on the vehicle you are getting a car tires quote for. Do you travel mainly on paved streets or muddy back roads? Do you live in an area that rarely sees rain or do you look out your second story window and stare a Sherpa in the eye? The conditions you travel in effect your choice of tires and treads and will thus change your car tires quote accordingly. A set of street radials may have a very sweet looking price tag but paying the towing service to pull you out of a snow drift every few days would probably show you that the mud and snow tires might have been a better value.

Another very important thing to look for in a car tires quote is the cost of labor and warranties. Does the price include removing your old tires, mounting and balancing the new tires and installing them on your vehicle? Is there a fee to leave your old tires with the shop for disposal or a surcharge to take them with you for your own disposal? Is there a road hazard policy covering such things as punctures and flat repair or warranties against blow outs or defects?

In conclusion, shopping for car tires quotes does require a bit of research and asking questions of your prospective dealer but you will find that the investment of time you make while researching car tires quotes will pay off with a great deal on your new tires and the added safety it will provide for you and your loved ones.

The term "refinancing" should be familiar to anyone who has purchased a loan. Simply put, refinancing is the process of obtaining a loan to pay off an existing loan. Obviously it’s not quite as simple as it sounds, but understanding that basic description is enough to begin the process of learning about refinancing.

One of the best-kept secrets in the finance industry is refinancing. A great deal of time, trouble, and most importantly cash can be saved through this method alone. Home refinancing has been around for a long time now and is used by many people to save money on their loans and/or reduce their monthly payments. However, many people still balk at the idea of car loan refinancing despite being familiar with the benefits of refinancing a home loan. Those who have a less than perfect credit rating to back them up, in particular, are likely to react this way.

What exactly is different about car loan refinancing? In essence, nothing. At the basic level, car loan refinancing works the same as refinancing your home. In car loan refinancing, a new car loan is obtained in order to pay off the existing car loan. The new loan may have different (typically better) interest rates, a new lender, or both. Again, as in home refinancing, this is beneficial since car loan refinancing can make your monthly car loan payments lesser. Alternately lower interest rates garnered through car loan refinancing can be capitalized on to pay off the balance of the current car loan in a shorter period of time.

Very few people understand the time value of money–that the longer a loan is paid on, the more money is spent on interest charges. Take for example a 60-month loan for $16,500 on a new Honda Accord and assume that the buyer’s credit is poor. The car dealer manages to get the buyer approved at 21% APR for that loan, making the monthly payments $446.38. By the end of the loan term, the buyer will have paid $10,282.83 on interest charges alone–almost as much as the initial price of the vehicle (which, of course, is now worth far less than when it was purchased). Now, if the car loan were refinanced with another lender at 6% APR after the first few months, the monthly payment would have been $318.99, allowing the buyer to save as much as $7,643 on interest charges. If the buyer refinanced at the lower APR but retained the same monthly payment, the term of the loan would be shorter and the interest savings even higher.

Record numbers of homeowners refinanced their homes and saved thousands of dollars during the years 2001 and 2002. More car owners are beginning to realize the benefits of car loan refinancing every day. With the steady drop in interest rates, car loan refinancing is fast becoming a trend as more and more people realize how much money can be saved simply by refinancing a car loan.

Sooner or later, everyone wants or needs to buy a vehicle; and unless you have a money tree in your backyard, you’re going to need to take out a loan.

Virtually every new car purchase requires financing from a bank or other financial institution. The only other choice is to pay cash, an option few of us have at our disposal. If you’re in the market for a new car you’ll need financing, and in order to make the right decisions you need to know about car loan calculations. If you fully understand how to make car loan calculations, you’ll be able to estimate the values involved in your purchase, as well as balance the expenses that come with buying a new car. Knowing this information is crucial to buying a car that’s within your budget.

Car loan calculations involve a number of factors. Consider the loan term, interest rate and loan principal and work them into your calculations. Only then will you know if the car you want is the car you’re able to afford.

Loan Term Basically, this is amount of time it will take to pay the loan in full. A shorter term will mean higher monthly payments, but the loan will be paid off faster. Longer terms involve more affordable monthly payments, but it will take more time to meet your obligation. The length of your loan term can also affect the interest rate, and can increase the amount you pay in interest overall.

Interest Rate No banks or finance companies will lend you money out of the goodness of their hearts. They make money from interest. The interest rate determines how much extra you will pay for the convenience of borrowing money. Interest rates will fluctuate based on the market, and lenders will try to get your business by offering a lower rate. Shopping around for a good rate can save you hundreds of dollars over the term of the loan.

Loan Principal This is the base amount of money you borrow, before any interest or financing fees are added on. The amount of your monthly payments, and the total amount of interest you pay, are based solely on the principal amount. Naturally, the monthly payments and overall interest will get higher as the principal increases. If you find that the monthly payment is beyond your means, then you should consider starting with a smaller loan principal. In some cases, the term "loan principal" can also be used when referring to your outstanding loan balance. At any given time during the term of your loan, you can check to see what your existing loan principal is.

If your loan is an amortization, you’ll find that your first few months of payments will only pay off the interest amount. You can pay $500 a month for 8 or 9 months, only to find that a fraction of that amount has been taken off of the principal. Over time, however, the payments will balance out and you’ll begin to see more money coming off of the principal. Eventually, the entire loan will be paid.

Buying a car always seems like a great idea, but the payments really can be quite overwhelming. Don’t put yourself in a situation where there’s more month than money. Car loan calculations are absolutely necessary to putting yourself in the driver’s seat, without putting yourself in the hole.

Is it possible to own a new car, even if you don’t have $20,000 to spend? Absolutely. Auto loans make car ownership an affordable reality, and virtually anyone can arrange for financing. If you have sufficient income and a good credit rating, you will be able to choose from a selection of auto loans.

Step 1 Choose your wheels before arranging your loan. The bank or finance company will want to know what you’re buying, and how much you’ll need to borrow. Shop around by checking automotive websites and visiting local car dealers. Once you know exactly what you want to buy, you can negotiate a price with the seller. With price in hand, you’ll find it easier and faster to secure your financing.

Step 2 Shop around for the best interest rates. There are online websites like http://www.Bankrate.com that publish surveys and polls of loan rates across the United States. The rates of auto loans will fluctuate with the market, and they definitely differ from lender to lender. Shop around to find the lowest rate and best lending terms. Checking with local banks, credit unions and even car dealers can save you money.

Step 3 Purchasing a new car is a costly, and sometimes risky business.

Auto loans involve a lot of money, and you need to prevent any possibility of getting ripped off. Check with used car values to see how much your current vehicle is worth. Knowing your car’s value will help you to get the most money for your trade-in.

Consult a black book or research online to find the current market value of your vehicle.

Step 4 Determine how much you’re able to spend as your down payment. Providing cash up front can help you to secure an auto loan, as it proves to the lender that you’re responsible and willing to repay. It also decreases the amount of principle and interest you’ll pay throughout the term of your loan. Some lenders require a down payment of twenty percent of the vehicle price. Remember that the value of your current vehicle may be applied toward your down payment.

Step 5 Once you know the type of car you’re buying, the purchase price, the available rates and the amount of down payment you’ll need, it’s time to shop for a lender. Be careful in this step, as there are many shady lenders who are quick to hand out cash in exchange for very steep repayment amounts. Compare interest rates, the loan term (two years, three years, etc), monthly payment amounts and, of course, how much you’re able to spend. These factors will all help to determine your choice of lenders.

Step 6 Don’t panic if you don’t qualify with the first lender you choose. There are literally endless auto loan options available to you. Just be sure that you’re not living beyond your means. You may need to save a little more to come up with a bigger down payment, or simply choose a less expensive car.

Step 7 It’s easy to create a lousy credit rating, and the poor rating can hound you for a long time. If your credit rating is keeping you from securing an auto loan, you can begin working to rebuild it. Pay your bills on time, and clear up any outstanding debts. After six months, you’ll be able to reapply for a new credit rating. If this is not an option, you can choose to look into bad credit auto loans. Insurance companies that offer bad credit loans don’t require their customers to submit their credit histories, so it is possible to secure an auto loan despite poor credit. However, remember that the financer will view you as a risk, and you will pay higher rates.

Auto loans make it possible for virtually anyone to buy a new car. It’s why you see so many new vehicles on the road today. If you think you can’t afford the car of your dreams, shop around. You might be surprised at what you find.

Is it possible to own a new car, even if you don’t have $20,000 to spend? Absolutely. Auto loans make car ownership an affordable reality, and virtually anyone can arrange for financing. If you have sufficient income and a good credit rating, you will be able to choose from a selection of auto loans.

Step 1 Choose your wheels before arranging your loan. The bank or finance company will want to know what you’re buying, and how much you’ll need to borrow. Shop around by checking automotive websites and visiting local car dealers. Once you know exactly what you want to buy, you can negotiate a price with the seller. With price in hand, you’ll find it easier and faster to secure your financing.

Step 2 Shop around for the best interest rates. There are online websites like http://www.Bankrate.com that publish surveys and polls of loan rates across the United States. The rates of auto loans will fluctuate with the market, and they definitely differ from lender to lender. Shop around to find the lowest rate and best lending terms. Checking with local banks, credit unions and even car dealers can save you money.

Step 3 Purchasing a new car is a costly, and sometimes risky business.

Auto loans involve a lot of money, and you need to prevent any possibility of getting ripped off. Check with used car values to see how much your current vehicle is worth. Knowing your car’s value will help you to get the most money for your trade-in.

Consult a black book or research online to find the current market value of your vehicle.

Step 4 Determine how much you’re able to spend as your down payment. Providing cash up front can help you to secure an auto loan, as it proves to the lender that you’re responsible and willing to repay. It also decreases the amount of principle and interest you’ll pay throughout the term of your loan. Some lenders require a down payment of twenty percent of the vehicle price. Remember that the value of your current vehicle may be applied toward your down payment.

Step 5 Once you know the type of car you’re buying, the purchase price, the available rates and the amount of down payment you’ll need, it’s time to shop for a lender. Be careful in this step, as there are many shady lenders who are quick to hand out cash in exchange for very steep repayment amounts. Compare interest rates, the loan term (two years, three years, etc), monthly payment amounts and, of course, how much you’re able to spend. These factors will all help to determine your choice of lenders.

Step 6 Don’t panic if you don’t qualify with the first lender you choose. There are literally endless auto loan options available to you. Just be sure that you’re not living beyond your means. You may need to save a little more to come up with a bigger down payment, or simply choose a less expensive car.

Step 7 It’s easy to create a lousy credit rating, and the poor rating can hound you for a long time. If your credit rating is keeping you from securing an auto loan, you can begin working to rebuild it. Pay your bills on time, and clear up any outstanding debts. After six months, you’ll be able to reapply for a new credit rating. If this is not an option, you can choose to look into bad credit auto loans. Insurance companies that offer bad credit loans don’t require their customers to submit their credit histories, so it is possible to secure an auto loan despite poor credit. However, remember that the financer will view you as a risk, and you will pay higher rates.

Auto loans make it possible for virtually anyone to buy a new car. It’s why you see so many new vehicles on the road today. If you think you can’t afford the car of your dreams, shop around. You might be surprised at what you find.

The art of negotiation is a tricky, possibly long drawn-out matter and sometimes you are never really sure you got the best deal even after you’ve walked away from the bargaining table.

If you are like most buyers, you probably have a good idea of how much you are willing to spend and would like to settle the issue of cost even better you go to the dealer to check out the car. Indeed, since the advent of the Internet, most companies are even willing to quote you the actual retail price sight unseen, over the phone or perhaps through e-mail. This is in sharp contrast to only a few years ago when standard practice was to lay on as many enticements as possible to the customer before the actual bargaining started.

Of course chances are, in your inquiries to several different auto dealers or through scanning of the local ads, you may have already encountered a quoted sale price on one or more cars you are interested in. Most online car dealerships in fact, will readily give you the price knowing that this is a crucial factor in your decision to purchase a car from them. What you have to realize though, is that it may still be possible to knock a few dollars off their asking rate.

You may possibly already have a pre-conceived price point at which you are confident that you have scored a great deal. Most people though, are willing to give a little leeway on this issue as long as they feel that they will get a fair price.

The best way to prepare for the inevitable haggling that will take place at your car dealership is by being as informed as possible about current market rates for your chosen car model. Ask around several different dealerships about the car you’re interested in and ask if they offer any added-on value, like free accessories or free service checkups and towing services for example. Each dealer is different but they all have the common goal of selling as many units as possible and many have come up with some interesting solutions to help you part with your money.

Finally remember that it’s not always all about paying as little as possible; you will want to buy a car that you are totally happy with, at a fair price. Take the time to do your research and you will walk away the winner in the deal.

Auto leasing and the marketing thereof have been somewhat under the radar the past few years due to very low interest rates offered up by lending institutions. For most, the allure of leasing a car has been the advantage of lower monthly payments. With the low financing rates, this advantage has been shifted to traditional financing.

The world of car leasing has a long history of being somewhat less than straightforward. Even now one can find some pretty good deals out there, but the financial process around leasing a car can still be more than a bit confusing. And it’s this confusion that can leave you with a less than warm and fuzzy feeling after your leasing transaction is all said and done.

So, in an effort to avoid or mitigate the confusion when it comes to auto leasing, let’s take a look at some basics.

In auto leasing you are only paying for (in the form of monthly payments) the portion of the car that you use over the life of the lease (the part you use is how much the car depreciates). As part of your monthly payments, you’ll also be paying sales tax and finance charges.

Yes, finance or interest charges. In car leasing vernacular this is known as the ‘money factor’.

What determines how much of the car you will use is the car’s residual value. The residual value is a predetermined number as to what the market value of the car will be at the end of the lease.

For example – if a $20,000 car has a residual value of $11,000 at the end of your 36 month lease – this means that you will have used $9,000 of this car; so your monthly payments will be based on $9,000 over 36 months. As you can see, the better a car holds its residual value or the higher that value is… the more favorable your monthly payments will be.

More often than not the money that you will need to come up with up front is your first monthly payment and a security deposit. Of course, you are more than welcome to put more money down (cap cost reduction) just like when purchasing a car; if you want to lower your monthly payments even more.

The cap cost or capitalization cost is another name for the price of the car you’re looking at. And, just like purchasing, you can and should negotiate the price or in this case the cap cost of the car. In fact, I wouldn’t even disclose the fact that you’re considering leasing until you’ve negotiated and agreed on an actual selling price of the car you’re looking at.

As you see, doing your homework is every bit just as important as and probably more so than when you are actually purchasing the car. Negotiating and leasing a car based solely on achieving a monthly payment is probably the number one reason consumers get stuck paying too much.

Cap cost reduction is almost always negotiable. If a dealer tells you that it is not or unwilling to do so… they are plenty of other vehicles and dealers that offer and will.

We touched on the ‘money factor’ which is the leasing equivalent of the interest rate. Are you getting the best possible ‘money factor’? Just like the purchasing side, the dealer can add points to a money factor just like they can to an interest rate in order to maximize their profit. This is why it is extremely important for you to know your credit score and at what interest rate you qualify for before you even set foot in a dealership or you could really get … well … made love to.

Many factory warranties on vehicles run for 36 months. This is a good reason not to be looking at leasing a car for longer than the factory warranty. In addition, once you get out past 36 months on a car lease, you rapidly start losing the advantage of the residual value since most depreciation occurs early on.

Lastly… well, maybe not lastly when it comes to leasing but lastly within the scope of this article; if you have good credit, or perhaps have been a good or repeat customer, ask the dealer to waive the security deposit and/or the acquisition fee. First of all, they won’t if you don’t ask; and secondly this is certainly a fair request as part of the negotiating process. Worst case they say no. Best case… you save some more of your hard earned money.