This article was published on Fri 01 Mar 2019. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

If you are thinking about buying a new car it’s important that you make the right choice and get the best possible deal available. A new car represents a considerable investment, so before you part with your hard earned cash, check out our tips on buying a new car.

The best time to buy: buying at the right time can help you get a great deal. Most dealers have targets to meet and these are generally based on quarterly sales. Meaning that the end of March, June, September and December could be a good time to buy as dealers may be more willing to negotiate.

Get a final price: some dealers display prices which do not include the additional costs associated with buying and registering a new car such as delivery and number plates. Ask the dealer for a full and final breakdown of ‘on the road’ costs for the car before committing to any purchase.

Consider optional extras carefully: when looking at optional extras for your car think carefully about whether you really need them and what difference they are making to the purchase price – especially if you are paying for your car with finance. Try to stick to added extras that could add to the resale value of your car such as parking sensors or built in sat nav.

Look at pre-registered options: to help meet their sales quotas, dealers sometimes buy new cars themselves. These cars are classed as ‘pre-registered’ and can be offered for sale with significant discounts. If you are considering this option, remember that the cars records will show the dealer as the first registered owner of the car. Choosing this option could mean that you get all the benefits of a new car at a discounted price.

Take a test drive: there is no better way to get the feel of a new car than taking for a test drive. If you are considering different cars from different manufacturers then this can be a great way to compare them. As well as how the car drives, remember to check what the passenger space is like and if children’s car seats can easily be fitted.

Check out the warranty before signing: your new car will usually come with a warranty from the manufacturer. The period and terms of cover differ between dealers so make sure that you review this before committing to the car purchase. Some dealers offer extended warranties at additional cost, don’t be pressured into buying this until you have checked out exactly what’s covered and for how long.

Part-exchanging? Do your research: if you’re planning to part exchange your current car, go online and get an idea of your car’s value based on its age, condition and mileage. This will give you a benchmark to compare against the price offered by the dealer. You may be able to get more by selling your car privately but this can be time consuming and stressful when compared to part exchanging.

Car Insurance: car insurance can be expensive so remember to shop around for the best deal.

Ensure that you also review the benefits of the policy to ensure that it meets your personal needs – e.g. that it includes business insurance if you require it for business travel.  

Don’t forget to check the amount of voluntary and compulsory excess that apply to the policy as this is the amount you agree to pay upfront if you make a claim. It’s wise to make sure these are affordable should the worse happen.

To find out more about Police Mutual car insurance and to get a quote click here.

Research your finance options: most dealers will offer a number of finance options which may include hire purchase loans and lease agreements. When considering car finance be aware of any fees and charges that apply and remember to compare the rate of interest as these can vary widely.

Alternatively, arranging a personal loan from an independent provider separately from your car purchase could allow you to shop around for the most favourable terms available to you.

We’ve teamed up with Neyber, our trusted partner to offer loans to the Police family.

So if you’re looking to purchase a new car – Neyber may be able to help with a personal loan.

Rates from 3.9% to 18.9%

All loans are subject to status and acceptance by Neyber

• Simple online application
• Money could be in your account within one working day of loan approval
• Fixed monthly repayments by direct debit
• Make overpayments or early repayment of the loan free of charge
• Neyber rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot

Representative example

You could borrow a loan amount of £9,000 with a monthly repayment of £222.07 over a term of 48 months at a 8.9% (fixed) rate of interest per annum. Administrative fees are £0. Total amount repayable is £10,659.56. This is equivalent to 8.9% APR Representative.

Important things you need to know

Police Mutual is acting as a credit broker. Neyber Limited is acting as lender for purposes of entering into a consumer credit agreement. Rates depend on loan amount, term and your individual circumstances and may differ from the Representative APR.

All loans are subject to status and acceptance by Neyber.

Please note, loans are not currently available for PSNI members and their families.

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS. Neyber Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 718709. Registered address: 1st Floor, 3 Finsbury Avenue, London, EC2M 2AR. Company registered number: 08806631

This article was published on Fri 01 Mar 2019. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

One of the benefits of buying a used car is that sellers and dealers are often fairly flexible on price.

Remember to do your research before you buy as the more knowledge you have about the car the better your negotiating position will be.

1. Get expert advice: use one of the motor industry publications such as What Car or Parkers to check the market rate for the model of car you’re purchasing. You can also compare the pros and cons of various car models such as fuel economy, ride quality and fixtures and fittings.

Consider using the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service to see what details they hold on the car and the Government’s MOT history check tool to make sure everything is as you expected.

Once you have decided on a car to buy, it’s advisable to order a HPI check to make sure it’s not stolen or has any outstanding finance on it.

2. Consider the costs of running your car: before you buy a car it’s wise to get an idea of what it’ll cost to keep on the road.

3. MOT: cars over 3 years old need to pass an MOT each year at an authorised test centre. The cost of the test varies dependant on the vehicle, up to a maximum cost of £54.85*. Remember to shop around as you can often get a cheaper test price deal.

4. Car Tax: most UK drivers need to pay car tax, however some cars and electric cars are exempt. You can find out how much it’ll cost and about any exemptions on the gov.uk website.

5. Car Insurance: car insurance can be expensive so remember to shop around for the best deal.

Ensure that you also review the benefits of the policy to ensure that it meets your personal needs – e.g. that it includes business insurance if you require it for business travel.

Don’t forget to check the amount of voluntary and compulsory excess that apply to the policy as this is the amount you agree to pay upfront if you make a claim. It’s wise to make sure these are affordable should the worse happen. To find out more about Police Mutual car insurance and to get a quote click here.

6. Breakdown cover: this will provide you with cover should the car breakdown. Some policies also include roadside assistance and recovery. You may already have this cover with your car insurance or packaged bank account, so remember to check before you buy.

7. Fuel: fuel is not cheap so it’s worth considering buying a car with low fuel consumption.

8. Servicing & repairs: getting a car serviced regularly can save you money in the long run and make sure that the car runs efficiently. When you are looking for your new car remember to check out the service history before you buy.

9. Explore your finance options: it’s important to stay within your budget, so work out what you can afford each month and how long you want to be making monthly repayments. If you are thinking about taking out a loan there are a number of different options available. If you are buying from a dealership, you may be offered finance direct from them. Alternatively, arranging credit from an independent provider separately from your car purchase could allow you to shop around to find a loan with the most favourable terms for you and negotiate on the price of your car.

Remember:

• Make sure you find out the total cost of the debt when comparing different loans and methods of car finance
• Find out if there are any restrictions for paying off the debt early and what charges will apply
• Check how flexible it is. For example if you want to sell the car before the end of the loan term

We’ve teamed up with Neyber, our trusted partner to offer loans to the Police family.

So if you’re looking to purchase a used car – Neyber may be able to help with a personal loan.

Rates from 3.9% to 18.9%

All loans are subject to status and acceptance by Neyber

• Simple online application
• Money could be in your account within one working day of loan approval
• Fixed monthly repayments by direct debit
• Make overpayments or early repayment of the loan free of charge
• Neyber rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot

Representative example

You could borrow a loan amount of £9,000 with a monthly repayment of £222.07 over a term of 48 months at a 8.9% (fixed) rate of interest per annum. Administrative fees are £0. Total amount repayable is £10,659.56. This is equivalent to 8.9% APR Representative.

Important things you need to know

Police Mutual is acting as a credit broker. Neyber Limited is acting as lender for purposes of entering into a consumer credit agreement. Rates depend on loan amount, term and your individual circumstances and may differ from the Representative APR.

All loans are subject to status and acceptance by Neyber.

Please note, loans are not currently available for PSNI members and their families.

*correct as at March 2018 – https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/blog/how-much-does-an-average-MOT-cost

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS. Neyber Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register number 718709. Registered address: 1st Floor, 3 Finsbury Avenue, London, EC2M 2AR. Company registered number: 08806631

This article was published on Fri 01 Feb 2019. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

If you’re a regular reader of newspaper money pages or online articles, you’ll have no doubt come across the topic of rising car insurance prices making an appearance now and then. Recently there has been frequent mentions that prices are on the rise, with Brexit, rising fraudulent claims and increased technology, amongst others.

Although car insurance prices can vary due to a number of reasons, we thought it would be handy for you to know some of the factors that could affect the price you receive – from age and driving experience to where you live and your claims history – we give you the lowdown on what could drive your price.

We take a look the factors that affect the price that you’re quoted:

Your age and driving experience

As you get older and you’ve held your driving licence for longer, you’re considered to be more experienced on the roads. Some believe that statistically you’re less likely to be involved in an accident so you can expect to pay a lower price.

Younger drivers, aged between 17 and 25, typically face paying the highest premiums. All is not lost; if you have a careful young driver in your family then MORE TH>N SM>RT WHEELS might be just the ticket!

Older drivers are seen to be a higher risk because the chance of you being involved in an accident increases in later life.

Your job

Your career might mean that you spend more time driving your car for business use or you use it to commute to work during the week. It’s important you select the right level of cover and that you provide an accurate estimated annual mileage.

Two similar job titles can provide two very different prices so make sure to be as accurate as you can when entering your job title.

Where you live

If you live in a built-up area where the risk of accidents is generally greater, then you’ll pay more for your car insurance. It might be a well-known accident blackspot or have a dangerous road junction in your town, or you could live near a road with high levels of vehicle crime.

It can vary between nearby postcodes. A car owner who lives on a busy main road may have to pay higher prices because more accidents have been reported there than in the cul-de-sac round the corner.

Your claims history

If you’ve made a claim within the last five years this will have an impact on the price quoted.

Your car

A little run about is not only cheaper to run but also cheaper to insure for most people. A larger engine or newer car is typically more expensive to repair. They are also more attractive to car thieves so you can expect to pay more to insure it.

Alarms, immobilisers and other built-in security devices may help reduce your premium. Thatcham Research, the motor insurers’ automotive search centre, has some handy tips on their website.

Points on your driving licence

If you have points on your driving licence, this will have an affect on the price quoted.

The type of cover

You’d think that the higher the level of cover you go for, the more you’ll pay but this isn’t always the case. It’s worth checking the price for each level of cover on offer as well as making sure the one you select meets your needs.

Increase your excess

You can reduce your premium by increasing the voluntary excess to an amount you’re able to pay on top of the compulsory excess if you need to make a claim.

Your gender

This used to be a factor, but in 2012 the EU ruled that companies could no longer consider your gender when providing a quote for a product or service so this no longer affects your price.

It’s not all about you…

It’s also important to remember that your insurance policy doesn’t just provide cover for your car – it’s also there to protect other road users against accidents you might cause.

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Police Mutual offers car insurance for serving or retired Police Officers and Staff, Specials and their families. For more information about our car insurance and how you could benefit, click here or call 0151 242 7640

Police Mutual Car Insurance is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6QS. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

MORE TH>N SM>RT WHEELS Young Driver Car Insurance: via an introduction by PMGI Limited to MORE TH>N. MORE TH>N is a trading name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc.

Royal & Sun Alliance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered office: St Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Financial Services Register No. 202323.

This article was published on Wed 01 Nov 2017. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Is your heart set on that new car smell, or going for the increasingly more common and economical option of a second-hand vehicle? Either way, we have all your car buying needs covered.

Not sure which option to go for? Consider the following:

Buying a used car

1. Do your research
To be in a strong negotiating position with sellers and dealers do your research before you buy.
2. Get expert advice
“What Car” and “Parkers” are great for checking the market value of the model you have your eye on as well as guidance on ride quality, fixtures and fittings.
3. Be thorough
Use the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service, the Government’s MOT history check tool and order an HPI check for full details on the car including if it is stolen or has outstanding finance on it.

Buying a new car

1. Time it right
Aligning your purchase to quarterly sales targets at the end of March, June, September and December can mean dealers are more willing to negotiate.
2. Get a final price
Ask the dealer for a full and final breakdown of on the road costs such as delivery and number plates before committing.

3. Do you really need those optional extras
Try to stick to ones that could add to the resale value of your car, such as parking sensors or a built in sat nav. Review the period and terms of warranty cover before you commit to buying any additional cover.

Regardless of which purchase option is right for you, all car buyers need to think about:

The running costs

MOT: cars over 3 years old need to pass a MOT, each year at an authorised test centre. Allow up to £54.85 for the test fees, but do shop around.
Car tax: some cars are exempt, but after new rules came into force on 1 April 2017, most UK drivers will need to pay car tax. Find out more at gov.uk website.
Car insurance: shop around for the best deal and check the policy’s voluntary and compulsory excess. To find out more about Police Mutual car insurance and get a quote click here.
Fuel: this can really rack up so consider buying a car with low fuel consumption.
Breakdown cover: check to see if you already have cover with your car insurance or bank account or to find out more about Police Mutual breakdown cover.

Your finance options

If you are buying a used car from a dealership, you may be offered finance directly from them. If you are buying new, most dealers will offer a number of finance options which may include hire purchase loans and lease agreements. Be aware of any fees and charges that apply and remember to compare the rate of interest as these can vary widely.

Alternatively, arranging a personal loan from an independent provider separately from your used or new car purchase could allow you to shop around for the most favourable terms available to you.

To help you purchase your new car Police Mutual has teamed up with Neyber, our trusted partner, to offer a personal loan available from £2,000 – £25,000 over 1 to 5 years – 4.9% APR Representative.

To find out more about car loans and to get a free no obligation quote click here.

Important things you need to know

Please note, loans are not currently available for PSNI members and their families.

All loans are subject to status and acceptance by Neyber.

Rates depend on loan amount, term and your individual circumstances and may differ from the Representative APR.

PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is acting as credit broker. Neyber Limited is acting as lender for the purposes of entering into a consumer credit agreement.

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PMGI Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6QS.

Neyber Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Interim permission: 663054. Registered address: First Floor (East), Tabernacle Court, 16-28 Tabernacle Street, London. EC2A 4DD. United Kingdom. Company registered number; 08806631 Data Protection Registration Number: ZA039009 358609.

Police Mutual car insurance is provided by RSA Insurance Group plc.

Police Mutual breakdown cover is provided by Equity Red Star Services Ltd. (Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s).