There are a number of signs we look out for in InsureAnts HQ if we want to know if summer is approaching.

For a start, GrAnt starts committing the fashion faux pas of wearing a short sleeve shirt with a tie. He’ll also carry one of those hand-held fans everywhere, although that doesn’t always mean the sun’s out – it can also mean GrAnt’s had to negotiate a couple of flights of stairs.

Another red flag we look out for is the traffic reports on the radio. Once you hear about traffic getting busy on the roads leading to the main ferry terminals, you know that summer is on its way and thousands of holidaymakers are making their way across the channel.

Of course, for many it can be anything but a holiday, what with cars crammed with luggage and impatient children.

Well, we can do anything about the kids, but we can help give you a few pointers if you and your car – or even motorbike – are taking to continental roads.

Is everything in working order?

The first thing you need to do before taking your car abroad is give it a quick once over to make sure everything is working properly. You may even want to put through a quick service at your local garage in case there are any problems you’ve missed.

Even if you don’t want to put it through a service, make sure you check your oil and water levels. Make sure you have a spare tyre (and that it’s not flat!) and inspect the tread on the tyres which are already on the car.

All these things will save you time and money as having to use a mechanic abroad can be expensive and difficult if you don’t speak the local lingo.

You’ve probably notice that a lot of newer cars, or those which have been re-registered, have plates with a little EU flag and the letters GB on them. If you have older plates, then you’ll need to have a GB sticker display and if travelling in through a country which isn’t in the EU, you’ll need a sticker even if you do have the newer Euro-style plates.

If you’ve forgotten to pick up GB stickers, don’t worry, they’re always available at the ferry terminal.

Of course, one of the main things you’ll have to remember about driving in Europe is that they drive on the right-hand side of the road. Therefore British cars which are designed to drive on the left will have their light adjusted accordingly. This means that when you drive your car on the right at night, your lights will shine directly into to the eyes of on-coming motorists.

Therefore you will need to get your hands some anti-dazzle deflectors which stick onto your car’s lights to redirect the beam.

Some modern cars will have a high-intensity discharge or xenon lamps, in which case you may only have to turn a screw or switch to redirect the lights. If you’re not sure, consult the car’s manual or ask a mechanic or the dealer who sold you the car.

Safety is important, especially if you’re travelling in an unfamiliar country. In some places, there may be certain laws which state that you must carry certain safety equipment, so it’s a good idea to do your homework.

In many European countries, drivers will have a red warning triangle, a first aid kit, spare bulbs and the tools with which to fit them and a hi-vis jacket for the driver and each passenger in their car.

Laws might be different between each country, but just to be on the safe side, it be worth having all of the above in your car.

Have all your paperwork in order

Always carry your full driving licence if you are driving in Europe. You should always have you insurance documents and vehicle registration with you.

It’s a good idea to keep all this paperwork together in small folder or pouch and never leave it in your car as it could be stolen or damaged.

In some case, police could seize your car if you aren’t carrying the right paperwork. If you are driving a car which belongs to your company, then you will need an letter of authorisation from the company.

Before you set off, check your car insurance details, paying specific attention to your breakdown cover. Does it cover you abroad? What expenses will it cover? If you don’t have adequate cover, you can still get some sorted out before you travel.

It’s always a good idea to look at policies which will meet the cost of transporting your vehicle home. Some policies may also help out with costs such as hotel accommodation and meals should you be stranded.

You should also check what kind of cover you have while abroad. While some comprehensive policies may provide cover while abroad, it could a greatly reduced level of cover to that which you get at home. In many cases, you may only have third-party cover if you drive in Europe.

Some countries in Europe still require that you carry a Green Card, which provides proof that you are insured to drive your car in the EU. A lot of countries are doing away with them, but you should check with your insurer to see if you need one for the countries you are planning to travel to.

Of course, you should also make sure you car insurance is valid and that it doesn’t expire during your trip. If you do need a quick car insurance quote or want to upgrade your cover, get the InsureAnts on the job.

Another essential piece paperwork is a European Helath Insurance Card (EHIC). This is a replacement for the old E111 form and will help out with medical costs within the EU and Switzerland.

The EHIC is free and you can pick a form at the Post Office, by phoning 0845 606 2030 or by clicking here.

Make sure you apply in good time before you travel.

Keep on side of the law

You won’t need to have a law degree, but reading up a bit on laws within the countries you are travelling to could help out a lot.

For example, drink driving laws in a lot of EU are a lot tighter than Britain, meaning it would take less for you to be over the limit. Of course, to be on the safe side, just don’t drive at all if you’ve had a drink.

If you do fall foul of the local law because of a motoring offence, you should be aware that police in some countries may issue on-the-spot fines. The best advice is to keep an eye on your speed, but if you do get collared, make sure you have some of the local currency to pay any fine.

It may be easier to avoid speed cameras in the UK as they are often easy to spot and you automatically slow down when you see one. In a lot of European countries, so-called ‘radar traps’ are hidden so you may be caught without knowing it. Even you have been snapped and left the country, they’ll still probably catch up with you as a lot EU police forces have agreements in place to catch motoring offenders.  Again, your best bet is to stick to the speed limit.

Keep yourself right

The most obvious difference between driving in the UK and Europe is which side of the road you drive on. Only motorists in the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus drive on the left-hand side of the road – the rest of Europe drives on the right.

It can take a bit of time to get used to driving on the right, so take your time. Others in the car can help, with your front-seat passenger able to help you out with overtaking manoeuvres .

As with any driving, make sure you take a break if you feel yourself getting tired, but if you do pull over into a service station, exercise extra caution when rejoining the motorway.

Of course, keep an eye on your fuel levels and remember that because you’re driving in unfamiliar surroundings, you won’t always know where the nearest petrol station is.
A lot of petrol stations on the continent use automate pumps, meaning you can use your credit card to pay for your fuel at the pump. However, some may not take UK credit cards, so make sure you fill up when you can.

In many cases, petrol or diesel may be cheaper than it is in the UK, so it may not be a bad idea to fill up before you go home.

Car insurance providers will always advise you to take necessary security measures to protect your car, but this is especially pertinent when travelling abroad as a lot large European cities will have problems with car crime. In particular, foreign cars are targeting, so make sure you have a good alarm system, don’t store any valuables in your car and take extra care about where you leave your car overnight.

Useful Resources:

The AA – European driving advice

RAC – European motoring advisor

Driving in Europe leaflet – Government Advice

Foreign travel advice from the Foreign Office

European Driving Advice From InsureAnts.co.uk

The post Driving in Europe appeared first on InsureAnts.

Make sure you know what you’re getting into

IT’S important to know what you’re looking for when you consider parting with your hard-earned cash. That’s why we always write out a list for GrAnt any time we send him to the shop to get tea and sugar.

Yes, it may seem straightforward, but left to his own devices, there’s not telling what our fellow InsureAnt will come back with – one time he came back with a box of golf tees and a bag of sugar snap peas.

The InsureAnts never miss a great deal on travel insurance, but it’s still a sizeable expense as part of your overall holiday budget. That’s why it’s always good to know what your getting into. We’ve put together some of the most common questions we get asked about travel insurance and provided answers which we hope will help.

What type of cover is best?

The best type of cover will depend on how often travel. If you only get abroad once or twice in a year, then it may be less expensive to take out individual single-trip travel insurance plans each time you travel. However, if you are a frequent travellers, who pops abroad more than two or three times a year, then annual travel insurance is a convenient and cost effective solution.

To find out exactly how much each type costs, compare travel insurance with InsureAnts.co.uk.

What is an excess?

This is the part you have to pay towards any claim you make on your travel insurance before you receive any money back. Excesses can vary greatly between insurers and for different features of a policy, so make sure you compare policies based on their excesses.

Will I be covered for travel within the UK with an annual travel insurance plan?

While most providers will cover you within the UK on an annual travel policy, it is always worth checking with them before you set off.

Many insurers will provide cover as long as you book your accommodation in advance and stay overnight for at least one night.

How much would my golf clubs be insured for if I fancied a round on my travels?

A standard travel insurance policy would not ordinarily provide cover for golf clubs, but if you want get in a quick 18 holes, there are options available. Some providers may give you the option of taking out a higher level of cover or you may find that your golf clubs are covered by the personal possessions part of your home and contents insurance.

Check with your travel and home insurance providers before loading the irons into the car.

When does cancellation cover start?

Cancellation cover will begin as soon as you purchase your travel insurance policy and will cover the period right up until you depart for home.

With all that can go wrong even before you leave your home, it’s a good idea to source cancellation cover as soon as you’ve made your booking?

What is ‘scheduled airline failure’?

This means that you can recover the cost of a flight should the airline cease to operate due to insolvency and your booked flight is cancelled.

Protection schemes are run by a number of different bodies and are designed to compensate you for the money you have lost and which the airline can’t pay back due to its financial state.

You may find that certain terms and conditions are attached to scheduled airline failure, so it’s always a good idea to read the small print.

Does an annual travel policy have a limit on the number of days I am covered for?

Annual policies normally do have a limit, but this can vary between insurers and policies. There can be limits on the amount of days you spend abroad in a single trip, as well as a cap on the total number of days you can travel in a year.

Most standard policies will only cover you for a limit of 31 days consecutively at any one time.

However, you can take out a policy which will provide extended cover through certain specialist insurers.

Can I take out a family policy if I have children over 17?

No. Insurers will only sell family policies if the children are 17 or younger. A person who is 18 or over must be entered on the policy as an adult or you can take out seperate policy for that person and then take out a couples policy as well.

Do annual policies cover ski and snowboarding trips?

This depends on the insurer and extent of the cover provided, however, most providers will cover you for such activities but may impose a limit on the number of days.

Can I ski and snowboard off-piste?

Insurers will insist you have a qualified instructor with you if you off-piste.

The post Travel Insurance Questions appeared first on InsureAnts.

We all know the traditional view of the ‘white van man’. Eats pies, reads the redtops during one of his many tea breaks and enjoys a few pints at the weekend.

But we at InsureAnts think it’s time to unleash ‘green van man’ onto the UK’s roads. Don’t worry, ‘green van man’ isn’t some alien who’ll buzz about in his spaceship doing the job ten times fast than our dear old white van man – that would never do.

Your average van driver might not bother too much about the environment, but did you know that by making your van greener, you can also save money on road tax and van insurance and there’s a good chance that you’ll save a few quid on fuel over the years to.

CO2 emissions are a real cause for concern these days (especially at InsureAnts HQ after GrAnt has had his Sunday night curry. A van with lower emissions is kinder to the environment and more efficient.

Newer vans will have many of these environmentally friendly features already included. Your budget may not stretch to a new van, but you can convert your existing commercial vehicle into a greener model.

In any case, what should you be looking for in a van if you want to be a ‘green van man’?

Van drivers – Size matters

The first thing you need to work out is what size of van you need. If you are a handyman who carries small tools and other equipment, then you should opt for a smaller van. A smaller van means a smaller engine, so you aren’t using unnecessary fuel to drive around a massive van with a few tools rattling around in the back.

Likewise, if you regularly carry larger loads, a small van could be more harmful to the environment because you’ll have to make more trips to transport the sort of loads a larger van could carry in one journey.

Are you on the right road?

A smaller engine will be right up your street if you’re mainly nipping around town as part of your work, therefore you should drive a smaller van.

For those who are covering larger distances on the motorway on a daily basis, then you’ll want something a bit bigger, but which has excellent efficiency. A low-stressed diesel engine with an overdrive top gear is ideal for this sort of job.

Comfort costs

You may fancy the comfort that something like air conditioning provides, but that’s the sort of extra feature will not only add to the overall price, but will consume more of the van’s power overtime, leading to higher fuel bills.

There are a few optional extras, however, which are designed to improve efficiency, such as stop-start system, which many new vans feature. These systems switch the engine off automatically when the van comes to a complete stop.

If you are really looking to make a monster saving as far as fuel is concerned, then check out the new Volkswagen Caddy which has been designed to run on compressed natural gas – otherwise known as CNG. A van which takes CNG can cut CO2 emissions by half and the fuel itself can be up to 50% cheaper than diesel.

A sat-nav system make seem like an unnecessary expensive extra, but it can save you fuel by helping you get you to your destination easily without driving around, wasting diesel by go down the wrong road.

Of course, if you’re not in the market for a new van, but would still like to get more efficiency out of your van and show a bit of love to Mother Earth, then you can try and improve your driving habits and take care of your van, whether it’s a new or old van.

Stay smooth

Your driving style can greatly impact on the efficiency of your van. Constantly slamming down the accelerator will see you speed through a full tank of diesel in no time.

The best way to get the most out of your fuel is to drive in a smooth and steady fashion, keeping a sensible average speed and making yourself aware of any potential problems up ahead.

Suddenly braking and accelerating too roughly will be hard on the fuel, so take your time and keep your eyes peeled.

Show some van love

Maintenance is another key factor in improve your van’s efficiency. Don’t haul around stuff you don’t need as this will be a drain on your fuel. Make sure you only load up what you need for each trip.

Make sure you always have enough air in your tyres and that you are driving with an optimum tyre pressure.

If your tyres aren’t properly inflated, they will wear out quicker, be less safe and lead to a 3% increase in fuel consumption.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your air filter and clear out any dust or leaves which may be clogging it up. You can benefit form a 5% increase in fuel efficiency by keeping your air filter clean and clear.

You may think that older vans just won’t give you the same fuel efficiency a newer one will, but if you stick a bit of fuel system cleaner in from time to time, you can get more out of a tank by unclogging the injectors.

Lighten the load

If you have a van which has lots of peripheral equipment attached, the drag and weight they add can use up more fuel. Remover things like racks and ladders when you’re not using them to make your van more aerodynamic and lighter, which will improve fuel efficiency.

Gear up for some savings

Getting a good handle on you how to use the gears in your van can also help save money on fuel. Make the correct gear changes at the right time can help your engine run smoother.

A good guide for a diesel van is to change gears at 2,000rpm. If you change gear before this point, you’ll make the engine work harder and therefore use more fuel.

Check your speed

It’s a simple equation that the faster you drive, the more fuel you use. However, that doesn’t mean that trundling along at 10mph on a motorway is going to save you stack of cash on fuel.

Finding the optimum speed is key and you should consider that just slowing down from 70mph to 65mph on a motorway or dual carriageway can mean a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. If you cut your speed to 60mph, you could shave another 10% off.

Of course, another good way of cutting your van costs is by getting a van insurance quote with www.InsureAnts.co.uk – your mates will be green with envy at the savings you make.

The post White Van Man Turns Green appeared first on InsureAnts.

GrAnt loves his caravan, he says having your own caravan is a bit like have a hotel on wheels right outside your door.  We can see his point of view and appreciate the freedom that caravan travel can bring (although we wouldn’t like to share a caravan with him after his Sunday night curry…)

Load it up, hook it onto your car and away you go. Owning a caravan give you a tremendous sense of freedom as you can pretty much decide when and where you want to go at the drop of a hat.

However, taking the plunge and actually buying a caravan isn’t as easy. If you are in the market for a second-hand caravan, it’s essential you do some research beforehand and make sure you find the caravan that’s right for you and compare caravan insurance quotes that will cover for any eventualities.

We’ve put together this useful guide which should help you when you go caravan hunting.

Enough room to swing a cat

Okay, no-one’s advocating any cruelty to animals here, but you need to know that the caravan you’re about to splash the cash on has enough room for you. Of course, if you are just a couple, then you’ll not need much room and a little caravan can be very cosy.

But, if you have a children or want to bring some friends along on your camping holiday, then you’ll need to think about the size of caravan you need.

Also, you should also take into account how regularly you want to use your caravan and how long you will be away for because longer holidays mean more luggage.

You must also factor in how much space you have at your home for parking it.

For those intending to get a lot of use out of a caravan, then a twin-axle caravan should be suitable. This is provide enough room for family or friends and also extra luggage space.

Smaller single-axle caravans would be more suitable for those who only use them for short breaks from time to time. The advantage with smaller caravans is that they are cheaper and much easier to tow.  For more advice on which caravan to choose together with detailed reviews of makes and models visit PracticalCaravan.com – the online home of Britains best selling caravan magazine.

Keep your eyes peeled

Any second-hand caravan which is up for sale will have been spruced up a bit, but it’s important to give each caravan a thorough inspection.

Examine each caravan for things likes wear and tear and damp, which could indicate that the caravan has leaks somewhere.

Pay particular attention to the areas around the windows, the roof and wheel arches as this is where leaks can be a problem.

Home comforts away from home

The bottom line is that a caravan is for holidays and holidays are supposed to be relaxing. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure your caravan has all the facilities you require.

Newer caravans are more likely to have more modern features, but you should expect a good standard of facilities in any second-hand caravan.

As a guide, a caravan should have features such as a cassette toilet, a hot water system and shower, a fridge, an oven, a heater and mains electricity.

You should always check that any appliances in the caravan are working properly before you leave the showroom.

There are many caravan sellers throughout the country, but it’s always a good idea to go online and find out which outlets and caravan makes and models have received good reviews from satisfied customers.

As for insurance, our partners at Cruckley.co.uk are the caravan specialists – check out their caravan insurance tips to see how you can save money on a wide range of cover.

The post Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Caravan appeared first on InsureAnts.

You would think the backpacking would come naturally to the InsureAnts – after all they are quite adept a carrying heavy loads around on their backs.

However, it’s not really GrAnt’s idea of a holiday and young Ant Tony, who actually did venture to some of the world’s far flung location, just spent the time moaning about the lack of Wi-Fi.

But BrillyAnt just loved it. It allowed him an array of different cultures and see some amazing sights on a very tight budget. Apart from bungee jumping, heli-skiing and cutting loose on his motorbike, there’s nothing that gives Brilly a greater thrill than saving a few quid, especially when it comes to travel insurance.

Of course, backpacking isn’t without its perils and it’s important to be prepared if you going to head off round the world on a shoestring. For a start, it’s a good idea to some travel insurance in place before you hoist that rucksack onto your back.

We asked Brilly to share a few more of his tips on staying safe while backpacking.

Have a plan

Okay, so backpacking isn’t the sort of holiday that requires a carefully planned itinerary and you don’t have a tour guide shunting you here and there, but it’s a good idea to do a bit of homework before you head off.

Books like the Lonely Planet and Rough Guides won’t only let you know about places of interest, but they’ll also tip you off about any problems you may encounter in certain regions. Don’t be surprised if you aren’t welcomed with open arms everywhere you go.

It’s also a good idea to have a look on the Foreign Office website to check if there are any problems in the countries you intend visiting.

Paperwork may seem boring, but it can be your key to moving freely from country to country. Check you have all relevant documents and visas you need and make sure you passport is up to date. You could find that even if you have a few months before your passport expires, some countries won’t let you in.

Plan your journey

Again, backpacking can be a very unpredictable type of holiday, but you should let those at home know where you intend travelling to and roughly which places you plan on visiting. You should let your family know if you change your plans. That way you can be contacted in an emergency.

Stick together

Travelling alone will put you at a greater risk than if you are part of a group. Even having just one other person with you can keep you safe. While abroad with a group, it’s also wise to go on trips together rather then on your own, especially in areas you aren’t familiar with. If you simply need some time to yourself, make sure you let the others in the group know of your travel arrangements.

Keep hold of your prized possessions

You’ll be cramming your whole life into your backpack when you set off on your journey, so make sure you know where it is at all times. Any cash, travel documents and your passport should be kept on you, preferably in a money belt or bum bag which is concealed by your clothes. You’ll probably be passing through a lot of airports, bus and train stations so keep your eyes peeled at all times and always watch your luggage.

Again, a little research can go a long way in terms of safety. Familiarise yourself with local customs, particularly what is acceptable to wear in certain countries. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself, cause a scene or become a target for thieves.

Also, be wary of someone coming up to you to offer you help if you haven’t asked them.

Pack the right travel insurance

You can obtain cheap travel insurance which is specifically tailored for backpackers. A lot of backpacking holidays can be taken as part of a gap year, so most backpackers insurance providers will offer cover for 30, 60 or 90 days.

You may think that an annual travel insurance policy should do the trick, but that isn’t always the case, so it’s always worth finding out what’s available.

Travelling without travel insurance means any unforeseen occurrence could put a stop to your holiday, whether you require medical care or have had your passport, cash or other valuable stolen.

Although you might not be planning to far ahead when you set off, do let you’re insurance provider know if you intend taking part in any hazardous activities, like bungee jumping.

If you need more information on travel insurance for backpackers, Brilly and the gang will be only too glad to help!

The post Staying Safe While Backpacking appeared first on InsureAnts.

Let’s face it, we all have a few bad habits. However, it’s worse when those habits affect other people and your wallet.

For example, take GrAnt’s insistence on washing down his Sunday night curry with a litre of prune juice. You may say, oh but he does that in the privacy of his own home, but it’s the next day in the InsureAnts offices where we all bear the brunt of its aftermath.

Ant Toinette has an awful habit of biting her nails, but that pales into insignifance when you consider her grossly irritating habit of writing every company bulletin in Comic Sans – it drives Brilly nuts!

As well as the sanity of the other InsureAnts, bad habits can also have an affect on your life insurance.

Smoking probably isn’t as widespread as it was, thanks to high taxation and various pieces of government legislation which have been designed to cut the number of smokers and ease the burden on the NHS.

Cigarettes aren’t cheap and if you are a regular smoker, neither will your life insurance be.

A 30-year-old can expect to pay as much as 33% more for their cover than their non-smoking counterpart. For a 50-year-old smoker, premiums can almost double.

The reason for such high premiums is that smokers are much more likely to suffer a critical illness, or die younger, meaning an earlier payout from the insurance company.

The best way to bring down the cost of life insurance is to quit smoking altogether, but that’s easier said than done for some people. It’s worth knowing who the providers class as smokers.

I only smoke now and again, will I be classed as a smoker?

When you are taking out, or even getting a quote for life insurance, you will be asked if you have smoked tobacco in the previous 12 months. If you answer yes, then the provider will class you as a smoker. From the occasional social cigarette to a 20-a-day habit, everyone who smokes tobacco will, in the eyes of the insurer, be considered a smoker.

The reason all levels of smoker are lumped together is because underwriters, who work out home much your premium is going to cost, doesn’t take into account how many and how often you smoke.

However, in some cases, where the person has particular health issues or is elderly, they may quote an even higher figure.

Be upfront about your smoking habits

Most people will be aware that smoking will lead to higher life insurance premiums, therefore there is a temptation to be less than honest about whether they smoke or not. This is not advised because insurers can find out by other means whether you are a smoker or not.

They may ask you about certain medical conditions you have and your answer to these questions may suggest that you are a smoker, even though you have claimed not to be one.

Around 20% of life insurance applicants will also have checks made on their medical history in a bid to work out if they are lying or not.

For example, if you tell a provider that you are not a smoker and they discover that you have been treated for lung cancer in the past, then they may come to the conclusion that you are a smoker.

Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to getting the proper cover. If you lie about your smoking habits, the company may not pay out and declare your policy invalid.

Alternatively, an insurer may limit the terms of your policy and cut out benefits which can only be enjoyed by non-smokers. They do this by working out how much a policy held by a non-smoker would cost compared to a smoker.

If, for example, it is found to 60% for a non-smoker, then the insurer may only offer 60% of the benefits of the policy.

Will kicking the habit drive my life insurance costs down?

It’s not a simple as quitting smoking one day and getting a great new quote on your life insurance the next.

Providers will look at your medical history before deciding if the can reduce the cost of your premium. They can often insist on a assessment from your doctor and you may even be asked to undergo a chest x-ray to determine if there is any lasting damage from smoking.  The insurer will also take into account your age and the overall value of the policy you hold.

To get the best deals when comparing life insurance, quit smoking and get a quote with the InsureAnts now!

Quit Smoking For Your Health and Your Finances

The post Quit Smoking for Cheaper Life Insurance appeared first on InsureAnts.

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THERE is one upside to the rising cost of the petrol and diesel – it’s helped Brilly and some of InsureAnts get fitter. Some of them have left the motor at home from time to time and walked, or even jogged to work.

Of course, you don’t want to bump into a sweaty GrAnt on a Monday morning (or any morning for that matter) as he’s working off the previous night’s curry.

Young Ant Tony won’t have any of it. Using his experience all those years back on Robot Wars, he reckons he can get a car to run on vegetable oil, or is it olive oil, something like that.

Anyway, like most of us, they’re all looking at ways to save a few quid on petrol or diesel.

If you drive a van, however, chances are you can’t just shift a load around on foot and most delivery addresses aren’t going to be just around the corner.

A great way to make substantial on your fuel outlay is to convert your van engine to run on Liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG as it’s more commonly known.

Is LPG worth it?

Very much so. LPG is much cleaner than petrol or diesel because it emits much less carbon than those two fuels. Therefore, in an attempt to persuade more van drivers to go green, the Government has cut tax on LPG. Converting a diesel engine to run on LPG can cut your fuel costs by 20% while carrying out the same work on a petrol engine can produce a 40%.

Of course, low carbon emissions are good news when it comes to van insurance, as is comparing van insurance quotes with www.InsureAnts.co.uk.

Converting an engine to run on LPG will cost anywhere between £1,500 and £2,000, but with savings you make, the conversion will pay for itself in a year-and-a-half or less.
The time it takes to recoup the conversion costs can vary depending on the size of the van’s engine, the weight of the van and how many miles you cover in a year.

For example, if you drive 12,000 miles a year in your van, you can recoup your money in around 18 months.  A van which has been converted to run on LPG and clocks up 18,000 miles a year will pay for itself inside a year.

There are number on online resources provide by LPG conversion companies which will help you calculate your annual fuel budget following a conversion, included one provided by AutoGas here.

Easing the congestion

Van drivers who work in London on a regular basis can make even more savings with an LPG conversion.

Due to the lower carbon emissions, an LPG-run vehicle will be exempt from the congestion charge.

If your LPG vehicle emits100g/km or less and complies with Euro 5 standard for air quality, you can benefit from the Greener Vehicles Discount (GVD). Check out the Transport for London website for more information.

Installing an LPG engine

Converting an engine to run on LPG isn’t something anyone can do. LPG is highly flammable and conversions should only be carried out by an approve LPG Autogas Installer.

For a directory of LPG Autogas installers, check on the DriveLPG website, which will also provide you with a wealth of useful information.

So, are there any disadvantages to using LPG?

Availability remains one of the biggest problems with using LPG. Not all filling stations with stock it and because you’ll not cover as much distance with a tank full of LPG than you would on petrol, it pays to know which stations have it before setting out on a long journey.

However, this problem is being addressed and the number of LPG suppliers is steadily growing and there are now over 1,400 petrol stations selling LPG across the country.

Vans can also be converted to run on both LPG and petrol, which is ideal if LPG availability is a problem in your area.  The tank required for an LPG-run vehicle is a bit larger however, which may be something to think about.

If you have an concerns or questions about converting your van to run on LPG, it’s always a good idea to chat to an LPG installer for some valuable advice.

LPG Van Conversion Advice

The post Converting Your Van to Run on LPG appeared first on InsureAnts.

If you have a dog, you’ll know you’ll need to factor expenses such as food into your weekly shop. Even a little goldfish needs some grub, although GrAnt isn’t sure how anybody can call those dried up flakes ‘food’.

However, you’ll always know how much you’ll need to fork out to feed your dog as there’s always a great range of food in the supermarket, but when it comes to vets bills, it can be anybody’s guess.

Covering vets fees is one of the biggest benefits of pet insurance, but it’s not always easy to work out how much they’re going to be.

So the InsureAnts, who know a thing or two about sick animals (and by that, they mean they know when GrAnt is just phoning in ‘sick’ when he just wants a duvet day), have put together a little guide on the best way to cut your vets bills by spotting ailments early or keeping your dog healthy.

Get to know your dog

This won’t be a problem for many dog owners, as their pooch can often be their best friend and enjoy playing. However, you should also become familiar with your dog’s body as this will allow you to spot any lumps or bumps which are out of the ordinary. You should also keep a close eye on your dog’s toilet routine. Has it suddenly become irregularly or is their something in their urine which looks out of the ordinary.

Catch it early

You can spot many health problems by identifying symptoms early on. Keep yourself aware of the latest potential health problems dogs might suffer and carry out regular health checks before something more serious develops.

Grooming

You may not think that a dog that looks good is going to be healthier, but a dog with a nice shiny coat is. Therefore, regular grooming will let you know is your dog isn’t at the top of his game and it also gives you the chance to get to know your dog and spot irregularities.

Really get your teeth into it

Dental health can often be a good guide as to your dog’s general wellbeing, so it’s a good idea to get a good look at those gnashers from time to time. Overly red gums, bad breath and discoloured teeth can all alert you to a potential problem.

Keep an eye on those ears

You may think that a dog scratching his ear is an innocent enough sight, but it can be the sign of an infection. Similarly, if a dog shakes his head a lot, they may have ear of ear scratching, it could indicate an infection of some kind, such as haematoma of the ear flap.

A sight for sore eyes

The eyes are another good indication of potential problems, so if you see anything out of the ordinary, you should seek help. If a dog’s eyes seem clouded or the eye lid looks inflamed, your dog could have a cataract or be suffering from conjunctivitis.

Keep Fido fit

It isn’t just humans who need to keep those pesky pounds off, dogs need to keep active in order to escape problems such as obesity.

Every dog will be different, so while it’s a good idea to give him the exercise he needs, be careful not to overdo it an older dog.  Check out the PDSA for more info and videos related to exercise for your dog.

Diet

What your dogs eat can also affect his weight and general health, so make sure you give him a natural and balanced diet. Healthy dog food doesn’t need to cost the earth, all you have to do is give it a bit of thought.

Insurance for your pet

Of course, the best way to keep vet costs down is to have your pet insurance provider foot the bill. You can compare pet insurance quotes from a wide range of insurers with www.InsureAnts.co.uk, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and those of your dog.

Flea and worm treatments

Keep your dog’s bedding nice and clean as this can cut down on the possibility of him getting fleas. If that does happen, you can get your hands on flea and worm treatments at a pet store or online which will prove much cheaper than going through your vet.

Vet your potential vets

Vets may be experts when it comes to animal health, but not all are the same and so you should shop around to find one that’s right for you, both in terms of price and convenience. Chat to a few other dog owners and find out if any can recommend a good vet, or take a look here for recommendations.

Keep an eye on your pooch

You can avoid many unnecessary trips to the vet by keeping a close eye on your dog’s health. This will not only cut down on the amount of times you visit the vet, it will also mean that when you do need them, your visit will be worthwhile.

Keep Your Pet Healthy & Save on Pet Insurance at InsureAnts

The post 12 Ways to Lower Your Vets Bill appeared first on InsureAnts.

As useless as…. well, there are few well-known ways to finish that sentence. A chocolate teapot, an ashtray on a motorbike, GrAnt on a Friday afternoon as he counts down the minutes to the weekend. There are a few more unsavoury ones, but this is a family website, so let’s keep in all above board.

Anyway, it’s really frustrating when you spend money on something that turns out to be worth absolutely nothing when you need it most. At InsureAnts.co.uk, we work hard to find you the best travel insurance, but even a bargain will seem like a waste of money if your policy is declared invalid by the insurer because you didn’t declare certain information at the outset.

It’s always wise to be upfront with your insurer as many will have certain exclusions connected to their policies. If you don’t tell them, and they find out later, then they could refuse any claim and even cancel your policy.

The typical sort of questions a travel insurance provider may ask about you or any other travelers on the policy include:

•  Have you been refused travel insurance in the past, had a policy terminated or had specific restriction placed on any previous policy?
•  Do you have any criminal convictions for dishonesty, fraud or deception within the last five years?
•  In the last three years, have you made at least three claims on your travel insurance policy?
•  Is the trip you are taking out the travel insurance policy for already started?
•  Do you, or any adults you are travelling with, have any pre-existing medical conditions?

It’s important that you answer all these questions honestly, even if you feel it will mean an increase in the cost of your premium. If you don’t, then you’ll end up paying for a policy which is worthless anyway.

Make sure you’ve got it covered

It’s also worth noting that many basic travel insurance policies don’t cover you for cruise holidays.

You should also think about taking out specific cover if you traveling with a budget airline. Cover which will help you out if a flight is cancelled, delayed or suffers some other disruption could come in very handy as many low-cost airlines will not help you out on such occasions.

Even if you are on a multi-trip journey and you want to cancel some flights and come home early, it’s a good idea to have cover which can accommodate this.

Taking it to the extreme

If you are going on a holiday which involves adventurous activities or extreme sports, you will need to let your insurer know. These kinds of activities can really affect your policy, with many provider putting specific stipulations into their travel insurance plans.

For example, you may only be covered for three bungee jumps per trip. Even something as easy going as elephant or camel riding could be excluded from your policy, so it’s worth checking.

Even if you haven’t booked such as holiday, but feel you might like to try something like that when you get out there, let your insurer know.

Be prepared before you go

Make copies of your travel insurance documents, including details or what you are covered for, and any phone numbers which you should use in an emergency and take them with you. You should also write down your policy number and keep it separately in case the documents are lost or damaged.

You may find that some insurers will provide you with this in a handy information pack which is suitable for travel.

It’s also a good idea to leave copy of your travel insurance documents, as well as details of where you are staying, at home in case you lose them or are unable to access them while travelling.

Where you are travelling can also have can affect on the validity of your travel insurance. If the government has advised citizens not to travel to a certain area and you do, then your policy may be invalidated. Travel insurance will usually not cover you for acts for terrorism.

When travelling, it’s also advisable to keep you valuables, such as passport, insurance documents and cash in a hotel safe in a money belt on your person.

Whatever travel insurance cover you choose, make sure you get the best price by comparing quotes at InsureAnts.co.uk

The post Brilly’s Travel Insurance Advice appeared first on InsureAnts.