Housing affordability ‘at best level’ for landlords

By Christine Johnson on 16-05-2012

Property in cities across the UK is currently more affordable than it has been at any time over the last ten years, according to new research. The Affordable Cities Review, commissioned by Lloyds TSB, discovered that the average price for a city home is now 5.5 times gross annual average earnings.

While this figure still seems high, it is the lowest ratio it has been since 2003. One year ago, it was 5.7 times gross annual average earnings, and a long way from a peak of 7.2 before the recession in 2008.

Over the last four years, the average city house price has dropped by 18 per cent, from £210,605 to the current total £173,202 in 2012. H

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Police make rescue blunder

By Dustin Mitchell on 16-05-2012

A lot of us like having some personal belongings in our car, but one news report shows that occasionally it can cause trouble you would have never predicted.

It’s important not to put stuff in a vehicle which blocks the back window – or a driver’s view of the road from any direction for that matter.

But, surely a cuddly toy on the back seat won’t cause any harm? Think again.

In Nottinghamshire an 80-year-old man returned to his car to find the rear window smashed, and a note from the police.

Earlier, a passer-by had phoned the emergency services, worried for the health of a dog on the back seat of the vehicle. It was Read more…

Holidays at Home are GREAT – is the VisitEngland campaign?

By Kathryn Green on 11-05-2012

Tagged Under : Campaign, Visitengland Campaign

Why on earth would anyone want to go abroad in twenty twelve?

That is the message from the government-backed, VisitEngland multi-million pound advertising campaign to encourage Brits to holiday at home this year and not go abroad.

The UK is a fantastic holiday destination with lots to offer, and 2012 is going to be a year to remember with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics.

Criticism

However, the campaign is not without its critics. Abta criticised the government for pitching domestic holidays against foreign holidays, which could damage the wider economy.

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A New York Insurance Company Annuity Recipients Lose Benefits

By Dustin Mitchell on 08-05-2012

Tagged Under : Benefits, Insurance Company, New York

Recipients of guaranteed income annuity and personal injury payments from Executive Life Insurance Company of New York (ELNY) are in danger of losing their benefits, according to an order by a Nassau County judge.

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GEICO says new rate structure lowers Md. commercial auto rates

By Christine Johnson on 05-05-2012

Tagged Under : Auto Rates, Commercial Auto, Commercial Auto Rates, Rates

GEICO is offering new, lower commercial auto rates in Maryland after implementing a new rating structure in the state implemented last year.

The Fredericksburg, Va.-based insurer said it hopes to boost its market share in the state, where it says it already says it insures the most personal autos.

John Izzo, regional vice president of GEICOs Mid-Atlantic operations, said the new rate structure led to significantly lower premium rates for most risks.”

Commercial insurance packages cover the cars, trucks and vans used by small businesses such as contractors, retailers, caterers, professional services and others. I

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Florida Statute §627.701 Requires Insurance Carriers to Warn Policyholders of Higher Hurricane Deductible

By Dustin Mitchell on 18-04-2012

Tagged Under : Deductible, Hurricane Deductible

A deductible is an important element of every insurance policy. It is the amount the policyholder agrees to pay before insurance coverage kicks in, or the portion of the risk the policyholder agrees to self insure. It is no secret that insurance carriers prefer to issue policies with higher deductibles for certain perils, including hurricane losses. In Florida, insurance carriers can require a separate and distinct deductible for hurricane losses and another deductible for other perils under the insurance policy. The bait for consumers to accept a higher deductible for hurricane losses is a lower affordable premium. Many times, policyholders are not even aware they have a separate deductible for hurricane losses and only find out after their hurricane loss.

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