Consider Switching Car Insurance Providers

While the majority of homeowners switch around when it comes to
getting the cheapest deals on their gas and electricity many are
failing to consider switching when it comes to their car
insurance. However just because the deal you got last year on
your insurance was the best available, it does not mean that the
same will apply this year.

Just as with any type of car insurance when buying online you
have to take extreme care when choosing a policy. The easiest
ways to get your quotes for the cover is to go with a specialist
broker and allow them to search around on your behalf to get you
the cheapest deals and the key facts of the policy. By allowing
a specialist broker to look for car insurance on your behalf you
could make huge savings based on the policy you took out last
year. It is a well known fact that insurers will offer low cost
insurance to those taking out a first policy with them and then
slowly bump up the cost year after year, which means that the
43% who have just renewed their policy year after year might
well be paying over the odds.

However just as important as getting cheap premiums for your
car insurance is getting the right cover for your circumstances.
Insuring a second hand car for fully comprehensive will be
costing you more than had you chosen third party fire and theft
and providing third party is adequate you could save money.
Reading the terms and conditions of the policy is also essential
then it comes to taking out insurance as this is where the small
print can be found and how much the total cost of the insurance
will be along with exclusions.

Paying cheap premiums for your car insurance is ok providing
you know what the cover entails and that it is adequate for your
particular circumstances. If you go with a specialist broker
online then you can be sure that along with searching the top UK
insurance companies for the best deals they will also gather
together the key facts of the policy. You should go over the
terms and conditions with a fine tooth comb to ensure you have
all the cover you need, one policy might come with very low
premiums but if you then have to start adding on such as
windscreen damage and breakdown cover this will boost up the
cost considerably.

Comparing premiums for car insurance and switching providers
every year should be classed as essential and so should
comparing the key facts and small print. Never be tempted to
take out insurance solely on the "bargain" premiums without
first reading the key facts, instead get tailor made insurance
with a specialist broker along with free honest advice. It costs
nothing to get advice and to allow a specialist to shop around
on your behalf for the quotes, so you have nothing to lose and
everything to gain by getting quality insurance while at the
same time making savings.

About The Author: David Thomson is Chief Executive of
BestDealInsurance (http://www.bestdealinsurance.co.uk) an
independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their
clients with the best deal on their home, motor and life
insurance.

Hennessey Venom 650R upgrade gives Dodge Viper 678 horses

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Coupes, DodgeClick image for hi-res galleryThis is the part we love. It's when the OEMs and tuners start throwing haymakers at each other by releasing cars capable of bending the space/time continuum, so gaudy are their horsepower and performance numbers. The flurry comes in advance of the Corvette ZR1, which is poised to blow everyone away with what are certain to be obscene performance capabilities. The Nissan GT-R is now on record with a 3.3-second 0-60 time, a quarter mile in the elevens, and the handling capabilities its AWD system brings to the table. Dodge's '08 Viper puts out some impressive numbers to begin with, and now, ahead of the super-duper Vette's arrival, Hennessey has announced the 650R upgrade for all of Dodge's 2008 snakes - coupe, 'vert and ACR. The kit, which includes new headers, a 3-inch exhaust, performance cats, a K&N filter, and a brake upgrade, boosts power from the stock 600 hp to 678. At the dragstrip, the added juice translates into a 0-60 of 3.3 seconds (same as the stock GT-R), and a quarter mile time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph. Swap out the street tires for drag radials, and the quarter drops to 10.7 seconds at 132 mph. Top speed for the coupe is estimated to be 211 mph. So, how will the Corvette ZR1 stack up against the newest batch of street monsters? We don't know yet, but let's just say that you might want to click back here one last time tonight before you start counting sheep, capisce?[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]Gallery: Hennessey 650R Upgrade for 2008 Dodge ViperContinue reading Hennessey Venom 650R upgrade gives Dodge Viper 678 horses Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Etc., Pontiacclick above to view more images of the Solstice F430There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!" Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent was just to incorporate cool cues from cars that he sees. Thus, his Solstice wears an F430 nose, Porsche Cayman side intakes serving as extractors in the front quarters, tons of custom electronics and a snarling custom turbo installation, too. It's pretty amazing to see how much like a kit car the Solstice actually is. It's not the most comfortable little mini-'Vette, but it's well engineered platform-wise. After seeing how easily the Solstice takes to wrenching, we want one of our own to trick out. When we need an F430 nose, we know who to call. Thanks for the tip, Aman![Source: CarDomain via KitCarsForum]Gallery: Ferrari nosed Solstice Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Supercars, LamborghiniClick on the image above to view in high-resolution How do you top a car like the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster? It's simply one of the most desirable supercars on the market. But while the terms "practicality" and "Lamborghini" don't belong anywhere in the same sentence, the topless Raging Bull's roof is something best considered only for emergencies - just when the contraption's complicated installment procedures prove most frustrating (or so we hear). Coming to the rescue are the American coachbuilders at Genaddi, who've designed a special roof for the special supercar. If the name rings any bells, Genaddi is responsible for such intriguing open-air conversions as the Corvette LSR Roadster, Maybach 62 cabriolet and the (limited) production version of the Ford GTX1 concept. Genaddi's design for the Murcielago is far less complicated, but from the description, its simplicity could be its most redeeming quality. Made of carbon fiber, the six panels are designed to fit under the front hood of the roadster so it can be taken along with the car. They can be mounted in different configurations - completely open, completely closed, T-top or targa - and include a rear glass window. Genaddi expects to put the roof into production in May, when it will sell for $26,000. Yes, that's enough to buy a decent complete car, but it's a small price to pay if it means getting more use out of your Lamborghini. And that's a worthy cause which we here at Autoblog support whole-heartedly. Check out the press release after the jump and more images in the high-res gallery below. Gallery: Genaddi Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Continue reading Genaddi keeps a lid on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Permalink | Email this | Comments

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Filed under: Convertibles, Mercedes Benzclick above image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLKThe image we showed you yesterday of the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been proven to be the real deal as the German automaker has officially unveiled the new roadster this morning. As we reported yesterday, the tweaks to the SLK's front end bring it even more in line with the style of an F1 car's nose, for better or worse, while the rear actually gets a cleaner, smoother look with a faux diffuser affixed between the trapezoidal tailpipes. In addition to exterior enhancements, the 2009 model also gets an updated interior with an instrument panel design we actually find appealing and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The availability of "gullwing red" leather for the seats and interior trim that harkens back to the appointments of the original 300 SL is also a nice touch. Two new heavily revised engines join the familiar 5.5L V8 of the AMG model that carries over, including a revised kompressor (supercharged) four-cylinder producing 184 hp/184 lb.-ft of torque and a new 3.5L V6 producing a healthy 305 hp/265 lb.-ft of torque. Both engines also get better fuel economy and emit less CO2 than their predecessors, which is a plus. While a five-speed automatic and six-speed manual are available, we'd opt for the 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic to carve up the powerband, and there's a new all-mechanical direct-steer system that seems pretty trick. Pricing for the new SLK, at least in the European market is below. SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: € 36,503.25 SLK 280: € 41,858.25 SLK 350 with sports engine: € 46,975.25 SLK 55 AMG: € 69,049.75 (incl. VAT in each case)[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLKContinue reading OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vandenbrink unveils Ferrari 599 GT Convertible design

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Ferrariclick to enlarge Dutch designer Michiel van den Brink doesn't seem to be deterred by adversity. First he set out to pen a modern interpretation of one of the most iconic homologated racing GTs of all time, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. Then he actually decided to build his design, basing it on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, arguably the most dynamically sublime supercar ever to grace tarmac. When the Fiorano's 600-hp Enzo sourced V12 wasn't good enough, he teamed up with tuning house Edo Competition to turn it up to 11 by boring it out to 6.3 liters. The result? 750 horsepower. When Maranello declined to grant him its blessing, he started taking orders anyway from customers seemingly undeterred by the $1.3 million asking price... over the cost of the donor car. Now that conjecture has begun circulating cyberspace that Ferrari is considering building a small run of convertibles based on the Fiorano, van den Brink has thrown his hat into the ring by unveiling his own design, dubbed the "GT Convertible". A far more convincing and seducing design than the photochops we've seen so far, van den Brink says he'll build it complete with a folding carbon-fiber hard-top for any interested customer. That's some unfettered ambition, considering we've yet to see an actual copy of the Vandenbrink GTO built, yet despite an undisclosed but undoubtedly high cost for the sublime chop-job, Michiel might start taking orders before you know it. More details are included in the press release after the jump, where van den Brink alludes to future designs to be based on the Audi R8, Spyker C8 Spyder and Corvette Z06. Oh yes, the future bears promise. [Source: Vandenbrink Design]Continue reading Vandenbrink unveils Ferrari 599 GT Convertible design Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sorry CARB: EPA says states can't regulate their own emissions

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Government/Legal, Green, Chrysler, Ford, GM, ToyotaIf you found it slightly strange that automakers went from being ardently opposed to any new EPA legislation to 100-percent behind the new proposal, you're not alone. Now the picture appears clearer, as the EPA has deemed any new California Air Resources Board (CARB) legislation an unnecessary evil. The significance of the new ruling is so far-reaching that the OEM savings can be heard all across our great land. In short, it means that California and the 17 other states vying for independent CO2 regulations are completely helpless in forcing automakers to be held to a separate, higher standard. Of course, California is now threatening to sue the EPA, which will provide interesting headlines but likely no alternative outcome. While we will never know if automakers were tipped by the EPA of this eventuality, we can definitely say that every exec in the auto industry is today dancing the jig over this news. Besides, we've been keeping tabs on this situation for some time, so we knew it was a possibility. Having multiple regulations would set back R&D spending for years, as automakers would be chasing their own tails trying to comply with multiple regulations. With no separate standard for green states like California, automakers can now build one car for all 50 states, which will save billions every year. Let's hope that the saved cash will be funneled back into green tech research and development. And let's hope that lawmakers spend more time paving the way for plug-in spots for electric cars, more gas stations with E85, and a proper fuel cell infrastructure, and less time trying to beat on OEMs in an effort to look good for voters. [Source: AutoblogGreen] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Mercedes BenzClick on the images to view our high-resolution gallery Some will say for better, others will say for worse, but one way or another, the Mercedes SLR McLaren is the supercar that refuses to go quietly into the night. It was previewed by the Vision SLR concept way back in 1999, and since entering limited production in 2003, the Anglo-Saxon supercar has performed disappointingly both on the road and in the market. But rather than allowing it to slip away, Mercedes has repeatedly given it new transfusions with the Roadster, 722 and most recently the 722 GT derivatives. The SLR, in all its incarnations, is about due for retirement, so where has it gone? To Florida, of course! RENNtech, the Sunshine State-based Mercedes tuner par excellence, has been given the exclusive contract to import and distribute the long-named and long-nosed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT in North America. RENNtech, which, as we reported earlier, tuned the SLR road car to actually produce 722 hp, will offer an allotment of 21 examples of the factory SLR 722 GT track-day special, each available at about $1.2 million. To sweeten the deal, RENNtech is setting up a full track-day program for the SLR 722 GT owners, including set-up and maintenance by specialized technicians, opportunity to learn the track behind the wheel of its special SLR karts (pictured, right) and instruction from professional drivers (David Coulthard, although no longer affiliated with McLaren, is claimed to be on board). To celebrate the arrival of the sharpest (and potentially last) version of the SLR to American shores, we've got a whole mess of new photos for you... just click on the gallery below. (Full press release after the jump.) [Source: RENNtech] Gallery: SLR 722 GT in AmericaContinue reading Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tesla may begin delivering Roadsters with temporary transmissions

Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, GreenIf you plunked down six figures and expected to be motoring around in your emissions-free Tesla Roadster by now, chances are there might be a few ants in your pants. The all-EV Tesla Roadster has hit a few speed bumps on its road to production, and in order to address these concerns, the fledgling automaker held a town hall meeting in San Carlos yesterday that was available to anyone who made a deposit for a car via conference call.The skinny is that Tesla is having a difficult time developing a transmission strong enough to "survive the process of shifting gears while the motor remains at full torque", according to our own Sam Abuelsamid who has been following the Roadster's development from Day 1 and has actually rode shotgun in it. Two suppliers are currently working simultaneously to find a solution. Meanwhile, the company has gone ahead and built the first production model at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England. The first car belongs to Elon Musk, Chairman of the company and one of its initial investors. His car is fitted, however, with a transmission that he knows will fail in a few thousand miles. Tesla also revealed that it is considering shipping some preordered Roadsters to customers early with similar transmissions that will be temporary and later replaced with the stronger transmission once it's developed. For those really eager to own a Tesla Roadster, this might be an option, but would you want to drive around a car with a gearbox that was guaranteed to fail after a few thousand miles?Also of note is that the Tesla Roadster's range estimate has fallen a bit again from a previously reported range of 245 miles to something in the 220- to 230-mile range. Still impressive, but let's hope it doesn't fall any further.Click here to read more about the town hall meeting over at AutoblogGreen.[Source: AutoblogGreen]Gallery: Riding in the Tesla Roadster Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Volkswagenclick above image to view high-res gallery of VW New Beetle renderings var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Next_generation_VW_New_Beetle_cuter_than_EVER'; It's one of the hardest tricks for a designer to pull off: redesign a retro car that takes its styling cues from an iconic classic. Volkswagen has already refreshed the design of its New Beetle once, though the redo was kept to a minimum and included things like new headlights, slightly more creased fenders, and new taillights. The time will come, however, when the New Beetle needs a new look, and according to Brenda Priddy's illustration artist, the next-gen people's car will be inspired by VW's series of up! concepts that have been trotted out at recent auto shows around the world. And truly, doesn't it make sense? Adding the up! bumper to the New Beetle gives its face a cheery smile that one would expect from a car that comes standard with a flower vase in the dash. The same goes for the rear bumper that gives a grin to passerbys as if to say, "Make love, not war!". Even the new head and taillights in these renderings look more like actual eyeballs than on most cars. Whether or not these illustrations have a grain of truth to them remains to be seen, but the fact can't be denied that VW needs to somehow update the New Beetle's design without losing any of its inherent charm. So far this year, the New Beetle coupe is down 9.8% in sales while the convertible is off -19.7%. What will help a redesign gain traction with buyers are new features being planned for the next-gen Bug, including availability of a DSG gearbox and even a speedster model that could hint at a performance variant. Hmmm... kind of looks like Walt Disney's version of a Porsche Boxster. [Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - renderingsContinue reading Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster Permalink | Email this | Comments

How Do I Buy A Car For The First Time?

There are a lot of things to pay attention to when purchasing your first car. Most first-time car buyers are teenagers or college aged adults with little or no credit under their belt. This may sometimes be a problem, but generally should not cause major problems.

The first thing to do is look at your budget before you even start shopping around for your dream car. A good rule of thumb is to try and pay off your car loan in 48 months. Otherwise the loan time is too long and paying it off may not be achievable. Cars depreciate in value and if you want to sell it, you dont want to have to sell it for less than you have left on your loan. Also put into your budget gasoline prices, oil changes and other mild and random repairs that will be common and frequent. If you cannot afford these little extra expenses, do not buy a car. Make sure that you understand all of these things before purchasing a car.

Also when you start looking for a car, find out your credit score ahead of time. Car dealers are known for being dishonest for a reason. If you are unaware of your credit score, how will you know if they are telling you the truth or being honest with you? If you know your credit score than it is less likely that you will get scammed.

Dont forget that you can shop around a bit too. You do not have to purchase the first car that you see is for sale. There are many different ways to shop for a car that it is important to find what fits best for you. It could be a newspaper ad, online, or going to a dealership. By shopping around you will avoid purchasing a car for one price and then seeing an ad for the exact same car at a lower price the next week. Take your time and do your research. Find out what cars run better or have better performances than others.

Another important thing to find out is if you need to have a co-signer. If you are under 18 or have little or no credit history, than you will most likely need to have a co-signer. This is not a bad thing and it will actually help you establish credit in the long run. Make sure that the loan officer still puts you down as the first person and that the other person is just a co-signer.

Also, when you are discussing things with financial managers, make sure you know all the terms and new words that they use. If they talk about APR, leasing, financing or warranties, know the difference and the definitions. Educate yourself on all the terms beforehand so you will not be tricked into something you didnt understand. There are many important details to look into when purchasing a car for the first time. Just make sure you are covering all the issues and not rushing into anything.

Court helps people to learn about bad credit loans. You can read more of his work by visiting: http://whalehookloans.com