Eagle Star Home Insurance

About Eagle Star

Eagle Star is one of the best known insurance companies in the UK. They aim to provide their customers with great value for money whether you are looking for car or home insurance.

Eagle Star is associated with innovations such as removing the need for application and claims forms, a 24 hour claims service, and one of the first insurers to sell directly via the Internet. They aim to bring a pioneering approach to everything that they do.

Eagle Star has been part of the Zurich Financial Services Group since September 1998. One of the world's leading insurance and financial services providers, the Group has subsidiaries in more than 50 countries employing more than 64,000 people worldwide.

Eagle Star Home Insurance

Eagle Star Home Insurance offers sizeable discounts to employees of hundreds of different UK firms. The quotation process is very time-consuming and we encountered a few problems inputting values; premiums were reasonable but not particularly competitive.

• Home insurance


• Buildings insurance


• Contents insurance


• Accidental damage insurance


• Legal protection

Eagle Star Home Insurance is a subsidiary of Zurich but unlike its parent, it's happy to insure flats and you don't have to use another firm's online ordering system.

The forms are very detailed and the firm promises sizeable discounts for employees of certain UK companies ? hundreds of firms rather than a handful ? although the quote process can be flaky: rather than pre-set levels of cover, you have to type the figures in yourself and the site frequently rejects your input. However, after a few unsuccessful attempts we managed to get a quote: Eagle Star Home Insurance would cost £232.62 for our suburban family, and a terrifying £371.25 for our urban couple.

Summary

The cover available from Eagle Star is provided by Zurich home insurance. Your buildings are protected against the elements and in the event of an accident your accommodation is fully covered. The actual contents of your home can be insured to the value of £10,000. There is no limit on the amount of times you can claim for a lock and with Eagle star home insurance you can insure a single item up to the value of £2,500. Everything in your garden is covered and in the event of a storm you can claim up to £1,500 back. £50,000 is on offer to cover the cost of legal actions. Excess is £50 and this applies to every claim section.

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Approved Car Finance

Approved Car Finance

This year 1000s of people got a car from Approved Car Finance - even though they had CCJs, defaults or a poor credit history. Now you can too. Approved Car Finance supply the car and the finance.

You'll find that Approved Car Finance are experts in getting car finance for most people regardless of their credit history. Both home owners and tenants are welcome to apply as the loan is secured on the car, not your home.

• Most cars 2 - 4 years old


• Good selection of cars


• MOT on all cars


• Every car is pre-checked - 136 point vehicle inspection

How does it work?

It couldn't be easier to get on the road and drive a newer car in 3 easy steps:

• Apply online or call their toll free number. Answer a few questions, make an appointment to come and visit them!


• Come in to your local branch, choose from 100's of cars in stock at branches nationwide.


• Bring in your old car, they will give you £1,000 minimum part exchange plus £250 cash back.

Summary

Been refused car credit? Approved Car Finance gives you the opportunity to get car credit whatever your credit history. Great deals available online today. £1000 part exchange & cashback available.

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Getting on property ladder to ease by 2025

First-time buyers in 2025 will find it easier to buy a home than those who are trying to get on the property ladder today.


A new report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research predicts that rising wages and changes in the property market over the next 20 years will boost the affordability of property.

Wage increases are expected to outstrip rising property prices over the next 20 years by 140 per cent against 112 per cent.

Changes in the housing stock will also aid first time buyers. The number of small starter homes is expected to increase, thanks in part to government subsidies.

Current divides in the housing market are, however, set to increase.

First-time buyers in the south-east will only be able to afford 15 per cent of available properties. Buyers in the West Midlands will enjoy the largest choice with 60 per cent of houses being affordable.

The gradual transformation of households will also fuel a more divided appearance to UK homes.

The report predicts that numbers of inter-generational families sharing large properties in order to save space and money will rise, while the growth of single households will boost demand for compact homes.

More credit card rewards ditched

Consumers have witnessed a growing trend of credit card providers withdrawing the benefits and perks previously offered with their deals, and more are doing the same.

Sainsbury's Bank is the latest to withdraw its cashback and reward schemes, in a market which has found it harder to turn over profit since the advent of zero per cent interest offers.

The bank had been offering 0.25 per cent cashback on purchases or Nectar points. While existing customers will continue to receive Nectar points, the offer has been withdrawn for new customers.

Despite strong competition in the credit card market, more and more providers feel it is time to take away the kind of encouragement that up until recently was being used to lure in customers from their competitors.

Samantha Owens, head of research at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said: "With zero per cent interest deals reportedly costing the card industry in excess of £1 billion per year and many high street banks reporting a steep increase in bad debts, it is not surprising to see providers taking measures to reduce their costs.

"It is now becoming increasingly difficult for customers to find a card which offers them the kind of benefits that were common place a year ago.

"Not only have cashback deals been severely cut or in a number of cases totally withdrawn, but incentives such as Nectar points and AirMiles are also less widely available," she added.
Other banks and credit card providers who have ditched their reward and cashback schemes include Egg, Blue Amex, HBOS, and Mint.

Endsleigh Home Insurance

About Endsleigh

Originally formed in 1965 by the National Union of Students, Endsleigh has since grown to become one of the largest high street insurance retailers in the UK.

Endsleigh continue to lead the market in the provision of insurance for students but have expanded to become the leading insurer for graduates and young professionals.

Endsleigh's highly-successful, three-year sponsorship deal with the Football League Championships between 1993 and 1996 has had a huge impact on the profile and level of awareness enjoyed by the company, making Endsleigh the household name it is today.

Endsleigh have invested in state-of-the-art technology providing them with all the underwriting and administrative sophistication that delivers the same cost savings and efficiency normally associated with direct insurers. However, Endsleigh's expanding network of retail outlets also provides a professional, friendly and localised service for their customers.

The company currently employs almost 1,000 staff nationally with around 350 based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, where the companies new £16m purpose built campus style corporate headquarters has been built.

Endsleigh Home Insurance

Endsleigh home insurance gets its policies from the usual panel of leading insurers, and has inked deals with various trade unions to cut the cost of insurance for members. The quotation form is long-winded but it's worth persevering with as premiums are low.

• Home insurance
  
• Buildings insurance


• Contents insurance


• Accidental damage insurance


• Legal insurance


• Discounts for trade union members

Endsleigh home insurance is a broker service that tries to get the best quote from a panel of different insurance firms ? although we were unable to get a quote for our urban couple, presumably because they live in a flat.

The quote form is very long-winded and takes eons to complete, but we found that the prices were worth it: our suburban family was quoted a very reasonable £177.61 for buildings and contents insurance.

Endsleigh home insurance has also inked deals with various trade unions to keep premiums low for their members, so if you're a card-carrying trade unionist you might be able to get an even lower quote.

Summary

Endsleigh home insurance offer probably the most competitive premiums available. They are particularly competitive in home insurance for students and young professionals and even have a specialised policy for those living in rented or shared accommodation.

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Kwik-Fit Car Insurance

Kwik-Fit Car Insurance

Kwik fit are best known for their walk in car repair and tyre services. In recent years they have launched their subsidiary Kwik-Fit Insurance which is an independent intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The Kwik Fit car insurance product is provided by their panel of chosen companies who offer third party, third party fire and theft and also comprehensive car insurance cover. All Customers who chose to get an online quote benefit from additional discounts if the policy is purchased online and a further discount from Kwik Fit Auto centres.

The third party fire and theft level of the Kwik Fit car insurance policy covers your legal liability to third parties, and damage and injury caused by your passengers. If you are looking for fire and theft protection, consider the third party fire and theft insurance policy as this covers you and your vehicle if it is stolen or bursts into flames.

For those customers seeking comprehensive quotes for Kwik Fit car insurance the scope of cover offered includes a free courtesy car, 24-hour accident action line, 24-hour windscreen, glass replacement helpline and personal belongings insurance up to specified limits.

Optional extras that can be added to Kwik Fit car insurance policies include breakdown cover, legal expenses costs of up of £75,000 in the event of a non-fault claim and Kwik Fit?s Keep Motoring product. Keep Motoring is a replacement vehicle hire product designed to cover policyholders on the road in the event of a total loss/theft of the insured vehicle. Customers choosing to pay by monthly instalments can also take advantage of the Kwik Fit payment protection plan which is designed to protect against accident, sickness or unemployment.

Summary

Want cheaper car Insurance? Paying too much for your car insurance? Save up to £110 with Kwik-Fit Insurance plus up to 7% online discount. They pride ourselves on providing their customers with choice. Unlike direct insurers, we work on your behalf by searching their large panel of leading motor insurers to find you a great deal.

And it's not just the lower prices that are bringing people to Kwik-Fit Insurance. They'll give you an Exclusive 10% discount of everything you need to keep your car on the road at Kwik-Fit Autocentres all over the UK. In addition they'll give you the further benefit of a guaranteed courtesy car, 24-hour accident action line and £150 personal belongings cover.

So why not put Kwik-Fit to the test by getting a quote now. Not only could they save you money today, but you can continue to save all year with the 10% discount you'll receive at Kwik-Fit Autocentres.

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now

Direct Line Home Insurance

About Direct Line

Direct Line is a fantastic success story. They started from scratch in April 1985 with a single product - motor insurance. Now they have over 5 million customers and a whole range of products and services. They do business over the phone and on the internet and they've also gone international to Germany, Italy and Spain.

Direct Line Home Insurance

Direct Line home insurance comes with two main choices of cover:

Direct Line Buildings Insurance

• Covers the structure of your home, roofs, walls, fences, gates and outbuildings, plus permanent fixtures like kitchens, bathrooms and fitted wardrobes.


• Covers fire, lightning, storm or flood (excluding fences and gates), theft, explosion, escape of water or oil, vandalism and subsidence.


• Also covers burst pipes, accidental damage to windows or sanitaryware and the cost of alternative accommodation if necessary (following an insured event).


• 24-hour Emergency Helpline

Direct Line Contents Insurance

• Provides cover on a new-for-old basis for household goods, including furniture, carpets, curtains, and your personal belongings in the home, garages and sheds.


• Covers cash in your home up to £500, plus items in the garden up to £1,000.
  Covers against fire, smoke damage, lightning, theft, flood and escape of water or oil.


• Also covers accidental damage to TVs, home computers, home entertainment systems, freezer contents (unlimited), replacement locks and keys following theft of keys (unlimited), and possessions temporarily removed from the home to another e.g. while children are at college.


• Includes an automatic £5,000 or 10% increase in cover for several weeks either side of Christmas and family weddings.


• 24-hour Emergency Helpline

Summary

UK Insurance is the company behind Direct Line, founded in 1984. Today, Direct Line has over 5 million customers and a whole range of products and services available on an International scale. Direct Line revolutionised the market by going directly to the customer using the telephone as its main channel of communication. Out went the middlemen, the fat commissions, the forms and the jargon. In came speed, simplicity and a common-sense human touch.

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Direct Line Car Insurance

Direct Line are one of the most recognised household insurance brand in the UK and now provides a range of financial products including life, home, pet, travel, critical illness and car insurance together with breakdown services, car sales (through its ?jamjarCars? site), loans, mortgages and savings.

Direct Line offer a car insurance quote provided you are resident in the UK and the vehicle is kept in England, Scotland, Wales or Isle of Man. All car drivers must be between 17 and 79 years old at the beginning of the insurance policy, hold a full UK driving licence and be permanently resident in the UK. The car must be owned and registered by the insurance policyholder at their address.

The company will offer both comprehensive car insurance, third party, fire and theft, and third party only cover to suit your purposes, all of which are available on-line with a 10% discount for buying online. Fully comprehensive car insurance cover is compulsory on vehicles with a value greater than £5,000.

Business use is included as standard. The policyholder and the policyholder?s spouse/partner (if named on the insurance policy) can also use the car in connection with their business provided that their or their employer?s business is not connected in any way with the following: the entertainment and fashion industry, professional sports, foreign service or diplomatic personnel, scrap or salvage merchants, general dealers or market traders, mini-cab drivers or controllers. Use in connection with the Motor Trade is specifically excluded.

The total number of fault accidents or insurance claims (including theft) for each car driver must not exceed 2 in the last 3 years and the total number of convictions, fixed penalties or disqualifications must not exceed 2 in the last 5 years.

Up to 2 additional named car drivers can be added to the policy providing they are also between 17 and 79 years at the beginning of the insurance policy.

Car no claims discount can be carried forward from your previous insurance company provided you ceased that policy within the last 2 years. Once 4 years no claims discount has been accumulated, you can protect it for a small additional insurance premium; this means you can have 1 claim in any year (or up to 2 claims in any 3 year period) and you won't lose your hard earned discount. The maximum discount is 65% after 5 years (70% if you're over 50)

Car insurance claims are dealt with by telephone. A 24 hour claims helpline provides advice and links to their nationwide network or car repairers. All work carried out by Network Repairers is fully guaranteed for three years using only manufacturer approved car parts. Legal Protection* is available as an optional extra which will assist if you have an accident that's not your fault, by working on your behalf to recover things not covered by your car insurance policy; for example, excess, personal injury and loss of earnings.

Car sharing to and from work etc. is written into the insurance policy and the receipt of contributions in respect of the carriage of passengers for social or similar purposes, as part of a car sharing arrangement, will not be regarded as the carriage of passengers for hire or reward. Also, the use of a car for hiring provided that the vehicle is not constructed or adapted to carry more than eight passengers, excluding the driver, the passengers are not being carried in the course of a business of carrying passengers, and the total contributions received for the journey do not involve an element of profit.

Unless you extend the car insurance policy to include foreign use, cover is restricted to only the minimum required by law in the E.U. member countries and in certain other countries, and there is no cover for loss or damage to your car. The cover you have applies only to the territorial limits specified in the insurance policy under definitions. To ensure you are fully protected you should apply for Foreign Use as outlined.

Summary

Direct Line are a major UK car insurance company, and members of the Which? Webtrader code of practice. They offer online UK motor insurance quotes using an easy to complete online form. The site is easy to navigate and written in plain English.

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Is student debt forcing you out of politics?

Britain's youth have little time for politics because of the rush to find a decent job to pay off student debts, a new study has found.

With graduates leaving university this year with debts of about £10,000 or more, rightwing think-tank Reform said they were receiving a raw deal from their investment.

The study labelled under-35s the "Ipod" generation - insecure, pressured, over-taxed and debt-ridden youngsters, a "cross-over generation" forced to pay for the welfare state without receiving tangible benefits.

Reform said the under-35s were economically worse off than their parents were at the same age.

The study said Britain's youth were paying more taxes to help support the country's ageing population, despite facing poor pension returns themselves and ominously high property prices.

Professor Nick Bosanquet of Imperial College London, one of the report's authors, warned young people were burdened with masses of commitments, making it much more difficult for them to raise incomes, generate wealth and foster and entrepreneurial spirit.

The report claimed the Ipod generation suffers from high levels of risk adversity given the debts accrued at university.

As such, it called for the scrapping of the government's target of getting 50 per cent of young people in higher education, arguing there were simply too many graduates without identifiable skills in an already crowded employment market.

The report said an average graduate could expect to earn £150,000 more than someone with A-levels over the course of a lifetime.

The government predicted graduates would earn £400,000 more.

The thinktank said lower taxes and cuts in public spending could entice young people back to politics.

My Sort Of Loan

My Sort of Loan

My Sort of Loan offer an incredible 6 months payment holiday at the start of their secured homeowner loans. So, if you took out a loan on the first of January, you wouldn't have to start making repayments until the 1st of July.

You can use the money for any purpose, but one of the most popular uses is for debt consolidation - the long initial repayment holiday gives you some breathing space to get your finances back in order if you're struggling with debts.

And a bad credit rating need not necesarily stop you from getting a loan, as plans are available for most situations.

You can borrow any amount from £3,000 - £250,000 (or sometimes even higher). My Sort Of Loan's typical loans are between £5,000 - £100,000.

How soon can I get a loan from My Sort of Loan?

The quicker you return any documents we need, the quicker you'll have your cash. We aim to have all loans completed within 14 days of application.

Poor credit rating won't necessarily stop you from getting a loan. For example, you may be considering clearing some or all of the credit you have (if any) to reduce your monthly credit bills with a single more affordable loan.

What sort of APR do I pay?

Most customers pay less than 10.7% APR (typical variable or less)

Rates from 7.9% APR variable to 19.9% variable. Their highest rate is for customers with severe credit problems.

Summary

• Pay nothing for the first six months


• 9.9% Typical APR


• Borrow between £3k and £250k, or even more in some circumstances


• Take up to 20 years to repay


• Bad credit ratings catered for including CCJs and mortgage arrears


• Use the cash for any purpose, including debt consolidation


• Loans secured on your home - homeowners only

Offers you a chance to get hassle free finance, with a quick and easy online application process. Whether you want to reduce your monthly payments, with a consolidation loan, carry out home improvements, buy a new car or take a holiday, mysortofloan could get the finance sorted for you.

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Internet searchers 'widen' the wealth gap

Internet searches could widen the gap between Britain's richest as poorest areas, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has said.

Sophisticated property search engines mean that those with internet access can locate neighbourhoods and regions that fit their aspirations.

But this could lead to the UK developing pockets of rich and pockets of poor households - with detrimental effects on social cohesion and limiting the choices for people without internet access.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report finds that internet-based neighbourhood information systems could therefore create a more segregated society, by guiding buyers to the best schools and lowest crime figures and aiding their search for areas with the people they would most want as neighbours.

While such websites already exist in the US, the UK is yet to develop tools as sophisticated.

However, some commercial sites have information collected by postcode; and the government's own Neighbourhood Statistics website offers statistical, demographic and environmental information on neighbourhoods.

Additionally, joke sites listing 'crap' or 'chav' towns contain certain social characteristics of different areas, mostly in negative terms.

"It seems only a matter of time before the kind of powerful neighbourhood search sites available in the United States start to reinforce the divide between the more and less prosperous locations in the UK," commented professor Roger Burrows, who led the research team conducting the report.

"This is potentially worrying. Given what we know about the benefits of mixed-income communities in promoting social cohesion, it is important that greater public access to the 'social sorting' technology used by market research does not pull in the opposite direction and lead to even greater segregation between communities."

He added: "While no one would want to prevent public access to neighbourhood information, we should recognise the potential implications for disadvantaged neighbourhoods and the people who live in them.

"At a minimum it would be sensible to insist that that internet-based neighbourhood information systems websites specify their sources and make it clear how their information was compiled. We also recommend that local people are given opportunities to challenge the way their neighbourhoods are being portrayed, if necessary."

Columbus Travel Insurance

About Columbus

Columbus Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist which was established in 1988. By selling direct to the public, they cut out the middle man and can save their customers up to 60% in commissions charged by other providers.

Customer satisfaction and value for money are the driving forces behind Columbus Direct and they pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service.

Columbus Travel Insurance

By choosing travel insurance rates with Columbus-Insurance.com you have access to a unique system put in place, which permits you to modify and adjust your levels of cover specifically for your needs. This also allows your levels of cover to be fully manageable after you have taken it out, making it flexible for you to adjust if your travel circumstances change.

By arranging online insurance the quotation system makes finding a quote really easy. You can obtain a quote within seconds and buy online in minutes through Barclays secure payment server. You will leave the site with your personalised Insurance policy printed on your printer in minutes, all at your own convenience.

Summary

Columbus Insurance Direct is one of the best known brand in the travel insurance market. Columbus offer high quality travel insurance to meet all travellers needs. Columbus Insurance Direct is a leading travel insurance specialist, established in 1988. By selling direct to the public, we cut out the middle man and save customers up to 60% in commissions charged by other providers. Customer satisfaction and value for money are the driving forces behind Columbus Insurance Direct and we pride ourselves on providing a quick, efficient and hassle-free service. Columbus Insurance Direct offers a fast efficient quote and buy process. To get your quote simply click the link below:

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Budget Home Insurance

About Budget

Since their launch, Budget have gone from strength to strength. By using the latest technology and providing high service standards, they make it easier for their customers to buy insurance over the phone. Their staff are trained to give expert advice and to solve problems quickly and efficiently. They also ensure that their customers are getting the car or home insurance cover that best suits their needs at the lowest possible price from their panel of leading insurers.

Budget Home Insurance

Budget home insurance is detailed on the same site as its car, motorbike, travel and life insurance policies, but unlike those policies there's no quote form. The firm promises the usual selection of buildings, contents, accidental damage and legal protection.

• Home insurance


• Buildings insurance


• Contents insurance


• Accidental damage insurance


• Legal insurance

Budget home insurance offering sounds good and promises low cost policies, but amazingly you can't apply online ? the site offers online quotes for car insurance, motorbike insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, but the home insurance page is a bit of blurb, a phone number and a "call me" button.

The company offers buildings and/or contents insurance together with extras such as accidental damage cover and legal protection, and policies include £2,000 of bicycle cover.

Budget home insurance also promises big discounts if your home is alarmed, if you live in a neighbourhood watch area, or if you have a claim-free insurance record.

Summary

Budget are one of the uk's most innovative and reputable insurance groups offering home insurance cover tailored to your lifestyle. Their very flexible policies mean that you choose the cover you want so you only pay for what you really need. Special discounts are also available if your home is in a Neighbourhood Watch area, if you have secure locks on all doors and windows or if you have a NACOSS approved system. They also offer generous discounts if you haven't made any claims. Budget are very customer focused - you will find that their advisors are particularly helpful, friendly and understanding. They will take time to 'walk you through your home' to help ensure you get the right insurance at the best possible price. To make your application and get a quite simply click the link below.

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Central Capital Mortgages

Central Capital Mortgages

Central Capital specialise in finding mortgages/loans for clients who may have difficulty getting a mortgage from a traditional Uk bank or building society. They have schemes to suit people that have mortgage arrears, credit problems, no proof of income, unusual properties and hundreds of other situations that might cause banks to say 'no'. Central Capital offer mortgages to UK residents via major lenders. Mortgages range from £25,000 to £1 million over 5 to 40 years. Their staff are friendly and pride themselves on providing world class service to all their clients.

Central Capital is part of the Central Trust plc Group. Central Trust was formed in 1987 by Andrew Turner and is still a family run business by now employs over 450 people.

Central Capital with search the major banks and financial houses in the UK markets to find the loan and deal that is best for you.

Central Capital are very proud of the approach to their customers and treat everyone case as an individual.

Summary

Get independent mortgage advice from Central Capital Mortgages - they'll search their panel of UK lenders to find you the best deal around to suit your needs, whether you're a first-time buyer, moving house, remortgaging or you want to buy your council house. All you need to do is fill in the online application form giving Central Capital Mortgages the details of your financial circumstances and property, and notifying them of the kind of mortgage you're interested in. Once this is completed all you have to do is sit back and wait for one of their representatives to get in touch with you to discuss your application.

Features of the site include a rate chart which gives you an indication of the sort of monthly repayments you could expect from a mortgage brokered by Central Capital Mortgages, depending on borrowing term and interest rate. If you're unsure about anything consult the Frequently Asked Questions page; alternatively you can email them with your query or call the freephone helpline provided.

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Smile Personal Loans

Smile, it's a beautiful day

A lot of banks bang on about being different, but chest puffing apart, few actually live up to the claim. But at smile, they really can say it with conviction.

For starters, they've got a resident astrologer, Astro Anne (who had a feeling you'd be reading this now). And apparently she has already made her predictions of how the stars will affect you and your money this month.

So if you want to see if you should splash out on that fantastic top you've had your beady eye on, or throw caution to the wind and head off to New York for a weekend of shopping and partying, then check out her horoscope page. And if she's urging a bit of caution, there's no need to panic. Smile have loads of ways to make hard-earned cash stretch further.

The Smile Personal Loan

At Smile you can apply for a personal loan of up to £15,000. To find out how much you can afford to borrow use the handy online calculator which lets you work out how much your monthly payment will cost and also give you an idea of the type of APR you can expect to pay. The typical APR for a Smile personal loan is 6.9%. So whether you fancy treating the family to a well deserved break or are considering splashing out on a new car take a look at the competitive loans rates which are available. You can apply for a loan online and once your application has been submitted you will receive an enrolment number which will allow you to track the progress of your application online. Take a look at Smiles Payment Protection plan which allows you to protect your monthly repayments, allowing you peace of mind that if you should become unable to work you will have one less thing to worry about.

The Smile website is easy to use and offers plenty of useful information to help you decide how much to borrow. Should you have any queries take a look at the comprehensive FAQ section or visit the contact section where you can either email your query using on the online web form or call to speak to an advisor. There is plenty of financial information available on the site as well as a number of tools to help you budget your finances. To find out more about Smile personal loans and discover the range of financial products available click through now.

Summary

• start the year afresh with a low rate from smile


• pay just 6.9% APR typical


• repay your loan at your own pace, from 1-7 years


• protect yourself against the unexpected with smile's Payment Protection Plan


• work out how much for how long with the Smile online loans calculator.

Smile offer personal loans of up to £15,000. You can apply online and you should receive a decision about whether your application has been successful in a matter of minutes. To decide how much you can borrow look at the loans calculator. Repayments are fixed meaning that you can easily work out how much you can reasonably afford to borrow. If you require peace of mind why not consider taking out payment protection. In the unfortunate case that you become unable to work through ill health or become unemployed - the fact that your payments are covered will mean one less thing to worry about.

The Smile site is extremely customer friendly and is very easy to use. There is plenty of loans related information as well as details of the other financial products which are offered. Should you have any queries that you can't find the answer to take a look at the 'FAQ' section which answers the most common queries that customers have about personal loans. Alternatively click on contact us and fill in the web box to email an advisor. To discover if you could be eligible for a Smile personal loan click through now.

Greece joins the flat rate tax bandwagon

Greece is set to become the next European nation to introduce a flat rate of income tax, according to speculation in Athens triggered by the finance minister, Giorgios Alogoskoufis.

The prime minister, Costas Karamanlis could announce the proposal at next month's Thessaloniki International Fair. A flat rate of income tax, which abolishes all bands and exemptions and replaces them with a single rate and a high personal allowance, is all the rage among free-market thinkers and the idea is sweeping across eastern Europe.

The Greek government's precarious finances were thrown into a massive deficit of nearly 7pc of GDP last year by the Olympics, and Mr Alogoskoufis has promised to bring the deficit down to 3pc of GDP. The fiscal crisis helped propel the New Democracy government into power.

Mr Alogoskoufis believes a flat tax rate, by discouraging evasion and corruption and also boosting incentives for high earners, would help narrow the deficit. Currently, the first ?11,000 (£7,300) of income is tax exempt in Greece and there are then three bands: 15pc, 30pc and 40pc.

The finance minister has said that, from 2007, he would like to replace this system with a single ?13,000 personal allowance and a single 25pc band for both corporate and personal income. He has already started to cut corporation tax from 35pc.

The flat tax idea was first proposed in America, notably by former presidential candidate Steve Forbes. But it was Russia which first introduced one at 13pc, resulting in higher tax revenues as evasion was cut and economic growth improved. So far, it has been introduced successfully in Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

But the idea has yet to catch on in Britain. Last week the Treasury released internal documents showing officials are sceptical of the idea as they believe there is not as much evasion in a mature economy like Britain as there is in Eastern Europe.

Flat taxes are being discussed behind the scenes in Conservative circles and shadow chancellor George Osborne has visited Estonia to see the system in operation. He said he was "impressed", and believes the UK should develop "flatter and simpler taxes".

Andrew Haldenby, director of the think tank Reform, believes Britain should introduce a flat tax. He said yesterday: "The flat tax movement is no longer confined to the less-developed economies of eastern Europe. Senior finance officials in both Spain and Germany have recently proposed 30pc flat taxes on personal and corporate income. The potential gains from flat taxes - significant boosts to enterprise and investment - apply just as much in sophisticated economies including the UK's."

The Young Shun Property

Buying a property is seen as both impractical and undesirable to a large number of 18-to-34-year-olds, new research reveals.

GMAC-RFC, the UK?s tenth-largest mortgage lender, reports today that a new generation of young professionals would rather rent in fashionable areas near their friends than commit themselves to a mortgage and a worse address.

As more people go to university - entering the workforce later in life and saddled with debt - property prices rise, and the number of rental properties increases, the nation's youth is moving away from the traditional desire to buy a home and settle down.

And these changes have seen the percentage of first-time buyers in the property market fall from around 50 per cent to 28 per cent, while the average age of a first-time buyer has risen to 34.

But this shift to continental-style renting is not hurting the housing market, as buy-to-let landlords meet this demand and buy-up suitable city properties.

"We wanted to understand why less first-time buyers are entering the housing market," explained Jeff Knight, marketing director of GMAC-RFC.

"It is important to know, as a lender, that there are other important influences affecting this group other than the straight affordability issue. Buy-to-let landlords are making up the shortfall of first-time buyers because they are directly linked. Private tenants looking for rental property are increasing as first-time buyers are decreasing."

GMAC-RFC found that more than two 18-to-34-year-olds in three (68 per cent) choose to rent as it allows them to live near their friends, while almost as many (61 per cent) say renting lets them to live in better area than they could afford to buy in. Sixteen per cent believe the flexibility of renting just suits their lifestyle better.

Flexibility is also important for today's young renters, with more than seven out of ten believing that renting increases the chances of travelling and that it allows people to move jobs more easily.

Independence is also a key virtue of renting, with three out of four young adults saying moving into rented property allows them to move out of their parent's home without having to buy.

Buying a property is equated with "settling down", and this is something today's young people seem happy to put off until their 30s.

However, getting married would see 17 per cent of renters look to buy, while one in ten said they would like to own their home when they start a family.

Budget Car Insurance

About Budget

Since their launch, Budget have gone from strength to strength. By using the latest technology and providing high service standards, they make it easier for their customers to buy insurance over the phone. Their staff are trained to give expert advice and to solve problems quickly and efficiently. They also ensure that their customers are getting the car insurance cover that best suits their needs? at the lowest possible price from their panel of leading insurers.

Budget Car Insurance

When you apply for your car insurance quote from Budget you will receive your car insurance quote from them by return of e-mail, most quotations are received back within 3-4 minutes, you will also receive the quotation by conventional post.

Budget will shop around their network of insurers to ensure that you get low cost premiums. On average they save customers £85 on their car insurance.

Once you've applied you'll get an answer almost instantly so there's no waiting around and there are no proposal forms to fill in. All in all applying for your car insurance is a doddle.

Special roadside assistance is also available from Budget, and repairs to your vehicle are guaranteed for 3 years. You also get an automatic 60 days EU cover if you're driving overseas and a courtesy car should you need one.

Summary

Budget Insurance Services offer quotations from a panel of well-known UK car insurance providers, including Royal & Sun Alliance, Norwich Union, AXA and many more.

Find out about the breakdown and legal cover policies available, and get a quote online specially tailored to your motoring needs. You can even get immediate insurance by buying through the website, or by calling Budget's freephone helpline.

Apply now

American Express Travel Insurance

About American Express

Amex is a global financial and network services provider. Founded in 1850, the Company serves individuals with charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques and other stored value products. It also offers financial planning, brokerage services, mutual funds, insurance and other investment products. Through its family of Corporate Card services, it helps companies and institutions manage their travel, entertainment and purchasing expenses. It provides investment management services and administers pension and other employee benefit plans. The Company also offers accounting and tax preparation services to small businesses, and financial education services to employees at their places of work.

American Express Travel Insurance

Whether you're an American Express cardholder or not, you can take advantage of their range of travel insurance policies. Annual Classic Cover insures you for a year's worth of business and leisure travelling, in the UK, Europe and worldwide, and encompasses everything you'd expect from a travel insurance policy such as medical, legal, personal accident, baggage and curtailment cover. Premier Plus Cover extends to various extras like car hire and winter sports insurance, or conversely Annual Budget Cover costs less than either of the above but only covers you for European travel and has lower cover limits. If you just want one-off insurance, American Express also offer Single Trip Cover for excursions of up to 185 days, or an Extended Travel policy for long-term holidays such as gap years.

You can get an online quote for all the different levels of cover American Express offer, and go on to buy online if you like what you see. Alternatively you can call the freephone travel helpline and get information, quotes and sign up over the phone with one of American Express's representatives. The site provides thorough infromation on their travel insurance policies, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions section and a helpful Glossary of Terms to help you find your way through the travel insurance jargon jungle.

Summary

With American Express Annual Travel Insurance, a single premium covers you for multiple trips throughout the year, so you can take off at a moments' notice without arranging cover each time you travel. This means you can save both time and money.

A whole year of cover starts from only £52 for our Budget Cover. Or for a little more, you can opt for our popular Classic Cover which provides even higher levels of cover against common hazards such as medical emergencies, loss or damage to baggage and cover for cancellation or curtailment. Our Premier Plus Cover is ideal for those who require car hire benefits, such as Collision Damage Waiver and Top Up Liability cover as it has been specially designed to offer the traveller the highest levels of protection.

So whether you travel for business or pleasure, to Europe or Worldwide, by yourself or with your family, American Express has a policy to suit your needs.

Wherever you go, you can relax and enjoy the levels of cover arranged by a name you trust.

Apply now

Freedom Finance

About Freedom Finance

Freedom Finance was founded in 1983 with the aim of providing the cheapest possible secured loans to the widest range of people in the most friendly and efficient way. Today Freedom Finance has over 300 staff dedicated to providing you with the highest levels of professional service and has a proven ability to reduce their customers' outgoings with highly competitive rates.

Freedom Finance Secured Loans

Freedom Finance's secured loans are available to UK homeowners for almost any purpose. Whether you want to finance the purchase of a new car, pay for the holiday of a lifetime, knock down that partition wall to create a superkitchen, or consolidate existing debts into one simple monthly payment; why not have a look at the rates Freedom Finance can offer? All you need to do is fill in the application form featured on their website, giving some basic information about who you are and what kind of loan you're looking for, and they'll search the UK market to broker you a deal that suits your needs: they'll then get back to you with a quote or quotes and to discuss the possiility of proceeding with your application.

There's a loan calculator on the site so you can get an idea of the kinds of interest rates and monthly repayment amounts that Freedom Finance could broker for you. The 'Help' section of their site is very informative and is definitely worth a look if you're new to loans: they answer some frequently asked questions to explain more about their service, and also provide a glossary of commonly-used industry terms for anyone who feels flabbergasted by financespeak.

Summary

One of Freedom Finance's tag lines is "A loan for everyone" and they're right. They cater for anyone that needs a loan. Whatever purpose you need a loan for - debt consolidation(which covers all your credit cards, store cards and loan repayments) can be paid off with one lower cost loan. Or you might need a loan for holiday or a car. Their rates are great at a variable 10.94 % APR.

Freedom Finance's loans range typically between £5000 to £75000, although you get one for as little as £1000 or beyond the £250000 mark. No matter what your history or circumstances they'll help you to get the money you need.

Apply now

Petrol prices soaring

With further instability in the Middle East, crude oil prices look set to push up the cost of petrol to around £1 a litre.

Oil prices have stayed above $63 a barrel today, close to their all-time high following the threat of terror strikes in Saudi Arabia, revelations concerning Iran's nuclear programme, and refinery breakdowns in the US.

Over the year so far crude oil prices - which reached record highs of $64.27 a barrel yesterday - have increased by 50 per cent. This has, in turn, pushed up the price of petrol for British consumers.

Since the start of the year the price of petrol at UK pumps has increased by ten pence a litre on average - with unleaded petrol costing more than £1 in some areas, the AA has said.

But while recent developments in international politics have driven the recent rise in oil prices, an underlying increase in the demand for oil - driven by growth in the Chinese market - looks set to push oil prices higher for some time to come.

And petrol prices in UK garages increase by around one pence for every $2-$3 oil prices rise.

So far this year the cost of motoring for an average family has increased by £23.32 a month on the back of rising oil prices, the AA revealed, but this increase appears to have not affected British drivers.

"There seems to be no sign of a slowdown in people using their cars for business and pleasure," said Ruth Bridger, of the AA Motoring Trust.

But for people feeling the pinch, the AA produced a series of tips to allow people to cut down on petrol use, while still getting about.

Measures motorists can take include:

• Stick to the speed limit on motorways instead of driving over 80mph. This saves 40 pence every ten miles or a litre of petrol every 20 miles.


• Moderate the use of air conditioning, which adds ten per cent to fuel consumption. Air vents may do the job just as well on cooler days, early mornings and in the evening.


• If you have two cars, use the smaller more frugal car for errands and shorter single or two-person trips.

With a new registration plate change in September, prospective buyers can choose cars with much better fuel economy. With cars priced up to £10,000, the difference between the most and least economical models is a potential saving on fuel costs of around £12 per week. For cars priced £20,000 to £30,000, the weekly saving is potentially more than £34.

Accepted Secure Loans

Accepted.co.uk search over 100 different loan plans offered by 12 of the leading finance house subsidiaries of major UK banks such as Lloyds TSB, Barclays & HSBC.
Each lender will sell you their typical rates, so it is very difficult to see which one offers you the best rate for your circumstances - without applying to each one.

Accepted.co.uk have special access to the detailed lending criteria of over 100 high street lender loan plans. Once your details have been confirmed, accepted will get our lender panel to compete for your loan business. They offer:

Secured loans

• Borrow from £5,000 to £100,000


• 9.9% APR Typical Variable (66% of loans are at or under this rate)


• Rates from 7.7% APR Variable to 13% APR Variable


• Terms available from 3 to 25 years


• Borrow up to 125% of the value of your property


• Self-employed, poor credit history, CCJs, arrears & defaults all welcome

Summary

Each lender will sell you their typical rates, so it is very difficult to see which one offers you the best rate for your circumstances - without applying to each one.

At Accepted.co.uk they have special access to the detailed lending criteria of over 100 high street lender loan plans. Once your details have been confirmed, they will get the lenders to compete for your loan business.

Fill in your details on their quote form. It will take no more than 5 minutes, and allow them to select the best lender from your criteria.

Accepted.co.uk search from over 100 different loan plans offered by 12 of the leading finance house subsidiaries of major UK banks such as Lloyds TSB, Barclays & HSBC.

If you like what they find you, Accepted.co.uk will send you the paperwork to apply for your loan!

Apply now

Promise Finance Mortgages

Promise Finance Mortgages

Promise Finance specialise in providing loans and remortgages to a wide clientele. Priding themselves on speaking plain English and delivering a service to their customers that is both dedicated and reliable, Promise Finance are waiting to help solve your financial problems. What's more, they are able to offer people who find it difficult to obtain finance access to a wide range of personal loan products, even those with CCJs or a poor credit record. You can even borrow from Promise Finance with a clear conscience, knowing that for every loan or mortgage issued, £10 is donated to a charitable organisation.

Summary

Promise Finance specialise in arranging competitive mortgages and loans for UK residents, whatever their circumstances. A huge range of mortgages are available, even if you are looking for 100% plus costs or have previously been turned down by a high street lender. Rates start at just 4.95% and are available to almost anyone, even those who are self-employed or who have CCJs. What's more, Promise Finance take customer relations seriously, and combine traditional values with the latest technology to give you the service that you deserve. You can rest assured that their team of financial experts will do their best to find the mortgage deal that is ideal for your circumstances.

The website is very well designed, comprehensive and consumer-friendly, featuring many useful tools such as repayment tables, a FAQs section and a jargon buster. Pay the site a visit to learn a bit more about what?s on offer or to get a quotation. The application process is easy and will only take up a few minutes of your time. See how much you could be saving with a mortgage from Promise Finance.

Apply now

Royal Bank of Scotland Personal Loan

Royal Bank of Scotland Personal Loan

By the end of 2002, Royal Bank of Scotland was listed as the second largest bank in Europe. It was originally founded in Edinburgh in 1727. Since the 1920s it has developed, by acquisition, a major presence in England and a wide range of products and services. Following the takeover of National Westminster Bank in 2000, the Group has continued to grow its business around the globe and has offices in Europe, the USA and Asia.

Highlights of the Royal Bank of Scotland Personal Loan

Loanguard Insurance is offered with the Royal Bank of Scotland loan. This is known as payment protection insurance, which protects you against being unable to pay your bills. There is no minimum income required for eligibility. Joint applications are allowed, which not all loan providers make available.

Things to consider about the Royal Bank of Scotland Personal loan

If you think you?ll be in a position to repay your loan early, be aware that this will incur an early repayment penalty (a fee you have to pay on top of your loan). This amount differs from supplier to supplier, so ensure you take this charge into account when comparing loans.

Summary

The Royal Bank of Scotland Personal loan shares a trend with many banks of not offering the best rates because they don't have to- enough people already have accounts and fail to shop around for them to get good business. Even the site is hard to use. So except for their graduate products, shop around among the online services and get a better deal. To find out more and apply visit the RBOS loans website below, or alternatively visit the Finance Choices loans guide for other personal loans in the UK.

Royal Bank of Scotland

Finance Choices loans guide

UK facing 5 years of pensions 'turmoil'

A top industry analyst has followed up comments by the current pensions minister by predicting that UK pensions are facing five years of confusion.

Steve Bee, head of pensions strategy at Scottish Life, was speaking after Stephen Timms revealed some details about the government's plans for the UK's pension industry in an interview with The Times this week.

In his first interview since becoming pensions minister, Mr Timms said: "2010 is when the state pension age starts to rise for women and I hope the changes we introduce will be in place by then."

Currently men receive their state pension at 65 and women receive theirs at 60. From 2010 the state pension age will rise steadily until it reaches 65 in 2020.

But Scottish Life's Mr Bee points out that changes made this quickly mean the population will not be able to make retirement plans with any certainty for a full five years.

"It clearly looks like we are just about to enter another five-year period of turmoil, where fundamental pension issues are once again thrown up in the air, resulting in further radical changes at the end of it all," he said.

Mr Bee also questioned whether is was wise to have further change following on so soon after A-Day (full story).

"Given that we're just about to come to the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty and change for pensions in the UK, with retrospective changes to the tax legislation on pensions coming into force next year [on A-Day], I wonder if it would be a good time for us to have a bit of a breather?" he said

"It's going to be challenging enough, I think, for all those affected by retrospective taxation to be advised in good time, without us having to worry about how it will all be amended by the next wave of legislation."

However, the current UK pensions gap - estimated by the FSA as £37 billion a year - and not the state of the pensions industry would appear to be foremost in the minister's mind.

"I think there is a very wide understanding that change is needed," Mr Timms told The Times. "It's setting quite an ambitious pace, but this isn't an area where it makes sense to hang around."

The pensions commission will report to government at the end of November with proposals to plug the UK's pensions gap.

Norwich Union Direct Home Insurance

About Norwich Union

Norwich Union was founded in Norwich over two hundred years ago and, while growing into one of the UK's leading insurers, with significant international interests, it always retained a strong connection with its home city. Norwich Union sells polices through a network of brokers and also directly to the public via Norwich Union Direct.

Norwich Union Direct is a brand of Norwich Union which is part of Aviva is the world's seventh-largest insurance group and the biggest in the UK. Aviva was created following the merger of CGU and Norwich Union in May 2000. The group was called CGNU until rebranding as Aviva in July 2002.

Norwich Union Direct Home Insurance

When it comes to getting home insurance online, you need a name you can trust. Since their recent merger with the CGU group - Norwich Union is now the biggest insurance company in the United Kingdom - and 7th largest worldwide.

This site features quick and easy online quotations, with all the convenience of instant cover if you're paying online by credit or debit card. To help make budgeting easier, you can also spread the cost of your online insurance premium over the year by direct debit. It also features online help, not only as a frequently asked questions page, but in the form of an e-chat system. This innovative system allows you to type in any questions you may have and you?ll receive an almost instant reply from Norwich Union staff. Please note this feature is only available during their normal call centre hours.

There's also the new Norwich Union House Doctor! If you don't already have it, you'll need to download the latest version of the Flash multi-media player - but it's worth taking five minutes to do this as House Doctor is a fun little facility. It features seasonal tips about maintaining your home, home insurance and security-themed quizzes and even some simple games to keep you amused whilst you browse the site. House Doctor is informative and exclusive to Norwich Union's home insurance site - it's well worth checking out.

Not everyone can get instant cover online. There are some exclusions - which are explained before you get an online quote - no shared houses, or sub-let properties for example, as well as certain professions. If these exclusions apply to you, don't worry - Norwich Union may still be able to provide you with cover - over the telephone or by e-mail.

Both buildings and contents insurance are offered, and you'll receive a discount if you take out both policies with Norwich Union. Discounts are also available for extra security - alarms and locks - as well as neighbourhood watch membership. You'll even get a discount if you have a motor policy with Norwich Union. Careful homeowners can also benefit from a substantial no claims discount. Almost 1 in 5 homeowners in this country choose to insure with Norwich Union - check out this site to find out why, and how you can become one of them.

Summary

Home insurance from Norwich Union can be purchased online with a 10% discount on their standard rates. Norwich Union offer competitive insurance from a trusted name and can generate a home insurance quote instantly, once you have entered your details. The Home insurance on offer is flexible so that it can meet your insurance needs and can be payed monthly if required. They provide a 24 hour claims helpline and will give up to 30% no claims discount on contents insurance.

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Interest rates cut to 4.5%

The Bank of England today cut interest rates to 4.5 per cent.

This is the first time the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has lowered the UK's underlying rate of borrowing since July 2003.

Ahead of today's announcement there had been widespread speculation that interest rates would fall from their three-and-a-half year high of 4.75 per cent.

The Bank raises and lowers the cost of borrowing in the UK in an attempt to keep inflation as close as possible to the government's target rate (currently two per cent).

Since last month's decision to hold interest rates, a suite of economic data has shown the UK stuttering - and the vast majority of economists predicted that the Bank would respond by cutting rates.

Surveys by Reuters and Bloomberg revealed that 78 out of the 87 economists polled expected a rate cut, with the rest expecting a freeze.

"A 0.25 per cent interest rate cut to 4.5 per cent now seems a nailed-on certainty on Thursday," said Howard Archer, chief UK economist at consultancy firm Global Insight, ahead of the decision.

In the run-up to the meeting influential groups including the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors also called for rates to fall.

And in its 100th meeting the MPC did not disappoint - reducing the cost of borrowing for the first time in 25 months.

The 0.25 per cent fall in interest rates will reduce mortgage repayments for the millions of homeowners on variable rate, discounted rate, capped, and tracker mortgages.

However, it will also see a fall in the rate of interest paid on many savings accounts.

By making debt cheaper and savings less lucrative, a cut in interest rates should have the effect of boosting spending, as well as offering support for the ailing property market.

Over its 100 meetings to date, the MPC has held interest rates 69 times, increased them 14 times and cut them 17 times. Mervyn King, current governor of the bank, is the only person to have attended all 100 meetings.

Virgin Pet Insurance

Virgin Pet Insurance

A Virgin pet insurance quote will look after your four-legged friends for less. Flexible, competitive insurance that's good news for your pet and your bank balance.

Virgin pet insurance cover starts at just £3.93 a month for cats or £7.92 a month for dogs. If you think virgin pet insurance is a luxury you can't afford, Virgin pet insurance innovative cover options could help change your mind.

Virgins brand new 'accident only' cover is our cheapest way to help with unexpected vet's fees. Or cover your pet for accident and illness with affordable premium options. Choose to add cover for your pet abroad if you like.

All Virgin Pet Insurance cover includes accidental death, theft and straying, kennel or cattery costs if you go into hospital, the expense of cancelling or cutting short your holiday because of your pet, liability cover for dogs, plus 'Pet minder', 'Find a vet', 'Pet legal' and 'Bereavement counselling' helplines.

You can pay by direct debit, credit or debit card, and spread your premiums throughout the year at no extra cost. And it's easy to stop your plan any time you want - without charge.

For each pet you insure with Virgin pet insurance after the first one, you get 5% off.

What's covered with Virgin Pet Insurance

• Vet's fees for accidents only - up to £1,500 or 12 months for each injury


• Unlimited number of claims


• Accidental death up to £1,500


• Theft and straying up to £500


• Kennel/cattery costs if you go into hospital up to £500


• The cost of cancelling or cutting short your holiday up to £1,000


• Liability cover for dogs of up to £1 million


• 'Pet minder', 'Find a vet', 'Pet legal' and 'Bereavement counselling' helplines.

Summary

Virgin Money's pet insurance policy will cover you against various pet-related costs and accidents, with three levels of cover available. The 'accidental injury' package takes care of the basics - vet's fees for accidents, accidental death, theft, straying, kennel/cattery costs, holiday curtailment, liability cover for dogs and counselling helplines. Pay a bit extra for 'accident and illness' to get veterinary treatment of illness covered, or go for the top level 'accident and illness extra' for increased amounts of cover in each area. You can also add on the 'pet travel cover' premium to either of the latter two packages to insure your pet while abroad.

There's a quick and easy-to-use online quote facility, from which you can go on to buy the insurance straight away if you wish. You can also download a full policy wording, read through Q&As to find the answers to frequently-asked questions, or call their freephone helpline number if you have a more specific query.

Apply now

West Bromwich Building Society Mortgages

About West Bromwich Building Society

The West Bromwich Building Society has been a mutual building society for over 150 years and is committed to staying that way.

That's because, as a mutual building society, they don't have to pay dividends to outside shareholders. This means that they are able to pass on more to our members in the form of better rates of interest and additional benefits for loyal members through our Privileged Membership Scheme.

It also means that they can continue to operate in the best interests of our members and the communities we serve. All local branches are actively involved with their local community.

They are the ninth largest building society in the UK with branches mainly in their West Midlands heartland and a mortgage bureaux in key cities nationally.

West Bromwich Mortgage Products

West Bromwich building society offer several types of mortgage product, including:

• Buy to let - Buy to Let mortgages provide an excellent opportunity for long-term investors. They enable you to purchase properties for rental purposes, giving you the opportunity to gain an income from your investment.


• Cashback - Benefit from a lump sum cash repayment when you take out your mortgage. You can use it to help you with any additional costs at a time when your outgoings are likely to be high.


• Discount - Enjoy lower monthly repayments during the discount rate period, making it easier for you during the early part of your mortgage.


• Fixed Rate - Fixed rate mortgages mean you know where you stand with your monthly repayments during the fixed rate period, whatever happens to interest rates in general. This enables you to budget with confidence.


• Flexible - Gives you the flexibility to change your mortgage to suit your changing needs. You can pay off your mortgage early and make significant savings in interest by making overpayments when you can afford. Option to benefit from payment holidays or underpay your mortgage at times when your finances are stretched


• Muslim mortgages - Compliant with Sharia'a Law


• Offset mortgages - Use you savings to save money on your mortgage. By offsetting your savings, you can save interest and even pay your mortgage off early.


• Shared ownership - West Brom offers shared ownership mortgages in conjunction with any registered social landlord, such as a housing association.

Summary

West Bromwich is a mutual building society with branches across the Midlands, the north west and Wales. They aim to operate for the benefit of the communities they serve, and as such offer a wide range of mortgages to suit all budgets and properties. As well as the standard residential mortgage options - fixed, flexible, discount and tracker - West Bromwich also provide Buy to Let mortgages specially tailored for those buying property with the intention of renting it out. Another exciting product is the Brum Brum Rover mortgage, with which you get a Rover 25 car once you've paid off the mortgage (really). They even offer 'Muslim Mortgages', allowing Muslim homeowners to take out a mortgage while still complying with Sharia'a law.

West Bromwich Building Society's website is bright and cheerful and lays everything out clearly and accessibly. Mortgages can often be bewildering but they give straightforward information about all their different products, and even feature a 'mortgage finder' facility into which you enter basic details of your borrowing requirements and they then tell you which type of mortgage would be most suitable for you. If you have any queries you can contact them directly by email, phone or post, or request for them to call or email you; alternatively if you'd like to discuss things in person there's also a branch finder enabling you to locate the branch nearest to you.

Apply now