Churchill Pet Insurance, which is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, claims that chocolate poisons pets.

In a recent announcement it stated that ten per cent of dog owners, which equates to just under three million people, are unknowingly putting their pet cats and dogs in danger by regularly feeding them chocolate.

Churchill says that their contention that chocolate poisons pets is based on the little known fact that this treat, loved by humans, can in fact be toxic to our four legged friends. And the reason for this is that it contains theobromine, one, say Churchill, of the most common causes of pooch and moggy poisonings.

Claire Foster, from Churchill Pet Insurance, said: “We want to raise awareness of the dangers of feeding chocolate to the family pet…as there is a danger that some doting owners could end up harming their pets without realising it. We’d advise pet owners to keep their chocolate well out of the reach of hungry four-legged friends, and to be extremely cautious as even a small amount of chocolate could poison their pet.”

 “Consult your veterinarian without delay if your pet appears distressed, listless or in pain after eating. However, treating pets that have eaten dangerous or poisonous food can be very costly, so make sure you have pet insurance in place to cover any unforeseen vet bills and to give you peace of mind in the event of your pet falling ill.”

And if you’re worried, always consult your vet says Churchill. Looks out for signs including pain after eating, uncharacteristic tiredness, or distress. 

But, it’s not only chocolate that causes problems for pets; there are a whole host of other food stuffs that can cause pets problems. Take raisins and grapes, which can indeed be lethal. They are  toxic to dogs and cats and can damage the kidneys.

Also, green tomatoes can give cats tummy upsets; macadamia nuts can cause hindquarter tremors and are generally toxic to dogs; and, onions can cause anaemia in dogs.

If you have recently taken out Ducati bike insurance or cover for any other bike you will be aware of the risks involved of riding a powerful motorbike. Of course most of us are careful but sometimes accidents do happen through no fault of your own. But in these unfortunate circumstances what can you do to ensure you are prepared and don’t risk complicating your bike insurance claim? The below helpful tips are usefull whether you are riding your motorbike in the UK or abroad. You could be riding a Harley Davidson or a Vespa scooter the dangers remain the same.

Always carry your insurance documents and license in a waterproof bag. If you do have an accident you will be able to exchange details and prove to police that you are fully covered and own the bike you are riding. This will help you avoid producers.

UK bike insurance claims can be complicated and in many instances disputes arise from who is actually at fault. In this situation it is imperative you take photographic evidence of the situation. Nowadays most mobile phones have cameras, so take some pictures of the positioning of your bike in comparison to the other vehicle and any relevant road signs and markings. If you can find any skid marks from the offending vehicle these are also useful.

You may be riding an expensive Ducati superbike or a less expensive scooter, in either case making sure you can actually claim against your motorbike insurance policy is crucial. Take down the other driver or riders full contact details and ask to see their driving license and insurance documentation, don’t forget to take down the make, colour and registration plate of the other vehicle. At this time you should also write down a full description of where and when the accident took place.

How to Make a Bike Insurance Claim

If you need to make a bike insurance claim your insurer will usually request that you report any incident within 7 days. At this time you should also notify the police of the accident. If a policeman happens to arrive at the scene make sure you take down their details including badge number and resident police station.

If you have any injuries go to the hospital immediately and obtain a record of your visit and the injuries treated. You should also obtain the details of the person who treated you.

Obtaining cheap bike insurance can obviously save you money but if you do not properly handle a situation after an accident you may not be able to make a claim. The severity of a crash can make bike insurance claims very complicated and it is advisable to seek qualified legal advice.

Guest Article by Carlan Li

When buying a second hand motorbike it does not matter whether it is a Ducati, BMW or a little Vespa you should be careful. In some cases people have bought motorbike insurance in the UK only for it to be invalid and have their bike taken away.

When you are looking over the bike try to look for serial numbers, if you can see some have been scratched off this is sign the bike could be stolen. If the bike does have a VIN or serial number on it you can check with your local police station to see if it has been reported. The best way to ensure a bike is not stolen is to check all paper work is in order. This includes service history, past MOT documents and V5 log book from the DVLA.

Criminals have many ways of concealing the true identity of a bike. One of which is called “Ringing”. This is where a stolen bike actually has the identity of another. If a criminal buys a Ducati all they have to do is buy a frame for an identical make from a breaker with a log book, they then buy a new number plate and transfer the VIN number from the legal frame on to the stolen bike.

The best way to spot if the bike is a Ringer is to check the VIN number on the bike, if it looks like it has been tampered with it is probably stolen. This is often overlooked as the owner apparently has a valid V5 document. In this is instance if you bought Ducati bike insurance for this vehicle and it was later found to be owned by someone else the police could take it away from you. As a result you would probably lose the money you paid for the bike and insurance cover. 

If you want to check if a bike is stolen you can compare the registration number with the tax disc if they are different the bike is probably stolen. If the engine number, VIN or MOT documents are missing this is another telling sign.

Nowadays you can conduct online data checks to see if a bike is stolen. If you are thinking about buying a second hand bike be vigilant and ensure you don’t buy it or bike insurance until you are absolutely satisfied the bike is not stolen.

Guest Article by Carlan LI

Classic bike insurance is for all you bikers out there who hankered over Harley’s and Triumphs in your youth. For most classic bike enthusiasts the motorbikes of your dreams were rode by film stars or people you looked up to as a kid. Owning a classic bike is more about the way it makes you feel and its history than the way it rides.

Classic bikes can be of any make, so it does not only apply to old Harley Davidsons and tourers. Classic bike insurance is usually cheaper than cover for modern bikes. This is mainly because there are fewer claims on these types of bikes. For a bike to be eligible for classic motorbike insurance it must have been made and registered before 1983. You can obtain classic bike insurance quotes from most of the top providers using our Buyability quote form.

However, if you need cover for a motorcycle which was made between 1983 and 1998 some providers do offer modern classic bike insurance. If you never intend on riding your classic bike you can take out a storage policy which covers the bike for fire and theft and is usually cheaper. One thing to keep in mind when taking out a storage policy is if you want to tow your bike on a trailer you must check if your policy covers damage during transit. If it does not your car insurance may offer cover you for towed items.

For such a precious possession specific classic bike insurance is a necessity. Swinton and ebike insurance providers are two of the top providers in this area. For cheap UK bike insurance quotes from these two providers please use our quote form and compare the best deals.

Guest Article by Carlan Li
 

Aviva UK Health, formerly the healthcare arm of Norwich Union before being re-branded in 2009 and one of the UK’s largest providers of private medical insurance, income protection, occupational health and group life products and services, has launched Speedy Diagnostics.

It’s a new low cost private health insurance policy which, claim Aviva UK Health, gives people prompt access to specialist consultations and diagnostic tests. The main benefits, say the insurance experts, is that there is no overall maximum benefit limit; it provides good access to specialist consultants; diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans, x-rays and ECGs are covered; and, also included are the relevant hospital costs usually associated with such diagnostic tests.

And that’s not all; Aviva’s new Speedy Diagnostics service provides people with 24 hour GP and stress counselling helplines, and a leisure and gym club membership discount of up to 40%.

Neal Archbold, head of propositions and market development at Aviva UK Health said:
“We’ve launched Speedy Diagnostics in direct response to customer feedback which showed that people wanted a low cost alternative to full private health insurance that complements NHS provision.

"Speedy Diagnostics does just that by helping to diagnose problems quickly and enabling customers to make informed decisions about next steps of treatment – whether it’s provided by the NHS or on a self-pay basis.

“In addition to this, we recognised that there is a gap in the market – particularly for younger and older customers who do not want, or may not be able to afford, a full health insurance policy, but still want peace of mind that if they do become unwell the problem can be diagnosed promptly. Speedy Diagnostics fills this gap. It also acts as a complement to other lower cost products such as Aviva’s My Health Cash Plan.”

There’s always a list of things not included of course and in this case, it’s worth having a quick look at the items not covered by the new Speedy Diagnostics service from Aviva.

First thing that’s not covered is the treatment itself, nor are the consultations and diagnostic tests after a specialist has made up his, or her mind, what’s wrong with you. Other items off the list are routine medical examinations and screening; any diagnostic tests that are ordered by a GP without referral to a specialist, tests that are designed to find the cause of infertility; and, sleep disorder tests.

So if you’re an infertile insomniac who visits the doctor a lot, this may not be a good policy for you.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

Tesco Bank has not only announced that its sold its one millionth pet insurance policy, but also revealed the most popular pet names inspired by drinks names, 2010.

The lucky recipient of the millionth Tesco pet insurance policy is a Labrador from Doncaster appropriately called Fizz.

Owner Philip Shepherd trilled:
“Fizz really is one in a million! She’s as much a part of this family as any of us. We’d be beside ourselves if anything ever happened to her and should she fall ill or have an accident, we want to be able to give her the best possible care. I consider my Tesco Pet insurance policy to be an affordable way to make sure Fizz is well looked after and gives me peace of mind.”

Mr Shepherd was obviously delighted by the news that Fizz will be covered by a Tesco policy, although some cynics might wonder how much help Mr Shepherd had with his quote from the Tesco PR team.

But it did give Tesco the opportunity of drawing up a list of the most popular pet names inspired by drinks.

Topping the list is – cue slow French music and a bunch of peasants passing around a glass of golden liquid – the name Stella, although the same cynics as above might also suggest that Stella is actually a woman’s name as well.

Number two on the list is PEPSI, although there was no mention of COCO-COLA.

Third spot is taken by that popular Scottish drink Whisky, although there is another spelling of course, Whiskey.

Fourth spot is Fizz, although many would be unsure what drink this is named after, as it better represents the sound of a drink when being opened.

In at fifth are fans of the black stuff with a creamy head, although shouting Guinness at the top of your voice in a park might get a few strange looks, as well as a visit from the police.

Sixth is Brandy, which is perhaps a little better than calling your pooch Cognac. Seventh, Merlot, is an odd one and suggests a more refined pet owner, one that appreciates the noble rot and has been on a wine tour of that place just over the Channel.

Bringing up the rear in eighth, ninth and tenth respectively, are: Bacardi (imagine the bling on the collar); Carling (isn’t that the one with lots of mates); and, Budweiser (no doubt shortened to the more convenient Bud).

Stuart Austerberry, Pet Insurance Product Manager, at Tesco Bank, said, with tongue firmly in cheek no doubt:

“It’s fascinating to see we are now opening our fridges and peering into our drinks cabinets and for inspiration when it comes to our pet’s names!

“Regardless of where the names come from, we never underestimate just how much UK families value their four legged friends. As a result, Tesco pet insurance aims to be a convenient and great value way of caring for our animals. It’s designed to be easy to understand, hassle free to purchase and provide comprehensive cover for our customers.”

Every little helps of course.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

Do you need to buy bike insurance? This guide will help you make sense of some jargon you will come across when trying to find cheap bike insurance. You may have a large tourer bike like a Harley Davidson or Honda Goldwing or a powerful superbike such as a Ducati 1198 or Honda Fireblade. Whichever motorbike you own this guide will provide you with some insights into how motorbike insurance works.

What is a motorbike insurance policy?

An insurance policy is an agreement between you and an insurance provider like Hastings Direct or ebike insurance. This agreement is binding and in return for you paying the provider a premium they cover you against various circumstances, such as for example fire and theft.

What type of bike insurance do I need?

By law in the UK if you use your bike on public roads you must have at least third party insurance. This insures you against damaging a third party’s property. Lots of bikers buy third party bike insurance because it is cheaper and can help keep premiums down, especially if you own an expensive Ducati or Harley Davidson. In most cases fire and theft is also provided. However, this kind of policy does not cover damage to your own property. So if you have a crash you will have to pay for the damage yourself.

If you want to cover yourself for damage against your own bike you need to take out fully comprehensive bike insurance, which is usually more expensive. In this case it is not uncommon to agree to pay for the first £200 or so, which can reduce your premium. This is known as excess.

It doesn’t matter whether you are buying Ducati bike insurance or Harley bike insurance the documents you legally need to cover yourself will be the same. A cover note is a temporary letter which is given to you when you first take out insurance. This letter does not outline in detail the terms of your cover, but basically proves you have insurance should you be stopped by the police or have an accident. You will also be given by your UK bike insurance provider a certificate of insurance. This is a very important document as this is the official proof of your insurance policy. You will also use your certificate to obtain road tax for your motorbike.

Other documents include a policy schedule which details your coverage. An endorsement form which outlines modifications made to your policy applicable to you personally. You will also be given standard terms and conditions from your provider.

Buying bike insurance can be very complicated and it pays to shop around and compare bike insurance cover.

Guest Article by Carlan Li

The F 800 R, K 1300 or the R 1200 GS, whichever model you own specialist BMW bike insurance is essential for powerful bikes. There are a number of specialist UK bike insurance providers, but essentially the amount you pay for your bike insurance will be down to who you buy it from, your experience as a rider, riding history and how powerful your bike is.

Guest Article by Carlan Li

If you are looking for Honda bike insurance perhaps for a tourer bike it would be of no surprise. Why? Because Honda is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world and they offer every style of bike available from small step-through scooters to mean, racing machines, off roaders and tourers. As a result the need for Honda bike insurance is as strong as ever.

Hond Bike Insurance Tips

1. Take a Bike Safe course to reduce your premiums
2. Install a specialist bike alarm and immobiliser
3. Be accurate with your annual mileage. Social use means you pay less for cover
4. Agree a voluntary excess to keep your premiums lower
5. Always inform your insurer of any performance or cosmetic modifications

Guest Article by Carlan Li

If you want to find cheap bike insurance there are a number of tips you can use to help reduce your premiums without sacrificing cover. It does not matter if you own a Ducati 1198, Honda Goldwing or Harley Davidson motorbike there are precautions you can take to obtain cheaper biker insurance.

Most of the top insurers will give you a discount if you cap your annual mileage. This is because your insurance provider will see it as less risky to insure your bike. If however you like to take long rides on your BMW or Honda tourer you may see it as a small price to pay to enjoy the open road.

Need a cheap bike insurance quote?

In the UK if you can fit an alarm, immobiliser or keep your bike in a garage it is possible to greatly reduce the cost of your policy. The benefits of doing this are clear; additional pre-cautions against theft and damage can help reduce the chance you will need to make a claim and consequently reduce your premium.

Similar to car insurance older bikers tend to receive cheaper motorbike insurance. This is because they make fewer claims and cost insurance companies less. Obviously this is out of your control. But if you are under 25 you may want to opt for a less powerful bike and hold off buying your first Yamaha or Aprilia racer until you build up your no claims history.

Often insurance cover for classic bikes such as Triumphs, Vespas and old Piaggio scooters can be surprisingly expensive. In this instance it pays to use providers who also specialise in classic bike insurance like Swinton Bikes or ebike insurance. These companies often offer better rates than other companies who perhaps have less experience in this area of cover.

You can also obtain cheap bike insurance by simply not claiming. The more years you don’t claim the less risky you are perceived to be. Also don’t be afraid to test the market. You can save hundreds by shopping around when your insurance is up for renewal. However, this does not mean you have to trawl the net looking for the best cover for your new tourer, scooter or super motorbike you can simply fill out our Buyability bike insurance form to receive the best quotes from all the top insurers, it’s as simple as that.

As well as the above tips there are a number of less obvious ways in which you can reduce the cost of cover. These include taking an advanced bike riding course by Bikesafe, which in some cases can actually reduce the cost of cover by 10%. You can also add a voluntary excess to your policy which can also reduce the amount you have to pay.

Guest Article by Carlan Li