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Motoring

Archives for August 2020

Breakdown self-insurance
It's breakdown renewal time and I had a thought... does anyone do this with self-insurance? In 15 years I've only ever called out breakdown services twice - once in my first car (turned out I was being a numpty), and once when I had a fuel blockage on a very elderly banger. Otherwise I have a reasonable knowledge about…
Polishing Headlights
Has anyone tried polishing out the mist on their headlights, what buffing compound did you use, do I need something special or just a plain rotory polishing mop?
Sold as Seen private seller
I sold a car 10 days ago fully road worthy with a fresh MOT with no known faults, I had been driving the car daily for 50 miles a day for the last 7 months. I've got a car sales receipt signed by both parties Sold as Seen. I've just had a message from the seller that the car broke down today and the AA have said the…
Dealer *caused* a fault they can't fix
In September 2018, I took my 10-year-old motorbike to a dealer to have a fault fixed, and it came back with a different and unusual one which, so far, they haven't been able to fix. The bike was new when I bought it (from another dealer in the same franchise). Are there any rights I could exercise to insist on any kind of…
Hybrids -- pros and cons.
Current car is getting elderly and I am considering a hybrid. I have had great service from my current petrol Toyota and I am thinking of sticking with the same company, considering, for example, a Corolla. Anybody who runs a hybrid, I would love to hear your opinion. I understand that replacement batteries can be quite…
Wiring USB to glovebox (or elsewhere)?
One for those with a bit of interest in cars & I.C.E. I suppose. I'm in need of a bit of help. Currently own an Alpine CDE-126BT. My new car takes a double DIN which is what i'm looking at getting. I got in touch with Alpine with what i'm looking at but unfortunately they do nothing in my £300ish budget. The closest they…
Used car dealer sold our car
We bought a car some 3 years ago, the oil sump plug fell off whilst driving in the fast lane on the M1 with our boys in the back seat. Having had to replace the previous car with the same garage we had this one towed straight to them. The swore at us saying its not their effing fault. We rejected the car but they refused…
Safest way to buy a car from private seller?
I am looking to buy a first car for my son, if I go for a private sale what is the safest way to pay in case there are any issues when I get the car as they’re not going to have a card machine for me to use a credit or debit card? Thanks
Tips for contacting Green Flag to stop auto-renew?
Been trying for several days to contact Green Flag. No response on phone, and chat never appears to work. I did manage some spurious contact via facebook, however, that was also unsuccessful. In desperation, I sent an email to Directline Group CEO- no response. I just want to stop my auto-renew. Smoke signals not an option…
Joint ownership for my twins first car
Hi, we are looking to buy a car for my twins to share, I have been told by a family member in the motor trade that he made a reg place up for a car and the V5 was in joint names, but every where I look I get a no, if anyone out there can advise me on a similar situation I would be most Appreciative of this. thank you in…
Declared modifications not covered by insurance
Posting for a mate that does not have an account... I purchased a second hand pickup truck from a main dealer 18months ago. The truck was just under a year old and came with all the original sales paperwork. Insurance was taken out on the day or purchase. The value given was £19,995 (sale price that day) The small print of…
ford Focus 2017 roof leak!
hi, car out of warranty. Rain water coming into pasenger side, front strut, just above my head. Any ideas before I take the dreaded visit to the mechanic.
Lease, new second-hand, PCP, or stick?
Hi all. I posted something about getting a new car pre lockdown. I have a 2011 Volvo S60 with 115000 miles on the clock. When it came out it was pretty much top of the range. Full leather interior, sat nav (whoever uses inbuilt ones nowadays), DAB, bluetooth etc. Unfortunately I had to spend £3.5k on an engine rebuild (as…
Small stone dent in campervan roof
We have been quoted £2042.00 to repair a small dent in our camper van roof by a stone. Is that too expensive or about right?
Start Rescue, any good?
£42.27 a year, for Roadside AssistanceLocal Recovery up to 10 milesNationwide RecoveryHome AssistFree Legal Expenses PolicyAccident RecoveryAlternative TravelEmergency Overnight AccommodationKey AssistMessage Assist https://www.startrescue.co.uk/ Seems a great deal....
Do you have to declare 'bus stop fine' to insurers?
Hi again. If you receive a PCN (ref. 47J) for parking in a bus stop area, will that have to be declared to insurers? Or when it comes to renewing your insurance? I know for speeding offences you do, but what about that bus stop parking? Thanks.
Green Flag or AA?
My AA renewal is due £145, contacted them and this is the best they can do, Green Flag is half that price. What are Green Flag like? I know they do not have their own fleet of mechanics like the AA and RAC do.
How long for the Police to remove untaxed car?
Hello folks. Should it take more than week since it was reported because the car's still there. And same goes for non-MOT and non-insured cars too. Thanks.
Cancelling Green Flag
I have an annual policy with Green Flag which renews on 6 September. I don't need the policy because I have cover with my new car. I tried phoning them but found it impossible to get through. There are no online options for cancelling. Can I simply cancel my direct debit?
I waited for RAC as a lone female for 4 hrs! Is this acceptable?
I unfortunately broke down with a puncture. I stated the breakdown details to the assistant on the phone. I Explained that my tyre was completely shredded and that I had no spare and would need a tow truck. It took over 4 hours for anyone to reach me which I believe to be totally unacceptable. By which stage by anxiety…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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