Brussels When Snow White and her clan hit the road, they must always roll out two Volvo C30 coupes--that's the only way they can accommodate all seven dwarfs. We bring up Snow White because the design of the new Volvo C30 pays homage to the 1971 Volvo 1800ES, which earned its nickname, "Snow White's coffin," due to its large glass tailgate. Although that two-door wagon attained cult status, it wasn't a big commercial success. Still, at fewer than 10,000 units a year, the 1800ES did better than the dull, front-wheel-drive 480ES (a similarly configured two-door wagon produced between 1985 and 1995 but not sold here), of which only 80,000 units were built. Volvo has more ambitious sales targets for its new C30. Of the 65,000 units to be assembled annually, about 6000 cars are earmarked for North America, where sales are due to commence in the spring.
It's impossible not to be smitten by the three-door Volvo's styling, which strikes a compelling balance between retro and modern. Among the strongest design elements are the long rear side windows, the muscular rear side panels, and the historically correct rear window flanked by a pair of trademark upright taillights. There are a few functional drawbacks, but the overall presence is just right, with surprisingly roomy rear seats and front-seat occupants traveling in the bosom of Abraham.
At Volvo, everybody praises the floating center stack for its puristic modernity. In daily use, however, you may soon dislike the smallish buttons on the numeric keyboard and the hard-to-read navigation screen. There are two upholstery colors and two trim materials to choose from, but the cockpit is let down by vast areas of rock-solid, drab-looking plastic.
Volvo expects that most customers will use their C30 as a two-seater with an extendable stowage area, so access to the cargo hold and general versatility are very important. The C30 delivers by offering easy-to-fold rear seats, a low loading lip, and a trunk that holds up to 32 cubic feet of luggage. With the rear seats in place, however, the volume shrinks to ten cubic feet. Despite the easy-entry system, getting into and out of row two requires a certain degree of physical fitness. Visibility is all right except to the rear, where the sloping roof creates a narrow view.
Since safety is Volvo's traditional first priority, the C30 looks after its occupants with utmost care and foresight. Although it's about eight inches shorter than the four-door S40, the C30's crash performance doesn't suffer because of its smaller size. And two of Volvo's newest driver-assistance systems are currently available on the C30: a blind-spot detector integrated into the sideview mirrors and a special computer chip that monitors steering, throttle, brakes, and turn signals. As soon as the driver starts working the car especially hard, the cabin spy will automatically suppress text messages and nonessential warning lights. Gimmicks or goodies? It depends, but neither feature can pay attention as well as a switched-on driver
The C30 is powered by a turbocharged, 218-hp five-cylinder and will be available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed manu-matic. It will come in two trim levels, with the uplevel model featuring a body kit, eighteen-inch wheels, and an MP3 jack. Two suspension settings are available: comfort and dynamic. (The European version also will have a sport setting.) The car we drove, a Euro-spec model, was fitted with the stiffest setup. The sport setting is fine for mirror-smooth pavement and well-kept racetracks, but on frost-eaten blacktop you would want more compliance, a better low-speed ride, and less brittle responses over transverse irritations such as highway expansion joints. We would also prefer more steering feedback than what's provided by the electrohydraulic setup, which feels artificial and not quite quick enough. Volvo officials emphatically defend this calibration, pointing out that it was selected to address the different requirements of the thumbwheel generation.
We aren't totally convinced by the five-cylinder engine. The numbers are solid (0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph), but although the torque delivery plateaus from 1500 to 4800 rpm (where 236 lb-ft is on tap), throttle response can be hesitant, and there is a prevailing feeling that you're in the wrong gear. Since a pushy driving style induces torque steer even before a corner comes into sight, it's best to leave the shifter in D, avoid the final 2000 rpm, and relish the considerable pulling power. In line with the overall dynamic mediocrity are the strong but uncommunicative brakes, the much too casual body control, and the predictably passive handling, which lacks the depth of modularity we are familiar with in the Volkswagen GTI.
You don't have to have a soft spot for fairy tales to appreciate the Volvo C30, but it helps. After all, this car has chosen the emotional route to your heart, and it begs to be measured by more subjective criteria than its run-of-the-mill rivals. In terms of sheer driving pleasure, the new Volvo meets only our most basic expectations. But as far as performance and street credibility are concerned, it combines the charm of an icon with the A-to-B competence of a modern hatchback. While the C30 is clearly the wrong choice for the evil mother-in-law, Snow White and her Prince Charming are going to love it.
2007 Volvo C30
2007 Alfa Romeo Brera
The ItalDesign-styled Brera concept coupe that was shown at Geneva in 2002 was such a hit that both this new 2+2 coupe--the successor to the GTV--and the new 159 ape the styling. (Although Ital takes the credit for the Brera, Automobile Magazine's design editor Robert Cumberford says it was, ahem, pirated from an earlier Zagato study.) The stunning coupe is built on Alfa's new premium platform, which was originally going to be shared with Saab, but the Swedish automaker walked away from the joint venture. The 173.8-inch-long car is underpinned by a multilink rear and control arm front suspension, and uses three powertrains jointly developed by Fiat and GM: a 2.2-liter inline four with direct injection, making 185 hp; a 200-hp, 2.4-liter direct injection turbodiesel; and a 3.2-liter V-6 that produces 260 hp. All-wheel drive is available, as are six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. As well as the striking styling, the large glass roof panel is said to promote an airy interior. The Brera goes on sale in November and will be followed by a spider in early 2006. Alfa Romeo claims that it is finally serious about a return to the U.S. market, possibly as soon as 2007. While Alfa has said this practically every year since it left the U.S. market, our sources say that it means business this time. If the Brera does come to the U.S., we'll be first in line to try one of these gorgeous coupes.
Land Rover FREELANDER RANGE
Taking Its Cue From The Design Of The Range Rover, The Latest Freelander Has Cemented Its Position As The Classiest Compact 4x4 Around. Andy Enright Reports
The Land Rover Freelander is a car that has always forged a reputation as a compact 4x4 standing a class apart from its competitors. For many Freelander buyers, the prospect of opting for a Nissan, a Honda or a Toyota is quite beyond the pale. This explains why in the past, despite the fact that these rivals had in certain respects overtaken the Freelander, the little Land Rover often still got the order. Trading on that sort of goodwill only lasts so long however, and constant enhancements to the car have continually improved it.
The latest version of Britains best selling 4x4 has at last matched reputation to reality.
For the 2004 model year, there was a completely revised interior (by far the old cars weakest link) and a major external restyle including a fresh face and tail. The range also benefited from the addition of the Freelander Sport version, a model which the Solihull company claims is their sharpest handling and sportiest offering to date. More recently, further tweaks to the line-up have been deemed necessary. Two new 'Definitive Edition' Land Rover Freelander models, 'Adventurer' and 'Freestyle', have been added to the line-up and a higher level of specification on both 3 and 5 door models introduced across the range. The 'Adventurer' derivatives (priced from £17,300) boast standard features that include air-conditioning, front sports seats, 16" alloy wheels, alarm and front fog lights. The 'Freestyle' models have in addition, 17" alloy wheels, park distance control, heated front seats, a six CD auto changer, mud flaps, powerfold mirrors and glass roof panels (3 door only), and are available from £19,300. Above these variants sit the Sport derivatives (priced from £21,600) which now come with privacy glass, roof rails, 18" alloy wheels, heated front seats and leather/Alcantara seat facings.
"The latest Freelander is good enough to trade on excellence rather than badge snobbery"
Few Freelander customers have ever had any cause for complaint regarding the cars exterior styling and the most recent makeover has brought it into line with current Land Rover group design thinking. The usual targets for restyling - namely front bumper, headlights and grille - are all replaced with a Range Rover look, the lights in particular claiming to boost intensity by some 70%. The bumpers are also body coloured front and rear. The tail lamps have been raised to a higher position, thus improving their visibility and reducing the likelihood of being obscured in road grime or off-trail dust.
The Freelander Sport takes these visual enhancements and then beefs them up still further with the fitment of monster 18-inch alloy wheels, made to look even more aggressive due to the slight lowering of the firmer suspension set up. As such, its not designed for serious off-road usage but other Freelanders are surprisingly capable in that regard. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is fitted to all Freelanders and is a clever piece of kit. On a sticky, steep descent, when you engage HDC, the system selects first gear and uses the anti-lock brakes to automatically maintain a descent speed of 5.
6mph. Should the track get slippery or become more undulating, this will reduce to 4.4mph. The ABS system is complemented by EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and Electronic Traction Control (ETC) is standard to limit wheelslip in conditions such as mud and snow.
The engine choices remain exactly as before and theres a choice of three-door or five-door bodystyles. Meanwhile, this cars status as the most capable compact 4x4 you can buy hasnt altered very much: if you plan to go seriously off road - even very occasionally its simply not worth even bothering with anything else in this sector. At one time, you paid heavily for that privilege but under new Ford ownership, Land Rover has woken up to a changing market and realigned its prices. As the European market leader in the compact 4x4 sector, it was appropriate that the Freelander should be the first car of its kind to offer V6 petrol power, in this case the 2.5-litre 177PS unit already found in the Rover 75.
Youd expect this to transform the car and it does, offering nearly 50% more power and torque than the continuing 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit. The BMW-sourced Td4 turbo diesel unit is just as impressive in its own way. This 2.
0-litre 16-valve direct injection uses common rail technology to develop 112PS. Low down pulling power (ideal for heavy off road work and urban use) is particularly impressive. In recent times, the Freelander has been guilty of trading more on badge snobbery than product excellence but the latest car rectifies that issue. It was only a matter of time before the build quality of the Range Rover would trickle down to Land Rovers baby.
Now that it has, the opposition will have to go back to their drawing boards.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Land Rover Freelander range
PRICES: £15,995-£26,595 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 205-298g/km
PERFORMANCE: [V6] Max Speed 113mph / 0-60mph 10.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [V6] (urban) 16.5mpg / (extra urban) 29.1mpg / (combined) 22.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [V6] Length/Width/Heightmm 4447/2074/1828 [est]
The Land Rover Freelander is a car that has always forged a reputation as a compact 4x4 standing a class apart from its competitors. For many Freelander buyers, the prospect of opting for a Nissan, a Honda or a Toyota is quite beyond the pale. This explains why in the past, despite the fact that these rivals had in certain respects overtaken the Freelander, the little Land Rover often still got the order. Trading on that sort of goodwill only lasts so long however, and constant enhancements to the car have continually improved it.
The latest version of Britains best selling 4x4 has at last matched reputation to reality.
For the 2004 model year, there was a completely revised interior (by far the old cars weakest link) and a major external restyle including a fresh face and tail. The range also benefited from the addition of the Freelander Sport version, a model which the Solihull company claims is their sharpest handling and sportiest offering to date. More recently, further tweaks to the line-up have been deemed necessary. Two new 'Definitive Edition' Land Rover Freelander models, 'Adventurer' and 'Freestyle', have been added to the line-up and a higher level of specification on both 3 and 5 door models introduced across the range. The 'Adventurer' derivatives (priced from £17,300) boast standard features that include air-conditioning, front sports seats, 16" alloy wheels, alarm and front fog lights. The 'Freestyle' models have in addition, 17" alloy wheels, park distance control, heated front seats, a six CD auto changer, mud flaps, powerfold mirrors and glass roof panels (3 door only), and are available from £19,300. Above these variants sit the Sport derivatives (priced from £21,600) which now come with privacy glass, roof rails, 18" alloy wheels, heated front seats and leather/Alcantara seat facings.
"The latest Freelander is good enough to trade on excellence rather than badge snobbery"
Few Freelander customers have ever had any cause for complaint regarding the cars exterior styling and the most recent makeover has brought it into line with current Land Rover group design thinking. The usual targets for restyling - namely front bumper, headlights and grille - are all replaced with a Range Rover look, the lights in particular claiming to boost intensity by some 70%. The bumpers are also body coloured front and rear. The tail lamps have been raised to a higher position, thus improving their visibility and reducing the likelihood of being obscured in road grime or off-trail dust.
The Freelander Sport takes these visual enhancements and then beefs them up still further with the fitment of monster 18-inch alloy wheels, made to look even more aggressive due to the slight lowering of the firmer suspension set up. As such, its not designed for serious off-road usage but other Freelanders are surprisingly capable in that regard. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is fitted to all Freelanders and is a clever piece of kit. On a sticky, steep descent, when you engage HDC, the system selects first gear and uses the anti-lock brakes to automatically maintain a descent speed of 5.
6mph. Should the track get slippery or become more undulating, this will reduce to 4.4mph. The ABS system is complemented by EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and Electronic Traction Control (ETC) is standard to limit wheelslip in conditions such as mud and snow.
The engine choices remain exactly as before and theres a choice of three-door or five-door bodystyles. Meanwhile, this cars status as the most capable compact 4x4 you can buy hasnt altered very much: if you plan to go seriously off road - even very occasionally its simply not worth even bothering with anything else in this sector. At one time, you paid heavily for that privilege but under new Ford ownership, Land Rover has woken up to a changing market and realigned its prices. As the European market leader in the compact 4x4 sector, it was appropriate that the Freelander should be the first car of its kind to offer V6 petrol power, in this case the 2.5-litre 177PS unit already found in the Rover 75.
Youd expect this to transform the car and it does, offering nearly 50% more power and torque than the continuing 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit. The BMW-sourced Td4 turbo diesel unit is just as impressive in its own way. This 2.
0-litre 16-valve direct injection uses common rail technology to develop 112PS. Low down pulling power (ideal for heavy off road work and urban use) is particularly impressive. In recent times, the Freelander has been guilty of trading more on badge snobbery than product excellence but the latest car rectifies that issue. It was only a matter of time before the build quality of the Range Rover would trickle down to Land Rovers baby.
Now that it has, the opposition will have to go back to their drawing boards.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Land Rover Freelander range
PRICES: £15,995-£26,595 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 10-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 205-298g/km
PERFORMANCE: [V6] Max Speed 113mph / 0-60mph 10.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [V6] (urban) 16.5mpg / (extra urban) 29.1mpg / (combined) 22.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [V6] Length/Width/Heightmm 4447/2074/1828 [est]
car insurance companys
Esure Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote direct from Esure
This company was set up in 1999 by the Halifax group now know as the HBOS group. Over £150 million was invested to create a UK car insurance brand dedicated to careful drivers. Prospective customers would be able to buy products via the telephone and online. The concept was conceived by Peter Wood who is famous in the insurance world for his part in setting up the first UK telephone based insurance company Direct Line in the mid eighties. Since its launch, Esure has expanded its operations to include car, home and travel cover and underwrite Sainsbury’s car insurance.
The company prefer their car insurance customers to have at least four years no claims discount and clean driving records. This enables the them to offer competitive car insurance premiums to this target market and develop a relationship that allows the customer to build up their no claims discount to 70% for five years claim free driving and up to 75% for a total of 10 years. By encouraging customers to purchase car insurance and other products online, the company continually strives to reduce overheads and premiums for its customers.
Before obtaining a car insurance quote from them, consider checking the assumptions they make on your behalf on their website. This could dramatically speed up your online quote and avoid the scenario whereby you do not fit their motor underwriting criteria. Other useful features offered by them include the facility to renew your car insurance online and the option to print or view the policy booklet and summary of cover.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
Privilege Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote direct from Privilage
Although launched as late as 1994 by Royal Bank of Scotland, Privilege car insurance aimed its activities at the then unpopular, car insurance area of drivers of executive style vehicles, sports cars and other 'non-standard' risks that usually attracts a higher premium. Due to its success in this niche UK car insurance area the company was particularly successful, and in the first four years of operation issued 250.000 policies. Since their launch and subsequent success they have developed their target audience to include specifically the London area, executives, and car insurance for older drivers, especially to car drivers able to offer four or more years of no claims discount.
Generally, they offer car insurance cover at third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive levels.
For customers using their vehicle in connection with their work Privilege car insurance includes business mileage at no extra cost. Other features and benefits include, No Claims Discount of up to 70%, free 24 hour accident recovery, a new replacement car for yours if it is 'written off' under one year old (subject to policy conditions that apply), your existing company car No Claims Discount will be recognised. A courtesy vehicle will be provided if your vehicle is repaired through a recommended car repairer subject to availability, free cleaning service and guaranteed car repairs also applies when you use the company's approved repair network. Audio replacement and 24 hour windscreen replacement hotline apply. A premium installment option is available (subject to status).
Optional extras (subject to a small increase in the car insurance premium) includes 25% off breakdown cover which boasts over 80% of repairs at the roadside, No Claims Discount protection after 4 claim free years, motor legal protection and guaranteed hire car cover for up to 14 days after your car becomes unusable due to a insurance claim (excluding windscreen damage).
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars and benefits mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
Privilege Car Insurance
Car Insurance Brokers - Budget
Information on Budget for car owners seeking insurance cover through a broker
Budget started trading in the UK in 1993 and is one of Britain’s leading independent brokers in the car insurance market. Branch networks includes over 80 branches and extends across Scotland, North East England, North and Central England, East England and London.
These brokers pioneered 'paperless' car insurance and has introduced call recording to replace traditional written proposals and forms. Selling and administering policies is completed by telephone and linked to award winning computer systems.
They offer quotations from their panel of UK’s top insurance companies for car, van, motorbike and home policies either by telephone, online, or through a local branch. Other products available include car breakdown, travel, and taxi insurance.
Car insurance features and benefits offered by these brokers include, instant cover availability, no proposal forms to complete, special breakdown assistance, car repairs guaranteed for 3 years, automatic 60 days EU cover, courtesy cars (subject to availability) and flexible payment options (subject to status).
Classic car insurance is also offered by them through Lancaster who specialise in covering classic cars. Product features and benefits include instant cover availability, limited mileage discounts, agreed valuations cover and flexible payment options (subject to status). Classic car insurance is underwritten by companies such as Norwich Union, Allianz Cornhill and Equity Red Star among many others.
Van insurance product features and benefits include instant cover availability, no proposal forms to complete, repairs guaranteed for 3 years and flexible payment options (subject to status).
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the products mentioned above, please contact the broker concerned for more information.
Direct Line Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote from DirectLine
This company is 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 should 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. It must a UK model or built to UK specifications* and it must not be modified*.
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.
Guaranteed Hire Car* is also an option you can purchase. This company will provide you with a hire car for up to 14 days after yours becomes unusable due to an insurance claim (excluding windscreen damage). This even applies if your vehicle has been stolen or written off.
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.
Regarding Medical Expenses* cover for treatment of the car driver and passengers following an accident, the amount will depend on your insurance policy and will be shown in your policy schedule. Personal Accident benefits* cover can be paid out to the insured and/or the insured’s spouse/partner (or their legal representative) in the event of fatal or certain serious injuries following an accident involving your car. This insurance cover also applies when either of you are travelling in any other vehicle; again the amount will depend on your policy and will be shown in your policy schedule.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
This company is 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 should 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. It must a UK model or built to UK specifications* and it must not be modified*.
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.
Guaranteed Hire Car* is also an option you can purchase. This company will provide you with a hire car for up to 14 days after yours becomes unusable due to an insurance claim (excluding windscreen damage). This even applies if your vehicle has been stolen or written off.
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.
Regarding Medical Expenses* cover for treatment of the car driver and passengers following an accident, the amount will depend on your insurance policy and will be shown in your policy schedule. Personal Accident benefits* cover can be paid out to the insured and/or the insured’s spouse/partner (or their legal representative) in the event of fatal or certain serious injuries following an accident involving your car. This insurance cover also applies when either of you are travelling in any other vehicle; again the amount will depend on your policy and will be shown in your policy schedule.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
AXA Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote direct from AXA
This Group is an international leader in financial services, specifically in the fields of car insurance and asset management having around £400 billion under management worldwide. In UK insurance terms they are also leaders in the areas on health, general, and life assurance.
Axa will provide fully comprehensive, third party fire and theft or third party car insurance cover to suit your purposes, but only fully comprehensive cover is available online.
The company's UK car insurance policy offers a broad range of benefits including a 5% discount for purchasing online rather than by telephone. You should be able to obtain a car insurance quote if you live in the UK, have held a license for at least 2 years and you drive an unmodified, right hand drive car registered in the UK. An added benefit for older car drivers is that they will consider insurance applications from drivers between 21 and 74 years old.
Additional drivers can be added to their car policies provided they fulfil the same rules as the proposer. It is important to note that persons between 21 and 24 years old are considered as young drivers.
Your car insurance no claims discount can be carried forward from your previous insurer, as can a Company Car earned bonus, or as protected no claims from your previous employer.
If you need to make an insurance claim, there is a reassuring 24 hour claims helpline which provides links to their nationwide network of approved car repairers. All work carried out by approved repairers is fully guaranteed for three years. Motor Legal Protection is available as an optional extra.Importantly, in these fuel conscious times, car sharing* is written into the insurance policy and is totally acceptable, for social or similar purposes, provided there is no profit being made from any financial arrangements, it is not part of a business, and the car can carry no more than 8 people.
There is free European Insurance Cover* for up to 93 days included in the standard premium.
Medical Expenses* cover for treatment of the driver and passengers following an accident, up to £250 per person, and Injury Benefits* cover of up to £7,500 lump sum (paid out in the event of death of driver or any passenger). Other injuries are covered at a varying scale. You will find a financially favourable response if your car has been fitted with a security tracking device.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the UK car insurance products mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
This Group is an international leader in financial services, specifically in the fields of car insurance and asset management having around £400 billion under management worldwide. In UK insurance terms they are also leaders in the areas on health, general, and life assurance.
Axa will provide fully comprehensive, third party fire and theft or third party car insurance cover to suit your purposes, but only fully comprehensive cover is available online.
The company's UK car insurance policy offers a broad range of benefits including a 5% discount for purchasing online rather than by telephone. You should be able to obtain a car insurance quote if you live in the UK, have held a license for at least 2 years and you drive an unmodified, right hand drive car registered in the UK. An added benefit for older car drivers is that they will consider insurance applications from drivers between 21 and 74 years old.
Additional drivers can be added to their car policies provided they fulfil the same rules as the proposer. It is important to note that persons between 21 and 24 years old are considered as young drivers.
Your car insurance no claims discount can be carried forward from your previous insurer, as can a Company Car earned bonus, or as protected no claims from your previous employer.
If you need to make an insurance claim, there is a reassuring 24 hour claims helpline which provides links to their nationwide network of approved car repairers. All work carried out by approved repairers is fully guaranteed for three years. Motor Legal Protection is available as an optional extra.Importantly, in these fuel conscious times, car sharing* is written into the insurance policy and is totally acceptable, for social or similar purposes, provided there is no profit being made from any financial arrangements, it is not part of a business, and the car can carry no more than 8 people.
There is free European Insurance Cover* for up to 93 days included in the standard premium.
Medical Expenses* cover for treatment of the driver and passengers following an accident, up to £250 per person, and Injury Benefits* cover of up to £7,500 lump sum (paid out in the event of death of driver or any passenger). Other injuries are covered at a varying scale. You will find a financially favourable response if your car has been fitted with a security tracking device.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the UK car insurance products mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
Eagle Star Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote direct from Eagle Star
The company was involved very early on with the innovations that made direct selling of uk car insurance an easy experience for customers, such as removing the need for application and insurance claims forms, a 24 hour claims service, and one of the first car insurers to sell directly online. Its policies are now the same as the parent company Zurich Insurance.
Eagle Star should offer a car insurance quote provided you are resident in and the car is kept in Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). The insurance cover must be for the owner, main driver and registered keeper of the vehicle, and importantly, there must be no more than 2 cars in the family if drivers under the age of 25 years are required. 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 total number of fault accidents or claims (including theft) for each driver must not exceed 3 in the last 3 years and the total number of convictions*, fixed penalties or disqualifications (including pending) must not exceed 2 in the last 5 years. Additional excesses apply to each insurance claim dependant on the age of the car driver* and their driving experience*
The vehicle must a standard UK model and it must not be modified*.
The company will offer third party fire and theft, Basic Comprehensive Insurance or Car Solutions (Zurich's inclusive comprehensive package) only online. As implied, the basic comprehensive insurance policy has a lower level of benefits than the Car Solutions policy*.
Business use is an available option.
Up to 4 additional named drivers can be added to the policy providing they are also between 17 and 79 years at the beginning of the policy. It is also an option to select insurance for any person to drive the car provided they are over 25 years old with additional excesses applicable for each claim dependant on the age of the driver* and their driving experience*.
The cars no claim discount can be carried forward from your previous company provided you ceased that insurance policy within the last 3 years*. You can elect to take Eagle Star's Bonus for Life* for an additional cost, so you'll never lose your no claims bonus if you make an insurance claim or select Protected No Claims Bonus, allowing you one claim in three years.
Claims are dealt with by telephone. A 24 hour car insurance claims helpline provides advice and links to their nationwide Network Repairers. All work carried out complying with the manufacturers guarantee and using manufacturers parts where possible, is available only with the Gold Policy. Motor Legal Protection* is available 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 insurance policy; for example, excess, personal injury and loss of earnings.
A courtesy car* will be made available, under the Car Solutions Cover option only temporarily after an accident while your car is in a garage for repair.
Under the Car Solutions insurance policy you have cover for travelling abroad throughout the E.U. and certain other countries, but the level of cover for countries you are intending to visit should always be checked before travelling. Under the standard Basic Comprehensive Insurance, 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. However, Single Trip Foreign Travel can be purchased as an extra.
Medical Expenses* are covered under the Car Solutions Insurance Policy only. Up to £200 for treatment of each person who is injured in an accident in your car, and for the main driver only, £30 a day is available for up to 30 days if you have to stay in hospital for more than a day. Personal Injury Benefits* cover you or a member of your family who permanently lives with you and is aged between 16 and 79, as a result of an accident while travelling in any private car; £10,000 for death, permanent total loss of sight in an eye or use of an arm or leg.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
The company was involved very early on with the innovations that made direct selling of uk car insurance an easy experience for customers, such as removing the need for application and insurance claims forms, a 24 hour claims service, and one of the first car insurers to sell directly online. Its policies are now the same as the parent company Zurich Insurance.
Eagle Star should offer a car insurance quote provided you are resident in and the car is kept in Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). The insurance cover must be for the owner, main driver and registered keeper of the vehicle, and importantly, there must be no more than 2 cars in the family if drivers under the age of 25 years are required. 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 total number of fault accidents or claims (including theft) for each driver must not exceed 3 in the last 3 years and the total number of convictions*, fixed penalties or disqualifications (including pending) must not exceed 2 in the last 5 years. Additional excesses apply to each insurance claim dependant on the age of the car driver* and their driving experience*
The vehicle must a standard UK model and it must not be modified*.
The company will offer third party fire and theft, Basic Comprehensive Insurance or Car Solutions (Zurich's inclusive comprehensive package) only online. As implied, the basic comprehensive insurance policy has a lower level of benefits than the Car Solutions policy*.
Business use is an available option.
Up to 4 additional named drivers can be added to the policy providing they are also between 17 and 79 years at the beginning of the policy. It is also an option to select insurance for any person to drive the car provided they are over 25 years old with additional excesses applicable for each claim dependant on the age of the driver* and their driving experience*.
The cars no claim discount can be carried forward from your previous company provided you ceased that insurance policy within the last 3 years*. You can elect to take Eagle Star's Bonus for Life* for an additional cost, so you'll never lose your no claims bonus if you make an insurance claim or select Protected No Claims Bonus, allowing you one claim in three years.
Claims are dealt with by telephone. A 24 hour car insurance claims helpline provides advice and links to their nationwide Network Repairers. All work carried out complying with the manufacturers guarantee and using manufacturers parts where possible, is available only with the Gold Policy. Motor Legal Protection* is available 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 insurance policy; for example, excess, personal injury and loss of earnings.
A courtesy car* will be made available, under the Car Solutions Cover option only temporarily after an accident while your car is in a garage for repair.
Under the Car Solutions insurance policy you have cover for travelling abroad throughout the E.U. and certain other countries, but the level of cover for countries you are intending to visit should always be checked before travelling. Under the standard Basic Comprehensive Insurance, 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. However, Single Trip Foreign Travel can be purchased as an extra.
Medical Expenses* are covered under the Car Solutions Insurance Policy only. Up to £200 for treatment of each person who is injured in an accident in your car, and for the main driver only, £30 a day is available for up to 30 days if you have to stay in hospital for more than a day. Personal Injury Benefits* cover you or a member of your family who permanently lives with you and is aged between 16 and 79, as a result of an accident while travelling in any private car; £10,000 for death, permanent total loss of sight in an eye or use of an arm or leg.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
Halifax Car Insurance
Information for car owners interested in getting an insurance quote direct from Halifax
This company's car insurance is arranged and administered by Esure Services Limited and both companies are owned by the Halifax and Bank of Scotland group. This brand provides services across the financial sector from banking, credit cards, investments and mortgages to a range of insurances including cars.
Halifax should offer a car insurance quote provided you are resident in and the car is kept in the UK. All car drivers must be between 20 and 78 years old at the beginning of the insurance policy for comprehensive cover, or 30 and 78 years old for third party, fire and theft or third party only cover. All car drivers must hold a full UK or EU driving licence and have been permanently resident in the UK for at the last 12 months. The car must be registered, owned and kept by the insurance policyholder at their address. It must be a UK model or built to UK specifications* and it must not be modified*.
All car drivers must not have an occupation connected in any way with the following: films, television, radio, music, performing arts, professional sports, non-UK armed forces and diplomatic services, gambling other than bookmaking, nightclubs, licensed premises, scrap metal, waste disposal, circuses, fairgrounds, amusements, street trading or fast food delivery.
The company will offer fully comprehensive, third party fire and theft cover and third party only car insurance to suit your purposes, which are available online with a 10% discount if you are a first time Halifax car insurance purchaser, buying online. Fully comprehensive cover is compulsory on vehicles with a value greater than £5,000. There is also a £50,000 maximum value.
Online insurance cover allows use of your car for social, domestic and pleasure purposes, commuting to and from a permanent place of work, and personal business use for you and your spouse, if named on the policy. The company will not provide insurance cover you to use your car for commercial traveling, any purpose in connection with the motor trade, carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward, racing, pacemaking, speed testing, rallies, trials or competitions.
No-claim discount can be carried forward from your previous car insurance company provided you ceased that policy within the last 2 years.
They operate a 24 hour claims helpline that provides advice and links to their recommended car repairer network. All insurance work carried out by recommended repairers is fully guaranteed for five years*. 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 policy, for example, excess, personal injury and loss of earnings.
You may choose from one of three different levels of breakdown cover* to add to your car insurance policy as required. Greenflag breakdown cover is underwritten by UK Insurance Limited.
They will provide a free courtesy vehicle if you have comprehensive insurance cover and use a member of their recommended car repairer network for repairs on your car following loss or damage insured by your policy. This insurance cover will be withdrawn if your car is, or becomes considered a total loss. The insurance of the courtesy car is under your own policy and breakdown cover is only extended if you have bought the ‘any vehicle’ extension.
Car sharing is written into the 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 be acceptable provided that the car 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 result in 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 contact the company and apply for full cover abroad.
They will pay medical expenses* of up to £100 for each person injured if your car is involved in an accident.
* Conditions apply please view their policy details for a full list.
Please note, conditions will apply for all of the insurance products for cars mentioned above, please contact the company concerned for more information.
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