Car Insurance

THE Association of British Insurers has launched a confidential hotline for honest policyholders to “get their own back” on insurance cheats. The ABI says fraudulent claims add pounds 1 a week to the average family’s insurance bill. Several fraudsters have already been exposed by anonymous tip-offs, including a claim for a stolen car when really it had been passed to a friend who was dismantling it for spares. Another woman claimed for stolen possessions following a burglary, but had really stored them with a relative until the claim had been paid. If you know a cheat, call the insurance hotline on 0800 328 2550.

BIRMINGHAM Midshires members should vote now for the take-over of the society by the Halifax if they want their windfall payment, which is expected to average pounds 1,250. You have until midnight on Tuesday for postal votes to be received by the scrutineers.

FOR EVERY LittleXtra children’s account opened by January 3, Halifax will donate pounds 1 to Save The Children. This follows a similar promotion last year which raised pounds 30,000 for NCH Action for Children.

GENERAL Direct has launched a car insurance policy aimed at 17 and 18- year-olds who have just passed their driving test. It offers them the chance to cut their normally high premiums by transferring a No Claims Bonus from their motorcycle or moped to their new car. This can mean a discount of 30 per cent on their new premium. For a quote call 0800 78 313 92.

NATIONWIDE has launched two attractive bonds available only to members of three years’ standing. There is a one-year fixed-rate bond paying 7.35% and a three-year variable-rate bond currently paying 7.75%. This is part of the society’s policy of rewarding long- standing members to emphasise the benefits of remaining a mutual society. Apply at your local branch.