Latest news with #GoCompare
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Guardian
10 ways young UK drivers can avoid high car insurance costs
Young people usually pay more in car insurance – sometimes a lot more – as they are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident and policies are based on overall risk. Those aged between 17 and 24 pay £828 on average, close to double the £476 typically paid by 25-to 49-year-olds, according to data from the comparison site However, comparing quotes can still save you hundreds of pounds. Comparison sites – others include MoneySuperMarket, and Compare the Market – let you easily see prices across dozens of insurers. Experts say getting quotes about three to four weeks before your policy is due to start often results in cheaper deals. Adding a parent, or any other experienced motorist as a named driver – as long as they drive the car occasionally – can help lower your premium. Insurers see this as spreading the risk as the vehicle is not just driven by someone with little experience. Look for someone with a clean licence and many years of no claims. Whatever you do, don't pretend someone else is the main driver – that is known as 'fronting', and is illegal. Generally, the smaller and less powerful the car, the cheaper it will be to insure. Go for something in a low insurance group (cars are put into one of 50 groups), typically the less expensive models with small engines and where the cost of parts and repairs are generally lower. The cheapest for 17- to 25-year-olds include Volkswagen's up! (averaging £576 a year), the Suzuki Alto (£597) and the Fiat 500 (£604), according to 'This shows it is smaller cars – specifically modest one-litre engine hatchbacks – which are taking the top spots as the cheapest cars to insure for young drivers,' says Tom Banks at Buying secondhand will keep costs down. Just make sure it is in good condition and has a full service history. 'Avoid making modifications, too, as these could lead to a hike in the price,' says Andrew Lee at the insurer Marmalade, which specialises in young drivers. A black box, or telematics, is a great way to reduce costs over time. A small device (or an app on your phone) tracks how safely you drive. If you stick to speed limits, avoid harsh braking and do not drive late at night, you could earn a lower insurance quote or repayments, adds Banks. 'If the data shows consistent safe driving, insurers might reward policyholders with benefits like lower premiums, cashback or a voucher, either during your policy term, or when it's time to renew,' he adds. According to the median price for a 19-year-old driver with a telematics policy is £864 a year. This compares with £1,096 without telematics. At age 23, the difference is only £21: £636 with telematics; £657 without. If you don't make a claim, you will earn a no-claims discount, which can further reduce costs. However, there are some potential disadvantages to a black box. It will record poor habits and so could result in higher premiums. 'If you don't drive carefully, or within pre-arranged limits of your policy, you could end up paying more,' Banks says. If you are already insured, do not just accept your renewal quote. Use comparison sites to see what others are charging for the same, or similar, cover, then go back to your current insurer and see whether it will match, or beat, those prices. Monthly payments may be easier for some younger people to handle, but they often involve paying interest on the premiums – sometimes as much as 30% APR. If you can afford to pay in one go, it is nearly always cheaper. If an annual payment is not possible, it is worth looking into alternatives such as a 0% interest credit card (provided you can pay it off before interest kicks in). Or set aside money each month. Where, and how, you park matters. Insurers like driveways more than street parking, so prices tend to fall if you have access to one. If your building has designated private parking, whether gated or residents only, that is also usually rated as safer than street parking. If you have a fob-controlled or gated car park, even better. Mention it when getting quotes. And adding a steering wheel lock, immobiliser or dashcam can help. The more secure your car, the less of a risk it poses – and the more likely something will be shaved off your premium. What you put as your job title can affect how much you pay – sometimes by hundreds of pounds. That's because data based on years of claims is used. Some professions are flagged as higher risk, either because of how often people in those jobs claim, or the way they are perceived to use their cars. Many forms include a dropdown menu for job titles, and choosing a different, but still legitimately accurate, title – such as 'writer' instead of 'journalist' – could lower your premium. Make sure it is truthful. False information could invalidate your policy. MoneySuperMarket has a 'car insurance job picker' to help you identify the role that best describes what you do, and find the average premium for each job. Your excess is what you pay towards a claim before your insurer chips in. It is usually split into two parts: a compulsory excess, which is set by your insurer and non-negotiable; and a voluntary excess, the extra you choose to pay on top. 'The most common excess chosen by our customers is £250,' says Rhydian Jones, a car insurance expert at 'But opting for a higher – or sometimes even lower – excess can help reduce the overall cost of your cover. Experiment with your excess amount when comparing quotes to see if you could save.' The higher the voluntary excess, the lower your premium tends to be. 'Make sure you can afford to pay the excess amount you have stated,' says Lee, otherwise you could be left in a tricky situation. The discount increases with each year you drive claim-free. After just one year, you could get a 20% to 30% discount. After five years, some insurers will knock 60% or more off your premium. Your no-claims discount is tied to you, not the car – so if you change your vehicle or insurer, you can usually transfer it. Even if you have an accident, it will not always wipe out your discount – especially if you are not at fault and the other driver's insurer pays. It is worth asking your insurer to confirm how much your premium would go up by if you made a claim.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Shamed Strictly star Wynne Evans claimed 'rotten' BBC was a 'corrupt organisation' just days before he was sacked over sex-pest furore
In the days leading up to his axing from the BBC, Wynne Evans waged war against the broadcaster branding it 'rotten to the core' and a 'corrupt organisation', The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The Welsh opera singer, 53, was informed on Thursday that his rolling contract at Radio Wales had been terminated after a four-month investigation into his behaviour at the corporation. But the Go Compare frontman had already launched an attack on the BBC on his Facebook page, flooding his comment section with hate messages painting the broadcaster as 'villains'. A well-placed source inside the Beeb told the MoS: 'He's his own worst enemy. If only he had put a sock in it, things could have been very different, but he just can't help himself. He suffers from a severe case of verbal diarrhoea.' It was also learned the 'nail in the coffin' for the BBC investigation was when a video emerged in April revealing Evans sent a sex toy to his co-star, Jamie Borthwick, as part of an ill-judged joke. The investigation was launched after the MoS caught him on video in January at the Strictly tour using the vile sexual slur 'spit roast' – a three-way sex act – in relation to his co-star, Janette Manrara. It was announced on Friday that the presenter had been axed and a BBC spokesman confirmed: 'He is not returning to his mid-morning show and there are currently no plans to work with him.' But earlier in the week Evans was bizarrely bashing the BBC and its director general, Tim Davie, in the comments of his Facebook page. On Tuesday, the opera star insisted he had been 'misrepresented' and urged his supporters to email Mr Davie and argue his case. He went on to say Radio Wales was a 'corrupt organisation' and said: 'Not sure they know how to apologise.' Evans branded BBC employees 'villains' and on Monday said: 'I can't see myself back at the BBC. But I'll let you know where I go.' In the wake of his scandal, Evans sought the employment of crisis PR guru Mark Borkowski. Sources told the MoS: 'He only lasted three days.' I exposed 'spit roast' comment - it led to barrage of hate mail By Dolly Busby When I started filming Wynne Evans at the press launch for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in Birmingham four months ago, I had no idea of the furore it would cause. But I've no regrets. On that day, the Welsh opera singer, known as the jovial star of the Go Compare adverts, was in a mood. 'Lies! All you print are lies, lies, lies,' he shouted to one female journalist. Much had been written about his behaviour by then already, following accusations he'd inappropriately touched his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones months earlier. Wynne was far from the jocular personality that made him so popular. I don't know what it was – call it journalistic instinct – but I sensed something was going to happen. So I began to film. Minutes later, he turned to his co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, and shockingly suggested a 'spit roast', aimed at Janette Manrara, the host of Strictly's spin-off show. Janette and Strictly's female cast had no choice but to stay silent and keep smiling for the cameras. But I had no such obligation – and was determined to expose Wynne's vile behaviour on their behalf. When The Mail on Sunday confronted him ahead of publishing the story, he issued a formal apology, but later turned on me in a four-month campaign to trash my reputation as a journalist. He claimed this newspaper doctored the video and I took 'spit roast' out of context. He assured fans: 'The truth will come out.' When I exposed him last month for giving a 'surprise' performance at a women's charity, he unleashed his trolls on me, turning my email inbox into a barrage of hate messages. So when the axe finally fell on his BBC career on Friday, I felt vindicated. The truth did come out – and I was right.
BreakingNews.ie
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Wynne Evans dropped by BBC after ‘inappropriate language' on Strictly tour
Wynne Evans has said he has been dropped by the BBC, following an apology saying that he used 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. The Welsh opera singer, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced on Friday. Advertisement A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him.' Evans revealed in January he would be taking some time out from both his radio show and the Strictly tour to prioritise his wellbeing. Earlier this month he claimed in an interview with the Sun on Sunday that he had not seen the statement apologising for the remark – an assertion that is believed to have been dismissed by the BBC. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wynne Evans (@wynneevans) On Instagram on Friday, he wrote: 'My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart – thank you. Advertisement 'These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know. 'It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. 'That show wasn't just work – it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.' Evans thanked his fans, and said he would have an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show, which he called 'terrifying'. Advertisement 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever,' he added. 'We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again. We have a new home. I'm bringing more presenters soon and I am sure you'll recognise a few of the faces.' Evans added that he was 'full of nerves. Full of hope. Full of love. Because when we show up for each other — like we always have — anything is possible'. The singer said he would launch an online programme called The Wynne Evans Show (Ian West/PA) Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after The Mail On Sunday reported that Evans was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. Advertisement It is understood he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers. In January, he said: 'I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. 'I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection. 'Apologies to those I won't get to see at the remaining performances and I'm grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me.' Advertisement The singer, who performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and also won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef, told the Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the Strictly comment was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast but was a nickname for fellow contestant, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick. He told the paper: 'I didn't see the statement, Old Spit-roast Boy was a nickname for Jamie Borthwick. I'm not a bad guy, I'm not a misogynist, I'm not any of these things.' Evans added: 'And so I went, 'I'm so sorry'. And that was taken as a formal apology, so the press team issued a statement. I didn't see it. 'When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified.' It is understood any statement issued on Evans' behalf by the BBC was fully approved by him, and the singer also posted his own statement on Instagram in which he apologised. During his time on Strictly, there was controversy over a clip on the show of him placing his hand on his professional partner Katya Jones' waist, which she moved. They both apologised claiming it had been a 'joke'. During January and February this year, Evans' six-part travel programme, Wynne & Joanna: All At Sea – with Welsh actress and Gavin And Stacey star Joanna Page – aired on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wynne Evans won't be last star axed by BBC as famous faces to be 'cannon fodder'
The BBC has launched a non-nonsense drive to be seen to clean up its act, and there will be consequences for some on-air talent, but a source has told the Mirror that Wynne won't be the last Wynne Evans won't be the last star axed in the big BBC clean-up, a senior TV source told the Mirror. Earlier today, Go Compare star and radio and TV personality Evans confirmed he will not be returning to his BBC Wales radio show after a series of incidents and warnings over his behaviour. In a statement on social media, Evans said: "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work -- it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.' And the BBC responded with their own statement and a spokesman said: 'Wynne Evans is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales and there are currently no plans to work with him'. Now a PR source with knowledge of recent BBC investigations insisted Wynne Evans would not be the last big name axed by the BBC in their latest crackdown. The source said: 'The BBC and major production companies are cutting talent loose faster than ever. One mistake, old or new, and you're out.. Some ignore warnings, others are punished for past missteps. 'The BBC's playing hardball, desperate to be seen cleaning house—regardless of context. Some will be cannon fodder. 'Celebs like Lineker are shifting power to their own channels, using social media as a safety net. When institutions drop you, the crowd becomes your vital platform. Fame isn't a red carpet anymore—it's a trapdoor.' The BBC has been at pains to clean up any issues with Strictly or other talent issues in recent months. In July last year, BBC Director General Tim Davie promised of Strictly: 'We will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.' Wynne hit the headlines for multiple reasons during his time on the BBC dance show. He was shown grabbing his professional partner Katya's waist before she pushed his hand away, but he later insisted it was a joke. He then came under fire for using the term 'spit roast' to Janette Manrara during a Strictly photocall but he later insisted it was directed at Jamie Borthwick and nothing to do with Janette. "As a result of the comment, he was axed from the Strictly tour - and then a video emerged of him sending a sex toy to his co-star Jamie, which both were heavily criticised for. He has now seen his BBC career seemingly end, at least in the short term. In April this year a BBC Workplace Culture review was published and the corporation vowed to take 'immediate action' to change things in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal. Last weekend Gary Lineker left the BBC, a year earlier than planned. He was axed after a social media row where the 64-year-old shared a post about Zionism, which featured a depiction of a rat, historically an antisemitic insult. Lineker, the BBC's highest-paid presenter, issued an unreserved apology as it was confirmed he would leave his presenting role at the BBC early and will no longer front the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Mirror's Daily Digest - top stories from jail horror to 'inhumane' airport chaos
In this Friday's Mirror Daily Digest, we've pulled together the biggest stories of the day from jail horror after a prison officer was reportedly stabbed to airport chaos leaving many Brits distressed Welcome to the Mirror's Daily Digest, where we'll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Royal teams and more. This Friday, we're bringing you the biggest stories from the newsroom - from a prison officer who was left with 'serious injuries' after reportedly being stabbed to the Tenerife airport chaos which left Brits trapped in sweltering queues. Meanwhile, our News team has been following the Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle's appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today. We've also got the latest on Go Compare star Wynne Evans, who has been axed by the BBC following his Strictly Come Dancing scandals. Horror as 'prison officer stabbed' at jail housing notorious inmates Our News team has reported that a prison officer has been rushed to hospital after he was reportedly stabbed with a flick knife. Emergency services rushed to HMP Long Lartin at around 10 am this morning, following reports that an inmate knifed an officer. It has been reported that the weapon was dropped into the prison via a drone. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the attack and said an investigation is underway. They said: 'Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Long Lartin. We will not tolerate assaults on hardworking staff and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators." A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We were called to HMP Long Lartin in South Littleton around 10am this morning (Friday, May 30), following a report someone had been assaulted by an inmate. One man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after sustaining a stab wound. The inmate remains within the prison and the investigation is on-going. " Wynne Evans axed by BBC after Strictly scandal After months of Strictly Come Dancing scandals, Wynne Evans has been axed by the BBC, our Showbiz team reported this afternoon. The Go Compare star revealed that he has not had his contract renewed and will not be back with the BBC for his radio show - and thus has decided to continue to do his radio show away from the BBC. It comes after the TV personality hit headlines during his time on the dance show, where he was shown grabbing his professional partner Katya's waist before she pushed his hand away, but he later insisted it was a joke. He then came under fire for using the term 'spit roast' to Janette Manrara during a Strictly photocall but he later insisted it was directed at Jamie Borthwick and nothing to do with Janette. As a result of the comment, he was axed from the Strictly tour - and then a video emerged of him sending a sex toy to his co-star Jamie, which both were heavily criticised for. In an emotional statement, he said: "My beloved Wynners, From the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know.' "It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work — it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family." Brits caught in 'inhumane' airport chaos as passengers fight and vomit in crush Our Travel team has been following the latest updates on the Tenerife South Airport chaos, after British travellers found themselves trapped in two-hour queues and "inhuman" conditions at the start of the school holidays. Last Monday night, more than 500 people found themselves packed into a waiting area at the Canary Islands travel hub. They waited for hours to pass through the security as a bottleneck formed by two checkpoints, each staffed by two National Police officers. Top Spanish officials will now hold an urgent meeting after the tourists faced "inhuman" conditions at the start of the school holidays. Many were held on a sweltering plane for 45 minutes, only to disembark and find broken escalators and lengthy queues for passport checks. Becks Gravil was one of those swept up in the chaos. It took her family two hours to leave the airport after landing at 8.30pm. "Never in my life have I ever seen it this bad," she explained. "There was fighting, people being sick, people fainting - all crammed in like sardines. What should have been an hour from landing to Adeje turned into four hours. What a day!" Paul Doyle LIVE: Liverpool parade suspect in court Our News team has been working around the clock to cover Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle's appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court this morning. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the 53-year-old is accused of two counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of causing unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is also accused of two counts of attempted unlawful and malicious grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving. Doyle shook his head in the dock as the prosecutor told the judge he drove "deliberately at the crowd" and "used his vehicle as a weapon". Police previously said 79 people were injured when a car drove into supporters on Water Street at around 6pm on Monday, with seven people still in hospital when Merseyside Police revealed his charges yesterday. Doyle will appear at court again on August 14 for plea and trial preparation hearing. Prince Harry 'so disappointed' by Diana sisters' blunt take on Meghan There's never a quiet day for Prince Harry, and it has emerged that the Duke of Sussex"was so disappointed" when he introduced Meghan Markle to Princess Diana's two sisters, our Royal team reported. Harry had hoped Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes would have similarities to his mother, who died when Harry was just 12. However, although Harry believed Diana would have been "over the moon" about his relationship with Meghan, he was upset with her sisters' reaction. They reportedly did not see the same character traits in the two women and Harry, 40, suffered a further blow as Lady McCorquodale and Lady Fellowes "thought Meghan would not fit in with the Royal Family." Regardless, Harry married his partner soon after in 2018 and has gone onto have two children with the former actress. The insights have come about in the book Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, written by royal biographer Tom Bower. He penned: "Harry assumed that Diana's family and friends would see a similarity between Diana and his fiancée. Both, he said, shared the same problems. He was so disappointed."
