Car warranties are viewed as a necessity by many vehicle owners. Given their importance, many people find it unfortunate that these seemingly simple documents seem to cost so much money.
The fact that warranty costs in the UK are so high has been attributed to a number of reasons. Some industry analysts point to the way in which car retailers have been dominant in this market sector for some time.
There's a suggestion that the dominance of dealerships, showrooms and car supermarkets has not always been of benefit to consumers. Indeed, some would suggest that such retailers operate as little more than middlemen.
It's undoubtedly the case that specialist firms have often looked to car retailers to sell policies. This approach has been taken because dealerships have been seen to have good access to the market. In short, they have been seen as a convenient option.
But have they been convenient for consumers? While many would argue that they've provided an easy point of contact, there have been suggestions that their position has led to an increase in prices, accompanied by a lack of awareness about the other options available.
Some car owners have been wondering whether it might be better to try and purchase cover direct from warranty specialists.
The advent of online warranty sales means that this is now possible. Many consumers are looking to compare prices online before getting as far as making a purchase.
With quotes being provided free of charge and with no obligation to buy, it's easy to see why many think of the internet as providing new opportunities for transparency and price reductions.
If you've not taken a look at what's available online then now could be a good time.
Too many UK car owners have been paying more than they need to for car warranties. Make sure that you're not one of them.
How do you decide how much to spend on games?
For many of us, video games are seen as an essential source of entertainment. Just as we are happy to go to the cinema, to buy a CD, or to buy a DVD, so we see gaming as an experience that helps us to enjoy ourselves.
When you know that you play too many video games
I must declare that I'm an avid gamer, but there have been times in life when I've realised that I've been spending a little too much time playing games. Have you ever had any incidents that indicate that you may have problems of a similar nature?
Include a diving experience within your travel plans
One of the best aspects of travelling is that there's a real ability to define travel plans that meet your own, individual needs. I love hearing other people talking about the different places that they have visited, even if some locations don't really appeal to me.
