‘Featured’ News
Vodaphone buys network in Ghana
Posted 2008-08-14
Mobile operator Vodaphone has bought a slice of a network in Ghana, Africa, as it attempts to cash in on emerging markets.
The company has bought a controlling stake in Ghana Telecom from the country’s government, shelling out $900 (£481.4 million) in the process.
Mobiles are growing more popular in the North West African country, with 2.7 million people signing up to contracts in 2007.
Vodaphone’s deal gives it a 70 per cent share in the third-biggest mobile group in Ghana and the largest landline operator.
Arun Sarin, Vodafone chief executive, said: "Ghana is one of the most attractive markets in Africa with mobile subscribers growing at more than 55 per cent per annum and mobile penetration around 35 per cent."
More expansion could be on the cards, with a spokesman also adding the stable political situation in the country had helped seal the deal.
Ghana Telecom has a 17 per cent share of the country’s market, which translates to 1.4 million customers.
At the end of 2007 Vodafone had 252 million global customers, with more than 100 million of them in the growing markets of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
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MPPI sales ‘not hit’ by investigations
Posted 2008-08-14
Ongoing watchdog probes into the PPI market have not hit MPPI sales, the majority of brokers have said.
Results of an internet study by The Mortgage Alliance (TMA) and Cardiff Pinnacle show around two thirds of respondents thought adverse media coverage and investigations have not harmed the product’s attractiveness.
Around 21 per cent thought the FSA and Competition Commission actions have party hit sales with 15 per cent thinking they had had no impact.
The same detailed study also showed brokers and their clients thought it important they were to be able to advise on property-related and mortgage insurance.
Around half of those questioned also thought the ability to give advice on these topics was ‘extremely important’. Only four per cent said it was not important.
Brokers were also asked how they preferred commission to be paid, with 44 per cent saying they were not bothered whether it arrived monthly or annually in advance.
TMA boss Phil Whitehouse said: “This survey conjured up some very interesting points and certainly helped us garner a better understanding of what brokers are looking for to get the most out of this important sector of the market.
“A good mortgage club should offer brokers added value in order to help them increase sales and income and, at TMA, we will certainly be looking at elements from this survey.”
Information from the survey, initiated by TMA, will be used to highlight pitfalls or opportunities in the PPI market.
Cardiff Pinnacle national sales manager John Harrop added the study had proved “invaluable” and said it would provide a framework for future product development.
Read MPPI sales ‘not hit’ by investigations
Understanding Car Insurance Discounts
Posted 2008-04-24
Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Car insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle.
Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.
Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.
First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.
Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver’s discount.
Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.
Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.
You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.
In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.
Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.