Podcasts presented by Sarah Pennells (1) related to Insurance

Retirement can often be the trigger for a big purchase, whether it's a new kitchen or a brand-new car. But what happens if the car you buy develops a major fault or the kitchen turns out to be fitted by cowboys? What are your rights and when can you make a company refund your cash? Sarah spoke with Sylvia Rook, who's lead officer for fair trading at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute; Martyn James, who's from the complaints website Resolver; and Kate Jobson, who's a consumer law expert at Citizens Advice.

The Competition and Markets Authority has recently brought in new rules for car rental firms to make their pricing clearer for customers. Hidden costs, such as insurance and young driver surcharges, are often not included and customers should be given a clear "drive away" price. So are companies sticking to the rules? Share Radio's Jinan Rahma has been finding out.

It's the kind of thing we don't want to have to think about, and dealing with a whole load of forms and numerous different companies is probably the last thing you want to do when your loved one has died. There are a number of things to consider though, not least changes to bereavement benefits which could leave thousands of widows and widowers worse off. Sarah Pennells is joined by Alastair McQueen from pensions and insurance provider Aviva, David Samson of turn2Us, which specializes in benefits advice and help and James Ward, Partner and Head of Private Clients at Seddons.

Between 2001 and 2011, the number of whiplash claims for car accidents doubled, despite the number of accidents going down by 40%. This is allegedly costing us £40 a year extra in insurance costs which has caused the government to decided to clamp down on fake claims. Joining Sarah to talk about what this means to the public are, Amanda Stretton, from Confuesd.com and David Williams, technical director of AXA Insurance

When you’re on holiday, the last thing you want is for the flight to be delayed, the hotel to be unfinished or the beach to be nowhere near the resort. But problems do happen, so what should you do when disaster strikes? Sean Tipton, from ABTA, lists the most common disasters that people experience and discusses the future of EHIC cards after the EU Referendum. Frank Brehany, from Holiday Travel Watch, looks at how some disasters can be avoided before going on holiday; Nel Mooy, Head of Travel for AXA Insurance, explains who you can claim from in an emergency and what are the costs involved.

Sarah Pennells conducts a Brexit special analysis ahead of the EU referendum next week. Sarah and her guests look at how the vote will affect the currency, markets, travelling abroad and personal finance. Nina Schick, from Open Europe, demystifies any major Brexit facts and figures; Michelle McGrade, from TD Direct Investing, discusses the stock market, banks and trade deals; while Julia Rampen, Deputy Editor at Mirror Money Online, looks at whether the value of the pound will fall.

When was the last time you read all the small print that comes with a plan or policy? And if you read it, did you understand it? Sarah Pennells and her guests talk through financial jargon and try and demystify some of the important terms you may not be familiar with. Financial Journalist Simon Read explains what terms that can catch people out while Ian Lees, author and financial IFA, looks at investment charges, what they mean and why they matter. Rod Jones, from USwitch, looks at energy companies and the issues revolving around exit fees.

What's the best way to save on insurance, energy bills and savings if you're sharing a house? Sarah Pennells is joined by Matt Saunders, from GoCompare, discusses how some people who live in a rented property don't know they have the right to switch to a cheaper tariff; Ashish Mehra, founder of Wesplit.it, explains how the company can help young people save money; while behavioural psychologist, Judi James, analyses why the financial aspect of sharing a house can be so difficult if you're a student or starting out in your career.

A new study by the Institute of Inertia has shown that half of British parents don't have life insurance and that over three quarters would be able to pay the mortgage if the main breadwinner dies. Sarah Pennells is joined by Emma Thomson, Head of Customer Care at LifeSearch, Andrew Jenkinson, Director of Drewberry Insurance, and Anna Sofat, from Addidi Wealth. Together they guide listeners through the maze of insurance and explain which policies are need and what to look for if you're going to buy one.

Figures show that an increasing number of people in their 50s and 60s are getting their elderly parents to move in with them, moving into their home, or are pooling their money to buy a property that they can all live in together. It can be a good option for some families, but there are some disadvantages. So, what do you need to think about if you're considering asking your parent to live with you and what are the pros and cons? Sarah Pennells is joined by Christine Webber, an author, broadcaster and psychotherapist, Adrian Kidd from Plan Your Money.co.uk and Deborah Stone who's the founder of the website Myageingparent.com.