Compare
APR and Total Amount Repayable When comparing loans, the Annual Percentage
Rate (APR) gives you an indication as to which loans are the cheapest.
However APRs can be manipulated so it's just as important to compare the total amount
repayable (TAR). This is the total value in pounds and pence you will have to
repay and will include all charges. The loan with the lowest total amount repayable over the period of
borrowing will usually be the best deal. Payment
Protection Insurance
Think carefully before taking out Payment Protection Insurance (PPI),
which you will be offered when you apply for a loan. Many providers try
to subsidise the cost of low rate loans by selling this bolt-on. Payment
Protection Insurance is designed to protect you if you suffer illness,
have an accident or get made redundant and can't make repayments. But it
is often overpriced and riddled with exclusions and because of this, is due
to be investigated by the Competition Commission. Be wary of PPI and
don't be duped into thinking you are obliged to take the cover. When
you're getting a quote from a lenders website, look to see whether it
includes PPI by default as this tends to be standard practice. Look for
the option to get a quote without loan protection / insurance, you'll
find this to be much cheaper.
Secured or unsecured?
Deciding whether an unsecured loan, that is one which does not require a
borrower to offer collateral, or a secured loan, where the borrower
risks losing their home if they are unable to keep up with repayments is
an
important decision. An unsecured loan is always preferable, if you are a homeowner it makes sense
not to risk your home unless it is necessary. It may be your credit rating excludes you from an
unsecured product or it might be you want to borrow more than £25,000,
in which case applying for a secured loan is an acceptable course of
action. |