1. Take your time

There’s no hurry. Don’t allow yourself to be pressurised by other drivers. It’s more important to be safe than to simply get out of their way.

Even little dings can end up costing a pretty penny.

2. Think ahead

If possible, reverse into a parking space in a car park. It’s safer to drive out into traffic than it is to reverse.

3. Look around

Don’t rely solely on your car’s parking sensors. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulders regularly when you’re reversing.

4. Practice, practice, practice

I...

An absence of documentation is the main cause of many car insurance difficulties experienced by returning emigrants, according to the Irish motor insurance industry.

In a report on the challenges facing returning emigrants, economic consultants Indecon called on the industry to remove “any unjustified motor insurance penalties” for people returning to Ireland.

A number of such people have complained in recent times that they are presented with exorbitant car insurance premium quotes by insurance companies even though, in many cases, the would-be insured...

1. Replace incandescent lightbulbs. Using compact fluorescent or LED lights can reduce the amount of energy you use by up to 75%.

2. Block up leaks and drafts. If hot air is getting out and cold air is coming in, it forces you to turn up the heat and so your efficiency suffers. Seal cracks, block spaces around windows and doors. If your windows aren’t able to keep the breeze out, consider installing thicker curtains to help block the wind.

3. Get energy-efficient appliances. The older your appliances, the less efficient they will be. Modern washi...

In a hard-hitting report released this week, AA Ireland say the Government and the insurance industry need to do more to tackle the high cost of motor insurance.

The motoring group claim that very little has changed since the Government's Cost of Insurance Working Group released its report in January of last year. In fact, motorists are now in a worse position than the start of the motor insurance crisis, according to AA Ireland chief executive Brendan Nevin.

AA have also suggested that a number of responsibilities be taken out of the hands of the i...

Compared to mining or cleaning windows on high-rise buildings, it’s fair to say that a desk job is a relatively safe way of making a living.

But just because your job isn’t likely to put your life in danger, that doesn’t mean it’s doing you no harm. Poor working habits or faulty/inadequate equipment could be putting an unnecessary strain on your body. Here are a few pointers to help you operate safely and efficiently at your desk.

Your desk

Your work desk should be big enough for your monitor/computer, keyboard, mouse, documents, stationery and an...

A lot has been made recently about the difficulties some people are having in getting insured upon returning to Ireland. Unfortunately, this is a real problem and it may well prove to be a stressful process for you.

By following these simple tips you’ll give yourself the best possible opportunity of getting the right type of policy – at a price that won’t send your head spinning.

1. Get an Irish licence

If you have an EU or international licence and are planning on coming home permanently or for longer than a year, you should exchange it for an Irish ...

1. Study

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Study as much as possible in the run up to your test to familiarise yourself with all of the necessary information. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be.

2. Practice

Take every available opportunity to hone your skills on the road. There really is no substitute for experience.

3. Get support

Talking about your test beforehand with friends and family can help to ease your nerves but be cautious about telling too many people. If everybody knows you’re taking your te...

Being diagnosed with a serious illness is a situation that no one wants to think about but, unfortunately, it happens every day. When something terrible like this happens to you, your spouse or your child, a lot of questions spring to mind: What next? Is the diagnosis correct? Will the treatment be right? How can I be sure?

Now, thanks to an exclusive offer, all GMHD.ie customers who take out a house policy with Aviva will have access to the potentially life-saving Best Doctors - Second Medical Opinion service –not just for themselves but for their spouse...

With no real sign of the Baltic weather subsiding, you might need to take some extra measures to make sure your personal belongings stay safe and functional. Leaving things in your car isn’t a problem in normal weather but when it’s extremely cold outside, certain devices and products may be seriously damaged. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t leave in your vehicle in freezing weather.

Keys

This is more an issue of safety than one of avoiding damage. Some people may be inclined to start up their car and go back inside while the vehicle “warms up...