Credit cards Motor insurance Fixed-term deposits Home insurance
You'd think that the French or the Germans were in charge of setting interest rates for credit cards at this stage. Utterly bonkers rates. You'd need to sell off the Rock of Cashel or ransom the Queen to pay back even a tiny €1,000 bill. Bank of Ireland's Clear card is the cheapest in town -- but its rate has gone up by a stonking 40 per cent in a couple of months. Hello.
Best: Bank of Ireland Clear 13.3 per cent
Avoid: AIB be Credit card 22.7 per cent
Saving: up to €95 per year
Contact www.bankofireland.ie or local branches
Motor insurance
Hey, was that Sean Quinn serving burgers in McDonald's? Probably not, but the ex-billionaire businessman will need to get the thumb out to pay Anglo back. And we own Anglo. But Quinn Direct is pretty good value for some car cover. Fully comprehensive insurance for a 28-year-old woman living in Ennis, Co Clare, driving a 2006 Saab 9-5 Vector Sport worth €14,000, €250 excess. No claims or points for five years. Includes full bonus protection
Best: Quinn Direct €521
Avoid: Zurich €902
Saving: €381 a year
Contact www.quinn-direct.com or 1890 891 890
Fixed-term deposits
There are goodish rates available if you have balls of steel and fancy your chances with the Irish banks. If you leave your money with Anglo or EBS for a year, you'll get double the rate Rabo offers. But Rabo is safe as houses. For €10,000 locked away for one whole year. Figures from www.irishdeposits.ie. Interest before Dirt
Best: Anglo/EBS €370
Avoid: Rabodirect €180
Saving: €190 over one year
Contact local branches
Home insurance
Not all bad things come from Offaly. Just because Brian Cowen destroyed the country doesn't mean that the whole county should be made feel like they're to blame. Just to prove there's no bad feelings, here's how someone in Daingean could save a fistful of dough. Cover for a detached house in Daingean, Co Offaly, worth €200,000. Fully Alarmed. Buildings cover of €150,000 and 20 per cent contents for a 50-year-old couple. Excess €250 and accidental damage cover.
Best: Chrome Insurance €259
Avoid: AXA €548
Saving: €289 a year
Contact www.chromeinsurance.ie or 1890 247 663
HEINEKEN CUP COMPETITION WINNER Siobhan Kellett of Malahide was the winner of the Sunday Independent/Chrome Insurance Easter Biz Quiz, bagging a trip for two to see Leinster play in the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff. Well done Siobhan.
