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Is winter a good time to switch current accounts?

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on January 24, 2013

3 min read

· Last updated: June 11, 2018

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At the start of a new year, many of us think about getting ourselves into better physical shape, but what about our finances? In fact, it’s around now that you might want to switch bank accounts to one that not only takes care of your money, but comes with other useful benefits that could save you money, especially during the colder months.

Why Switch Accounts in Winter?

The start of the new year is also an ideal time to examine how you’ve been using your current account over the last twelve months. You’ll get a clearer picture of when your biggest expenses occur. If there are any monthly savings you could make. And whether opening a new bank account might make it easier to stick to a healthier household budget in the future.

Potential Savings and Convenience

Open a harder working bank account
Winter is also when things are more likely to go wrong with our home and car. From freezing weather risking burst pipes, to being stranded out in the cold with an engine that won’t start. This is a where a packaged account could come to the rescue with features such as home emergency cover and car breakdown cover. The way these accounts work is that, for a monthly fee you get the standard features you expect from a bank account, plus a package of extra benefits.

So what kinds of extra benefits does a packaged account give you? It depends on the bank. But popular features to look out for are car breakdown cover and home emergency cover. Benefits are usually provided from reputable third parties.

The Benefits of Packaged Accounts

Enjoy all-round protection, at home and on the move
Protecting your family home from damage will probably be front of mind when it’s cold and wet outside. A packaged account can help make this easier as it includes many benefits all under one roof.

And when you do venture out on to the roads, breakdown cover could cover you as a driver or a passenger in any eligible vehicle if you breakdown at home or on the roadside.

Consider Travel Insurance Perks

Of course, you might decide to escape from the cold altogether – perhaps with a romantic Valentine’s city break or short half term holiday somewhere warm and sunny? In which case, check to see whether your packaged account includes travel insurance – for even more peace of mind this winter. Some may even give you multi-trip or family travel insurance.

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Key Takeaways

  • Winter can increase household threats like burst pipes or car troubles, making packaged current accounts with emergency cover especially relevant.
  • Packaged accounts bundle benefits like travel insurance, breakdown cover, and home emergency cover for one monthly fee, potentially saving money.
  • To determine value, compare the annual account fee to the standalone cost of the insurance products.
  • Switching at the start of the year lets you review your past usage patterns to choose an account that supports budgeting and seasonal risk.
  • Packaged accounts are most beneficial if you’ll actively use several included extras, rather than signing up for a single feature.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a packaged current account?
A packaged current account is a regular bank account that includes extras—like travel insurance, mobile phone cover, breakdown assistance, or home emergency cover—for a fixed monthly fee.
Why is winter a good time to switch?
Winter brings risks such as burst pipes or car breakdowns, so accounts that include home emergency and breakdown cover can offer added protection when it’s needed most.
How do I know if a packaged account is worth it?
Multiply the monthly fee by 12 and compare it to separately buying the individual protections; ensure the extras suit your needs and check policy exclusions and age limits.
Can switching accounts save me money?
Yes—if you’ll use several of the included benefits, it can be cheaper than buying them separately, and you may also get switching bonuses or incentives.
Are there downsides to packaged accounts?
Yes—they come with fees that may outweigh benefits if you don’t use them, and coverage may have limits or exclusions, so always review policy terms carefully.

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