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Half-Term Hacks: 7 Cheap Family-Friendly Activities

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With half term coming up, you may be racking your brain for fun activities that will keep the kids entertained. But if you’re on a tight budget, this is easier said than done. While there’s always the option of considering your funding options to pay for family activities, you may wish to choose cheaper alternatives to save money wherever possible. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best cost-effective ideas that all the family will love.

  1. Explore a museum

You’d be surprised how many free museums there are across the country. Wherever you’re based, there’s likely to be great galleries, exhibitions or art centres that you can explore with the kids. Not only will this keep them occupied, but it will educate them too.

  1. Take a walk in the park

Are your kids more interested in sitting in front of a screen than going outside? Then it’s a great idea to take them to a local park or gardens for some fresh air. Pack a lunch and take some fun ball games to incorporate some exercise into your day!

  1. Watch a film

If the weather isn’t kind to you, set up a family movie afternoon. This could be as simple as finding a film on Netflix and buying in some bags of popcorn. Or you could head to the cinema as there’s lots of offers for kids at the Odeon, Vue and Cineworld. Tickets can cost as little as £2.50 for the little ones!

  1. Do some cooking

Teach your kids essential culinary skills by adorning your aprons and getting to work in the kitchen. There are lots of cheap, family-friendly meals online that can cost just £1-£2 per person and are quick and easy to make. Plus, it means you have some help making dinner!

  1. Get crafty

Another great option if the weather is bad is to set your kids a craft task and watch their creativity flow. There are lots of fun ideas to choose from, such as drawing or painting, making dreamcatchers, experimenting with playdough and more!

  1. Enjoy some sports

There are plenty of sports that you and your kids can enjoy on a budget. Take them to their local park to play football, ride your bikes down a cycle path or get competitive during a game of tennis at your nearest sports centre. The Lawn Tennis Association operates many free tennis lessons across the UK, which are well worth investigating if money is tight.

  1. Go to a free event

With plenty of free events for families across the country, both the kids and your bank account will be happy. For instance, Hobbycraft and Dobbies Garden Centre do free workshops for kids in their UK stores. The National Trust also runs events throughout the year and have plenty of play areas and indoor adventures to enjoy.

We hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for the upcoming half term holiday!

The idea of Bigtime Daily landed this engineer cum journalist from a multi-national company to the digital avenue. Matthew brought life to this idea and rendered all that was necessary to create an interactive and attractive platform for the readers. Apart from managing the platform, he also contributes his expertise in business niche.

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Lifestyle

How to Negotiate With Car Insurance Companies After an Accident

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After a car accident, negotiating with insurance companies comes with the territory. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do, so they end up being taken advantage of by the insurance companies. We don’t want this to happen to you. 

Let’s explore several helpful tips that will allow you to negotiate strategically and get the results you want.

  • Document Evidence

The foundation of a successful negotiation with insurance companies lies in thorough documentation. From the moment the accident occurs, gather as much evidence as possible. 

Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements, police reports, and medical records to support your claim.

This documentation serves as crucial evidence to substantiate your case during negotiations. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your position will be when presenting your claim to the insurance company.

  • Understand Policy Coverage

Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy. Understand what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any applicable deductibles. Knowing the specifics of your policy empowers you to negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Take note of your policy’s provisions related to collision coverage, liability limits, medical payments, and any additional coverages that might be relevant to your situation. This understanding will help you assess the insurance company’s offers accurately and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

  • Hire an Attorney

You have the ability to represent yourself and speak directly with insurance companies about your claim. However, in complicated situations – or even simple situations where there are a lot of medical bills or damages involved – you’re better off getting some help.

“When an insurance company receives a claim for an injury, they do not simply roll over and pay out any amount that the injured person wants,” Parham Smith & Arcenhold explains. “Instead, thorough investigations take place. These companies have the resources necessary to look out for their best interests financially, which is why any injured individual should have the same level of legal representation.”

A good attorney is someone who specializes in car accident claims, has an extensive track record of successful negotiations with car insurance companies, and has been in your local area for a number of years. You want someone you can trust and depend on throughout this case, no matter how many twists and turns it might take. 

  • Stay Composed During Discussions

Negotiations with insurance adjusters can be intimidating, but maintaining composure is crucial. Be respectful and avoid being confrontational during discussions. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misconstrued as accepting liability.

Remain firm in advocating for fair compensation but avoid making rash decisions out of frustration. Take your time to review offers and consult with professionals, such as legal advisors or trusted experts, before accepting or rejecting any settlement offers. 

As a general rule of thumb, an insurance company’s first settlement offer might only be worth 25 to 50 percent of the full value. This is why you should always reject the first offer and work with your attorney to negotiate back and forth. 

  • Value Your Claim Accurately

Accurately valuing your claim is critically important for a successful negotiation. Consider all the damages incurred, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Gather estimates from reputable auto repair shops and medical professionals to substantiate your claim.

Don’t undervalue your losses. Consider the long-term implications of the accident, including potential future medical treatments or the impact of injuries on your quality of life. Presenting a well-documented and accurately valued claim increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Negotiate With a Strategy

Remember, insurance wants to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. However, armed with proper documentation, knowledge of your policy, a composed demeanor, and an accurately valued claim, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate effectively and secure a fair settlement.

Sugarcoating this process won’t do anything good for you. The reality is that it’s you versus the insurance companies. If you choose to plug your ears and pretend that nothing is happening, you will get the raw end of this deal. However, if you fight back with the assistance of an attorney who has a good strategy, you’ll put the insurance companies on their heels and force them to give ground. 

As a result, you’ll likely get a much more fair settlement.

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