Insuring your classic car at an agreed value is wise for any classic car owner – not just classic VW owners. But it’s also fair to say that classic VW owners probably accessorise more than most. So your classic Volkswagen insurance should reflect this.

Also, some VWs like split-screen buses and Karmann Ghias have really seen some steep rises in classic value over the last ten years or so.

So the advice does apply to all classic car owners, and it particularly applies to VW classic owners and it’s this; make sure you go for an agreed valuation policy with your insurance – particularly if you’ve invested heavily in making your vehicle unique and/or a true concours classic.

If this is the case, you’re certainly not going to be looking for the market value should some unforeseen event befall your cherished vehicle like theft or a write-off etc. resulting in a total loss.

So always seek out insurance for your Classic Volkswagen from expert insurers who are willing to offer you an agreed valuation on your policy by getting VW experts to assess your modified vehicle or classic car – and who can then agree a realistic price for its true value

It’s also worth bearing in mind that some policies offer salvage retention, whereby you have the option of buying back your classic VW or some of its selected parts in the event of a disaster of some sort happening.

And if it’s campers you’re into and you haven’t reviewed the agreed value for a while – then do so, because prices have been rising. Also, remember to make sure your bus is covered fully for travelling in Europe if this is your thing. Many policies offer full cover for certain time periods in certain countries, but always double check this before you head off on the continent. You may also wish to organise cover for your bus’s contents, like gas bottles, awnings and personal items.

One of the most talked about eco cars in the US is now being sold in the UK for the first time in 2012.

The Chevvy volt will be marketed in the UK as the Vauxhall Ampera. Although sales of the Chevvy Volt have been a bit disappointing so far for General Motors in the US, there’s hope there will be a greater enthusiasm for the Vauxhall Ampera in the UK.

There are only a few family-suitable electric vehicles that have made an appearance in Britain. And unlike most EVs, there is no range anxiety with the Vauxhall Ampera due to its gasoline powered generator on board which increases the range potential to 350 miles on one tank.

The number of eco cars UK consumers can choose from is significantly less than in the States, but the UK market is gradually catching up.

The UK government offers financial credits for people who wish to buy electric vehicles – and at £5000, the credit significantly reduces the price of electric cars. However, the Ampera will still be expensive compared to the other electric options in the UK. The starting price will be just under £30,000 even after the government credit.

The Nissan Leaf costs from £26,000 in the UK, and the French company Renault will introduce two electric models in the UK this year which will cost much less. The Renault Fluence will start from £17,500 and the Renault Zoe will cost £14,000. Unlike the Ampera though, these three cars do have range limitations. And despite the fact that EV proponents say that most car users travel less than forty miles a day, it doesn’t seem to have convinced that many people to go electric and not be concerned about range limits.

Other alternatives to gasoline or diesel in the UK include three Honda hybrids – the CR-Z, the Insight and the Jazz (marketed as the Fit in the US). The Toyota Prius is also very popular in the UK.