It's essential to compare loans when shopping for secured loans, but it's equally as essential to know what to compare and what is not important in the shopping process. There are so many facets to secured deals in the UK market - whether it's type of loan, the loan amount, the term of the deal or even the rate - what is worth comparing and what isn't? What should you being doing when shopping for loans - looking at the numbers or scrutinising the details? What is the best way to compare loans?

Do your homework

To be able to fully compare loans, you need to have some background knowledge. Search online to find the Best Buy Tables, from which you can compare loans, and read as much as you can. The mortgage press and the national financial press are great resources to find some impartial information that is easy to understand. There are also some great personal finance sites out there that are on your side, so get surfing.

Don't skim the facts

There is no point just flicking through all the information out there are consider that a good way to compare loans. Many providers are slick, and can sell you their loans better than other lenders. But don't let your eye be caught by the headline rate or the amazing introductory offer - to compare loans you cannot skim the information. It is going to take time and al your concentration to fully compare loans.

Do read the small print

The small print is essential when it comes to compare loans. A loan may have a great rate and the fees are more than manageable, but what happens to the loan after one year, for example. What about penalties - if you miss a repayment are you severely punished? The loan is a whole product, not just a rate, so when you compare loans read the details, because only then will you get the bigger picture.

Don't forget what you want

It is all very well to compare loans and find out what the cheapest deals are - but are they right for you? Before you start to shop around, ask yourself what you want out of a secured loan. Do you want the cheapest deal, or the most reliable? Do you want a longer term or do you want a large amount? The most important part of the process is you - it's your equity and it's your loan. So compare loans with your needs in mind, all the time.

Do get advice

To really compare loans, you will need to talk to an adviser. An adviser will be able to help you find the good deals from the bad, and be able to clue you in to who is the best secured loan lender. They will also be able to help you find what is most important to you - whether that's price, flexibility or reliability. Whatever you need, when it comes to compare loans, an adviser can be your best friend.