Today’s car of the day is this stunning Volkswagen Beetle 1300.
The Volkswagen Beetle 1300 was introduced back in 1966 and created in Germany. The main purpose of the design was to fit two adults and three children.
Mr C was kind enough to take out a policy with us which enjoyed the benefits of salvage retention and a lovely discount as the vehicle is kept garaged over night, agreed limited mileage and length of ownership.
Motorhomes and the lifestyle they offer, are more popular than ever before; there has never been a better time to take a mini-break and explore the many wonderful attractions right here on your doorstep. For those of you who love to get away, with spontaneity but retaining home from home comfort, the motorhome lifestyle is unparalleled. It also enables those of you with other outdoor hobbies such as mountain biking, kayaking, or climbing to easily transport your equipment, still having the creature comforts of home at your disposal.
Renowned motorhome heavyweights, Chausson, AutoSleeper & Pilote, are all bringing new models and ranges to the market for 2021. All kitted out with jaw dropping luxurious fittings and interiors, gadgets and comforts, these new models will ensure you want for absolutely nothing.
PILOTE
Top European motorhome manufacturer, Pilote has been trailblazing its mark in the UK motorhome industry for over 30 years, blending classic staples with innovative customisable features. During this time, many models and styles have been made available and adapted to fit the needs of the UK market, proving its importance to such a major player.
Evidence
2021 sees the exciting introduction of the Evidence branding, featuring a spec especially designed to suit the demands of the British motorhome owner. Available on selected models: the P650C, the P626D, the P696D, the P740FC and the G740FC, Evidence includes an incredible specification list at an ‘all-in’ package price. Built around the Fiat 9 speed automatic gearbox with a 140bhp engine, the specification includes canopy, energy pack with a solar panel and large, 95Ah battery, reversing camera, chassis pack with cruise control and double airbags, comfort pack with cab blinds and an electric step… and much, much more!
Pacific and Pacific + Range
Pilote P720FGJ
The Pilote Pacific range sleeps up to five people making it ideal for couples and small families. Brand-new for 2021, the Pilote P720FGJ is a 7.2m two-berth motorhome, with twin beds at the rear and a face to face lounge-dinette that seats four. The bathroom features an innovative pivoting wall that reveals a shower hidden on one side with the sink and toilet on the other.
Pilote P626D
The compact 6.2m Pilote P626D, fresh for the 2021 season features innovative storage and sleeping arrangements. Shorter in length than a long-wheelbase 6.3m panel van means it’s easy to park but retains the benefits of a coachbuilt body. An electric drop-down bed is above the large lounge, which can seat up to six people.
Galaxy Range
Pilote are synonymous with customisable, high-quality motorhomes and the 2021 Galaxy range is no different. These top-level vehicles combine luxury with practicality. Every model in the 2021 Pilote Galaxy line-up hosts four belted seats, exceptional panoramic views, and a double-insulated heated double-floor, a Pilote exclusive. Modern looking black hardware, additional lighting and storage and new anti-slip fabrics under seating, all feature as new for 2021.
MERCEDES AUTO-SLEEPER
Auto-Sleepers’ latest Mercedes coachbuilt range provides the perfect opportunity for travelling in style. Depending on the layout you are seeking, the range is very likely to deliver the right combination. Mercedes is rightly held in high regard for its engineering prowess and the Mercedes motorhome chassis delivers the ultimate in touring luxury. Six models are available, fully enhanced to offer unrivalled home from home comfort. Features include beech sprung slats on beds, reflex foam upholstery, touchscreen displays, GRP interior walls, habitation air conditioning and many more… as standard. All include the powerful 163bhp Euro 6.2 engine, as well an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.
1 – The Bourton delivers a spacious lounge which quickly converts at night to provide a choice between full-length single beds or a double. It also features a well-specified end kitchen. What’s more, the Bourton packs all this into a body length of just 6.5m, meaning that it’s easy to both drive and park.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2660mm / 8’9”
Length: 6485mm / 21’3”
Seats: 2
2 – The Malvern camper van offers the decadence of a French bed and a large front lounge and fully equipped kitchen. The jewel in the crown is a luxe bedroom with side washroom, boasting a separate shower.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 7330mm / 24’1”
Seats: 2
3/4 – The Burford and The Burford Duo offer the space and comfort normally associated with a tag axle Motorhome, on a lighter rear wheel drive, single axle Mercedes chassis. A spacious lounge is up front, with a fully equipped kitchen. This leads through to a stunning rear bedroom with a full width en-suite washroom,
Height: 2880mm / 9’6”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 79200mm / 26’0”
Seats: 2
5 – The Winchcombe features a large, luxurious bathroom featuring a double shower, a centrally positioned high end kitchen and roomy lounge, delivering homely, yet magnificent comfort.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 7330mm / 24’1”
Seats: 2
6 – The Stanton is the most compact model built on the Mercedes rear wheel drive chassis and offers a similar layout to the Bourton. With no compromise spared on the space available inside, it features all flagship specifications, including an optional fully automatic gearbox.
Height: 2900mm / 9’6”
Width: 2660mm / 8’9”
Length: 5980mm / 19’7.5”
Seats: 2
CHAUSSON
40+ years of existence and the production equivalent of 50,000+ motorhomes, Chausson are renowned for their unique French style and flair, alongside award-winning levels of exceptional quality, comfort, and reliability. This remains the case for 2021, seeing the low-profile range broadened, offering four brand-new layouts to the line-up.
The 648 If you are looking for an island-bed motorhome, you’ll love the 648; it’s less than 7m long and offers a 160cm-wide bed, and a face-to-face ‘SmartLounge’.
The 788 is less than 7.2m in length and has a similar layout plus a transverse double-door washroom. This model is equipped with the ‘SmartLounge’ and ‘EasyBed’ as standard. The clever ‘SmartLounge’ concept provides comfort, attractiveness and practicality, seeing the two bench seats easily transformed into comfortable seats for road travel (Isofix certified). The ‘EasyBed’ system lets you raise or lower the bed to adjust the size of the garage area. Use a crank to adjust the size of the area; make it higher to transport bikes, or lower for bags and camping equipment.
The 644 less than 7m long, boasts a unique layout with five forward-facing seats for travel and a transverse double bed at the back that can be lifted to provide access to the garage underneath. The face-to-face lounge in the front includes five travel seats (with one facing backwards and a drop-down double bed.
The 777GA meanwhile, is similar to the 788 (again, less than 7.2m in length) with large twin beds (at 90cm wide) and a huge, 2159-litre garage.
All of these models are available in the three unique, Chausson ‘strengths’:
First Line, Titanium VIP and Titanium Premium.
The First Line range takes the Chausson classic layouts and gives them an exciting, new, fresh interior, complete with an award-winning Ford based chassis and all the essential equipment as standard, at an unbeatable price.
Titanium VIP includes the First Line equipment but boasts more functionalities. A 140hp engine, automatic gearbox, grey side panels and 16-inch alloy wheels and Traction+. Titanium is a legendary series from Chausson, combining great design with a full range of equipment. This exceptional series is available for the first time as a VIP version, a level of equipment which not only offers the essentials as standard but also a large number of features which will make your life easier on holiday.
Titanium Premium has all the First line and Titanium VIP specs but includes a 170hp engine with an improved luxury entrance door, wraparound cab blinds, more comfortable mattress with premium furniture and textiles, and an extractor fan skylight in rear bedroom.
Airsports Insurance Bureau would like you to join us in congratulating two internal promotions.
Jenna Stronach has been promoted to the role of Renewals Manager. Jenna will run the department, looking after our ever growing motor, home, travel and commercial policyholders needs, when due for renewal.
Megan Greer has joined the Administration Team as Administration Manager, with a team reporting to her. This role will also assist the development of our sales team and encompasses all press releases and social media.
Both roles will report to our Managing Director and will continue the development of our insurer relations, as well as the pursuit of exceeding expectation, creating the best possible client experience.
Kirby De-Gray Birch said: “Jenna has been an asset to the business for a long time and knows lots of our clients. She’s led the new sales for our high net worth clients and has a good understanding of our diverse products. Megan has been with us for many years too and has a natural enthusiasm for looking after clients. Managing people and their work loads will be an exciting challenge for both ladies. I’m confident they will both be a success, further enhancing the client’s experience when dealing with our business”.
If your insurance is due for renewal with us and you want to get in touch, Jenna and her team can be contacted on 02380 268351 or email them at renewals@aib.co.uk
Likewise, if you have a query with your existing policy, Megan’s team can be contacted on 02380 268351 or email info@aib.co.uk
AIB warmly welcomes Jordan Gibbons to our Sales team. Jordan will be working closely with Sales Director, Kirby De Gray Birch, developing all aspects of a long established, fast growing insurance broker.
Whitely born and bred Jordan previously worked in the motor industry for a shipping company, dealing with the import and export of motor vehicles. This has given him a sound grounding in customer service to deal with our range of products from motor and home insurance, through to travel and commercial client’s needs. If you need motor insurance please give Jordan and the team a call: 02380 268351
Not only a dab hand with a pair of scissors and a set of clippers (he cuts his own hair), Jordan also has a sound understanding of mechanics, having built his own motorcycle from scratch – a two stroke Derbi Senda. Multi skilled and very talented! A real petrol head, Jordan drives an Audi S5 which he has modified and remapped to 450bhp. Last year, he drove her on a road trip of a lifetime to Amsterdam.
“Jordan joins an exciting team and is quickly learning all aspects of the role. With a natural love and knowledge of cars, especially modified, he enjoys chatting to our clients and has already insured members of his family and a couple of friends who are extremely pleased with his service and our product.”
At AIB we pride ourselves on the quality of our staff: their great personalities, extensive knowledge of the market and their highly professional approach to work. They build solid and long lasting relationships with both our clients and insurer partners, backed by our full encouragement and resource, ensuring they reach their fullest potential.
Despite the challenges of this past year, AIB continues to grow rapidly. We are currently looking for additional like-minded sales and customer service staff. If you want to pursue a rewarding career in a satisfying but demanding environment, or know someone who does, please send us your CV: info@aib.co.uk
Due to continued supersonic growth and expansion this past year, the Airsports Insurance Bureau team are very pleased to welcome Scott Paddington as our new Insurance Consultant as part of the Sales team. Scott will be responsible for ensuring each and every one of our valued clients get the very best in dedication and service.
Scott is a local lad, born and bred in Chandlers Ford and attended Toynbee School. Previously, he worked within the sales department at Snows Motor Group. Prior to that, he worked at both the Hendy Group and Abbey Park Cars. Scott has many transferable skills and possesses a natural interest in all vehicle types. We are confident he will be a valued asset to our team.
FAST FACTS:
Scott was born on the same day as his brother, 8 years apart!
Scott’s claim to fame is that the previous owner of his home address was former Southampton, Chelsea and Republic of Ireland International footballer, Andy Townsend. Andy is now a well known sports panellist and commentator.
WE SAY:
“Scott’s joined us recently and hit the ground running. His knowledge of cars is very apparent which compliments his experience and enthusiasm in giving our clients the best quality of service. He’s already insured a couple of his friends and family who are now happy customers of AIB”
We interviewed Kirby from AIB Insurance, a motorhome, campervan and RV specialist to talk about the latest happenings in the world of insurance:
Are you seeing anything interesting with Motorhome and Camper claims?
The last 24 months have been challenging times for insurers with motorhome, RV’s and camper thefts on the increase. Take North Wales for example – police recently revealed that 30 vehicles worth over a million pounds had been stolen over the past 16 months. They believe thieves in that area were mainly targeting Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer motorhomes using technology widely available on the Internet to override the manufacturer’s security measures that included the electronic immobiliser.
On a national basis though, Ford continues to be the vehicle of choice for most thieves. Our insurance partner Ageas Insurance tells me Ford manufactured motorhomes make up less than 6% of their motorhome book but the theft rate is ridiculously high. There is no pattern as to where the motorhomes are kept, how long they have been owned or the level of security measures as they’ve seen a variety of scenarios. They have had over £350,000 worth of Fords stolen last year alone which is why they took the decision to work out what model ranges/years of manufacture were affected and decline them.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), motor theft claims have increased by 20% in 2019 and motor theft claims paid by insurers in the first quarter of this year were at their highest for any quarter since 2012 with a payment made relating to vehicle crime every eight minutes. The ABI claims that the increase is in part being driven by keyless car crime whereby hi-tech criminals are able to bypass keyless technology in as little as 20 seconds. This would certainly seem to be the case with a large number of motorhome thefts as an increasing number are being stolen when they are parked on driveways.
Has this seen the cost of insurance increase?
Historically, motorhomes have been rated on three main factors: year, engine size and value (ignoring left hand drives, imports and modified vehicles etc.). Over the last 12 months, three major motorhome insurers, Aviva, Ageas and Markerstudy have taken the unusual steps to load the premium further or even decline specific years of manufacturer, especially Ford.
Generally, motorhome and campervan insurance rates have remained stagnant apart from specific manufacturers. DIY conversions tend to cost more to insure than a coach built one.
So how can owners prevent a vehicle being stolen?
If your motorhome is stolen, having the right insurance policy in place will mean that you can at least have the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll be compensated financially for your loss. However, an insurance payout can never compensate you for the inconvenience and disruption that vehicle theft causes.
The good news is that most theft is opportunistic and thieves generally don’t like to work too hard. So, if they see a motorhome fitted with wheel locks, steering or handbrake locks or wheel clamps, it may be enough to put them off. Of course, you can go further by installing an alarm, immobiliser, a tracking device or even installing PIR lights trained on your parking space that illuminate when they sense movement.
What should people look out for when insuring a motorhome, RV or campervan?
It is vital, that you take out appropriate motorhome insurance and select a policy that will cover all your needs.
Motorhome insurance is not like car insurance, it requires specialist knowledge and as such, you should speak to a specialist motorhome insurance provider. Most specialists will provide additional European cover, additional contents cover and cover for gas cylinders, generators and awnings.
We would encourage you to purchase legal expenses as, if you find yourself in a dispute, legal fees can be expensive. Likewise, breakdown cover can be challenging as non-specialist providers may place a height, length or weight restriction on the vehicle they cover.
Another thing to mention when buying cover, is the level of windscreen glass cover that the specific policy your purchasing provides. Many insurers restrict the windscreen cover to £500-£1000 but an owner of an A-Class could be left short and should seek insurers that provide unlimited glass cover.
The motorhome market continues to grow especially relating to the sale of higher value models that cost over £100,000 and that represents a different risk for insurers if they go missing.
What is happening in the classic car world – are vehicles still going up in value?
The classic vehicle market is renowned for its stability and consistency and the VW campervan is a prime example of that. Over the past 10 years, classic vehicle values have been consistently going up, outperforming just about everything I can think of apart from vintage wine. I’d argue that classic vehicles are a better investment here too as it’s possible to use them without instantly destroying their value!
That said, at the top end of the market such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and the like, it looks as though we’re finally seeing the pace slowing and interest levels cooling.
One element of this could be uncertainty. When it comes to high value classics, it’s a global market. Investors may simply be less prepared to spend big at a time of trade wars and uncertain future trading arrangements.
The classic vehicle market is forever evolving as new cars become classics as each year passes.
What’s your favourite classic within the motorhome and campervan arena?
I love the 1967 BMC Princess – it looks bonkers. Whilst it looks like a DIY conversion, it was actually coach-built on a Vanden Plas Princess chassis but was unusually modern for it’s time enjoying power steering and an automatic transmission. Another favourite would be the VW T25 hightop campervan. Again, it looks so cool and I can imagine myself sitting in it with a hot cup of tea on a cold day looking out over the ocean.
It is that time of year when people are looking forward to a much needed holiday abroad whether that is a week or two across the English Channel in France or Spain or further afield to the likes of the USA or Mexico. Unfortunately, not everyone bothers to arrange travel insurance that includes medical cover but having read the following statistics published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) we are sure you will agree it would be sensible to do so.
According to the ABI, in 2018 there were 153,000 people who claimed successfully on their travel insurance policy for overseas medical treatment. That is not far off 3,000 people a week – a significant number.
The average amount paid out per medical claim reached a record level – £1,368. That is almost twice what it was 10 years ago when the figure was £768. That equates to around £209 million.
In total, £400 million was paid out last year relating to all sorts of travel insurance claims with an average amount of around £800 per claim with this being a record.
The amount paid out in 2018 for cancellation of holidays amounted to a huge £145 million. This was made up of 167,000 successful claims with the average amount paid per claim reaching a record level of £869.
£17 million was paid out to 79,000 people who had lost money or baggage with the average amount of a claim being paid out totaling £214.
In some cases, claims can run into tens of thousands of pounds so it is important that travellers have suitable cover in place. In one case, a couple on holiday in America were seriously injured having been hit by a drunk driver and the medical bill amounted to £587,000.
So, what has happened to premiums for travel insurance in 2018? Well, you would have thought they had increased but this is not the case as the average cost of travel insurance has fallen by £38 per annum.
You will be pleased to read that, if you are shortly to embark on an overseas trip, either on your own, with your partner or your family here at AIB Insurance we have many years experience in helping arrange suitable, quality, competitive overseas travel insurance to most countries around the world. So, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with a knowledgeable, friendly member of our team who will discuss your requirements and obtain a quotation without any obligation.
Airsports Insurance Bureau is thrilled to announce strengthening our Eastleigh team further with the appointment of experienced insurance professional, Chris Moon.
Chris joins our busy team as one of our specialist Niche & High Net Worth Insurance Consultants adding his many years’ experience within the insurance broking industry. His previous position was at Savage and Holdsworth in Romsey where he joined after 3 successful years at Aston Scott in Alton. Prior to that he worked for over 12 years at Apex Insurance in Eastleigh (which during his tenure was purchased by Swinton Insurance).
He joins the team where he will deal with every aspect of an expanding, predominantly high net worth personal lines insurance broker, including motor, travel, home and commercial insurance.
A delighted Chris said:” This is a perfect opportunity for me to develop my career further in a fast-paced expanding broker. I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into and growing the high net worth motor and home book.
At AIB we pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and the professional relationships we are able to build with clients and insurer partners alike. We encourage our team to reach their full 
potential and give them the tools and resources for a rewarding career in a satisfying but demanding environment. If you are interested in a position with us please send your CV and accompanying letter to info@www.aib-insurance.co.uk
Chris lives locally in Eastleigh with his partner of 19 years and 3 children. Most of his spare time is taken up with the family and his claim to fame is he got to meet Rodd Hull and Emu as a child!
We are extremely happy to welcome Becca Milles to our company. We have a busy and successful team of professionals at Airsports Insurance Bureau (AIB) and Becca joins as our Administration Manager.
Prior to joining us Becca had her own photography business with her own studio having graduated with a First Class Honours Degree from the Arts University at Bournemouth.
AIB representative Leah Burt confirmed “this is fantastic news for our company and our newest employee Becca is fitting in very well. She is a fast learner and adaptable and even been on a few staff social nights out. She will be a valuable asset within the team and enhance our clients’ experience when doing business with us”.
Becca lives locally in Chandlers Ford and her claim to fame is she once had dinner with both Danny DeVito and Elton John dressed in a chicken outfit. A childhood fact is when she was very young she once got a Tic-Tak stuck up her nose which despite every attempt, couldn’t get recovered until the Fire Service arrived!
AIB are fabulous at motor and home insurance so if you need a quotation, please call our team on 02380 268351 or please feel free to complete an enquiry form just now here: www.aib.co.uk
Good luck Becca and welcome on board!
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