Ford Escorts have dominated the British roads since global rally fame in the seventies. However, the Ford Escort RS1600i was the first RS Escort since 1980.
It was introduced in September 1981, and production ceased in July 1983. Ford planned to build only 5000 for homologation requirements, but it sold so well that 8659 cars were made (2600 sold in the UK).
Mr D has insured his Escort RS with us here at AIB where we can provide policies that offer agreed value, choice of repairer, legal expenses cover and salvage retention, perfect for classic cars!
If you also have a classic car that you would like a bespoke quotation for, call our classic car team on 02380 268351. Equally, if you have a classic car and have any photographs you would like to share, email them over to us at info@aib.co.uk.
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.
A Department for Transport publication produced on the 28th August 2019 has revealed that the number of deaths caused by drink driving in 2017 in Great Britain increased when compared with the previous year. Needless to say, we are sure that our readers will agree this is concerning.
Apparently, the central estimate of the number of people killed when either at least one driver or a rider was above the drink drive limit in 2017 was 250. In 2016 the figure was 230 so that is an increase of almost 9% – a worrying increase.
It is estimated that 8,600 people were either injured or killed in Great Britain in 2017 in road traffic accidents due to at least one driver or rider being above the drink drive limit. In 2016 the figure was 9,040 so that is a drop of 5%. Back in 1979 there were in the region of 19,470 road traffic accidents caused by drink driving.
In 2017, Wales had the biggest percentage of casualties due to road traffic accidents caused by drink driving at 5.3%. In England it was 5.1% and in Scotland it was 4.3%.
On a regional basis in England in 2017, the percentage of casualties due to road traffic accidents caused by drink driving was: –
East Midlands 2%
East 8%
South West 8%
North East 8%
South East 7%
West Midlands 3%
North West 8%
Yorkshire & Humberside 5%
London 6%
When you look at the gender of drivers or riders involved in drink driving accidents in 2017 where they were above the legal drink drive limit, male drivers and riders make up for 79% and females account for 21%.
The penalty for someone being convicted of a drink driving offence can vary depending upon a number of factors that may include the likes of points on a driving license, being banned from driving for a period of time, a fine and imprisonment. It may also result in having to pay more for motor insurance as there are fewer insurance companies who will consider providing cover for someone who has a drink driving offence.
The price comparison website GoComapre.com has carried out some analysis of car insurance quotes over a 12 month period that reveals a Member Of Parliament is most likely to have a driving conviction than any other occupation. This may come as a surprise to many of you.
As you are probably aware, what you do for a living is one of the factors that affect how much a car insurance provider charges you for your cover. The greater the risk that you are perceived to be in danger of being involved in a road traffic accident the more you are likely to pay for your motor insurance.
Total Convictions
Their research revealed that 24.4% of quotes they looked at for Members of Parliament involved that person having one or more driving convictions. In second place were Sales Directors at 20.8%. In third place were Managing Directors at 19.7%. In fourth place were Bailiffs at 19.4%. In fifth place were Radio Presenters at 19.2%. In sixth place were Riggers at 19.1%. In seventh place were Money Brokers at 18.8%. In eighth place were Operations Directors at 18.7%. In ninth place were Company Chairmen at 18.2%. In tenth place were Surgeons at 17.6%.
Convictions for Speeding
If you look at the occupations that have the most speeding convictions it is interesting that 22.1% of car insurance quotes for Members of Parliament revealed such a conviction. In second place were Radio Presenters at 19.2%. In third place were Sales Directors at 18.9%. In fourth place were Managing Directors at 17.7%. In fifth place were Operations Directors at 17.4%. In sixth place were Bailiffs at 16.7%. In joint seventh place were Money Brokers and Company Chairmen at 16.6%. In ninth place were Surgeons at 16.5%. In tenth place were Chartered Surveyors at 16.3%.
At-Fault Claims
The occupation with the most at-fault claims when looking at the above car insurance quotes was a Paediatrician at 17.0%. In second place was a Psychiatrist at 14.0%. In third place was an Usher at 13.1%. In fourth place was a General Practitioner at 12.4%. In joint fifth place were a Surgeon and Hospital Consultant at 12.2%. In seventh place was a Museum Consultant at 11.6%. In eighth place was a Radiologist at 11.5%. In joint ninth place were a Transcriber and Vicar at 11.3%.
All the above factors can impact upon how much a motor insurance provider charges you for the cover you require. It is important that when looking to obtain cover that you use the likes of an insurance broker that has an extensive panel of insurers at their disposal. In this respect, why not get in touch with us here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and speak with an experienced member of our team. He or she will discuss your requirements in detail so that a competitive quotation can be provided for your perusal and consideration. We look forward to being of assistance.
We are pleased to announce that we have added the Azur Group to our closely vetted panel of insurers. The company specialises in providing high net worth clients with home and motor insurance through an arrangement with AIG that used to be shirt sponsors of Manchester United FC.
Azur has a reputation for providing bespoke insurance products for the discerning client to ensure that their high value home, contents and personal belongings are covered in the event of the likes of a fire, theft or accidental damage and that their executive motor vehicle is insured for the same risks
Home Insurance
Azur’s home insurance provides numerous benefits including clients having peace of mind in knowing that their residential properties have comprehensive cover with contents being insured for up to an impressive 50% of the amount that the building is covered for. Their all risks cover is renowned for being one of the best in the insurance industry.
Any newly purchased items are covered immediately with a period of 90 days being allowed to add something to the home insurance policy. It is pleasing to read that wherever a client takes their contents around the world they will be covered. Another interesting benefit is that even if the cost of rebuilding or repairing a property is more than the amount insured it will still be covered. The cost of providing alternative accommodation is met for up to 3 years. With the ever-increasing threat of cyber attack such cover for up to £100,000 is provided.
Motor Insurance
Azur has a reputation for insuring the likes of luxury and high performance cars providing comprehensive cover. An interesting benefit is that if a vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond repair and is less than 3 years of age it will be replaced with a new one of the identical make and model. If a client or their spouse drives another car that they or a family member does not own that is not mentioned in the schedule of the policy he or she will be insured on a fully comprehensive basis.
For the duration of a claim for repair damage, the cost of providing the insured with a hire car of a similar value to the one that is being repaired will be met. A client can choose anyone to repair their vehicle with manufacturer’s original parts being used wherever possible. Car rental cover is provided for up to 90 days.
Our clients will be pleased to read that Azur are renowned for providing a quality service in all their departments from producing the tailor-made quotation, setting up the home or motor insurance policy and processing any claims.
Here at AIB Insurance, we look forward to working closely with Azur for the benefit of our high net worth clients wishing to arrange quality cover for their residential properties and/or motor vehicles.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has produced some interesting statistics in November relating to motor insurance claims. The data reveals that there has been an increase in the amount paid out so far in 2018 when comparing the same period in 2017. In fact, a record amount has been paid out so far this year.
So far this year, motor insurance providers have paid out an average of £23 million every day. This is a sizeable sum of money.
This means that, so far in 2018, £6.4 billion has been paid out to motorists who have submitted motor insurance claims to their insurers. It is interesting to read that this figure is 4% more than the amount paid out to meet motor insurance claims in the same period in 2017.
There have been 41,000 claims settled so far this year by motor insurer providers with this being a rise of 11% when compared with the same period in 2017. Some £3 billion was spent on motor repair bills with this being an extra 5% when comparing the figures for the same period in 2017. The average payout per claim is £2,137. This may seem a high figure but one of the factors impacting on increased payouts is because many cars built now come with things like reversing sensors and the cost of replacing them is quite significant.
It is concerning to read that the amount paid out in claims as a result of vehicle thefts so far this year is £271 million. That figure is high and a staggering 32% more than for the same period in 2017. It is no doubt a traumatic experience to get back to where you last parked your car perhaps to do some shopping only to discover that it has been stolen. Thank goodness for motor insurance.
Let us hope that the above data does not result in a greater number of people seeing their car insurance premiums increase at renewal. If you receive notification that your premium is going to go up then make sure that you are ready to obtain one or more quotes from other providers to compare with the cost of your existing cover. Here at AIB Insurance, we have an extensive panel of insurers who we can obtain one or more competitive motor insurance quotes from for you without any obligation to proceed. So, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements with a member of our team.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has recently published some interesting statistics relating to claims on motor insurance policies. Specifically, it has revealed that the average amount paid out last year for each motor insurance claim was the largest amount since records started to be kept for this sort of cover.
The figure was £2,936. Apparently, a couple of reasons why this sort of cover hit a record was down to the fact that the cost of repairing a motor vehicle has gone up as well as the amount paid out to meet claims when a car is stolen has risen which happens all too often.
Last year, a staggering £8.1 billion was paid out by insurers to meet all motor insurance claims. This was a similar figure to 2016. It would be potentially good news if the amount of such claims fell in 2018 and beyond as this is one of the many factors that affect how much insurance companies charge for their car insurance. Perhaps if the amount paid out for claims was to fall, we may see a reduction in the cost of our motor insurance policies.
Another interesting statistic is that the average amount paid out for a claim in respect of personal injury was £10,816 in quarter four of 2017. This is a large sum and is also a factor that dictates how much a motor insurance provider charges new and existing customers who renew their cover. Again, it would be lovely if we were to see the average amount paid out for a personal injury claim to drop as this is another factor that may impact on the amount motor insurance providers charge for their cover.
Apparently, the number of claims submitted for personal injury dropped slightly in 2017 when compared with 2016. Of the claims submitted, there were 320,000 that insurers agreed to pay out for.
Of course, policyholders would prefer not to have to be faced with having to claim on their car insurance policies but when they do it is important that they are confident that the insurance company the cover is arranged with will pay out in the event of a claim as quickly and effortlessly as possible. So, if you are looking for quality motor insurance that is not only competitively priced but also where the insurance company is well known for the number of claims that they agree to meet, then why not get in touch with us on 02380 268 351 and a member of our team will gladly do all that he or she can to assist.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has recently published statistics showing that, last year, general insurance companies paid out £56.7 million a day to policyholders. This included payouts for people that had the likes of protection, home, motor and business insurance policies.
Claims payouts for damage to property amounted to £15 million a day. Of that figure, £6.9 million was paid out daily in respect of commercial claims that were made by owners of businesses. The balance of £8.1 million per day was paid out to owners of residential properties so no doubt included things like damage to properties caused by fire and flood and subsidence.
Payments were made to motorists totaling £28.6 million per day who claimed on their motor insurance policies. This sum will no doubt have been paid to cover the likes of claims for personal injuries such as whiplash and for damage to vehicles that were either repaired or had to be replaced.
Travel insurers paid out £1 million a day to holidaymakers who claimed on their travel insurance policies no doubt for things like medical expenses, flight delays and lost luggage.
Insurance companies providing protection cover including life, terminal illness, income protection and critical illness insurance paid out £9.9 million every day to policyholders and beneficiaries to provide financial support at a time of need.
Trade credit insurance policies paid out £400,000 a day. This sort of cover assisted businesses that were owed monies by another business that was unable to pay the sum outstanding.
We are a nation of pet lovers and many people choose to insure their pets. You may be interested to know that £1.8 million was paid out every day in 2015 towards vet bills.
You may also be interested to note that, according to figures recently issued by the ABI, in 2014 and 2015, 84% of claims on house insurance policies were paid out, 99% of claims on private motor insurance policies were met and 87% of claims on travel insurance policies were paid out.
Here at AIB Insurance, we will gladly endeavor to assist any of our clients who wish to make a claim in respect of a policy that was arranged through ourselves. In this respect, please give us a call on 02380 268 351.
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