Today’s car of the day is the dazzling Lotus Elise S.
The Lotus Elise was originally set out to be named 111 (pronounced One Eleven) but last minute the Lotus chairman, Romano Artioli, decided to change the name to Elise after his granddaughter.
The Elise S, with its supercharged 1.8 litre engine is certainly quick; 0-60 takes just 4.2 seconds. Mr N’s Lotus Elise S is insured on a high net worth policy and came to us at AIB to ensure he got the best deal.
High net worth policies include agreed value, salvage retention, choice of repairer and legal cover expenses. This means Mr N can relax knowing that he has the choice of any Lotus approved garage that will only use Lotus approved parts for his car.
Do you have a high net worth vehicle that you would like to insure with us and know that you can rest easy knowing that it will be taken care of properly? Then give our specialist team a call for a bespoke quotation on 02380 268351.
If you also have a high net worth car and would like to share your photos with us, send them in an email to info@aib.co.uk.
Sports car tyres make a major contribution to the ability of high-performance sports to “stick to the road”. These tyres are very complex products meeting numerous, largely contradictory demands. Finding the proper structure that balances these demands for any given application is the great challenge in tyre design.
Porsche manufacturers and designs some of the highest performance vehicles in the world, as a result tyres play an integral role in vehicle performance. Porsche has integrated tyre development throughout their process of vehicle development. To that extend to be an Original Equipment tyre provider on a Porsche vehicle or be approved by Porsche for the replacement market requires the joint product development efforts of the tyre engineers working alongside the Porsche vehicle engineers.
N-Rating
Not all Production tyres make the grade and fort those that have passed all of the tests and received the engineering department’s release can be branded with an N-specification. The N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3 etc. These markings on a tyre’s sidewall clearly identify them as approved by Porsche for their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a tyre design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tyre to be branded with N-1, N-2, etc, in succession. When a completely new tyre design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again. Recently N has been updated to NA for all new tyres with the designation NF used for the all-electric models.
Research and Development
The focus in recent radial tyre development for Porsche vehicles has included optimum handling on dry surfaces and the safest possible behaviours on wet surfaces, even at high speeds. Tyres developed by various tyre manufacturers, in conjunction with Porsche, offer a specific set of wet grip properties which few, if any, other automobile manufacturers demand in equal measure from the tyres they use on their vehicles. Tyres may be specified for a particular vehicle or range of vehicles and must successfully pass the tyre company’s laboratory, track and race tests to assure that they would be capable of adequately supporting the Porsche vehicle. Approval testing ensures tyres can reach their top speed on the Autobahn whilst meeting Porsche’s noise, hydroplaning, high-speed durability, uniformity, serviceability and handling requirements.
Changing Tyres
It is recommended that only matching tyres be used on Porsche vehicles. Since many Porsche vehicles are fitted with differently sized tyres on their front and rear axles, this means matching the tyre make, tyre type and N-specification. If a vehicle was originally delivered with N-specification tyres that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to change all four tyres to a higher numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. Mixed tyre types are not recommended. Tyres should be replaced no less than in pairs on one axle at a time. Only tyres of the same tyre make and type must be used. However, in case of tyre damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single tyre to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tyre on that axle must not exceed 30 percent wear to the other axle tyre. Otherwise, both axle tyres need replacing, as handling inconsistencies may result if this is not done.
Porsche Tyres
Brand new tyres do not offer their full traction during the first 60-100 miles, therefore drivers should therefore drive at moderate speeds in order to bed in new tyres. If new tyres are installed on only one axle, a noticeable change in handling occurs due to the different tread depth of the other tyres. However, this condition disappears as new tyres are broken in. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly. It is also important to know that while Porsche N-specification tyres have been fine tuned to meet the specific performance needs of Porsche vehicles, the tyre manufacturers may also build other tyres featuring the same name, size and speed rating as the N-specification tyres for non-Porsche applications. These tyres may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the N-specification tyres. Using tyres that are not N-specific is not recommended and mixing them with other N-specification tyres is not permissible.
Ok, we know travelling abroad is still extremely limited. We also know some of you may be chomping at the bit to get away. To open up the engine of that brand new drop-top you impulsively purchased in a fit of lockdown excess and/or boredom! The lure of those long French roads, no other motorists in your mirrors for miles… azure waters lapping at the edges of ocean drives… wind in your hair, freedom at your pedals…
Well the whole process of taking your wheels abroad has just been made a whole lot easier. With a post Brexit boost for Blighty, it has been confirmed recently that the EU has ditched the car insurance green card. Drivers will no longer need to apply for this internationally recognised document confirming valid third party insurance, when travelling abroad to EU countries. The green cards were set to cause travel chaos for drivers looking to head across the continent as restrictions begin to ease.
Any driver without a card driving in the EU could have faced fines, prosecution or having their car impounded. However, the Commission decided to drop the card in an effort to reduce tension around the Northern Ireland protocol – a welcome change, making it easier for them to travel freely into the Republic of Ireland. The MIBI had protested against the cards, saying ‘It was not a sustainable solution, considering the estimated 43m cross border vehicle trips per annum”
Huw Evans, Director General at the Association of British Insurers said:
“This is excellent news. We have long campaigned for the UK to be part of the Green Card Free Circulation Zone so we warmly welcome the decision by the European Commission today. The Commission has taken a pragmatic approach on the matter. UK drivers will no longer need to apply for a green card through their insurer which will help reduce bureaucracy for drivers and road hauliers travelling between the UK and EU. It will be especially welcomed by motorists in Northern Ireland driving across the border to the Republic of Ireland.”
The move to remove the Green Card has been welcomed by the insurance industry who have campaigned to see an end to the practice.
Kirby De-Gray Birch, Director at Airsports Insurance Bureau, said:
‘It’s fantastic news and a sensible change although it still needs to be fully endorsed and rubber stamped by the European Union. Once fully approved though, this will make things a little less complicated for Britons who prefer to travel to Europe by road rather than flying there.
If you are travelling into the EU within the next three weeks we would encourage you to call us and order a green card if you haven’t already, but any travelers travelling after this date, hold tight until it’s all ratified.’
Be aware though, if you’re eagerly kitting out your camper for a road trip to remember, you will still need the document in place for the rest of this month. While the commission has confirmed it is ditching the card, the rules haven’t come into force just yet.
Until the EU has fully implemented the change, anyone taking their car to Europe will still need to get a Green Card from their insurer before they head off abroad to countries that require one. Post-change, your certificate of insurance will be enough to head out on the highway. Bon Voyage!
The car of the day today is the wonderful 1929 Riley 9 Monaco.
The Riley Nine was one of the most successful light sporting cars produced by the British motor industry in the inter war period. It was made by the Riley company of Coventry, England with a wide range of body styles between 1926 and 1938.
This beautiful classic is insured and has plenty benefits that we can offer at AIB. The policy has legal expenses cover, choice of repairer, agreed value and salvage retention.
We can offer additional benefits such as replacement vehicle and excess protection making sure your gorgeous classics are fully covered and there is no need to worry!
Call our friendly and knowledgeable classic car team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation and see what benefits we can offer you today!
Thank you Mr B for allowing us to share the lovely photos of your Riley 9!
If you have a policy with us and would like to share the photos on our website and socials, email us at info@aib.co.uk
The car of the week this week is the perfect Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.
The Carrera was available in rear and all-wheel drive versions. It was equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.6 liter M64 engine, further developed from the 964, and combined with a new dual-flow exhaust system now incorporating two catalytic converters. In contrast with most of the other variants, production of the Carrera coupé and Cabriolet ceased with the end of 1997 model year, except for a very few produced in a shortened 1998 model year.
Mr G knows this beauty is fully covered with salvage Retention, agreed value and choice of repairer along with legal expenses cover covering any uninsured loses up to £100,000.
Thank you Mr G for sharing this perfect example of a 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe. If you have a classic needing insurance cover call our specialist team on 02380 268351.
The Car of the Week this week is the 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34!
This nostalgia inducing car, made iconic through it’s roles in many motoring movies including fast and furious, more importantly its unique engineering using twin ceramic intercooled turbo chargers to remove all turbo-lag. This beautiful car also used six individual throttle valves to allow each cylinder to act as singular engines.
Mr H was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value.
Thank you Mr H for allowing us to share! If you have a Skyline of your own that needs insurance, please call our specialist team today on 02380 268351.
This is a very beautiful and rare car today there is only around 20 on UK roads.
Mr M was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. We are able to offer specially catered policies dependant on your needs!
Thank you Mr M for allowing us to share! If you have a classic vehicle that needs insurance, please call our team today on 02380 268351.
Today’s car of the day is this Classic Land Rover Commercial 88.
The Land Rover Commercial 88 was inspired by the world war II jeep and created here in the UK. The Land Rover immediately distinguished itself from all other cars. From launch, it was the first mass-produced civilian four wheel drive car with doors on it, and an available hard roof.
Mr L was kind enough to take out this policy with us, which includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. We were able to offer a discount as Mr L keeps the vehicle garaged over night and agreed limited mileage.
Thank you Mr L for allowing us to share! If you have a classic vehicle that needs insurance, please call our team today on 02380 268351.
Today’s car of the day is this incredible Jaguar E Type.
The Jaguar E Type is widely regarded as one of the most important and pretty sports cars of all time. It is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar between 1961-1975.
Mr D was kind enough to take out a policy with Leah in our sales team, the policy includes both the benefits of salvage retention and agreed value. Leah was able to offer a lovely discount as Mr D has owned the Jaguar for quite a few years and keeps the vehicle garaged overnight.
Thanks Mr D for allowing us to share your amazing car. If you are looking for car insurance please call Leah and our team on 02380 268351.
We are proud and pleased to announce our latest new team member. Ronnie Randall joins our sales team working with Sales Director, Kirby De-Gray Birch.
Ronnie has worked within the insurance industry for eight years, in both personal and commercial insurance sectors and previously worked for well respected high street brokers, A-Plan Insurance. She has a passion for non-standard home and high net worth motors. Her knowledge and natural love for exotic vehicles has already stood her in good stead – in her first week she insured a Ferrari and a McLaren on the same day! Motor heaven for our skilled new team member.
FAST FACTS:
Multi talented Ronnie is also a fully qualified barber. Her own hair is apparently seasonal – in the winter she goes dark and in the summer she is blonde!
Ronnie started her career within the travel industry, notching up 13 years experience working for big players, Virgin and TUI.
Ronnie is married with one little boy, aptly named Reggie.
Small in height, big in personality, Ronnie stands at a compact 5ft 1½ inches – apparently the ½ an inch is extremely important!
WE SAY:
Kirby said of Ronnie’s appointment: “I’ve known Ronnie for many years and her reputation to provide top class customer service and sound insurance advice proceeds her. She has already made a huge impact within the office and her experience and knowledge will help to develop others within the team. We are very proud and lucky to have her on board”.
At AIB we pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and the professional relationships we are able to build and nurture with clients, insurers and partners. We encourage our team members to reach their full potential and give them the tools, resources, support and guidance for a rewarding career in a satisfying but demanding environment.
AIB Launch Classic Car Offering
AIB is proud to announce the launch of our non-standard per...
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