UK: A refreshing change to breakdown cover
23 December, 2002
Stranded motorists will get more than their car repaired when they breakdown on a chilly winter’s day – they’ll get tea and sympathy too.
Norwich Union, the UK’s largest motor insurer, is today launching Norwich Union Rescue with the offer of hot drinks to customers while they wait for their vehicle to be mended – a goodwill gesture not limited to just the festive season.
As well as offering some creature comforts to motorists, the insurer is also using its expertise in risk-based pricing so the customer pays a price for their breakdown cover which is tailored to their own circumstances. Prices will start from Ł22 (including Ł5 discount when bought over the internet).
Other benefits of the new Norwich Union Rescue service include:
- ‘Keep Talking I’ where the call handler will make a call on the motorist’s behalf and he or she will have use of the patrolman’s mobile phone
- ‘Keep Talking II’ where experienced call staff will be available by phone to reassure any lone drivers who are waiting for the patrolman to arrive. This call will go through to the police if the driver is in an unsafe location.
Norwich Union Rescue will be available for private car and van drivers whether they take out Norwich Union motor insurance or not.
Initially 32 Norwich Union Rescue branded patrol vehicles will be out and about on the UK’s roads. While this fleet is being expanded, back-up will be provided by RAC.
Shirley Gabriel, product manager for Norwich Union Rescue, said: “Norwich Union Rescue will offer numerous benefits to make the stranded driver feel safe and cared for. These include the skills of highly trained patrolmen, the chance to talk to a phone operator until help arrives and a hot drink and biscuits while repairs are being carried out.
“And in addition to that, the motorist will not pay a flat rate for breakdown cover but a price which reflects their risk and need for cover. The price they pay will be for them and them alone.”
Customers wanting a quote or more information about Norwich Union Rescue should call 08000 156156 (from December 18).
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For further information contact Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 08703 66 68 64/07775 822642
Photographs to accompany this press release are available from the press office – call 08703 66 68 68.
Notes to editors
- Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer with a market share of around 16 per cent and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
- It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small
businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on the Aviva plc website at www.aviva.com
- A selection of images is available from the Norwich Union Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
- An ISDN facility is available for studio quality interviews. Call the press office on 08703 66 68 68
For all life & pensions media enquiries 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries 08703 66 68 68
