Take the Direct Line to a replacement car after a write-off

Launch of partnership with car dealerships to source replacement cars for customers after their vehicle is written-off

From this week Direct Line customers will be able to choose to have a replacement car sourced on their behalf rather than a cash settlement in the event of their car being written-off after an accident or accidental damage.

A study of 1,212 car buyers found that the average motorist takes a month to find a new car*, while the new replacement car service can significantly reduce the amount of time, and especially the stress, involved in finding a new car for customers once their vehicle has been agreed as a write-off.

Many car buyers spend time going to dealerships (44 per cent), doing online research (52 per cent), reading car reviews (33 per cent), searching local used car listings (19 per cent) and taking test drives (29 per cent) as part of their research under usual circumstances.

Direct Line has partnered with a network of trusted car dealerships including Lookers, Arnold Clark, Vospers, Stoneacre and Marshalls to help take the stress out of searching for a replacement car after their vehicle has been written-off.

All customers who are looking to buy a replacement vehicle worth £3,500 or more can use the service if their car is written-off after an accident. Customers can brief the dealerships to source a replacement car to similar specifications as their original car or to contribute additional funds to upgrade to a car of higher value. All cars sourced through Direct Line’s network of garages come complete with a warranty.

The dealerships aim to source a new car within five days, although the customer can opt to revert to a cash settlement at any point.

David Mills, head of Motor Fulfilment at Direct Line, said: “Searching for a replacement car takes considerable time and energy, even when you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Our new partnership with car dealerships helps take some of this stress away from customers, especially at a time when they are likely to already feel under strain from being without their own car.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors
Terms and conditions:

• The car replacement option will not be available in cases of theft.
• Minimum fund of £3,500 is required to use the service.

*Opinium research interviewed a UK nationally representative sample of 2,004 adults aged 18+ from 14th – 17th June 2013.

For media enquiries please contact:
Vicky Bristow
Direct Line Press Office
0208 313 5741
Vicky.bristow@directlinegroup.co.uk

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling0845 246 3761 or visiting