As the nation limbers up for a sports mad summer, wannabe Henmans and Beckhams could be risking millions of pounds worth of sports equipment, a new study warns today.
As the nation limbers up for a sports mad summer, wannabe Henmans and Beckhams could be risking millions of pounds worth of sports equipment, a new study warns today.
Research by leading insurer, Norwich Union, reveals that sporting events such as the World Cup and Wimbledon inspire more than a quarter of Britons to become more active and take up sport.
In fact, 70 per cent of people have up to Ł1,000 worth of sporting equipment in their home – with the most common items being tennis rackets, football and cricket gear and gym equipment.
Norwich Union is warning sports enthusiasts to take extra care of their property after its ‘Summer Sports’ study revealed that over two and a half million people have had sporting equipment stolen from their home or car.
And each year, the insurer replaces enough golf clubs to kit out all members of the US and European Ryder Cup golf teams with a new set of golf clubs every year for the next 65 years.
Chris Elliott, household market development manager at Norwich Union Insurance, said: “It’s great that people are inspired to play more sports over the summer, but if your new golf clubs, racquet or football kit gets stolen, your latest fitness resolve could soon sour.
“We always advise people purchasing high value sporting goods or equipment to check that their household insurance policy has adequate cover. Or if you are an avid sportsman and own expensive equipment, it could be worthwhile insuring the actual item against damage.
“Despite warning drivers not to display items in full view, some of the most common thefts from cars are sports bags and equipment. We encourage drivers to get into the habit of putting equipment into the boot of their car as these items may not be insured if stolen from the back seat.
“With a pair of limited edition World Cup football boots costing approximately Ł150 and a top of the range tennis racket Ł300, the average sports buff has a lot at stake –even more so if it’s their lucky pair of boots.”
Norwich Union’s Sports package, available as part of the Home Plus policy from insurance brokers, covers personal accident and loss of club membership. It also includes cover of up to Ł2,500 if sports equipment is stolen from the locked boot of a vehicle, and up to Ł1,500 if sports racquets, sticks, bats and clubs are damaged whilst in play.
Press contact: Jane Wheeler/Anja Kueppers at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Liz Kennett (mobile – 07801 901 666) /Jenny Chapman (mobile - 0777 5822 642) at Norwich Union on 08703 66 68 65
Notes to editors
Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to interview 1,000 households across Britain in May 2002.
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer. In general insurance it is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest competitor, and has a 19 per cent share of the market.
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 internet at www.cgnu-group.com
- A selection of images is available from the CGNU 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
- Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England number 99122 Registered Office
8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3TA
Member of the CGNU group of companies and the General Insurance Standards Council