Gary Hassett (24) from Cork winner of Hibernian "Ignition" 2003 Hibernian General Insurance announced today that Gary Hassett, aged 24 from Cork , has won the "Driver of the Year 2003" title. Ignition is a one-day training course specially tailored for less experienced drivers which entitles them to a discount of up to 40% off their insurance.
Gary Hassett (24) from Cork winner of Hibernian "Ignition" 2003
Hibernian General Insurance announced today that Gary Hassett, aged 24 from Cork, has won the "Driver of the Year 2003" title. Ignition is a one-day training course specially tailored for less experienced drivers which entitles them to a discount of up to 40% off their insurance.
The award follows a series of tests undertaken by the top-10 drivers of all of those who competed the Ignition course during 2003. Each contestant took part in a one-hour on-road assessment, a 30-minute theory test and a 30-minute manoeuvring exercise.
The competition is run and adjudicated by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists UK), who also run Ignition at the 13 venues nationwide. Gary Hassett from Cork will receive a limited edition Ford Fiesta Steel and one year’s free motor insurance. The runners up of this year’s competition will each receive a €500 discount on their next year’s insurance.
1200 inexperienced drivers a month currently undertake Hibernian’s award winning Ignition Driver Training course which over 23,500 drivers have completed since it was introduced in 2001.
Dick O’Driscoll, managing director, Hibernian General Insurance, said: "Hibernian is committed to rewarding customers for responsible driving. Our investment in the Ignition programme is evidence of that promise to customers. Huge congratulations to Gary and all of the competitors today who have given us an example of safe and careful driving which is what we need to see more of on our roads if insurance premiums are to continue to reduce."
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Media contact:
Marie-Therese Culligan, 01 607 7820 / 087 2367008
Notes to editors:
Hibernian Ignition
- Ignition allows inexperienced drivers to get a minimum motor insurance discount of 20% (up to a maximum of 40% for exceptional driving skill) by successfully completing a one-day driver training course.
- The Ignition course combines an interactive "classroom" session with on-road training, designed to accelerate the driver’s experience. The course focuses very much on hazard awareness and encourages participation from all delegates in discussions about safety and driving habits.
- Applicants for Ignition must have a full clean driving license; they must also own or be seeking to buy, in the next 3 months, a vehicle of 1600cc or less.
- Ignition is open to all individuals who meet the qualifying criteria, whether they have been customers of Hibernian or not.
- Candidates can also opt for an additional 10% discount for voluntarily refraining from driving between the hours of 11pm and 6am.
- Hibernian covers the full cost of the training and cars are provided by the IAM for delegate’s use on the day.
- A refundable fee of €225 is charged to delegates to prevent absenteeism.
- The scheme is run at the following venues - Dublin North, South and West, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford, Sligo, Mullingar, Dundalk, Limerick, Gorey and Letterkenny.
- Potential delegates for Ignition should contact their own insurance provider, broker, Hibernian branch or phone Hibernian on 1890 66 77 77. An insurance quotation can be provided before committing to attend the course. Details can also be obtained at Hibernian’s website at www.hibernian.ie.
- Ignition’s has been recognised nationally and internationally through the Prince Michael of Kent International Road Safety Awards and National Safety Council Endeavour Road Safety Awards for its positive contribution to road safety
The Hibernian Group
- Hibernian is part of Aviva plc the fifth largest insurance group in Europe, and seventh globally (based on gross worldwide premia)
- Hibernian is Ireland’s largest composite insurer, ranked first for general insurance and top five for life and pensions
- Photographs from the Driver of the Year Awards or the advertising campaign with Damien Duff are available by ISDN
- Hibernian news releases are also available on www.hibernian.ie