The days of having to squeeze your family into a small courtesy car while your own car is being repaired are long gone – thanks to Norwich Union.
The days of having to squeeze your family into a small courtesy car while your own car is being repaired are long gone – thanks to Norwich Union.
Norwich Union Direct is the only direct insurer to offer a class D courtesy car – a 1.6-litre engine, five-door family car which seats five people – to its customers for an additional price of Ł25 per annum on fully comprehensive cover, or Ł12.50 on third party, fire and theft cover. Previously customers were offered only a class A car – small, three-door vehicle normally with a 1-litre engine.
Feedback from customers of the UK’s largest insurer and research by the Bristol Business School* highlighted some motorists’ need for a larger car while their car is being repaired as a top priority in order to keep inconvenience to a minimum while their claim is being dealt with.
Craig Martin, motor product development manager at Norwich Union, said: "Being without your car for whatever reason is inconvenient enough but to have to squeeze your family into a small car while your own is being repaired does not make matters any easier.
"I’ve heard of numerous cases where drivers have turned up at the garage tasked with repairing their 4X4, sports saloon or family estate, only to find that for the next 10 days they have got to survive with a 1-litre 3-door hatchback.
"While for some people a class A car is enough, we have found that a lot of people – particularly those with families – cannot function as normal with such a small car, which is why we have enhanced our courtesy car option for customers.
"Other customers have also told us that they would benefit from a larger courtesy car. These included people who use their car for business and perhaps have high mileage so need the additional comfort, those who enjoy driving and want a larger engine capacity, and even those who feel vulnerable in smaller cars."
Norwich Union Direct customers are now able to choose whether to have the option of a class A or class D courtesy car when they take out a motor insurance policy. This will provide them with the size of courtesy car they need in the event of their car being damaged in an accident or fire, written off completely or stolen.
Customers wanting to find out more about taking out the enhanced courtesy car option should call 0800 0965605.
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Media contact:
Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 01603 682264/07775 822642.
Editor’s Notes:
* British Business School report ‘Customer Research into the Motor Insurance Market 2004’ was conducted with 300 insurance customers based across the UK.
Norwich Union
- Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 14 per cent. With a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses, Norwich Union insures:
- one in five households
- one in seven motor vehicles
- more than 800,000 businesses
- Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available on the Aviva internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.