Norwich Union has overhauled its truck policy to give brokers one of the most comprehensive stand-alone packages on the market, while helping their clients deal with a range of common problems facing commercial fleets.
Norwich Union has overhauled its truck policy to give brokers one of the most comprehensive stand-alone packages on the market, while helping their clients deal with a range of common problems facing commercial fleets.
Its "Premier Truck" insurance cover has a host of new options to help counter issues such as truck breakdown and unsound vehicle histories.
Aimed at goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, new services – sourced from Norwich Union’s sister companies - include “pay on use” breakdown cover from RAC, glass cover from RAC Auto Windscreens and protection when buying used trucks through HPI’s vehicle identity, history and mileage checks.
Mark Keavney, Norwich Union commercial motor development manager, says: “With more than 34,000 commercial breakdowns attended by RAC Commercial Assistance this year*, the need for flexible breakdown cover is as essential as ever.
“Truck breakdowns are happening for a variety of reasons* and - in descending order of frequency - they include: engine faults, flat batteries, having no spare tyre following a puncture, clutch assembly, general punctures, battery faults, starter motor failure, manual gearbox problems and road traffic accidents.
“And hidden vehicle histories are also presenting a hazard for the unsuspecting truck buyer, with one in two trucks raising an issue when checked against HPI’s vehicle information databases.** HPI’s checks show that the number of trucks with hidden horrors in their history is getting worse. These include outstanding finance, stolen vehicles and potential risks posed by written-off lorries being sold on. Nearly 40% of truck checks last year highlighted issues relating to finance alone**. And though the instance of stolen trucks remains small, it is still an increasing problem.
“But through our links to RAC and HPI, truck customers are getting direct access to some of the best vehicle services in the business.
“With the typical truck purchases our policyholders make – often with high mileages and several previous owners – it’s essential they can buy the vehicle with confidence that it isn’t stolen or written-off, hence HPI checks. Also, having help from RAC at the roadside ensures that the driver will be back on the road as soon as possible.
“And for brokers who do not have access to schemes business, ‘Premier Truck’ provides one of the most comprehensive stand alone covers available.”
Within the policy, attached and detached trailer cover is provided as standard as is Duty of Care legal expenses cover. There is a range of policy discounts including 10% following completion of driver training and vehicle security, plus a 5% reduction on digital tachographs.
In addition, claims are handled by a new, dedicated commercial motor team, whose knowledge and expertise means a quicker claims process, reduced vehicle downtime and the availability of an extensive commercial vehicle repair network.
Norwich Union’s “Roadsense” risk management tool kit is included, with online risk management support, a free risk management Cd-Rom plus legal and risk management helplines.
-ends-
* RAC fault summary report, January – September 2006
** HPI commercial vehicle database statistics - 2005
For further information, please contact:
Jon Clements at Staniforth on 0161 919 8022/ 07989 414486 or Sally Leeman at Norwich Union on 01603 684225/ 07800 699670.
Notes to editors:
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 15%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.