Author Archives: AIB

AIB Joins BIBA – The Interview Everyone Wanted

Insurance Business recently interviewed our Risk and Compliance Director, Karen Manley, read the full interview below:

Can you tell me a little bit about your company?

AIB has an interesting story since its inception in 1993. Originally it was created by the BHPA (British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association) to provide travel, third party damage and equipment cover for its members whilst flying abroad whether it be a hang glider, sky diver or paragliding pilot. At the time the BHPA were struggling to find an insurance provider that understood its members unusual insurance requirements, and with an active pilot involved in the insurance industry Airsports Insurance Bureau was created as a limited company.

The BHPA sold the business in 2004, largely due to the increased compliance and regulatory requirements to insurance specialists and it has evolved into a niche personal lines and high net worth specialist with links to various enthusiast clubs, garages and financial institutions. We also have a number of commercial insurance brokers who refer their personal lines business to us but still have strong links to the BHPA providing specialist airsports for members today.

Can you outline how the decision to join BIBA came about and how long have you been thinking about joining BIBA?

The company I worked for previously was a member of BIBA and I was a committee member of SE region compliance forum. I found it useful to maintain and share best practises and I found the regulatory benefits and networking particularly useful.

Joining BIBA is part of AIB’s ongoing commitment to supporting good practice and an important step in our passion to promote the interests our clients in the provision of good sales advice.

As BIBA maintains a dialogue with the government, the FCA, and the ABI, specifically in their role acting as the voice of the insurance industry in the UK. Our business will gain a head start on learning about new legislative proposals, policy developments, market changes and developing trends.

Thus, ensuring that AIB can react with marketing strategies and business plans in a timely manner assuring our clients gain the benefit of the highest quality of advice and receive genuinely positive outcomes for their insurance needs.

What do you consider the key opportunities associated with your BIBA membership?

BIBA works closely with the FCA to help ensure a fair, equitable and workable regulatory regime for the broking industry, thereby keeping their members updated on matters affecting the industry, including regulation, legal issues, through their website, email alerts, conferences, workshops, seminars and subject specific working groups and panels.

BIBA is an excellent benchmark to understand the current thinking within the insurance market.

The regulatory benefits, and the technical support through the templates played a part. As did backing the voice of the industry. Networking with likeminded individuals and companies to achieve best practise and common goals, especially with the uncertainty and ramifications of Brexit.

Are there any particular BIBA events that you are looking forward to?

Lots! Although a small company we intend to be active members of BIBA and I am looking to attend the compliance forums to understand current topics, but I have historically found the Webinars particularly useful.

Do you feel that such memberships are necessary for brokers in the current climate?

It’s not necessary but it’s important that we as broker support the insurance market. Ultimately Biba are the voice of the industry and when debating points with the FCA on various consultation papers surely it makes sense to stand shoulder to shoulder with our industry colleagues, especially in these challenging times?

What are your plans for development in 2020 and beyond?

We are very lucky. We are well supported by some of the UK’s leading insurers who believe in what we do. We also enjoy a management team that want to grow aggressively for the long term, looking after our insurer partners and clients along the way. We expect another year of significant growth especially in the non-standard motor market and high net worth arena, where buying on-line is more challenging but training and developing the team, with as many resources, including Biba, at our disposal is key to our success.

Airsports Insurance Bureau Join the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA)

BIBA is the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation. They represent the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers with over 2,300 members including 98 of the UK’s top 100 firms. Their members handle about half the value of all UK home, contents, motor, travel, commercial and industrial insurance policies.

Karen Manley, Risk & Compliance Director of Airsports Insurance Bureau, says: “AIB has seen and continues to enjoy significant growth despite these challenging times both within the insurance industry and externally. Biba play a fundamental role within the insurance broking profession. We look forward to working alongside BIBA and this membership will be a benefit to our growing business”.

Airsports Insurance Bureau is an independent Insurance Broker approved and regulated by the FCA. We are an established personal lines insurance broker, founded in 1993. With a panel of over 30 insurer partners we have a passion for insuring high net worth and niche personal lines clients. Our staff are UK based and our offices are located in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Ten great reasons why you benefit from using Airsports Insurance Bureau Ltd (AIB) a BIBA broker:

have access to a wide choice of products from the majority of insurance markets
can give advice on suitable insurance protection
can represent the client in claims settlements
are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
can give risk management advice by identifying, measuring, managing and controlling risk and where appropriate can give advice on health and safety, fire prevention and premises security
provide clear information and documents
have their own professional indemnity insurance protection providing customer confidence
clearly state the costs of the policy including any fees they may charge
give fair treatment to customers in the event of a complaint, with the additional assurance of the Financial Ombudsman Service
eligible customers are protected by the Government-backed Financial Services Compensation Scheme

You can locate AIB on the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) website via www.biba.org.uk

ABI Encourages Homeowners To Make Sure Properties Are In Good State Of Repair

With winter quickly approaching, the Association Of British Insurers (ABI) is recommending that both owners of homes and businesses make sure that there properties are in a good state of repair. This should help reduce the number of claims being made by people on their buildings and contents insurance policies here in the UK.

Apparently, on a daily basis, insurance companies pay out in the region of £14.3 million to owners of homes and businesses to meet claims from people in respect of replacing damaged content and carry out repairs due to adverse weather conditions resulting in properties suffering burst pipes and floods.

You may find the following suggestions made by the ABI of benefit to help ensure that your property is better able to cope with the ravages of winter: –

Arrange for your roof on your home or business premises to be checked to make sure that it is watertight and that there are definitely no loose or missing roof tiles. This sort of job is best left to a professional for safety reasons.
Find out where the stopcock is in the property and that it is working correctly.
Make sure that the gutters are free of debris and that they are not overflowing due to their being a blockage.
Check that the smoke alarm is working correctly.
Make sure that there are no visible damp patches in your property such as damage to a ceiling.
Make sure that water tanks in the loft and pipes are insulated.

Whilst it is not a legal requirement to have building and contents insurance in place covering your home and/or business premises as well as the contents and plant/machinery in them, it is a sensible course of action so that you can claim on such a policy when necessary.

In this respect, why not get in touch with a member of our team who has many years experience in arranging suitable, affordable cover who will be pleased to discuss your requirements and arrange for you to receive a competitive quotation without any obligation.

Dogs That “Go Walkies” In The Sky

Dog owners no doubt take their four-legged friends out on a regular basis for a walk whether it is around the housing estate on which they live or pop them in the car and drive to a country park. However, it will not come as a surprise to hear that very few dogs will get the opportunity to go paragliding with their owner. Well, we have recently heard about a couple of dogs that have done that in different parts of the world.

Over in Sydney, Australia, a paraglider by the name of Justin Elliott has recently taken his pooch called Snickers for his first flight up in the air attached to his paraglider. He has owned the dog for about one year and it is a lovely looking cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

Apparently, Mr Elliott and Snickers took off from what is called Long Reef Headland that is located at the Northern Beaches that is a few miles to the north east of Sydney.

Snickers had his own harness and was attached just below Mr Elliott. A video of the event can be seen on the Internet that you may wish to watch. You will no doubt be pleased to read that both Mr Elliott and Snickers made a safe landing.

A little closer to home, we have heard about a Cockapoo by the name of Henry who is four years of age whose owner is called Amy Jones from Wales. Apparently, Henry has been paragliding over mountains in North Wales for over three years and has even taken to the sky in a paraglider in the Alps. He sounds like a seasoned participant in the sport.

If any of our clients have any similar experiences with their pets taking to the skies then we would love to hear about them here at AIB Insurance.

Fatalities Caused By Drink Driving Increase

A Department for Transport publication produced on the 28^th August 2019 has revealed that the number of deaths caused by drink driving in 2017 in Great Britain increased when compared with the previous year. Needless to say, we are sure that our readers will agree this is concerning.

Apparently, the central estimate of the number of people killed when either at least one driver or a rider was above the drink drive limit in 2017 was 250. In 2016 the figure was 230 so that is an increase of almost 9% – a worrying increase.

It is estimated that 8,600 people were either injured or killed in Great Britain in 2017 in road traffic accidents due to at least one driver or rider being above the drink drive limit. In 2016 the figure was 9,040 so that is a drop of 5%. Back in 1979 there were in the region of 19,470 road traffic accidents caused by drink driving.

In 2017, Wales had the biggest percentage of casualties due to road traffic accidents caused by drink driving at 5.3%. In England it was 5.1% and in Scotland it was 4.3%.

On a regional basis in England in 2017, the percentage of casualties due to road traffic accidents caused by drink driving was: –

East Midlands 2%
East 8%
South West 8%
North East 8%
South East 7%
West Midlands 3%
North West 8%
Yorkshire & Humberside 5%
London 6%

When you look at the gender of drivers or riders involved in drink driving accidents in 2017 where they were above the legal drink drive limit, male drivers and riders make up for 79% and females account for 21%.

The penalty for someone being convicted of a drink driving offence can vary depending upon a number of factors that may include the likes of points on a driving license, being banned from driving for a period of time, a fine and imprisonment. It may also result in having to pay more for motor insurance as there are fewer insurance companies who will consider providing cover for someone who has a drink driving offence.

Army Parachutist Survives 5,000 Foot Jump That Goes Wrong

Those of you who enjoy the thrill of parachuting will be aware of the dangers and that on rare occasions things can go wrong. Well, that would appear what happened to an Army Parachute Display team member recently here in the UK.

The parachutist, who has not been named, was parachuting over Eastbourne in East Sussex and it was intended that those taking part would land in the sea. Unfortunately, this particular parachutist seemed to get into difficulty whilst participating in a 5,000 foot jump and ended up descending to dry land. Miraculously, the person involved is said to have only suffered a few minor grazes. Apparently, the St Johns Ambulance Service and the police provided assistance.

Let’s hope that the person involved makes a full recovery and is soon taking to the skies again.

Coincidentally, it has also been reported that a female skydiver near Quebec, Canada who is 30 years of age has been involved in a skydiving accident that also involved a jump from a similar height. Apparently, not only the main parachute but also the reserve one failed to open and she plunged to the ground landing in trees. Fortunately, she has survived but has a number of broken bones that will probably not come as a surprise to our readers. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Here at AIB Insurance, we have many years experience in arranging specialist cover for a number of airborne sports including the likes of skydiving and parachuting. If you are looking to take up the sport or your existing cover is shortly due to be renewed then why not get in touch with us on 02380 268 351. One of our experienced members of staff will be pleased to discuss your insurance requirements in detail and provide a bespoke competitive quotation for your consideration without any obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.

The New Macan Turbo – Stronger, faster, more agile

The new 2.9-litre, six-cylinder biturbo engine in this extensively reworked top model offers 324 kW (440 PS; Fuel consumption combined 9.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 224 g/km), ten per cent more power output than its predecessor with 20 per cent less displacement. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, this car can get from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – three tenths faster than before. The car’s top speed is 270 km/h (plus four km/h). Deceleration has also been improved: the new Macan Turbo comes with the powerful Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) fitted ex works, as part of the optimised chassis. Externally, the Macan Turbo is characterised by the styling features of the revised model generation. The new top model also sets itself apart thanks to unique accents such as the Turbo-specific front apron and the fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design. Drivers and passengers alike benefit from the Macan’s enhanced interior, in-cluding adaptive 18-way sports seats and a BOSE® Surround Sound system.

Powerful biturbo engine with central turbo layout

The new Macan Turbo’s 2.9-litre engine, which is already used by Porsche in its Cayenne and Panamera models, is a latest-generation engine in what is known as the central turbo layout. Both exhaust turbochargers have been arranged inside the V of the cylinders. The cooled exhaust manifold has been integrated into the cylinder head for highly efficient combustion. The short exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers permit rapid build-up of power and a particularly spontaneous response. The engine delivers 29 kW (40 PS) more than the 3.6-litre, six-cylinder turbo in the predecessor model and a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. Power transmission is provided by the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. NEDC con-sumption stands at 9.8 l/100 km.

Optimised chassis with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake

The new Macan Turbo comes with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) as standard to match the excellent driving dynamics. These innovative, high-performance brakes are exclusive to Porsche and, with a tungsten carbide coating on the discs, offer a faster response, less wear and up to 90 per cent less brake dust compared with conventional cast iron brakes. The high-gloss brake discs and white painted brake calipers are characteristic for PSCB and are now available as an optional extra for all other Macan models as well. Optional height-adjustable air suspension with optimised rolling pistons and new shock absorber hydraulics, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are available for a further increase in dynamics. The new 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels come as standard.

Powerful biturbo engine with central turbo layout

Optimised chassis with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake

Unique design with turbo front apron and double wing at the rear

The new Macan Turbo demonstrates its range-leading status thanks to the exclusive front apron, with three large air intakes and high-level front lights, as well as the stand-ard LED headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). From the side, this top model sets itself apart with 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels, Sport Design side skirts and Sport Design exterior mirrors in body colour. The specially developed fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design is typical for the Turbo model. The sports exhaust system, fitted as standard, can be recognised by its unique, silver twin tailpipes.

18-way sports seats and surround sound system as standard

The Macan Turbo, the new flagship model in the range, offers particularly high-quality equipment. Adaptive sports seats with smooth leather upholstery, electric 18-way adjustment and a comfort memory package are standard features. The high-quality ambience is rounded off by the Alcantara roof lining and the brushed aluminium interior package. The heated GT sports steering wheel, which is familiar from the 911, is available as an option for sporty drivers.

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a 10.9-inch full HD touchscreen is fully networked as standard and connected to a BOSE® Surround Sound system with 14 loudspeakers and a total output of 665 watts. It includes online navigation with real-time traffic information and smart voice control. Other standard features include Por-sche Connect Plus, which comes with an LTE telephone module, an integrated SIM card and a slot for an external SIM card, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous Porsche Connect services.

The options list now includes a smartphone cradle with Qi standard inductive charging for all Macan models. A heated windscreen, an ioniser to improve the interior’s air quality and the new traffic jam assistant, including adaptive cruise control, are also available. As well as being able to accelerate and brake semi-automatically up to 60 km/h, the system helps the driver to steer in traffic jams and slow-moving traffic.

The new Macan Turbo is now available to order.

Significant Increase In Accident Claims During School Term

It is no secret that the roads are much quieter during rush hours when children are on school holiday and the time taken to get to work tends to drop. Some interesting research has been carried out by Admiral Car Insurance relating to the number of car accidents that take place in school term time when compared to the school holidays.

In the last five years, the number of claims submitted for accidents taking place between the hours of 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm increased by an average of 32% when children were at school compared to when they were on their summer holiday.

We are sure that you will agree the above is a large increase and is somewhat concerning.

It is interesting that the research by Admiral Car Insurance revealed that during the school rush hour in the morning motorists were most likely to collide with a third party vehicle by going into the back of them whilst in the afternoon a motorist was most likely to have their car hit whilst left unattended or parked.

The research found that 67% of motorists felt it was not as stressful commuting to work when school children were on holiday compared to when children were back at school.

According to the report, when a parent has to drop off a child at school or the nursery on the way to work, the distance travelled rises from 20 miles to 36 miles and the time taken goes up from 32 minutes to 54 minutes.

There is no doubt that driving a car is not as stressful during the school holidays when compared with driving in term time with 66% of motorists believing this to be the case.

It is the opinion of 71% of motorists that far too many parents take their children to school using a car. There are other potential modes of transport such as train, bus, cycling or walking.

A parent can become distracted by their children when driving them to school so it is important that they concentrate on the road to reduce the possibility of being involved in a road traffic accident.

If your car insurance policy is shortly due for renewal or you are looking to arrange cover for the first time then why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and have a chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable members of staff. He or she will be happy to discuss your requirements in detail with a view to proving you with a tailor-made, competitive quotation for your perusal. You will be pleased to read that we have an extensive panel of vetted insurance companies on our panel. If you wish to go ahead with the cover then we will be able to assist in putting the policy in place as quickly as required.

Lotus Become Official Partners of Norwich City

Lotus and newly promoted Premier League football team Norwich City Football Club have today announced a new multi-year global partnership. The collaboration sees the state-of-the-art training facility renamed The Lotus Training Centre, and the all-new Academy building renamed The Lotus Academy. Lotus branding will feature on the first-team ‘walk-out’ jackets, on all Academy shirts from the Under-23s squad through to the Under-9s, and on pitch-side branding at the Carrow Road stadium.

The partnership is announced on the eve of the Canaries’ first game of the 2019-20 Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield. The agreement sees two long-standing Norfolk brands coming together as they each enter a new and exciting phase on the global stage, and with the local community at the heart of their ambitions.

Lotus is embarking on a major global transformation. Last month it unveiled the world’s first fully electric British hypercar and most powerful production car, the Evija, which is designed, engineered and produced at Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk.

The launch of Evija is the first visible step in Lotus’ plan that will see the company invest significantly over the next few years, to expand its product range and become a global premium performance car brand. Lotus has been making cars at Hethel, to the south of Norwich, since 1966 and currently employs around 1,200 people in the region.

Lotus and Norwich City Football Club have released an entertaining film featuring owner Delia Smith and former player Darren Huckerby to mark the start of the partnership.

Simon Clare, Executive Director, Global Marketing, Lotus, said: “Lotus is a brand born for and out of performance and competition, so this partnership is perfect for both parties. Together Lotus and Norwich City Football Club share core values – commitment, passion, focus, hard work, a winning mindset – and the success that flows from them.

“This partnership joins two iconic Norfolk brands as they accelerate on to the global stage together. Both share a desire for innovation and, as we herald a new era together, we are incredibly excited about playing a part in the development of Norwich City Football Club and its talent. Today we are investing in that future.”

All Lotus branding reflects the company’s new corporate identity, which features a revised roundel and new typeface for the wordmark. Simon Clare explained: “We’ve looked back at the original Lotus roundel and thought about Colin Chapman’s philosophy – to simplify and add lightness. We’ve applied that to create a new roundel, taking the weight out of the lettering and adapting the spacing. We’ve also straightened the word ‘Lotus’ so it’s consistent with the Lotus wordmark.”

Ben Kensell, Chief Operating Officer at Norwich City Football Club, said: “This is a momentous deal for us. We’re so thrilled to partner with one of the most iconic and high-profile brands, not just in Norfolk, but across the UK and internationally. I’m proud that our resurgent Club is partnering with Lotus at a time when it is relaunching its brand into a new and exciting future. The synergies between our two businesses are striking, and for our Academy players to be proudly wearing a shirt that has such a well-loved logo on is really special.”

Zurich Private Clients Cover Improved

Back in 2016, we were pleased to add Zurich Insurance Group to our closely vetted panel of insurers with this including the Zurich Private Clients section catering for high net worth clients wishing to cover the likes of their luxury homes and expensive motor vehicles.

Well, we are pleased to inform our discerning clients that Zurich Private Clients cover has recently been enhanced. Below we provide details of some of the improvements that have been made: –

Home Insurance Enhancements

Home Emergency Cover totaling £1,500 has been added to the policy as standard with this covering emergencies such as water leakage requiring an approved repairer to attend 24/7.
New Acquisitions notification period has gone up from 60 days to 90 days.
Jewellery limit has gone up from £15,000 to £25,000 per item.
Sums insured for specified antiques, fine art and valuables is now index-linked on an annual basis.
Cyber Assistance cover has been added including damage to home systems due to a cyber event up to £100,000.
Antiques and fine arts limit has risen from £25,000 to £50,000 for each item.
Extended cover now includes contract works for up to the lesser of 20% of the sum insured or £1 million.

Motor Insurance Enhancements

Alternative transportation costs limit has risen from £3,000 to £5,000.
Breakdown cover is for named individuals on the motor insurance certificate as opposed to specified vehicles.

Any new customer taking out a Zurich Private Clients policy will benefit from these enhancements immediately. Existing customers with a Zurich Private Clients policy will benefit from the above enhancements immediately with the exception of cyber and home emergency cover that will be incorporated at renewal from around December 2019 onwards.

The above improvements in cover can only be of potential benefit to our high net worth clients so they are most welcome. We are pleased to inform you that, since adding Zurich Insurance Group to our panel, we have been most impressed with the service that they have provided.