News

One-Armed Motorcyclist Hopes To Take Part In TT Race

Chris Ganley Those of you interested in motorcycling will no doubt be aware that the Isle of Man TT Race is possibly one of the most dangerous racing events that a motor bike rider is likely to take part in. There have been numerous fatal accidents during the races as the bikes travel at huge speeds around country roads on the beautiful, tranquil island.

Well, Chris Ganley who is 28 years of age and who used to serve in the Armed Forces is planning to take part in the racing event in 2023. However, it should be noted that Mr Ganley would be doing so with only one arm making him the first biker to do this with such an impairment.

Regrettably, back in 2014, he was unfortunately involved in an accident on a motorbike resulting in him loosing his left arm. However, the tenacious motorcyclist was back riding a motorbike that had been specially adapted a mere six months after the almost fatal accident. Mr Ganley is obviously a very good motorcyclist as he came third in his first race that he took part in after his operation.

The motorbike in question is a Yamaha R1 that has been modified so that the braking and clutch controls are on the right hand side of the vehicle thus helping him operate the motorcycle.

It sounds like he is a determined motorcyclist who loves the sport and we wish him well in his attempt to prepare for racing in the Isle of Man TT Race.

Here at AIB Insurance, we have many years experience in arranging motorbike insurance for a variety of bikes so why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with a knowledgeable member of our team. Without any obligation on your part, we will gladly look to source a competitive quotation for motorbike insurance from our extensive panel of insurers.

The UK’s Largest Collection Of Classic Cars

The majority of classic car enthusiasts probably own just the one cherished vehicle that they ensure is lovingly maintained whilst in their possession for many years. Well, a businessman here in the UK is the proud owner of a fleet of such vehicles that is actually believed to be the largest collection in Britain.

Rodger Dudding, who is 79 years of age and features in the Sunday Times Rich List, owns a portfolio of around 350 classic vehicles including the likes of cars and motorbikes. His collection is estimated to have a value of about £40 million. He made his fortune in a number of ways such as by buying and renting out lock-up garages and inventing a paper ticket machine that dispenses tickets in certain large department stores to customers to help with ques.

Presumably, not content with owning that many classic vehicles, he is still looking to expand his collection of cars and has spent in the region of £7 million in building a garage that could be used to house additional classic vehicles.

The list of vehicles owned by Mr Dudding includes cars manufactured over a period of many decades with the oldest one being a Vulcan Tourer dating way back as far as 1911.

He has an extensive collection of Aston Martin Lagondas – two dozen to be exact so, presumably, is a great fan of such a vehicle. Apparently, his favourite vehicle is a Morris Minor that was bought by his father back in 1952. He owns an extremely valuable Jaguar SS 2.5 litre Drophead built in 1938. He also owns more modern vehicles such as a Rolls Royce Phantom that was only built in 2010.

Here at AIB Insurance, we have insured many classic vehicles through our extensive panel of insurance companies. So, whether you are looking to insure one classic car or a portfolio of vehicles why not get in touch with us on 02380 268351 to discuss your requirements and obtain one or more competitive quotations.

Protecting Your Home Against Burglars

Whilst it provides homeowners with peace of mind to have home insurance, should there be the need to claim on the policy in the event of the likes of a fire, it is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience to say the least should such a thing happen in your property or perhaps worse still should you suffer a break in by a burglar. Well, Co-op Insurance has done some research to find out some effective things that can act as a deterrent to a thief.

The insurer made contact with twenty five ex-burglars who were able to suggest a number of measures that homeowners could put in place to possibly reduce the likelihood of them being burgled.

Apparently, 26% of those ex-burglars that took part in the research felt that movement activated security lights provided the greatest deterrent to burglars here in the UK. No doubt, it would be sensible to consider having such lights coming on that would light up the front and the back of the home as well as the sides to provide the best overall potential protection against a burglar breaking in and stealing your valuables and possibly causing damage to your property.

The research revealed that 22% of burglars were of the opinion that CCTV cameras acted as the biggest deterrent to burglars. Again, presumably it would be a good idea to have such cameras located in positions that provide complete coverage of all the doors and windows and the surrounding area of the property.

Interestingly, 15% of ex-burglars that took part in the research felt that the major thing that would stop them trying to break into a home would be a barking dog. It just shows such a pet is not only something to love and care for but a dog also provides some useful practical benefit to a family.

Now, you may have thought that monitored burglar alarms were high up on the list of things that would act as a deterrent to a burglar trying to break into a property. Well, only 11% of the ex-burglars taking part in the research were of the opinion that such alarms were the most effective deterrent.

Also worth noting is that it is not a good idea to shut your curtains or blinds prior to departing on holiday as this may suggest to a burglar that the property is presently unoccupied. It is also not a good idea to leave post sticking out of the letterbox so why not ask a neighbor to check this out whilst you are away and push the letters through the letterbox onto the hall floor.

We do hope that you have found the above to be of benefit. If you are interested in arranging home insurance then why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with one of our team who will discuss your requirements and arrange a quotation without any obligation. We have an extensive panel of insurers at our disposal so we should be able to provide a quality, competitive quote for most sorts of property, contents and personal belongings.

Chelsea Pensioner Skydives

There has always been something rather special about Chelsea Pensioners who are frequently seen in their red coats proudly displaying their medals attending numerous ceremonies and events around the UK. As you will probably be aware, they are war veterans from the British army so are not unaccustomed to danger.

Well, recently a Chelsea Pensioner took to the skies to skydive. Mike Smith who is 68 years of age actually completed his 100th skydive. However, there had been quite a period of time since he last skydived as it was some 23 years ago since he last did such a thing.

As if that was not interesting enough, also taking part in the same skydiving event were two world war veterans who are both 91 years of age. They were actually fortunate to complete their jump at the Red Devils Parachute Team’s base that is at Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury in Wiltshire. The jump was made for the benefit of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans that was no doubt pleased to receive financial support.

We are pleased to hear that all three landed safely on the day and no doubt enjoyed a thrilling experience that they will no doubt never forget. Well done to the three gentlemen.

Here at AIB Insurance, we are able to arrange cover for a wide range of airborne sports including skydiving. With an extensive panel of insurers at our disposal we are often in the position of arranging quality insurance at very competitive premiums. So, if you are looking to arrange suitable insurance to cover you whilst skydiving, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable members of staff who will be happy to discuss your individual requirements and arrange a quotation without any obligation on your part. We look forward to hearing from you.

Plum Underwriting Added To Panel

We are pleased to announce that Plum Underwriting Ltd has been added to our carefully selected panel of insurers. It is worth noting that we undertake a great deal of due diligence about those wishing to be included on our panel.

Plum Underwriting Ltd is located in London EC3 and was set up in 2002 initially to concentrate on the home insurance marketplace. It now tends to focus on specialist and non-standard commercial and domestic properties in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

For instance, all risks home insurance can be arranged on the likes of high and medium net worth owner occupied properties. Cover is automatically included for things like cyber cover, legal expenditure, home emergency and identity theft for the later type of properties with travel insurance also being included for high net worth homes.

If you are going to have renovation works carried out on your home or your business’s premises then Plum Underwriting Ltd can arrange specialist cover providing complete peace of mind.

Cover can also be arranged for unoccupied properties and holiday homes and insurance can also be provided for landlords looking to insure their let properties.

A non-standard home insurance policy can be put in place for people who may otherwise have found it difficult to arrange cover. For instance, those who are bankrupt, properties that have suffered with subsidence, those in danger of being flooded and homes of a non-standard construction.

The company has built an enviable reputation for the level of customer service it provides and the range and quality of products that are competitively priced. We have to say that our dealings with Plum Underwriting Ltd have been excellent. We look forward to that relationship continuing for many years to come that can only benefit our clients.

You can find more information about the company on their website www.plum-underwriting.com

For bespoke home insurance why not get in touch with us here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351.

What Is Happening To The Classic Car Market?

Classic car prices have risen significantly since around early 2010 until about August 2015. However, since then there has been an easing in values although there are possibly going to be certain makes and models of vintage vehicles that continue to go up in value. There has also been a drop in the number of classic cars sold.

This is perhaps borne out at the recent H and H Motorcar auction that took place on the 26th July at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. There were quite a number of classic cars that remained unsold on the day.

A Lagonda DB 2.6/3.0 Litre Drophead Coupe manufactured in 1953 was estimated to achieve a sale price of £70,000 to £90,000. It was blue in colour and had a 2,995 cc engine. The original purchaser was Sir Peter Ustinov who owned the car for 12 years but since 1968 it has remained in the same ownership. Regrettably, despite its renowned original owner, it was not sold on the day.

A Jaguar E-Type 3.8 “Flat Floor” Roadster built back in 1961 with red bodywork and a 3,781cc 265bhp engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in a mere 6.9 seconds towards a top speed of 150mph was one of only 1,582 manufactured. It has been beautifully restored and had an estimated sale price of between £180,000 to £220,000. Unfortunately, no sale was achieved.

One of the classic cars that had the potential to achieve a significant price was an Austin Mini Cooper S 1071 “Hatchback” built in 1964. At one point it was owned by the Rt Hon Ernest Marples MP. He was renowned for opening the M1 Motorway. It had an estimated sale price of £70,000 to £80,000 but failed to be sold.

An elegant Bentley 4.25 Litre James Young Sedanca Coupe built in 1938 with its bodywork in black and a beige trim interior that has a 4,257cc engine was offered for sale with an estimated price of between £180,000 to £220,000 but unfortunately remained unsold.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the classic car market in the coming months.

If you are looking to insure your classic car then why not give us a call here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements with a knowledgeable member of our staff.

Not The Best Location To Land Your Hot Air Balloon

Taking to the air in a hot air balloon is a wonderful adventure enjoyed by many enthusiasts around the world. Once airborne and the desired height has been reached a peaceful flight is normally had by all who cannot fail but to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Of course, finding a suitable landing spot does not always go according to plan especially if the weather changes whilst airborne. However, even if the scheduled landing spot is missed it is usually possible to find somewhere else that is equally as safe to land. For instance, there is normally a farmer’s field to land your hot air balloon in perhaps with the offer of a bottle of whisky or wine as a thank you to the landowner.

Well, you may be interested to read that the landing of a hot air balloon in Florida, USA did not quite go according to plan. Unfortunately, the wind meant that the pilot was unable to land exactly where he had hoped to. Instead, to avoid, power lines, the pilot landed the hot air balloon in a pond resulting in the 16 passengers and the pilot getting rather wet.

Fortunately, the basket landed the right way up in the water but as it drifted towards the bankside the basket turned over. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured which is perhaps rather lucky as in the pond were a number of alligators but they paid no attention to the hot air balloon or the passengers.

The pilot received a lot of praise for his skill at avoiding the power lines. Apparently, he is an experienced hot air balloon pilot with in excess of 2,000 hours in the sky. Let us hope that his next trip is less traumatic.

If you are in need of airsports insurance why not give us a call at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and speak with a member of our friendly staff who will happily arrange a quotation.

Introducing Our Newest Team Member, Megan Greer!

We are delighted to announce that Megan Greer has joined the Airsports Insurance Bureau team as our Administrator in our Eastleigh office. Megan will be responsible for the smooth running of our back office as well as providing invaluable support to our insurer partners.

Whilst Megan is with us she will learn all aspects of a long established, fast growing insurance broker, dealing with a range of products from home and motor insurance through to travel and commercial clients’ needs. At AIB we pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and the professional relationships we are able to build with both clients and insurer partners. We encourage our team to reach their full potential and give them the tools and resources for a rewarding career in a satisfying but demanding environment.

Megan said: “I am really pleased that I have been successful and given the chance to work for AIB Insurance and although I’ve only been with the business a couple of weeks, I’m really enjoying the role and look forward to a long term career with the company.”

“I am very pleased indeed to announce Megan’s appointment to AIB. Megan is enthusiastic and very keen to learn and progress within the company and we are excited about helping her reach her full potential. Please join me in welcoming Megan to AIB.” Beth Hepworth, AIB Insurance.

Megan lives locally in Eastleigh, has a three legged, disabled gerbil called Squidgy and her hobbies include ice skating and walking. She’s been known to fit an impressive 16 marshmallow’s in her mouth at one time and has double jointed elbows!

Welcome on board Megan, we hope you have an enjoyable and fulfilling career with us.

If you are interested in a career in insurance, click here for our latest jobs board

The Silverstone Classic Sale 2017 Approaches

This year’s Silverstone Classic Sale of cars, motorcycles and automobilia is not many weeks away. This annual event is scheduled to take place on the 29th and 30th July with viewing on the 27th and 28th July and it promises once again to be a great occasion for classic car enthusiasts. Below is a selection of the cars that are going to be auctioned but you can visit the website of Silverstone Auctions to view more items.

Many of you will remember the Ford Capri. Well, a Ford Capri 280 Brookland built in 1987 is to be auctioned with an estimated price of between £35,000 to £45,000. It only has 14,680 miles on the clock and has had a total of four owners with the current one having had the vehicle for around 8 years. During that time the fantastic looking car has been refinished at a cost of over £10,000.

If you are a fan of Porsche then you might want to take a look at the Porsche 356 B Cabriolet that was manufactured in 1962. It has a 4-cylinder 1,600 cc engine and is left hand drive. It spent a number of years in the USA before ending up in Europe. It was restored in 2006 but not too long ago it had a bare metal respray in Metallic Silver. This classic car has an estimated price of £100,000 to £120,000.

Those of you who are Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts may like to view the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL sports car with a 1,900 cc 4-cylinder engine producing 104 bhp. It was transported to Houston in Texas. Back in 1994 it was sold to a classic car restorer and brought back to the UK. It was restored in 2005 with great attention being paid to the detail of the car. It has an estimated price of £105,000 to £120,000.

There is a wonderful looking 1950 Healey Silverstone that has featured in a number of races. When it was sold in 1969 the purchaser paid £600 for the vehicle. It has been fully restored with the work being completed in 2003. The car has only done 10,501 miles and a mere 105 of these sports cars were built making it a very rare specimen. It has an estimated sale price of £165,000 to £185,000.

If you are attending the auction then we wish you a successful trip. Do remember to insure your classic car and, in this respect, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements and obtain a quote without any obligation.

Travel Insurers Paid Out £370 Million In 2016

The peak overseas holiday season will soon be upon us with schools here in the UK shortly to break up for the summer. Many families will be taking to the sky in planes, boarding cruise liners and ferries as they venture across oceans and travelling by car or train through the Channel Tunnel onward bound to some European destination or an exotic country many thousands of miles from our shores.

With this in mind, it is perhaps rather timely to mention travel insurance that, based upon research carried out by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), rather surprisingly reveals there are a significant number of holidaymakers who are not arranging this potentially valuable form of cover. Apparently, around 1 in 4 people travelling overseas do not bother to take out travel insurance.

When you consider that 480,000 people travelling abroad last year claimed on their travel insurance policies in respect of things like lost luggage and medical treatment there is obviously a need for such cover. In fact, around £1 million was paid out to claimants every day.

Of those people, 154,000 required emergency medical assistance. The cost of such treatment amounted to £199 million. There were 83,000 claims made in respect of cash being lost and luggage going astray totaling £17 million. There were 159,000 claims made by holidaymakers who unfortunately had to cancel a holiday at a total cost of around £130 million.

When you consider that the average amount claimed for cancelling a holiday was £816 and that the average amount claimed in respect of medical treatment amounted to £1,300 yet the average amount of an annual travel insurance policy is £37 it rather puts this into perspective. It is also reassuring to note that insurers approve almost 9 out of every 10 travel insurance claims.

So, if you are looking for quality travel insurance at a competitive price, why not give us a call here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and discuss your requirements with a knowledgeable member of staff. It really is not worth the risk of travelling abroad without suitable cover.