http://www.autoprotect.net/ en enquiries@autoprotect.net Copyright 2012 2012-01-31T16:29:04+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/insurers_undervalue_wrecked_vehicles_ombudsman_claim/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/insurers_undervalue_wrecked_vehicles_ombudsman_claim/#When:16:29:04Z According to a report published by Catherine Burns BBC Business Reporter, which also went on to say... "Complaints to an ombudsman about motor insurance rose by 29% last year - with key gripes including valuations of written-off vehicles." "There were 7,238 inquiries to the Financial Ombudsman Service in 2011. The ombudsman has accused some insurance companies of valuing by trade price - the amount a dealer would pay - rather than retail price. But an insurance trade body said it was a volatile market, and some owners overestimated what their car was worth." The report concluded with the option for owners... " Gap insurance policies are also on the market. These policies should cover the difference between what an owner originally paid for a car, and what it was worth by the time it was damaged or stolen. [view AutoProtect GAP options, here] Anyone unhappy with the valuation for their car should argue their case, industry experts suggest. Matthew Tumbridge, who edits the website usedcarexpert.co.uk, said: "Go online and find a fair price, adjust it for mileage, condition and service history, and then back it up with real cars for sale in your area. Then put it all in writing and you should find the insurer should back down. If your company does not agree, and no compromise can be reached, a complaint can be taken to the Financial Ombudsman Service. It is free and impartial, and can tell an insurer to pay a different amount." Read more of the report... The report included an interview with a motorist, who was offered a payout by her insurer: "...of just over £2,300, but she thought that was not enough to cover her loss." The motorist said: "After investigating online I thought the car was worth about £2,700, so I was really annoyed. You pay your insurance, so you hope to get something decent back if you have an accident. I rang up [the insurer] and I had to justify why I thought the first offer was not fair. Eventually I was offered what I thought to be fair, but I think I should have been offered that in the first place." The report investigated replacement value: "If a car is written off, an insurance company is supposed to offer a proper payout. That does not mean that a car bought for £5,000 years ago would mean a £5,000 payout now. However, it should be enough to replace the vehicle with something similar at the time it was written off. In other words, roughly the same in terms of age, condition and mileage. David Cresswell, of the Financial Ombudsman Service, said that even though the rules were clear, some insurance companies were not following them: "We uphold about half of complaints [we receive] in favour of the consumer. That is usually because the insurer has used the so-called trade price. That is the price that a dealer would pay," he said. "That would be hundreds of pounds less than the retail price you would pay on a garage forecourt. This is not really acceptable." The report stated that: "The Associations of British Insurers (ABI) said policyholders often thought their vehicle was worth more than was actually the case. "The second-hand car market fluctuates over time. This causes valuations to change - often rapidly - and as the public may not follow the market closely, they can overestimate their own vehicle's replacement value" a spokesman said. "Taking car prices at face value would also be a mistake, the ABI said. "It should be remembered that the price a vehicle is advertised for sale as is not the same price that someone might pay - second-hand car dealers may overstate the price in a newspaper or trade magazine, but accept much less when negotiating," the spokesman added." The report concluded: "Options for owners... Anyone unhappy with the valuation for their car should argue their case, industry experts suggest. Matthew Tumbridge, who edits the website usedcarexpert.co.uk, said: "Go online and find a fair price, adjust it for mileage, condition and service history, and then back it up with real cars for sale in your area. Then put it all in writing and you should find the insurer should back down." If your company does not agree, and no compromise can be reached, a complaint can be taken to the Financial Ombudsman Service. It is free and impartial, and can tell an insurer to pay a different amount. Gap insurance policies are also on the market. These policies should cover the difference between what an owner originally paid for a car, and what it was worth by the time it was damaged or stolen. Of course, taking out an extra policy means paying out more in insurance premiums." Read the BBC report 'Insurers undervalue wrecked vehicles, ombudsman claims' by Catherine Burns, Business report BBC News in full here. 2012-01-31T16:29:04+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_embrace_new_abi_best_practice_for_gap/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_embrace_new_abi_best_practice_for_gap/#When:10:52:04Z A key part of the recently introduced ABI Good Practice Guide for GAP is for consumers to have access to a refund upon cancellation.   AutoProtect have embraced the new ABI guide and developed a highly customer centric product that fully encompasses the new guide countering shouts of mis-selling calls from customers and in a way that really works for motor retailer. More here 2011-12-06T10:52:04+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/i_need_to_write_to_compliment_you...i_made_the_right_decision/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/i_need_to_write_to_compliment_you...i_made_the_right_decision/#When:10:49:51Z "...nothing but impressed with AutoProtect's assistance...", "Thanks to you guys for your urgent help..." Above is a small selection of compliments recently received from customers using AutoProtect products.   The AutoProtect website has been updated with these customer testimonials. More testimonials here 2011-12-06T10:49:51+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_support_movember/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_support_movember/#When:10:39:21Z November became Movember for staff at AutoProtect. £1500 was raised by growing Moustaches in support of Prostate and Testicular cancer research. During November each year, Movember  is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. 2011-12-06T10:39:21+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/new_williams_ceramic_coat_pos_and_identity/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/new_williams_ceramic_coat_pos_and_identity/#When:14:31:58Z Alex Youngs discusses the new Williams Ceramic Coat identity   “We’ve taken formula one car wind tunnel test images and created an eye catching, dynamic and contemporary graphic to draw customers attention. New colourways, logo and copyline create a strong stand out message – Williams Ceramic Coat – Shines Out and On!   New Point of Sale material has been introduced: Mirror Hangers, Leaflets Car toppers, Bodywork/Window sticker, Car toppers and Posters.   And also a new DVD video is available, which can be viewed.... here."   For further information Download the Latest Dealer Guide Document 2011-10-03T14:31:58+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/alex_young_discusses_ceramic_coat/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/alex_young_discusses_ceramic_coat/#When:14:03:39Z "With over 7000 cars protected and over 100 Car Dealers profiting, AutoProtect has seen an outstanding response to its Williams Ceramic Coat since it was launched into the UK car market. But don't just take our word for it, here's what some of our customers have said...       Jon  Pochin,  Motorvogue, Owner. “...Williams Ceramic Coat has become a major contributor to gross profit.." Rob Lindsay, Lloyd Motor, Group, Franchise Director. “...the improved performance and strong brand convinced us to change..." Mike Bell, Imperial Cars, Southampton. “...  the Williams F1 identity clearly shows this new product comes highly recommended..."                                                         2011-10-03T14:03:39+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/alex_youngs_to_spearhead_williams_ceramic_coat/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/alex_youngs_to_spearhead_williams_ceramic_coat/#When:13:53:28Z In order to bring Williams Ceramic Coat to even more UK independent and franchised dealers and dealer groups AutoProtect has employed a new National Sales Development Manager, Alex Youngs.   Alex Youngs’ Profile Alex joins AutoProtect from a leading insurance broker where he was the Sales and Account Manager for major UK corporate clients and he has been a Chartered Insurance Practitioner for the last 10 years in the commercial sector.   Alex’s role is to increase sales and penetration from new and existing dealerships, working in conjunction with AutoProtect’s regional sales teams to achieve this goal.   Call Alex Youngs on: 0871 384 3507 2011-10-03T13:53:28+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/abi_warranty_guidelines_welcomed_for_transparency/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/abi_warranty_guidelines_welcomed_for_transparency/#When:10:03:16Z CONTACT Mike Macaulay for further information on AutoProtect's NEW GAP products: Mob: 07787 117297 email: mmacaulay@autoprotect.net Car dealers have been urged to improve the way they sell extended GAP insurance and extended warranties as a result of new good practice guidelines from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).   The voluntary rules, which came into force at the beginning of September, after being published in February, have been welcomed by AutoProtect, who is urging fellow suppliers to embrace them.   The company welcomed the “transparency” of the guidelines which encourage retailers to help customers choose the right product for their needs. They also offer guidance on cancellation and refunds.   “The ABI good practice guidelines focus upon treating the customers fairly. The aim is to make insurance customer friendly; none of it needs to be onerous in the showroom in that it simply follows the existing FSA approach,” said Mike Macaulay, AutoProtect’s corporate development manager.   Macaulay said customers will benefit from new levels of flexibility enabling them to transfer the balance of a policy to a new car and top up the policy as required.    “We should be proud to sell products ethically and transparently that offer good value to customers. Whilst the guidelines are voluntary, I think we should be proactive in adopting an initiative that, if not embraced, could result in wider legal or regulatory action,” he said.   The ABI is confident the new rules will be embraced by members.   “We want customers to be confident that they have taken out the right insurance product for their needs and that they fully understand the benefits and any limitations of the policy they choose,” said Nick Starling, the ABI’s director of general insurance and Health.   The guidelines are also likely to prompt new products.   “Early cancellation could create an issue centred upon the debit back of ‘unearned’ commission. To overcome this, we have worked with our underwriters to develop an all-new product that guarantees no debit back. We think it will prove very appealing to dealers who are switched onto the value of GAP insurance,” said Macaulay.   MotorTrader.com - 20th September 2011 2011-09-20T10:03:16+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/one_of_the_uks_largest_choose_autoprotect/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/one_of_the_uks_largest_choose_autoprotect/#When:08:27:38Z AutoProtect are pleased to announce that The Frosts Group, one of the largest family owned dealer groups in the country, have decided to switch over to AutoProtect.   The Sussex based main dealer provides a selection of new and used cars, high profile and prestige brands. 2011-07-07T08:27:38+00:00 http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_sponsor_motor_trader_awards/ http://www.autoprotect.net/news/autoprotect_sponsor_motor_trader_awards/#When:12:33:49Z AutoProtect are delighted to announce that it is sponsoring the Motor Trader Award for ‘New Dealership of the Year’ to be held on 13 July 2011 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s West End.   The finalists for this year’s Motor Trader Award are Grants Seat (Essex), Luscombe Suzuki Leeds and Sinclair Skoda Swansea.The Motor Trader judges have been visiting the finalists over the past few months and will soon be presenting their findings to a panel of judges. 2011-07-01T12:33:49+00:00