We spread our wings Crossing the ditch

IFROM THE siMply classics iNsURaNcE DEsK

must admit it is going to be interesting dealing with the Australian enthusiast with their own breed of expectations and enquiries but we are always up for a challenge and we are confident that the level of cover we are providing, will equal if not better, the current level being provided in Australia.

So we just have to review the covers that are available in Australia compared to what is available here in New Zealand. No doubt these differences will also be of interest to our classic car owners in New Zealand and vice versa with Australian classic car owners. We have always had that friendly ANZAC rivalry which will keep us on our toes.

One of the aspects that we are interested in is the sums insured of the various vehicles and we are now keeping statistics of all those vehicles we quote on. I have a fascination for statistics, especially for those things that can be measured empirically. It will also be great to compare the values between Australia and New Zealand to watch the swings in values between specific marques.

In the process of preparation for insuring the cars in Australia, we have looked at the logistics of claim control and management for our Australian clients and we are still formulating this aspect so that in the event of an accident to the Australian car, the repairs will be a seamless effort and the cars will be repaired by professional organisations and managed correctly with continual feedback to the client.

We also have other services that we have created in the past few weeks which we will be able to pass on to clients in both New Zealand and Australia. I am really quite excited about these and it really creates added value without any extra expense. The service has already been launched and is being used for a rally managed and hosted by Classic Driver magazine. It is supported by an international company and the insurer, here in New Zealand.

We are looking forward to see how it works out for the participants and we will be looking to export the same programme to the UK and Europe. Thus clients who insure their cars through us will have the benefit of not only being able to insure their cars in New Zealand and Australia, but also should they take their cars to the UK and Europe. In the past these has been a near impossibility to insure.

We have the capabilities and resources to insure the cars in transit to Europe and also comprehensively whilst they are on the road.

For those who dream of taking their car from Vladivostok to London, we can insure the cars comprehensively for this type of trip as well.

We have also been working closely with a Freight Forwarder in New Zealand with specialist agents around the world who will not only arrange for the transportation, but will assist us with the paperwork to ensure that the movement of your car and its insurance is seamless – reducing many of the hassles and challenges in preparation of the documentation.

We aim to ensure that the privilege of owning a Classic Car and wanting to use it overseas is not dampened by the deluge of paper work required and stress. These services are available to both Australians and New Zealanders.

One of the other aspects we are looking at is Road Side Assist. In New Zealand (as probably in Australia) we have the usual AA Services and then we have the specialist service providers as well. I must admit that even with my Classic breaking down some years ago, the AA was great. However, there is the need for that extra special something that removes the hassles related to such issues as: where the car is going to be stored, how are you going to get home and how do you get the car home?

These things can be a real pain and so disappointing when you were looking forward to a week away in the Classic. Then you have to also think about how you are going to tempt the wife to throw caution to the wind and go for another holiday in the Classic. Not an easy task! The less of, “I told you so...” the better.

So to the Australian readers, we welcome your enquiries and look forward to insuring your cars. To our New Zealand clients, we trust that you will continue to seek our assistance on your insurance requirements, not only for your Classic but other insurances as well.

Happy motoring.