Posts tagged adrian flux
The Monaco Kart Challenge
Sep 20th
Flux Legends presents its latest competition – The Monaco Kart challenge. At Adrian Flux, we have a real passion for motor racing and we’d like to hear your opinion on the best racers of all time.
We want our customers to pick the top five finishers in our imaginary race of legendary racers around the famous street circuit of Monaco in 100cc go-karts. A great circuit for these speedy karts to race around which also gives the chance to show some great racing skill. We have a panel of experts who will be judging who they think are the top five racers of all time.
If your top five match the selection of the expert judging panel, you could win a year’s worth of car, bike or home insurance up to the value of £500. So if you are as passionate about motor racing as we are, enter this great competition now and tell us who your top 5 racing legends are!
Quack Quack
Aug 24th
Is it really coming to the end of Summer already? At Adrian Flux, we want to round off the summer in style by doing something a bit different. Break and The Ribs of Beef are bringing us The Great Norwich Duck Race and on the 27th of August, Adrian Flux has sponsored a duck which will be competing on the day.
Our duck, Volksquacken, has been very busy preparing for the race and making sure he is ready for an action packed day. The races start at 3pm from St George’s Bridge to Fye Bridge where he will be ready to go. If you want to come down to support Volksquacken, he will be proudly wearing the Adrian Flux blue with our logo and new wheels to help propel him through the water.
Volksquacken will be auctioned off at the Forum after the event where one lucky bidder will be able to give him a good home. This will take place on the 31st August to raise money for Break’s services for children, young people and families.
This is a great event which supports a really good cause, so come on down and join in with the fun! Don’t forget to cheer Volksquacken on!
Flux give green motoring the green light
Aug 1st
Cars are becoming increasingly more economical. With the price at the pumps soaring to record highs, a more fuel-efficient car is desirable. Low CO2 emissions also mean lower road tax, and better still free road tax with tax band A cars. Adrian Flux Insurance Services give the low down on some of the most economical cars that will make other drivers ‘green’ with envy, especially as they all qualify for free road tax.
- Smart Fortwo cdi – 86g/km CO2
Probably the most economical car on the market in Britain, the Smart Fortwo cdi diesel, averages an incredible 85.6mpg and super-low CO2 emissions of 86g/km. The downside is it only seats two and it is not the fastest or most attractive car on sale. But if economy is what you’re after it definitely tops the list.
- Toyota Prius T3 – 89g/km
The Toyota Prius T3 is the third-generation of the Prius eco petrol-electric hybrid car. The Prius T3 averages 72.4mpg and emits just 89g/km CO2. The Prius is not only more aesthetically pleasing than the Smart car but also has a more spacious interior. Worth losing some mpg and adding 3g/km Co2?….. Perhaps.
- Toyota Auris Hybrid – 89g/km
The Toyota Auris HSD Hybrid is a British-built alternative to the Toyota Prius. This petrol-electric hybrid has a 136bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine that combines with a hybrid battery pack. It averages 74.3mpg and has CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.
- Skoda Fabia Greenline – 89g/km
The Skoda Fabia Greenline averages 83.1mpg and emits only 89g/km CO2. With five seats and five doors it may be worth trading in 2.5mpg on the Smart car for an economical family car and better looks.
- Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion – 91g/km
Volkswagen’s Polo 1.2 TDi Bluemotion utilizes the same TDi diesel engine as the Skoda. It’s not quite as economical, but 80.7mpg and 91g/km CO2 is nothing to be sniffed at.
- SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive – 92g/km
The SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive has the same 80.7mpg as the VW and is overall very similar, apart from an extra 1g/km CO2 emissions. The 1.2 TDI CR Ecomotive S has an engine capacity of 1199 and 74bhp. It can go from 0-62mph in 13.9 seconds.
- Lexus CT 200h – 94g/km
The petrol-electric hybrid, Lexus CT 200h is both stylish to look at and economical. It has an average fuel economy of 69mpg and emits just 94g/km CO2.
- Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 Stop/Start – 94g/km
The Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 supermini has a 95bhp, 1.3-litre diesel engine. It produces just 94g/km CO2 emissions and has an average fuel economy of 80.7mpg.
- Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir – 95g/km
The Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir has a two-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Driven with care it rewards you with 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of just 95g/km.
- Fiat Punto Evo 1.3 MultiJet 85 Eco – 95g/km
The 1.3-litre Fiat Punto Evo MultiJet turbodiesel can average over 78mpg, which makes it the most fuel-efficient Punto to date. CO2 emissions have also been reduced down to 95g/km.
Keeping your car fresh
Jul 30th
There’s nothing worse than a long journey in a car that whiffs. Adrian Flux Insurance Services like to keep things fresh, so the team have brought together a guide to car air fresheners.
There appears to be a car air freshener in any shape or scent imaginable, so there really is no excuse for a smelly motor…. although it’s best to keep the interior of the car clean and locate the source of the pong. You can even get fresheners that smell like the scent of a new car.
The traditional car air fresheners hang down from the rear view mirror. There are versions of these on the market, including car-shaped air fresheners from Haynes, depicting various models, including this VW Beetle one available from Halfords. For the really traditional look there’s the classic magic tree air freshener, available to purchase from a number of garages and retailers, including Amazon.co.uk. The shapes available range from feet to football team emblems. Even Jelly Bean (www.jellybelly-uk.com) have brought out a range.
Another type of air freshener, known as vent sticks, clip onto your car’s air vents discreetly to deliver a more subtle way to keep your car fresh-fragranced. Like these Carplan odour eliminating pink lily and grapefruit vent sticks, £2.49 from Halfords (www.halfords.com).
Also available on the market is spray air freshener specifically designed for use in a car. There are a number available including these from Richbrook (www.richbrook.co.uk). Richbrook manufacturer Ford and Vauxhall branded pump air fresheners, as well as a general spray, all designed to give off the new car fragrance, without having to have an air freshener on show. Using these kinds of air fresheners enables you to use them just when they are required, which also makes them last longer.
Other Flux favourite fresheners include Richbrook’s refillable air fresheners, depicting MG, Vauxhall or Ford logos, which stick to dash board. Some of the teams film buffs also like those depicting favourite film characters, such as this Dr Who Dalek one available from Amazon.co.uk.
Top 10 tips for first-time caravanners
Jul 26th
The number of people taking to the road in caravans has increased by 25 per cent in recent years, according to figures released by the Caravan Club. So for those of you planning on a road trip with your caravan for the first time, specialist insurance broker Adrian Flux has come up with 10 essential tips to make sure your journey runs smoothly.
10 tips for first-time caravanners:
- Get the basics right: make sure you have the correct licence for towing your caravan (check direct.gov.uk for details) and make sure you know the maximum speed limits for driving while towing a caravan – for example, the maximum speed limit on a dual carriageway is 60mph and 50mph on single carriageways.
- Ensure that you’re in full control of your caravan by practicing potentially tricky manoeuvres such as parking and reversing before you set out onyour first journey. Extension towing mirrors on your car will allow you to have a clear view down both sides of your caravan and make sure that all lights and indicators are working on both the caravan and your car.
- Never leave home without a caravan first aid kit: WD40, Milton fluid, a reliable torch, spare fuses, adjustable spanner, two screwdrivers, a set of battery leads and a strong tow-rope. You’ll have all the equipment you need to deal with a crisis – or to allow you to be a Good Samaritan to someone else in trouble.
- Face facts: caravans are often unpopular with fellow road-users, so don’t compound the situation with poor or selfish driving. Plan your route carefully, carry a road map in addition to your sat nav, avoid dawdling and if a queue builds up behind you on a single lane road, pull over when it’s safe to do so and let faster vehicles pass. Unless it’s vital, try to avoid travelling during the morning or evening rush hours.
- Remember when you are planning to overtake in your caravan that you will need to travel for further than normal to pass a vehicle, so allow plenty of time and space to do so. Similarly, bear in the mind the size of your caravan when approaching low bridges or using car parks.
- If you find your caravan swaying from side to side as you drive, don’t panic, simply reduce your acceleration and slightly loosen your grip on the steering wheel until you regain control.
- Don’t be too adventurous on your first trip: choose a location close to home so that you can allow yourself more time for the all-important unhitching and setting up.
- On that note, don’t be frightened of your caravan. Everyone was a novice caravanner at some point and even experienced travellers may take several attempts to reverse their caravan into their pitch. You’ll find that most fellow caravanners are happy to help if you need a hand and are full of useful tips.
- Give yourself peace of mind by making sure your caravan has the right insurance policy to suit you and your needs. Caravans cost a lot to replace and insurance can be surprisingly inexpensive. Call specialist broker Adrian Flux on 0800 369 8590 or visit adrianflux.co.uk for the best quotes on the market.
- Relax: you’ve bought a caravan to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, not add to them!
I Can See For Miles And Miles
Jul 16th
Although E.M Forster’s novel ‘A Room with a View’ is essentially a comment on the repressed culture of Edwardian England, the sentiment of wanting to have a pleasant aspect outside the window still holds true. Any property with an outstanding view and especially those overlooking water command a premium price.
The Household Division of Adrian Flux Insurance Services arranges specialist home insurance for properties throughout the UK both for private householders and landlords. Flux is used to sorting cover for homes that may be just a little bit different from the run of the mill and has got to know where their clients go to find a home with a spectacular view .
- Waterside apartments in marinas offer relaxing retreats for those of the boating fraternity or for ‘would be boaters’ – those who just like to lounge around soaking up the atmosphere. Specialist agencies such as Waterside Properties have a great selection of homes from flats to waterside chalets with integral boathouses.
- A panoramic cityscape takes a lot of beating and night-time views can be breathtaking. For those wanting to live the high life Our Property offers advice on buying a penthouse. Dockland property such as that at Canary Wharf not only has the combined advantage of water and city views but it is right there in the centre of the action for the 2012 Olympics. Excel Docklands handles property in Canary Wharf, Poplar, E14, Isle of Dogs, Millwall, West Ferry, Wapping and Bow, Royal Albert Docks and Wapping.
- As a complete contrast, property in the Scottish Highlands is for those who like the outdoor, rural life – hiking, shooting, fishing, mountain biking or even gentler activities like painting and drawing. Local agencies such as Scottish Highland Properties based in Inverness, Nairn and Dingwall can offer first hand advice and knowledge to would be purchasers including a full rental management service.
- If you’re wondering how prices compare around the country, nationwide property sites like WelcomeHome are a first stop to browse and make comparisons.
I Want to "Pimp" My Bicycle…
Jul 10th
At Adrian Flux, we have a “thing” for modified vehicles… But after stumbling across these videos, I wonder if we should broaden our cover to bicycles as well as cars!
Check out this supercharged “cyclist”…
22″ Spinners anyone?
This is not so much modified… But definitely the type of guy who spends way too much time on his push bike…
Finally, a video to rival Ken Block and his Subaru drifting…
Nutters!
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Vive la France
Jun 15th
Last Sunday, thousands of French car fans descended on the Rockingham Racing Circuit for the Adrian Flux French Car Show 2009. The Show was a big hit, with the great weather and the large array of activities and live action on offer. This included Track and Rally racing, trade stands, car clubs, live stunt teams, the F1 pit stop challenge and the Rockingham virtual racing game.
Attracting the largest amount of attention though was the Flux Babes. Although they were having their pictures taken for most of the day, they found time to collect for charity, drift with Opposite Lock and have the OTT Stunt team jump over them.
A good day was had by all except the people who’s cars got caked in brown dust from the rally circuit.
If you are interested in your French cars, then check out influx. This month influx has taken on a French theme, with some great articles on the monstrous Renaultsport Mégane R26R and one of the biggest fans of the iconic Citroën DS.
Although there isn’t very many pictures a the moment here are some of the places I found some:
Flickr
106 Owners Club
Facebook Group
French Car Show Website
Fin
Flux Team Theme
Jun 27th
Once again, June is our month of fun here at Flux HQ, and one of the competitions this year was to come up with an Adrian Flux company theme tune.
Here is Richard Rowsell’s winning entry.
Dave Wilson on Google+Auto Express Survey
Jun 20th
The results are in in the Auto Express Driver Power insurance survey for 2008 and we were pleased to finish in a creditable 11th place in the survey, showing last year’s rise from 40th to 17th wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
With this result being the outcome of actual customers responses, we’re especially happy that our customers seem to have a good opinion of us, a testament to all the hard work which has been done in improving the customer experience over the last few years, even though we certainly think there’s room for further improvement.
I think the results are even better for the fact that, as a broker, a certain amount of the customer experience is out of our hands and relies on our panel of insurance providers. Particularly so when you consider that the unusual and specialist cars we often cover are much harder for the insurance companies to deal with, especially if there is a claim.
Because of that, I think the value of dealing through a decent broker is demonstrated when you see that some of the companies on our panel are languishing in the bottom 10 of the rankings – so it seems that you really can get demonstrably better value AND better service by going through a broker, despite what Direct Line would have you believe.
Of course, the broker you choose has a big impact – otherwise Endsleigh, Budget, the AA, Swinton and the Post Office wouldn’t be in the bottom ten.
And now, a la Jeremy Clarkson, I’ll explain why we actually did even better. The top four companies are all, in a way, cheating. I don’t mean that they aren’t doing really well for their customers, because they are. It’s just that if you aren’t an elderly trade union member living in the country, you won’t be able to get a quote with all four. SAGA and RIAS concentrate on the ‘mature’ markets, Frizzell targets only union (and similar organisation) members, and the winner, NFU, will only quote drivers with a rural postcode.
Obviously that’s fair enough, but it does give these companies an easier ride in the survey stakes, because they can tailor their products and their customer experience to their very specific niche. In our case, managing the conflicting expectations of classic car owners, high net worth individuals and modified jap import enthusiasts, for example, is much more of a challenge. Our staff have to learn about hundreds of products, and then have to deal with customers who are so dramatically diverse that they need treating in quite different ways. And it even comes down to things like the hold music – which everyone complains about, but for different and often opposite reasons.
So, all in all, an impressive showing, and for anyone who might have been disappointed by our service in the past: we’ve got much better – it’s official, and we’re aiming to improve even further, so perhaps it’s time to consider giving us another go.