Adrian Flux Insurance News

House Insurance: when buying a PUP makes sense.

6th May, 2008

Looking for a property bargain? Consider buying a PUP.

Subsidence. If ever a word was likely to strike terror in the heart of a property owner, that's it. But for anyone looking for a property bargain, buying a PUP can make sound sense, according to household insurance specialist Adrian Flux Insurance Services. That's because PUPs (previously underpinned properties) often sell for less than unaffected (but otherwise identical) houses.

The difference in price can be very significant. Yet provided the movement has stopped and the building is safe, the price difference is a reflection of perception rather than reality. In a buyer's market the PUP's perceived lack of 'saleability' can be a powerful negotiating tool to lower its price even more.

However, a major issue a PUP-buyer will probably have to face is insurance. Many companies won’t want to touch a PUP. So how to avoid the problems?

First find a specialist insurer willing to consider a PUP. Obviously it's vital to establish the cause of the movement - the insurer will only consider the property if there's proof that no more movement is likely and that any remedial work required has been completed. Historic subsidence, perhaps caused decades ago by settling when the house was first built, shouldn't be an issue. On the other hand, subsidence caused by ongoing external factors, such as quarrying, drainage or dehydration, will put off any insurer, since there's no way to predict future damage.

Before even considering the property the insurer will require a structural report - but provided they are happy with the report's findings, they should be able to offer cover.

It's not sensible to buy a PUP without proof that the movement affecting the property has stopped. However, for anyone who already owns such a property and needs insurance for it, all is not lost. Specialists like Flux may be able to offer cover that specifically excludes damage caused by the ongoing problem. It's not ideal but it's a lot better than no insurance at all.

The bottom line? Flux's Julie Carter sums things up: "In the current market, provided you are cautious, acquiring the right PUP needn't be buying a pup - and it can be an absolute bargain."

Adrian Flux aims to offer cheaper home insurance and has a range of policies for homes, contents, including specialist schemes for hard to insure properties such as thatched homes, underpinned buildings and those at risk of flooding. For information call the Flux Household Insurance hotline on 08700 772266, email household@adrianflux.co.uk or visit the website, www.adrianflux.co.uk, and click on the relevant button under the 'Home Insurance' section.

ADRIAN FLUX FRENCH CAR SHOW 2008: new attractions - cars, action, babes and popcorn!

24th April, 2008

Cars, Action, Babes… & Popcorn

Adrian Flux French Car Show,

Sunday 22^nd June 2008, Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northants

There'll be more cars, more action and more babes at this year's Adrian Flux French Car Show at Rockingham. Plus, there'll be more popcorn! The organisers have just announced some of the new attractions for this year's event - and they're set to help make Rockingham 2008 the best Show ever.

Attractions just announced include:

The Paul Swift precision driving team - burning rubber, j-turns, doughnuts, some serious drifting and ludicrously high speed parallel parking. The team will be performing twice during the day.

The FluX Factor Babes - the hottest girl team gets hotter as new Flux Babes make their debut at Rockingham. The new girls will be winners of the FluX Factor competition (vote for your favourites now at www.fluxbabes.co.uk) and they'll be handing out special Show gift bags stuffed with mugs, pens, posters and other goodies.

The Adrian Flux Games Arena - featuring a giant Scalextric rig plus all sorts of fast and furious activities like Wii, penalty shootouts, table footie and table tennis. The Arena is in the garages on the Inner Paddock and Flux is offering some great prizes for the highest scores.

Free popcorn - as much as you can eat, courtesy of the Flux Babes' popcorn cart. You'll find it in the Inner Paddock Trade Village.

Meanwhile Show sponsor Adrian Flux Insurance Services has announced that it will be offering special French Car Show insurance discounts. Flux specialises in performance and modified cars and promises that the deals will mean visitors will be able to get extra-extra-cheap car insurance at the Show. Flux will even be able to arrange instant cover, on the spot, if the insurance renewal is due within the following two months.

Plus there'll be all the usual 'French fun of the fair' with maxed-up motors, club areas, traders, track events, competitions and the opportunity to drive round the Rockingham circuit, including its 150mph-banked curves.

Tickets for the Adrian Flux French Car Show cost £15 on the gate, or £12.50 in advance (children under 12 free). For more information email sales@frenchcarshow.co.uk, call 0845 838 0824, visit www.frenchcarshow.co.uk or catch the latest news on the Adrian Flux French Car Show blog at http://frenchcarshow.blogspot.com

For details about special deals and cheap insurance for French cars, contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk

The Flux Babes website will also carry information on the Adrian Flux French Car Show - visit www.fluxbabes.co.uk (if you vote in the FluX Factor competition you could win Show tickets and a SatNav system).

HIC has over one hundred insurance schemes for Minis.

24th April, 2008

MINI BY NAME BUT NOT IN NUMBERS

Herts Insurance Consultants has over one hundred different insurance schemes for Minis

Altogether about 5.3 million Minis rolled off the production line between 1959 to 2000 and Mini numbers continue to rise after the launch of four new Minis in 2001. For modern Minis alone there are 372 different interior trim and 319 different exterior options. Allowing for all variant possibilities, it is theoretically possible to produce literally millions* of different variants of the new Minis.

So it's not surprising that getting insurance for a particular Mini is a bit of a minefield because of all the different models of different ages and in different states of repair. However, Herts Insurance Consultants, HIC, is an expert at insurance for all Minis - old and new, from Classics to modern souped-up models and even foreign left-hand drive models. HIC now boasts over one hundred different insurance schemes for Minis.

By using different underwriters HIC can tailor its insurance schemes to suit a client's individual requirements and lifestyle. The policies are designed with a range of options that can be mixed and matched so owners can get exactly the cover they need without paying extra for cover they don't need.

The options include: flexible limited mileage, classic rally days and track days cover, independent agreed value cover, modifications on a like for like basis, ICE cover, breakdown cover and salvage retention. There are additional discounts of up to 20% for female drivers and enthusiasts.

HIC plays an active role in the car enthusiast's world sponsoring events like Mini rallies, shows and track days. HIC's trained insurance advisers have expert knowledge of Minis and the Mini scene and many are Mini owners themselves.

HIC is the enthusiast’s car insurer with a passion for motoring that translates into great deals on car insurance. For more information visit www.hertsinsurance.com or call 08451 290290

Porsche Championship: only woman competitor secures sponsor.

15th April, 2008

Pink Panther Porsche Has Power To Shock

The only female driver in Porsche Club Championship '08 secures a sponsorship deal with Flux

Britain's racing circuits will be graced this year with a striking and colourful new car and driver combo. Sarah Bennett-Baggs will be behind the wheel of a bright pink 1978 Porsche 911 SC, sponsored by Adrian Flux Insurance Services.

Sarah is competing in the Porsche Club Championship for the first time. She's the only woman in the field, so is her choice of colour a provocative move? "Maybe it's a bit of a shock," she laughs. "But it's a great colour and the 'pink panther' style really stands out - it's actually the original Porsche Rubystone Red. The colour also matches Flux Babes' pink lady logo, which is a nice tie-in with my sponsor.

"I don't think it's provocative. At first glance some people may think it's funny, but fortunately the stop watch doesn't lie - and there's no disguising ability in a one-marque championship such as this."

Sarah is no stranger to the pits as she's raced for three seasons in Britcar Production Saloons, having started her career in the inaugural Formula Women Series in 2004. She also works in motorsport and is team manager for Rupert Lewin Racing Ltd.

As you might expect in this predominantly male environment, Sarah is used to the chauvinistic remarks. But she says it fires her up: "The more they wind me up, the faster I go."

The tie-up with Flux is a natural one. Not only does the company insure classic, performance and modified cars, it's also keen to attract more business from female drivers and is offering cheaper car insurance for women. Says Sarah: "I like their approach to the motoring enthusiast - it's more 'yes, we can do that,' as opposed to the 'sorry, computer says no' that you often get from insurers.

"Plus, Flux is a popular brand - people see the logo and come up to me to chat about them - so having them as sponsor is a real benefit."

Can she win the Championship? "I'm still getting used to racing a 30 year old car - it's a steep learning curve - and there are guys on the circuit who have years of experience in them. But I am going to get results and will be beating myself up about it after each race if I don't."

Adrian Flux aims to offer cheap car insurance quotes and has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage onwww.adrianflux.co.uk

HIC launches short-period banger rally insurance scheme

10th April, 2008

HIC introduces 'wacky races' insurance

Insuring the uninsurable - Scally, Ramshackle and others find an HIC policy that makes it easy

'Banger rallies' have never been more popular, with two or three dozen UK-originating ones taking place this year. But they can be a nightmare to organise. The free-thinking entrants having a huge variety of vehicles with only one thing in common - their car is worth next to nothing. Typical banger rally rules don't allow you to spend more than £100 on a car, and it will have to go across Europe on a route that takes in every type of driving - from autoroute to mountain hairpin - and tests all types of vehicle.

They also have one other thing in common - banger rally insurance has often been tricky to come by. This is one area where the insurance can cost more than the car �" because the car itself is so cheap.

Until now. Insurance specialist HIC has introduced a banger rally insurance scheme that makes it a lot easier and cheaper for the 'wacky racers' to get cover. And it's not only easier for the driver and passengers, but for race organisers too.

The two leading 'banger rally' organisers, Ramshackle Rally and Scally Rally, have found the new HIC policy gives them and their entrants huge benefits.

The Ramshackle Rally (www.ramshacklerally.com) has three routes in 2008, starting at the Channel ports, going to Spain, Croatia and Poland. And for each one, HIC's Banger Rally scheme is the preferred insurance, says the Ramshackle Rally's organiser Greg Powell-Rees.

"Insurance was our biggest headache in the early days of Ramshackle," says Greg. "While we had no great problem with our own public liability insurance, a key condition was ensuring that every team had their own insurance. And that was the tricky part. With all the different companies they were using, it was difficult for entrants to arrange insurance just for the four days of the actual rally, and it was difficult for us to check that they had the right insurance. Almost every policy would have different terms and conditions.

"So we spoke to HIC about getting a special policy that suited the rally. It needed to be flexible to cover the different cars that were entering, and the different amounts of time that teams wanted to spend on the trip. The main rally was four days, but some teams wanted to sell the car at the end and fly home, or drive straight back, or make a leisurely fortnight out of it. HIC's new policy covers all the entries, meets all the regulations, and doesn't cost extra for time that the entrants won't need.

"For us, checking all the different options and covers would have been a nightmare. But HIC has made it very easy. When teams insure through them, it's not only very competitive, but we know the small print is consistent and covers everything we wanted. We now reckon that an HIC policy will speed registration threefold."

Another banger rally relying on HIC is the Scally Rally (www.scallyrally.co.uk). Organisers Sue and Neil Thacker say that fund-raising was at the Scally Rally's heart from the start, with over £75,000 raised last year for good causes by both organisers and entrants.

Scally has set its sights wide - because for the first time in 2008 there's not only the 'Across Europe' version but also a 'Round Ireland' rally.

"We decided to work with HIC when we realised they could tailor insurance for our type of event," says Sue. "It was obvious to us that HIC's policy was ideal for Scally entrants and they understood our needs. HIC can insure for short periods, with a variety of options, but covering all the essential things we as organisers wanted."

HIC is the enthusiast’s car insurer with a passion for motoring that translates into great deals on car insurance. For more information visit www.hertsinsurance.com or call 08451 290290.

Modifying a motor? Don't be put off by insurance scaremongers, says Flux

8th April, 2008

"Don't be put off modifying your car by scaremongering," says Flux

Modified cars insurance shock: it needn't be expensive

A recent survey claimed that it often costs more than twice as much to insure a modified car compared to an ordinary one. 'Rubbish' says Adrian Flux Insurance Services. Flux should know: it’s the biggest insurer of modified cars in the UK.

"It's an urban myth that modifications always hike up insurance," says Flux's Gerry Bucke. "It's partly perpetrated by those insurers who don't like them because they don't appear on their computer screen.

"But if you talk to any insurer that understands the modified business, the extra cost will be a reasonable reflection of any extra risk - depending on the modification, the difference can be minimal."

Modifying cars is getting much more popular, particularly amongst younger drivers. "It's not all about performance and boy racers," says Gerry Bucke. "Cosmetic mods make your car individual." In fact, the single most popular modification on Flux's books is fitting alloy wheels.

The original survey, from confused.com, claimed that owners of modified cars could expect to pay an average of 139% more for their cover. Flux says the figure is very misleading, because the extra cost depends entirely on what the modifications are.

The confused.com story claimed that a 20-year-old male with no claims or convictions to his name, driving a VW Golf 1.5l, would be expected to pay almost three times (189%) more for his car insurance if he chose to add modifications. "This is simple scare-mongering," says Gerry Bucke. "If he added alloy wheels, his premium would probably only go up by about 5%."

"Working out a modification's effect on the premium is a matter of balancing the risks," he explains. "Typically, if you add a cosmetic modification then the premium would probably go up to reflect the cost to replace it. If you enhance the performance of the car, for example with a chip or turbo, then the premium would be likely to increase by the same percentage as the performance. So if the turbo added 10% to your car's bhp, you should expect to pay about 10% more for your insurance."

People who modify their car need to tell their insurer or they won't be covered. But if the insurer starts talking about a 189% price increase for a set of alloys, then shop around. "A specialist broker will be able to sort out insurance at a reasonable cost," Gerry Bucke confirms.

"If you're into modifying your motor, don't be put off by the scaremongers."

Adrian Flux aims to offer cheaper modified car insurance and has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage onwww.adrianflux.co.uk

Norfolk's rising star driver in first podium finish

31st March, 2008

First Podium Finish For Young Norfolk Driver

Marham-based racing driver Jacques Morley has just picked up his first podium finish - at the tender age of ten. West Norfolk's budding version of Lewis Hamilton (Jacques is a huge fan of the F1 star) only began racing karts just last year. However, earlier this year his obvious talent helped net a sponsorship deal from InFlux, the glossy car magazine published by Adrian Flux Insurance Services of East Winch.

Jacques will be competing in the MSA British Cadet Kart Championship this year (where Hamilton once honed his talent). In the club event at Beccles' Ellough Park Raceway, on Sunday March 30th, he held his nerve through three heats and came in third in the cadets' final.

"It's fantastic that Jacques has done so well in such a short space of time," says Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux. "Flux has a history of supporting motoring talent - helping a youngster develop, and seeing such quick results, is a really worthwhile use of our sponsorship budget.

"Plus InFlux has just launched a new website (www.influx.co.uk), so the higher Jacques' profile, the better we like it!"

Conditions on the day were sunny and windy and Jacques' mum Claudia was delighted by her son's success in the 14-lap final. "Getting used to seeing him hurtle down the straights at 60 miles an hour hasn't been easy," she admits. "But seeing him up on the podium, pleased as punch, was fantastic."

Claudia says that the InFlux sponsorship has been hugely important - not only for the financial support, but also because having a big name sponsor has given him a boost within the sport. "People see that InFlux is willing to back him, so they take him more seriously," she says.

InFlux cover areas as diverse as modified cars, bikes, concepts, superbrands, modifieds, luxury hounds and oily-rag enthusiasts, legends and rebels, drifting and classics. The new online version complements the glossy magazine with loads of extras including video and downloads. It's at www.influx.co.uk

Find out more about Jacques Morley and follow his progress at www.jacquesmorley.com

To contact Adrian Flux Insurance freephone 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk

VIP insurance service for time-strapped clients

28th March, 2008

Fit & Forget Insurance

Adrian Flux launches VIP insurance service for time-strapped and high net worth clients

Sorting insurance can be time consuming, especially if you have unusual vehicles or a property that isn't 'standard'. Flux Private Clients is a new VIP insurance service for people of high net worth or with no spare time. Launched by the Adrian Flux Insurance Group, the service is designed to manage individuals' insurance needs, including vehicle and home insurance, offering an 'umbrella' policy that can be tailored to each person's circumstances.

"Flux Private Clients will manage the several insurances associated with a person's vehicles and properties," says Julie Carter of Flux. "It gives them one point of contact, one renewal date, one premium to cover everything - and a personal manager to look after their interests."

A bespoke service doesn't necessarily make it expensive, adds Carter. "If we're looking after a family's cars and properties, the total premium is likely to be some thousands of pounds," she says. "That's a huge incentive to manage it carefully. We're dealing with over a hundred different insurers, which not only gives us the opportunity to cover just about any risk, it also means we can access the best prices."

One area where Flux scores over its competitors is in its ability to look after a wide range of vehicles and properties. For example, its Car division has policies for high performance vehicles, classic cars and modified motors, as well as motorbikes, quads and trikes. Meanwhile, through its Household department, Flux is one of the few to cover unusual risks such as thatched homes and unoccupied properties.

"Many of these clients will own a portfolio of properties - we have policies that can cover them even when some are unoccupied for a period of time," says Carter. "And if they have classic cars we can offer agreed values for them, so that they are insured for their full market value, as opposed to what the official data says they are worth."

Flux Private Clients will also be able to look after commercial properties. "We'll tailor the policy to suit the client's needs - with options like business interruptions, employer liability and so on," adds Carter.

"Because we have so much specialist knowledge in-house, we can manage a client's insurances effectively, however non-standard or unusual some of the risks may be. A service like this isn't for everyone, but for people who own several properties or vehicles it will be a real bonus, saving time and making life a whole lot easier."

Flux Private Clients is part of the Adrian Flux Insurance Group. For information call 08700 772266, email household@adrianflux.co.uk or visit the website, www.adrianflux.co.uk, and click on the relevant button under the 'Home Insurance' section.

Vote for new Flux Babes and win a prize

27th February, 2008

WHO'S GOT THE FLUX-FACTOR?

Hot or not? Vote for Adrian Flux's new Flux Babes

The Flux Babes are already the hottest thing to hit the insurance business and Adrian Flux Insurance Services intends to make them even hotter by adding more Babes to the ranks. And the great news is that anyone visiting the Flux Babes website www.fluxbabes.co.uk not only gets an eyeful of the delightful Flux Babes but also gets a chance to look at all the new contenders and vote for their favourite girl.

There are sixteen beautiful new girls to choose from but only the five with the most votes will join their colleagues as fully fledged Flux Babes. Of course, the Flux Babes aren't just pretty faces - they're all insurance executives at Flux's East Winch offices. Most of them deal with the customers daily, speaking on the phone, developing the right insurance package, helping with claims and so on.

But instead of sharpening their pencils in the Flux offices at the moment the girls are busy sharpening up their acts and canvassing for votes. Getting to be a Flux Babe is a sought after position.

"It's fun being a Flux Babe," says Laura, one of the original Flux Babes. "We get to swap our work clothes for skimpy glamour outfits and do some real modelling. It makes a change from being in the office. But it's still hard work!"

It's easy to vote for your favourites and everyone who votes will get a chance to win two VIP tickets to the Adrian Flux French Car Show at Rockingham on Sunday 22^nd June, 2008 plus a Sat Nav system to make sure they get there. All you have to do is click on your choice to register your entry. The Flux Babes can be seen in the flesh throughout the summer at various car shows including the Adrian Flux French Car Show.

Visit the Flux Babes Website at www.fluxbabes.co.uk to read all about the Flux Babes, see hundreds of pictures from various shows and photoshoots, watch a special Flux Babe video and download a Flux Babe screensaver and game.

To contact Adrian Flux Insurance freephone 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk

Jersey Scheme Offers Cut-Price Insurance for Cars, Motorbikes & Homes

18th February, 2008

CUT-PRICE CAR, MOTORBIKE AND HOME INSURANCE FOR JERSEY

"Islanders currently pay over the odds," says insurer

A new scheme promises the Jersey islanders cheaper insurance on their cars, motorbikes and homes. Adrian Flux Insurance Services says its Island scheme could cut costs by 50%, or even more, for many everyday insurance products.

"Insurance costs on Jersey are too high," says Flux's Gerry Bucke. "People here are currently paying over the odds for policies that don't take into account the lower risk factors of living on the island.

"For example, with car and motorbike insurance many companies base their rates on statistics for the UK as a whole, and fail to take into account the lower speeds, lower crime and safer roads of Jersey. Even allowing for the fact that many of the cars here are high value, the rates are still too high. And the same is true with home insurance."

Flux developed its Island scheme in partnership with several leading underwriters who have accepted the company's analysis of the data. Gerry Bucke comments: "It will make significantly cheaper insurance available to everyone on Jersey. We spoke to one Jersey motorist who had been paying over £400 for his car insurance. We were able to cut his premium down to just over £120."

Flux gives these examples of car insurance costs under its new scheme: a 23 year old male, driving a BMW Mini, would pay £293 per year; and a 48 year old, with a Jaguar X-type, would pay just £208. For motor bikers and quad riders the costs are equally competitive. A 35 year-old riding a Honda CBR 600 may pay less than £198 per year with Flux, while a 25 year old on a Quadzilla 250 could pay just over £184. (All quotes are fully comprehensive, except the Quad, which is third party fire & theft, and are subject to the driver's circumstances. Terms & conditions apply).

Flux's Island scheme will offer similarly low rates for house insurance on Jersey. For example, for a detached house with building cover of £200,000 and contents of £30,000 (new for old), the annual insurance premium would be around £145, assuming five years no claims discount.

Find out more about the Flux Island scheme by calling 73 63 53 or visiting www.adrianflux.je. The new scheme is registered with the Jersey FSA.

Volksworld Show Special: Babes, Goodie Bags and Big Discounts on Insurance.

13th February, 2008

Volksworld Show Special: 29 - 30 March 2008, Sandown Park Esher

GIRLS, GOODIES & GREAT INSURANCE DISCOUNTS…

plus - Win A Year's Free Insurance - worth up to £500

Volksworld Insurance Services (VWIS) will be stirring things up with a heady mix of temptations on their Volksworld Show stand. For a kick-off, visitors will be able to bag an extra 10% discount on their insurance - and they can actually get cover at the Show, on the spot.

Then there's the small matter of the VWIS Babes. They all work with HIC (Herts Insurance Consultants), the name behind VWIS and the company that provides a huge range of cheap insurance schemes for VWs. The VWIS girls are all recruited from company staff and, when they aren't being babes, are insurance executives. They'll be bringing a welcome touch of glamour to the Show.

VWIS always offers cheaper insurance and the extra 10% discount applies to anyone arranging cover at the Show. Staff will be able to sort out insurance cover online, on the spot - and if the policy isn't due for renewal just yet, visitors can still take advantage of the deal as VWIS can handle policy start dates up to 60 days in advance.

As if getting cheaper insurance and hanging out with the VWIS Babes weren't incentives enough, anyone who asks for a quote can also grab a VWIS Goodie Bag. Amongst the swag are some of the famous HIC Squidgy Beetle key rings - but collectors need to be quick off the block as numbers are limited and when they're gone, they're gone. Luckily there are loads of other freebies, including mugs and pens.

Last but by no means least, VWIS is running a free prize draw to win a year's worth of insurance, with a value up to £500. Visitors should pop along to the stand and ask one of the VWIS Babes to show them how they can win! They'll also be offering light refreshments and comfy sofas, so visitors can quench their thirst and take the weight off while they organise their insurance.

Contact Volksworld Insurance Services on 08451 240 240 or via www.volksworldinsurance.com

HIC is the enthusiast’s car insurer with a passion for motoring that translates into great deals on car insurance. For more information visit www.hertsinsurance.com

Adrian Flux French Car Show 2008 - dates announced

12th February, 2008

YOU ARE THE STAR IN THE FRENCH CAR…

… but are you up to Rockingham's 150mph banked curves?

Adrian Flux French Car Show,

Sunday 22^nd June 2008, Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northants

Fancy flying round the 150mph-banked curves at the Rockingham International Motorsport Circuit? If you're a budding racer, or just fancy giving it a go, you can - at the 2008 Adrian Flux French Car Show.

Last year broke all records and this year's Show is another feast of cars, action and French motor-mania - and once again the Flux Babes will be adding glamour to the proceedings. There are loads of adrenalin-charged shows and events planned, including a visit from the Driftworks team, who'll be demonstrating the wonderful world of drifting with stunts and races. Then there's the modified motors, the trade stands, the show & shine competitions - "The buzz around this Show is just brilliant " says Gerry Bucke of sponsors Adrian Flux Insurance Services. "The organisers get it bang on the button - there's loads of stuff to do and see. Anyone who loves cars should get here."

Wherever there's 'Flux' and 'French' in the same sentence, you can expect the Flux Babes to be on hand. They'll be handing out goodies and urging people to visit their brand new website, as well as showing how to get some extra special insurance deals.

But there's no doubt that one of the key attractions this year is the chance to book a drive on Rockingham's full International circuit - Europe's fastest racing circuit. With operating garages, pit stops and the 52,000 seater grandstand, it's the whole race experience.

"This is a really exciting and unique opportunity for car enthusiasts," says show organiser Mark Dow. "Most track days are held on circuits that are converted airfields - but this is the UK’s only purpose-built circuit to be built since Brooklands in 1908. In fact, it’s the only circuit of its kind in Europe."

The Flux Babes website will also carry information on the Adrian Flux French Car Show - visit www.fluxbabes.co.uk

PRESTIGE MAGAZINE GETS PRESTIGE WEBSITE

5th February, 2008

'InFlux' is out on the web

www.influx.co.uk

Fans of InFlux, the prestige motor and biking magazine from Adrian Flux Insurance, can now read it online. Originally available as a conventional magazine only to dealers and select customers of Adrian Flux and Bikesure in limited quantities, InFlux has been made available in three online formats on www.influx.co.uk

You can view the articles individually in a conventional website, download them as a PDF for offline viewing (or for printing out) or view the complete magazine online in 'interactive' format, complete with 'turning pages'.

But www.influx.co.uk is more than just an online version of the magazine. It also includes extra material the editors couldn't find space for in the printed version, as well as a photo gallery and videos.

InFlux magazine has superb editorial, luxury glossy production values and was originally commissioned so that dealers could have something interesting and exciting to offer customers in their showrooms. The twice-yearly magazine - published by Future Publishing and now on its third issue - has met with universal praise.

"We commissioned InFlux because as motoring enthusiasts ourselves we knew that a good magazine can make a difference to how a customer feels about a dealer," said Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux. "It says a lot about a dealer if they've got something of this quality on show - or to give to a good customer to take home. Obviously, from our point of view it reflects well on us too, at the critical stage where a new car will need insurance.

"But producing unlimited copies of a free magazine is expensive, so not everyone can get hold of them. The online version allows everyone to read it."

The most recent edition covers racing, modified cars, bikes, concepts, superbrands, modifieds, luxury hounds and oily-rag enthusiasts, legends and rebels, drifting and classics. Issue 4 is due out in the spring.

InFlux has been produced by Future Publishing - the name behind enthusiast titles such as Mini Magazine, Fast Bikes and Total Vauxhall.

Adrian Flux aims to offer cheaper car insurance and has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk

Motor Trade insurance for 21 year olds - Flux launches new policy

1st February, 2008

NEW SCHEME FOR YOUNGER MOTOR TRADERS

Flux offers easier insurance

More young entrepreneurs are getting into the motor trade, but they can have problems getting insured. Now there's a new scheme that gives traders as young as 21 full motor trade cover, without the need to send in a CV or other certification.

The new scheme has been launched by Adrian Flux Insurance Services. "We insure a lot of younger drivers for their private car insurance," explains Flux's Julie Carter. "So it's natural that they come to us if they plan to go into the motor trade.

"Obviously it's important that we're able to meet these customers' needs. However, we found most motor trade policies didn't like drivers younger than 25, however clean their record. Those that were willing to offer cover wanted at least a CV before they would consider the driver."

Consequently Flux developed the new policy with its underwriters. "It will certainly make it easier for entrepreneurs aged 21 to 25 to get into the motor trade," says Julie Carter. And despite its relaxed attitude, it costs no more than traditional schemes, which have tighter requirements, and delivers all the benefits of a standard motor trade policy.

The new scheme for 21 year olds and over is available in most (but not all) UK postal codes - call Adrian Flux for details. Flux's motor trade schemes can cover all types of vehicle, with no exclusions, providing they are 'road legal'.

For more information contact the Adrian Flux quote line on (08700) 764841, email the company atquotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage onwww.adrianflux.co.uk

HIC covers Bongo vans around Europe

1st February, 2008

The Mazda Bongo van hasn't got the coolest-sounding name on the block, but it's turned out to be one of the coolest ways of travelling around Europe. The Bongo was made exclusively for the Japanese market, but it's now phenomenally popular around the world as a grey import.

Tight Japanese regulations mean that a Bongo is a great buy for international travellers - high quality, good economy, holds its value, and is an excellent base for modifying. Auctions are even held dockside in Japan, the Bongos are driven straight on to ro-ro ships, and often offloaded in the UK straight into conversion shops to be turned into motorhomes.

But getting the Bongo over here is easy. The hard part is usually insuring them. Conventional insurers often won't touch them - especially for European travel - or else they'll load the premiums unreasonably if they hear your Bongo has been converted to a campervan. More tricky still, unless you are a UK resident you could have real problems finding insurance.

Now Herts Insurance Consultants has introduced various schemes for covering your Bongo, especially for travellers with wanderlust, and it normally doesn't matter what motorhome modifications have been made, where the owner came from or where in Europe they are travelling.

HIC's Walkabout policies can be tailored to the specific needs of van owners. For example, in March 2007 mountain biker John Oldale bought a Bongo to travel to races and meetings throughout Europe. The 1996 model was smart, good-value, gave him space to store his bike and spares, and all the accommodation needed.

There was just one small problem. John's travelling companion was an American biking photographer and journalist covering his trip, and when he asked about insurance, no one, it seems, wanted to cover an overseas visitor for driving a Bongo around Europe.

Except for HIC. "I rang around loads of places, and nobody else would give cover on a visitor to Europe who didn't already have a UK driving licence or a previous UK policy", he said. "Only HIC could offer us cover".

John's Walkabout policy covers his Bongo for travel throughout Europe, Turkey and other selected countries, and includes full comprehensive cover for his American colleague to drive.

Walkabout is superbly handy for travellers. They can organise insurance even before arrival in the UK, and they don't need a permanent address. HIC can send insurance documents by e-mail, and they can be downloaded by the traveller at any point in their journey - even at sea!

Nor do policy holders need a UK driving licence. A variety of international licences are acceptable, including from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, USA or Canada. Cover can range from 15 days to 12 months and includes a Green Card valid for 12 months.

HIC is the enthusiast’s car insurer with a passion for motoring that translates into great deals on car insurance. For more information visit www.hertsinsurance.com or call 08451 290290.