With the recent spell of glorious weather and a scorching summer already being predicted, Capita Insurance Services, in partnership with Supercover and Total Cycle Assist, unveils Bicycle Protect insurance available online through www.bicycleprotect.co.uk, in time for any cycling holidays or days out. This will enable cyclists to purchase cover, hassle-free over the internet and continue to enjoy the sunny outdoors safe in the knowledge they are fully protected.
According to the British Crime Survey (2009) around 300,000 bikes are stolen every year in England and Wales and only 5 per cent are returned, and the British Medical Association estimates there are 90,000 road-related cycling accidents and 100,000 off-road accidents every year. Taking these statistics into account, Bicycle Protect is a fully comprehensive policy covering bike theft, accidental damage, mechanical breakdown, personal accident and accident management*. If the weather in the UK deteriorates over the next few weeks and cyclists decide to escape abroad, it will also provide them with 60 day worldwide cover.
Duncan Pickering, cycling development manager at the road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists, commented: “For a long time, cyclists have wanted to feel safer, more confident and less vulnerable on two wheels. However, while we are all encouraged to get about in a healthier and more economic manner, there has been little to help facilitate this. We believe having adequate cover in place for cyclists will not only make them feel like equal road users but ensure they have peace of mind out on the roads.”
An existing Bicycle Protect customer commented: "I've started riding my bike more to get fit and I like the back-up that this cover provides. It gives me that little bit more confidence to just get out there and ride."
Mark Boulton, a director at Capita Insurance Services, said: “We are extremely excited about being able to offer this cover online to both recreational and commuting cyclists. According to the UK’s national cyclists organisation, CTC, only 2 per cent of regular cyclists are insured against accidents or bike theft. And what a number of people don’t realise is that a home and contents policy may only cover the theft of a bike – not damage to the bike or its owner and cover may not apply whilst away from the home.
However, as well as providing protection through adequate cover, we believe the Bicycle Protect website provides much more than just insurance as it also offers key pieces of advice for cyclists in order to stay safe on the roads.”
- ends -
* Terms and conditions apply
For further information, please contact:
Capita Press Office, 0207 654 2399
Capita Insurance Services is the UK's leading provider of business support services to the insurance industry offering professional services, operational solutions and strategic partnerships for insurers, brokers, affinities, corporates, government and the London market. The company is an FSA authorised representative and supports the complete insurance lifecycle from claims reception and policy administration, to specialist services including legal services, medical evidence services, complex loss adjusting, supply chain management and the delivery of fully-managed operational solutions both onshore and offshore. Ranked No.1* for customer service in the Insurance Services market in three consecutive years, Capita Insurance Services administers in excess of £12bn insurers’ liability and employs more than 4,400 staff across an integrated network of UK business centres. www.capitainsuranceservices.co.uk
The Capita Group Plc is the UK’s leading provider of BPO and integrated professional support service solutions. With 37,000 people at more than 350 sites, including 64 business centres across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and India, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits to transform its clients’ services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with revenues for 2010 of £2,744 million. Further information on The Capita Group Plc can be found at: www.capita.co.uk