Sureterm News

Increased vigilance advised to 4×4 owners

Sureterm — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:23:26 +0000

Sureterm Direct warns 4×4 owners that car theft is on the rise with 9,000 vehicles across the UK being stolen in just 36 days at the beginning of 2011 (Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service AVCIS Report 2011). 4×4’s are particularly at risk to theft as a report from Tracker released last year puts three 4×4 vehicles in the top 10 most stolen list with BMW X5 in pole position followed closely by Range Rover’s in second, and the Mercedes ML at number 10.

Owners of 4×4’s should also be cautious as it is not just the cars that are stolen but the vehicle parts, with many stolen to ‘order’ by gangs. This crime is also on the increase as Sheffield Police issued a vigilance warning to all 4×4 owners earlier this year due to a spate of attacks. Most popular removed parts being “front bumper and grill, front headlamps and side grills” as detailed in a Norfolk Police report from 2011. The parts stolen are often skillfully removed and are easier to sell on as they are harder to track, making them popular with thieves. Some vehicles stolen are also stripped down to just parts for this reason.

Sureterm a specialist 4×4 insurance intermediary suggest a number of ways which could protect vehicles from being a target to potential thieves:

• Vehicle documents such as registration, MOT and insurance certificates should not be left in cars and all valuables should be hidden and not out in plain sight.
• Having a tracker or alarm fitted such as a Thatcham ( www.thatcham.org/) security device is a useful deterrent; Sureterm also advises that having a device such as this could help reduce 4×4 insurance premiums.
• Etching a unique identification number i.e. registration number onto all glass vehicle parts (Windows/headlamps/sunroof) can put thieves off as they are traceable and cost too much to replace when trying to sell.
• Marking vehicle parts with a UV marker pen is also advised to help stolen parts to be returned in the event a car is stolen.
• A simple and effective way to deter unwanted interest in a vehicle is (if no garage/driveway available) to park in a busy and well lit area as this is off putting to thieves who do not want to risk being caught.

If a vehicle is thought to have been stolen the first course of action is to contact the police immediately with all vehicle details including the registration number, make, model and colour of the vehicle, a crime number will then be issued. Sureterm also advises in the event a car is stolen the insurance company must also be informed in case a claim needs to be made as the crime number will be needed. The insurance company may well request the whole registration document or certificate and this requires the V5C/3 section of the V5C registration certificate to be completed. The DVLA will then need to be notified and will ask for details of the insurance company and the date of the claim to proceed. Further information can be found on the DVLA website www.direct.gov.uk.

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Land Rover and the Edible Book

Sureterm — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:08:17 +0000

Ever wondered you what would you do if you got stuck on your own in the Arabian Desert in your 4×4? Well Y&R Dubai (An advertising and creative agency in Dubai) were set that very challenge by Land Rover, to design the ultimate survival guide.

The book itself has been thoroughly researched by the team given the brief and covers every indigenous plant and animal intrepid explorers may encounter in the Arabian Desert, as well as basic survival skills that may be required. They even studied the topography of the region to give tips on guiding the reader to safety. They have tried to make this one of the most practical guides possible everything from the reflective cover (could be used to signal help) to the metal spine of the book (can be used for cooking). If things got really extreme, in an emergency you could even eat the guide, it has been made with edible ink and paper and is said to have a nutritional value similar to that of a cheeseburger. Every part of the book was designed for a purpose to make this an item people would want to keep.

Originally this book was given out to 5,000 people with manuals and in sports shops, and the idea was so popular that Land Rover has ordered 70,000 to go out with the next issue of a popular car magazine.

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Porsche and the Volkswagen

Sureterm — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:45:23 +0000

When Adolf Hitler commissioned ‘The People’s Car’ he had a very specific idea in mind about what he wanted this car to be and he knew who he wanted to use to design it. Ferdinand Porsche had previously been the chief designer at Daimler-Benz before starting his own engineering consultation firm when Hitler offered him the Volkswagen proposal.

Germany’s car market up to the late 1930’s was predominantly luxury cars and everyday people and families could not possibly afford to own one. Hitler saw this as a way to get to the hearts of the nation by creating an affordable car, and saving schemes such as this one ”Fünf Mark die Woche musst du sparen, willst du im eigenen Wagen fahren.” – “Five marks a week you must put aside, if you want your own car to ride.”

His original design brief to Porsche had been to create a small four seater car, air cooled and with an economical engine of 40 miles per gallon, he also intended for it to cost 1000 deutsche marks. Porsche had been involved with designing similar vehicles in the past but they had never gone in to production and in his time working with Hitler he designed a total of 50 prototypes. Hitler didn’t ever get to see his aim achieved due to the onset of the Second World War and the Wolfsburg Factory (built especially when the manufacture of the Peoples Car) was taken over by the German air traffic ministry.

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Customer Endorsement

Sureterm — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:26:40 +0000

Having phoned around to several companies looking for insurance for my 1965 split screen VW bus, I opted for Sureterms’ offer.
They had the best package for my needs and were one of the most competitive, i.e. a lot cheaper than some other well known names.
Like all car owners, I hoped that I wouldn’t have to find out how good they were.
Only three months in to the policy, my clutch cable snapped. This is not a roadside job and I needed towing home.
I rang the breakdown club number (£40.00 PA supplement…. bargain!).
They answered immediately no endless number crunching required and said they’d get someone out to me.
A truck arrived within half an hour and the driver told me, that as my bus was lowered, he didn’t want to risk scraping it when lifting it onto the back of his truck.
He rang his office and they arranged for a de-mountable truck to come out, when it was back from another job.
It arrived half an hour later and I was home before midnight.
The breakdown assistance was fast and efficient and the company they sent out to me knew what they were doing.
I think I got my monies worth that night.
Should the worst happen and I have a crunch, I’m confident that the service will be as quick and pain free again.
I recently renewed my insurance through Sureterm…. they still beat others on price this year and, as they say… better the devil you know.
David Letts. April 2012

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National Motorhome Show, 27th – 29th April 2012

Sureterm — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:57:10 +0000

Sureterm Direct will be once again proudly attending the National Motorhome Show at the East of England Show Ground for on the 27th – 29th April. We are looking forward to being amongst enthusiast’s who share our passion for motorhomes, as well as meeting some of our loyal customers and creating new ones. Since our establishment in 1998 we have prided ourselves on being the understanding insurance specialist, so why not come to visit and see what we could a offer you?

We will be running a prize draw everyday of the show which offers entrants the chance to win a portable docking station, created by Pure ‘The world leading radio maker’ which is designed for you to use with your iPhone, iPod or iPad and is worth £99.99. This radio is perfect for getaways in your motorhome
as its light, compact and functions include an alarm (with snooze option!) and an application for free streaming internet/DAB radio stations.

So do not forget to stop by our stand no.143 and take your chance at winning one of the three superb Pure contour 100di iPhone docking station’s in our competition. In addition to this competition we are offering all visitors to our stand the opportunity to get £25 off your next motorhome insurance policy with Sureterm Direct.

For further information including opening times and tickets prices, visit www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

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Are you England’s number one fan?

Sureterm — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:46:39 +0000

VisitEngland have launched a competition to find England’s greatest ambassador, someone with huge enthusiasm for our country. In the spirit of the Olympics the winner will be asked to travel throughout England in a Campervan on an all expenses paid trip for 70-days from the 14th May – 17th July 2012, this will all be happening whilst the Olympic torch is also making its tour of the UK. The winner will be asked in return for this once in a lifetime opportunity to record their experiences from around England in a daily blog of adventures, videos and photographs, hopefully managing to capture the true spirit and beauty of England, and its people.

All entrants will be asked to prove why they consider themselves to be the ultimate supporter of England and its diverse landscapes. The candidates will go through a reality TV style process designed to show case their talents and prove they are up to the challenge! The initial entry requires entrants to write a about their favourite place in England and why they love it so much. Visit England also have a few guidelines for who they think would be the ideal candidate for the job. They think the ideal person would be someone who ‘is a go-getter who instinctively knows where the action is…’and ‘can write like a dream’ amongst others such as having a ‘full, clean driving licence’. Do you think you would be able to stay cheery even when things aren’t going quite as they should?

So if you think you’ve got the passion and enthusiasm to be crowned England’s biggest fan visit www.enjoyengland.com/fan-in-a-van/ for more information and details of how to apply.

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How much would you pay for a car owned by Keith Richards?

Sureterm — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:40:28 +0000

Up for sale at Bonham’s Sale of Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia auction (RAF Hendon) on the 30th of April, is the legendary Rolling Stones member Keith Richard’s 1950’s Pontiac Chieftain. Price estimates range around the £22,000 mark for the convertible believed to have once been owned by Keith in the 1970’s.

According to this american classic car’s history the world famous guitarist owned the vehicle when the band were recording one of their much celebrated albums ‘Exile on Main Street’ whilst living on the Cotes d’Azur. Whether you agree with the valuation or not the notoriety of the vehicles previous owner will be enough to draw huge interest to this lot at the auction. In addition the vehicle will be coming with a collection of band photos taken at the time he is thought to have owned the vehicle. This would almost certainly be an extraordinary piece of memrobilia for Classic car and Rolling Stones fans alike.

Other vehicles of interest also going to auction that day are a 3 litre Bentley, a left hand drive 1958 Austin Healey and a 1957 Lancia B20 Aurelia. So if you have the money you could get your hands on a fantastically unique vehicle. For more information on this auction visit Bonham’s Auctions at www.bonhams.com.

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Volksworld 2012

Sureterm — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:30:31 +0000

The Volksworld show 2012 did not fail to impress with a vast array of VW’s on display ranging from the sublime to those in need of a little TLC by a new owner. One of the main attractions was the seeing how many people could be contained in and on a Beetle.

Sureterm Direct were pleased to be able to have a stand again at this year’s show and it was a delight to meet so many customers and potential customers.

During the show Sureterm Direct were running an Easter Eggstravaganza competition where one lucky winner per day could get their hands on an Easter hamper.

Congratulations to Ms Devlin who won on Saturday and Ms Lakin who won on Sunday.

If you were not lucky enough to win this time you can still benefit from our special show offer to save £25.00 off your next VW insurance policy.

If shows are your thing and you’re into Motorhomes as well as Campervans why not visit us again at our next show. The National Motorhome Show takes place at the East of England Showground in Peterborough on 27th to 29th April – we hope to see you there.

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Testimonial – Steven Barber

Sureterm — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:33:25 +0000

Dear Customer Service Manager,

A letter of appreciation. Who’s the guy in question? His name’s Alex (Leczynski?), he works in the motor renewals section. What a guy. Very pleasant friendly, reassuring. Highly professional. Definitely knows more than the computer does. Seems genuinely interested in doing his job well, genuinely concerned to fix me up with a good deal. Greatly appreciated by me. Please give him a pat on the back.

Cheers,
Sincerely,
Steven Barber

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How to Read and Create your own Tulip Map

Sureterm — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:06 +0000

You might find this content useful if you are planning on participating in a rally this year or creating starting your own. Why are Tulip Map’s still in use today? Think of them as an alternative to the modern Satnav.

Tulip Maps have been around since the 1950’s when they were created in Holland after the Tulip Rally’s held there. Although they can look puzzling at first glance they are an easy visual way to follow a route without the need for text.

The basic idea behind the Tulip Symbols is that there will be a ball which indicates where you are, and an arrow which will indicate the direction you need to go. Sometimes the symbols are orientated by the direction required or sometimes you might find that the ball is always at the bottom. Some rally organisers like to make things really difficult for you so they will choose to miss off the ball and arrow completely.

Tulip maps can use any of these additional details to ease your way, some or all maybe used:

Intermediate distance – The distance to your next junction
Total distance – The total distance you have travelled so far
Tulip – The symbol
Comment/Instruction – Anything specific to be aware of i.e. landmark/building a particular road or place to aim for etc.
Compass – This is the compass bearing you need to be driving on.
Distance to Go – The distance left until you reach your destination.

When creating your own you will ideally need to work out the route on an ordinance survey map first to help you to create a rough Tulip map. You will need to test out the route by driving it yourself, this will hopefully allow you to spot any faults and you can make required amendments as you go. Once you think you have achieved a readable map give it to a friend to trial. If they arrive safely to the correct destination then you have managed to create your very first Tulip Map and are now ready to make your own rally maps.

All that is left now for you to do is Zero your speedometer on your 4X4, Classic Car, Kit Car, Camper Van and hit the open road!

If you need insurance on your trusty vehicle give Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2300.

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