Posted: 21 September 2021
In addition to the standard benefits of an Allianz policy, the specialist EV cover includes third-party liability during charging, as well as damage cover for cables, connectors and electric wallboxes located at the insured’s premises or employee’s home (with the insured’s agreement).
With vehicle automation and connectivity increasing, Allianz has also future-proofed its wording and clarified some existing cover and limits.
The new proposition is supported by Allianz’s risk management partners, DriveTech, from the AA, and UK-based automotive tech specialists Lightfoot. DriveTech provides driver training, including an appreciation of regenerative braking, charging and EV safety. Meanwhile, Lightfoot uses connected tech to deliver real-time driver coaching, with an innovative smartphone app offering drivers rewards and prizes.
This can help to reduce fuel consumption and improve the battery range of electric vehicles, while also reducing CO2 emissions. Both partners also provide risk management services that are valuable to drivers and fleet managers alike.
As part of its sustainability commitments, Allianz will also look to use green parts wherever possible on non-safety critical items (with the insured’s permission) when repairing fleet vehicles. With more fleet customers receptive to choosing environmentally sustainable solutions, green parts can make a positive and practical environmental impact.
Recognising that many commercial motor customers will want to continue to support people in their local communities, cover that was provided for volunteering during lockdown will continue, either for the NHS or the distribution of food aid from a recognised Trust or Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) charity.
Customers and brokers can continue to rely on Allianz’s outstanding claims service. This was recognised at the 2021 British Claims Awards, where Allianz was named Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year for making a number of fundamental improvements to its claims process to support customers.
Going beyond the traditional insurance offering, fleet customers can also access a wide range of services, including:
Gerry Ross, head of commercial motor, Allianz Insurance said:
“These are really exciting times for us as we continuously challenge ourselves to bring the latest solutions to our customers. We constantly review our motor proposition to ensure we remain at the forefront of the market, meeting and anticipating broker and customer needs.
“The inclusion of EV cover reflects the evolving priorities of our customers and the option to use green parts demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. Our expert underwriters, local branch network and excellent claims teams are committed to delivering a comprehensive offering that reflects the challenges and opportunities modern fleets are facing.”
About Lightfoot
Lightfoot is an award-winning, government-supported technology that is helping to make roads safer, the environment cleaner and business vehicles less expensive to run.
Backed by Innovate UK, Lightfoot rewards better drivers with a platform that monetises good driving.
A ‘Fitbit for cars and vans’, Lightfoot is pioneering a new standard for measuring efficient driving. Lightfoot’s technology has been developed in partnership with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and leading driver-behavior experts at Bath University. Using advanced, real-time engine analytics, that measures different factors such as load and road gradients, it provides live, in-cab coaching to help drivers improve efficiency and safety.
Tests at Bath University’s Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems proved a direct correlation between Lightfoot’s in-cab visual alerts and reductions in NOx. Studies showed when drivers halve the number of lights on Lightfoot’s in-cab dashboard device, a fivefold reduction in NOx is achieved.
Lightfoot has two core components:
1. A small device that communicates directly with the vehicle’s engine and provides the driver with visual and verbal feedback to stay within the engine’s ‘sweet spot’ (optimum efficiency).
2. An exciting rewards platform enabling drivers to benefit personally from better driving (whether at work or at home) through competitions, prizes, discounts and other incentives.
The benefits of Lightfoot:
· A rapid and measurable improvement in driving styles
· Improved welfare and safety of drivers
· Changes sustained over time because of ongoing cab engagement
· Minimal management input required – Lightfoot gives results, not lots of data
· Fuel and emissions savings of 15-20% (validated by Professor Chris Brace of Bath University)
· Accident reductions of up to 40% (validated by Allianz Insurance Plc)
· Tracking, driver ID, business v private mileage is all available and easy to use
· Reduced wear and tear on vehicles (downtime reduced by 45% - Ian Thorn, CEF)
The information contained in this press release relates to Allianz Insurance plc. Allianz Insurance plc is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz Group.
About Allianz Holdings plc
Allianz Holdings plc is the non-regulated holding company which owns the principal insurance operations of Allianz SE in Great Britain.
About Allianz
The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with more than 100 million* private and corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing 790 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage 1.7 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are amongst the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2021, over 150,000 employees achieved total revenues of 148.5 billion euros and an operating profit of 13.4 billion euros for the group.
These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.
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This document includes forward-looking statements, such as prospects or expectations, that are based on management's current views and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance figures, or events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Deviations may arise due to changes in factors including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the general economic and competitive situation in the Allianz Group's core business and core markets, (ii) the performance of financial markets (in particular market volatility, liquidity, and credit events), (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, including those resulting from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates, most notably the EUR/USD exchange rate, (ix) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (x) the impact of acquisitions including and related integration issues and reorganization measures, and (xi) the general competitive conditions that, in each individual case, apply at a local, regional, national, and/or global level. Many of these changes can be exacerbated by terrorist activities.
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