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An Appreciation of Commercial Motoring.

17th April 1913, Page 9
17th April 1913
Page 9
Page 9, 17th April 1913 — An Appreciation of Commercial Motoring.
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A Leading Insurance Company's New Policies for Business Vehicles.

We have been well aware, both by reason of personal experience and outside report, of the fundamental differenees which exist in very many examples of use between private cars and commercial motors. The growth of commercial motoring has been distinctly slower than was anticipated sonic 15 years ago, but, recent. huge advances have brought out points that call for the serious consideration of the insurance world. It is not surprising, therefore, that one of the companies which does a very large volume of mutorcar business, the " Car and General," should have given notice of a completely-new series of " business policies."

Important A Ite rations.

In communicating examples of its "1913 business policies and its " 1913 garage and passenger-carrying motor-vehicle policies" to us, the managing director of the Car add General Insurance Corporation, Ltd., stales that the time has tome for the insurance of commercial motors to be conducted otherwise than upon the lines which are alone applicable to pleasure cars. His desire is, to meet the needs of owners. and to induce a more scientific and equitable method of dealing with their risks. As he points out, the alterations that are introduced are the following : differential ratings as regards the use to which the motor vehicle is put; variation of charges according to the population of the centres in and from which the vehicle works; a more or less average premium. irrespective of horse-power. There has, we know, been a grievance about horse-power rating, because big horse-power in a commercial motor does not presage high speeds cm the road, the power being really needed to cope with the greater loads. Finally, a bonus system for drivers, which has been very successful in the experience of this company with paid drivers of private cars, is to he extended to all drivers of commercial motors who become assurers under these Car and General We have not the space at our disposal to reproduce the prospectus for either of the classes of policies to which we refer, but the fullest information concermng them, together with copies. will, of course, be furnished on written application to 1, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.

Gemexous Cover: Few Exclusions.

We observe, under the benefits in both cases, that the indemnity against fire covers damage to the vehicle. (including damage to tires, lamps or accessories on it, whether the vehicle be damaged at the same time or not), that the indemnity

against accidental damage includes all damage by accidental auld external means (including damage to lamps, accessories or tires on the vehicle, whether it, be damaged at the same time or not), and that the third-party risks can be arranged on an unlimited basis, except in respect of certain specified exclusions. These exclusions, in the case of passenger-carrying vehicles, arc ; (1) extraordinary traffic and excessive weight ; (2) explosion of steam boiler; and (3) spark risks. In the CUSP of goods vehicles, the additional exclusion of " passengers " is to be noted. In all cases, we find, law costs which are incurred with the consent of the Corporation will be paid in addition to the accident indemnity.

Rates Vary with Density of Population.

Passing, now, to the classification of commercial motors, we particularly note that the specified classifications are : not exceeding 30 h.p.. not exceeding 14 m.p.h., and not exceeding 5 m.p.h. To give an idea of the way in which annual premiums vary according to population, we find that a risk in a city of over 500,000 inhabitants roughly costs from six per cent. to 11 per cent, more than the same risk for a town of over 100,000 inhabitants, and from eight per cent. to 13 per cent. more than for a town of less than 100,000 inhabitants. A new set of rates are given in respect of private types of cars used solely for ordinary business purposes.

Quarterly Inspections and Bonuses.

Some of tho rates quoted include a quarterly inspection by the Corporation, whilst in other cases this can be arranged at a charge of two guineas. per vehicle insured per annum. That charge includes written reports. In the case of passenger-carrying vehicles, the rates aregraduated according to passenger capacity, the classifications being for 14, 20, 28 and 34 passengers. Reductions in the rates of premium, varying from 35 per cent, down to 15 per cent., are granted if the assured carries at his own risk certain specified amounts of each claim under each policy benefit. Additional bonuses can be arranged if only one named person will at, all times be driving a vehicle, and in respect of renewal premiums in the absence of claims.

One very important point, in relation to the efficiency of the claims organization of the Car and General, is the fact that all the members of its engineering staff are in its permanent employ, and are independent of trade or other interests. This extensive engineering organization is well calculated to save delay and irritation when accidents occur.

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