Norwich Union, in partnership with the UK Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham), and commercial vehicle manufacturers has reached an industry agreement to fit standard anti-theft devices before sale.
Europe's major commercial vehicle manufacturers have agreed to put their new vehicles through a New Vehicle Security Assessment from September next year, which will be undertaken by Thatcham. There will also be a major push to upgrade the security of existing vehicles.
Risk manager for motor at Norwich Union, Brian Lee said: "To date, many manufacturers have only provided security devices as an optional extra and there has been little impetus from commercial vehicle operators to protect their vehicles after purchase."
He said when the agreement takes effect next year, Norwich Union would have a point or reference for the security of a vehicle, "enabling us to underwrite risks more effectively," he said.
