Rise of the wrinkly easy rider
The insurance industry is not immune to the male mid-life crisis, it seems. Men, keen to show they still have youthful vigour – and with the hard cash to prove it – are buying fast bikes in increasing numbers.
And insurers are picking up the tab when the aspiring speed kings discover that 0 to 60mph in under three seconds is actually rather fast.
According to the ABI, insurers paid out £22m in motorcycle claims last year, compared with £19m in 2006.
Norwich Union underwriting strategy manager Nigel Bartram tells the Daily Telegraph: “We are seeing a big increase in those buying sports bikes for a hobby. They hit their 50s, have a bit of spare cash, had a bike when they were younger, think about buying a sports car and decide to get a fast bike instead,”
More than 3 million individuals hold a licence to ride a motorcycle in the UK, but only 1.2 million are estimated to be regular riders.
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
