18.12.02 - Biking in the UK: a young man's game?
A new survey of UK bikers carried out by leading motorbike insurance specialist MCE reveals that half are over the age of thirty. Which begs the question: is biking really a young person's game or should we be saluting our more senior citizens for their unflagging dedication to two-wheel travel?
04.12.02 - Northern Ireland bikers should pay less for their insurance says MCE
Motorcycle and scooter owners in Northern Ireland are not getting a fair deal on their insurance premiums according to Michael Edwards, director of leading specialist insurance provider MCE. Premiums are massively higher than in the UK mainland for all types of machines. Within some age groups, bikers in Northern Ireland are finding it hard to find cover at any price.
01.12.02 - MCE wins twice at top financial services awards
Wellingborough-based insurance provider MCE has won two major trophies at the UK's leading insurance industry awards. MCE was picked out as Small Broker of the Year and won the award for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the annual Insurance Times Awards in Birmingham on 6 December.
29.11.02 - Insuring American Cars
Specialist motor insurance for American cars is a fascinating and surprisingly fast-growing niche sector of the UK insurance market. Anyone with a newly imported 1970 Plymouth Fury to insure will quickly find there are few places to turn for an affordable premium. Most underwriters still have difficulty getting to grips with a market that requires a completely different approach to conventional motor insurance.
03.10.02 - Colin Pedwell assumes Operations Manager role at MCE
Wellingborough-based insurance provider MCE has appointed Colin Pedwell to the newly created role of Operations Manager. With 17 years' experience working across every section of the company, he will be responsible for managing MCE's internal auditing, product rating and pricing and claims management systems.
01.10.02 - MCE appoints Andy Bird to head American cars portfolio
Wellingborough-based broker MCE has appointed Andy Bird to spearhead the company's American cars portfolio. Bird will be responsible for developing MCE's relationships with American car dealers and overseeing the company's book of business with the American car club network across the UK.
01.10.02 - MCE launches specialist insurance scheme for Sachs bikes
Leading bike insurance specialist MCE has launched a dedicated insurance scheme in partnership with the world's longest-established manufacturer Germany's Sachs. The scheme offers attractively priced third party cover tailor-made to suit owners of Sachs bikes.
01.10.02 - Lock up your Bikes
You don't have to be a masochist to own a motorbike or scooter; but there are two obvious reasons why it probably helps. First, bike and scooter owners are much likely to suffer serious accidents than car owners. Second, bikers and scooterists stand a much higher chance of joining the crime statistics when their pride and joy goes missing. Highly organised gangs of thieves see our two-wheeled friends as an easy source of tax-free income. So, it's perhaps surprising that less than half the bikes stolen every year are covered for theft. The majority are insured third-party only.
16.08.02 - MCE appoints Training & Compliance Co-ordinator
Wellingborough-based insurance broker MCE has appointed Lisa Hunt BA Hons to the newly created position of Training & Compliance Co-ordinator.
A graduate of the University of Ulster, Lisa Hunt, 26, was previously responsible for training and staff development with NU Direct in Northampton - a position she had held since January 2000.
27.06.02 - Aged 16-24? MCE is Looking for You!
MCE, in partnership with Intec Business Colleges, has 10 vacancies for 16-24 year olds interested in developing a successful career within the insurance industry. We need ambitious young people to join the fourth most successful independent car and motorcycle insurance team in the UK.
24.07.02 - Security Made Easy for Bike Owners
Motorbike insurance specialist MCE is to offer reduced insurance rates to policyholders who purchase one of a range of security devices it can supply direct at competitive prices. MCE's Security Made Easy initiative aims to draw on the company's in-depth knowledge and experience of bike security issues to counter the growing threat of bike theft and reward owners' commitment to risk prevention through lower insurance costs.
01.06.02 - Win a Classic Mustang with Free Insurance!
MCE and Classic American magazine have teamed up to give you the chance of winning a fully insured, classic Ford Mustang. The prize will be awarded at the Classic Motor Show, Birmingham NEC which is held between Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th November.
29.05.02 - New Financial Controller at MCE
We would like to give a big 'welcome' to our new Financial Controller, Karen Robinson BA (Hons) ACCA. Karen is heading up our finance department.
03.05.02 - MCE Agrees Sponsorship Deal with American Auto Club
We are delighted to be the proud sponsors of the American Auto Club (AAC) 2002 season. Part of this partnership will comprise MCE presenting the awards, including 'Car of the Year', at the Autumn Nationals.
27.04.02 - Sunday Opening
Thanks to your feedback about what additional services you would like to see introduced, Sunday opening times have been introduced.
27.04.02 - New MCE Corporate Identity Launched
We made the decision to create a new identity for MCE, to reflect how the company has developed over the last few years, and to convey our beliefs and values in making insurance 'easy' and giving our customers value for money.
18.12.02
Biking in the UK: a young man's game?
A new survey of UK bikers carried out by leading motorbike insurance specialist MCE reveals that half are over the age of thirty. Which begs the question: is biking really a young person's game or should we be saluting our more senior citizens for their unflagging dedication to two-wheel travel?
Female bikers accounted for just nine per cent of bikers, which, at least outperforms the ratio of females to males in the UK's boardrooms; but it seems it may be some time before women bikers catch up with their male counterparts.
The survey also found that only one fifth of bikers have three years no claims bonus, reflecting the difficulties bikers face protecting their vehicles against damage or, increasingly, theft. And only one in five bikes are worth more than £4,000.
MCE Director Michael Edwards commented: 'It's commonly assumed that biking is a young man's game, but our survey suggests that there our more than a few grey hairs beneath the UK's cycle helmets.
'On a more serious note, the no claims bonus findings are worrying. But all bike-owners can dramatically reduce their overall cost of ownership by adopting the right crime prevention strategy and using a cost-effective security product.
'Insurance providers can help here by offering a combination of security advice, products and insurance cost savings. With an approved crime prevention device fitted, policyholders can benefit from discounted premiums and pay no excess in the event of a theft.'
04.12.02
Northern Ireland bikers should pay less for their insurance says MCE
Motorcycle and scooter owners in Northern Ireland are not getting a fair deal on their insurance premiums according to Michael Edwards, director of leading specialist insurance provider MCE. Premiums are massively higher than in the UK mainland for all types of machines. Within some age groups, bikers in Northern Ireland are finding it hard to find cover at any price.
Edwards does not accept that this lack of reasonably priced cover is inevitable. By applying detailed technical understanding and market knowledge, he argues, specialist insurance providers can offer Northern Ireland bikers a better deal. MCE is already proving this by providing insurance cover for motorcycle and scooter owners of all ages in Northern Ireland at rates equivalent to those in other parts of the UK.
Edwards comments: 'For some time now MCE has been aware of a marked discrepancy between the cost of insurance for bikers in Northern Ireland and those in England, Scotland and Wales. Motorcycle and scooter owners in Northern Ireland are paying at least 50 per cent more than in mainland Britain. They are effectively being penalised for the failure of some insurance providers to get to grips with the specifics of the local market.
'At MCE we believe in judging each risk on its own merits. We are convinced that riders in Northern Ireland do not present a significantly greater risk than those in the rest of the UK. This is reflected in the insurance quotes we can provide for bikers in Northern Ireland, which are consistently lower than the competition - often by up to 50 per cent.'
01.12.02
MCE wins twice at top financial services awards
Wellingborough-based insurance provider MCE has won two major trophies at the UK's leading insurance industry awards. MCE was picked out as Small Broker of the Year and won the award for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the annual Insurance Times Awards in Birmingham on 6 December.
MCE was singled out from among the UK's 15,000 small-to-medium-sized broking firms as the most dynamic and successful company in the sector. This is a major achievement for the company, which has been based in the Northants area for 27 years. MCE (formerly known as M. C. Edwards) specialises in providing cover for motorcycles, American cars, classic vehicles, cars and household and travel policies.
The insurance industry's equivalent of the Oscars, this year's Insurance Times Awards attracted over 1,300 movers and shakers from the world of insurance and the financial services and was hosted by comedian Rory Bremner. MCE's two simultaneous award wins have drawn positive attention from all sides of the insurance industry and put this highly dynamic and fast-growing Northants-based company well and truly on the map at a national level.
MCE Director Michael Edwards commented: 'We are absolutely thrilled to win these extremely prestigious awards. The insurance business has changed enormously since MCE was formed in 1975, and I like to think MCE has been one of the more successful companies in the sector when it comes to moving with the times. Winning the small broker award is the icing on the cake of a record-breaking year for MCE. Our financial performance has improved significantly and we achieved growth of 37 per cent in 2002. At the same time we increased our policyholder numbers from 35,000 to nearly 58,000 - a superb result achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of a highly motivated and committed team of employees.
'The marketing campaign award recognises the major strides we have made in increasing name-awareness and promoting ourselves to a wider audience. Through a sustained and coordinated marketing campaign, we have re-branded MCE as an unquestionably modern and professional insurance provider. The number of employees based at our Wellingborough head office has risen from 52 to 85 in the last 12 months; and I would like to thank everyone for their dedicated and enthusiastic approach to providing a better service to our customers. Our present rate of growth will shortly put us outside the 'Small Broker' category, so here's to winning the 'Large Broker of the Year' award in 2003!'
Michael Edwards - Managing Director
29.11.02
Insuring American Cars
Specialist motor insurance for American cars is a fascinating and surprisingly fast-growing niche sector of the UK insurance market. Anyone with a newly imported 1970 Plymouth Fury to insure will quickly find there are few places to turn for an affordable premium. Most underwriters still have difficulty getting to grips with a market that requires a completely different approach to conventional motor insurance.
Writing this type of business calls not only for a detailed understanding of the machines in question but also the types of individual who typically drive them. But for open-minded insurance providers who are prepared to take the time and trouble to immerse themselves in the unique culture that surrounds this market, specialist American car insurance offers real business opportunities.
Depending on which decade you were born in, your awareness of American culture will probably have been shaped in part at least by a particular classic US car. From the Cadillacs and Chevrolets, of the fifties when giant tailfins were de rigeur, to the Ford Thunderbirds and Mustangs in the sixties when big was beautiful, certain cars have imprinted themselves on the popular imagination in the UK as much as in the US. More recent models like the Ford Torino driven by Starsky and Hutch, the Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazard, the Pontiac Trans Am Firebird used in Knight Rider to Back to the Future's gull-wing DeLorean have all acquired iconic status.
In 2000, there were approximately 15,000 American cars of all shapes and sizes in the UK. American cars of any given era are typically very different from the UK counterparts in terms of design, size, engine type, extras and trim, build quality, handling and fuel consumption. But they share one common denominator: by law, all require insurance. The steadily increasing interest in American cars in the UK therefore provides a real opportunity for the specialist insurance provider to meet the needs of a distinct and potentially profitable new market.
The typical American car owner is aged between 35 and 45 and owns a car worth somewhere between £3,000 and £5,000. He - and it will almost certainly be a he, as women account for less than one per cent of policyholders - is likely to be a blue-collar worker. He will probably have a maximum no-claims bonus; he is accident free, conviction free, and lives outside of major conurbations like London or Birmingham. Many US car fans will own more than one; some maintain as many as eight, which they may well keep, quite literally, in a barn.
American car owners are serious enthusiasts and their hobby is often, in reality, more like a way of life. One of the attractions of these vehicles is the relatively low cost of purchase. For as little as £2,000 to £3,000 an enthusiast can purchase a well-maintained, high-spec, big-engined classic that handsomely fills half a supermarket car park. With some American cars running at eight miles to the gallon, its easy to see why classic US cars might not always be the commuter car of choice or the ideal means of getting from Aberdeen to Bournemouth. Most owners will own a more conventional European-style car as well.
Another attraction to ownership of an American car is being brought into contact with a community of like-minded people. Car clubs have been set up across the UK to exchange information and advice and to provide support, help and encouragement to other owners. In this specialist insurance market it is important to do your homework and research the real issues that concern owners. Establishing affinity schemes with specialist clubs helps to develop a clear picture of the particular needs and demands of this market. The three major clubs are the umbrella-providing American Auto Club, the Cadillac Owners' Club and the Mustang Owners' Club. There are also as many as twenty or thirty smaller clubs. Some have as few as 15 member vehicles, whilst others can have 200 or more.
There is a surprisingly large number of American car shows taking place around the UK from March to September. These are great places to soak in the unique culture of the UK American car enthusiast circuit. These people really take their love of Americana seriously. There is a lot of dressing up and getting into the spirit of the thing; and almost every vehicle will be spotlessly turned out. These events are the perfect environment for building and understanding of - and acceptance and trust with - current and potential policyholders.
Provided you have taken the trouble to understand your market, there are a number of good reasons for doing business with American car owners. Three reasons in particular stand out: extremely low loss ratios, knowledgeable policyholders, and a client base who reward good service with exceptional loyalty.
Another surprise for the uninitiated is that the supply of spare parts from the US is plentiful and cheap. In a US city like Detroit there are huge warehouses overflowing with parts for - say - a '58 Thunderbird just waiting to be shipped out and fitted to a car in the UK. Policyholders are often only too pleased to source spare parts for their vehicles and do their own repair work. A well-developed network of contacts allows them to source parts easily and cheaply from the States. This benefits the insurer as reduced charges for labour and materials keep the overall cost of repairs down.
Claims experience for American cars is typically very good, as the vehicles are often the owner's pride and joy. Policy limits are up to £35,000; but it is extremely rare to see claims for anything like that amount, with claims frequency typically somewhere in the low single figures. You would only expect to see two or three major claims a year. In claims situations where minor to moderate damage occurs claimants will often be keen to fix the vehicles themselves at a significantly lower cost than you would pay for a more conventional UK vehicle. American car owners tend to prefer servicing their own vehicles - indeed this is a central part of the enjoyment. Owners also tend to be skilful mechanics and punctilious at keeping their vehicles in excellent working order. Some are so fanatical you'll see them painstakingly picking the mud out of their tyre treads at car club events. Often friends and other club members will rally round to help carry out major repair work. For one particular claim, we estimated that if an approved repairer had taken on the repair work the final cost would have amounted to £8,000 or £9,000. The policyholder decided to take the work on himself, and the costs came in at a quarter of the price.
High-performance cars like Mustangs, Corvettes and Trans Ams typically cause the larger claims. The owner will take the car out for a drive in the rain and lose control. For the driver, it's like losing a loved one. For the insurer it's a sizeable claim. But there are ways of mitigating the risk of such claims. High performance American cars can seem an attractive option for younger, less well-off drivers looking for a 300bhp sports car with built-in extras like air conditioning, electric seats, and leather interiors - all for the knockdown price of £2,000 to £3,000. The equivalent UK or European car will cost £15,000 to £20,000.
To prevent the larger claims it makes sense to adopt a 25 and over policy and to weed out those who just love the performance from those who will cherish the car. Common sense suggests that few drivers under the age of 25 will have the experience to control a high-performance car with 300 brake horsepower. Another option for the insurance provider looking to manage loss ratios in the high performance market is to insure American car club members only, who tend to be rather more responsible than the average youngster out to impress the ladies.
The American car market presents a unique set of challenges and demands. It is all too easy for the unwary insurer to come a cropper - particularly where high-performance models are concerned. But demand for American cars in the UK shows no sign of drying up and this is a potentially promising niche area for insurance providers who are truly committed to understanding and meeting the needs of policyholders.
03.10.02
Colin Pedwell assumes Operations Manager role at MCE
Wellingborough-based insurance provider MCE has appointed Colin Pedwell to the newly created role of Operations Manager. With 17 years' experience working across every section of the company, he will be responsible for managing MCE's internal auditing, product rating and pricing and claims management systems.
MCE Director Michael Edwards commented: 'Colin has made a hugely influential contribution to MCE's continuing success and his new management role, reporting directly to the board, reflects the enormous respect in which he is held within the company and in this industry at large.
'Directing and controlling the engine room of our operations here at MCE, Colin will play a central role in empowering us to realise our ambitious plans for future growth.'
Colin Pedwell - Operations Manager
01.10.02
MCE appoints Andy Bird to head American cars portfolio
Wellingborough-based broker MCE has appointed Andy Bird to spearhead the company's American cars portfolio. Bird will be responsible for developing MCE's relationships with American car dealers and overseeing the company's book of business with the American car club network across the UK.
Julian Edwards, Business development, MCE commented: 'We are confident that specialist American car insurance offers real business opportunities for open-minded insurance providers who are prepared to take the time and trouble to immerse themselves in the unique culture that surrounds this market.
'With 8 years' industry experience in the specialist vehicle sector, Andy is well qualified to progress MCE's specialist book of American cars business and develop closer relationships with car dealership and clubs across the UK.'
Andy Bird - American & Classic Car Insurance Specialist
01.10.02
MCE launches specialist insurance scheme for Sachs bikes
Leading bike insurance specialist MCE has launched a dedicated insurance scheme in partnership with the world's longest-established manufacturer Germany's Sachs. The scheme offers attractively priced third party cover tailor-made to suit owners of Sachs bikes.
Based on extensive experience and detailed knowledge of the machines in question, Wellingborough-based MCE can offer an unbeatable insurance package with low premium rates and a wide range of added value services to policyholders.
Examples of the rates on offer, include:
Sachs XTC 125
17 years Third Party Only from £445
17 years Third Party Fire & Theft from £710
Roadster 600/ Roadster 800/b-805
21 years Third Party Fire & Theft from £250
21 years Comprehensive from £500
MCE Director Michael Edwards commented: 'We are delighted to be given the opportunity to enter into a partnership with Sachs - a bike manufacturer with a long and distinguished history in the industry. I am confident that MCE will be able to provide a first-class service that meets the specific needs of the bikers who ride these exceptionally well-crafted machines.
'The launch of MCE's new Sachs Insurance Scheme demonstrates our commitment to providing a bespoke package to policyholders at an exceptionally attractive price. We are now recognised as one of the leading insurance providers in the bike market consistently excelling in service delivery whilst beating the rates being offered by our competitors.'
Other benefits of the Sachs Insurance Scheme include:
- No time consuming forms to complete
- Flexible payment plans
- Insurance advisers available from 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm Sunday
You don't have to be a masochist to own a motorbike or scooter; but there are two obvious reasons why it probably helps. First, bike and scooter owners are much likely to suffer serious accidents than car owners. Second, bikers and scooterists stand a much higher chance of joining the crime statistics when their pride and joy goes missing. Highly organised gangs of thieves see our two-wheeled friends as an easy source of tax-free income. So, it's perhaps surprising that less than half the bikes stolen every year are covered for theft. The majority are insured third-party only.
Bike theft statistics in the UK make sobering reading for owners and insurance underwriters alike. 31,000 bikes were stolen last year. That's a huge proportion - perhaps as much as ten per cent - of the total number of bikes in the UK. To make matters worse, 86 per cent of bikes are never recovered.
But, in reality, much of this crime could be prevented if individual owners, manufacturers, local authorities and car park managers undertook a few basic security measures to stop bikes being seen as such a soft touch by the organised gangs. Past experience suggests that bike crime can be - and has been - effectively tackled where there is a real determination to minimise the opportunities for theft. The following examples illustrate this point.
Race meetings used to be a thieves' paradise; but following moves by the Anti Crime Unit to stamp out theft, it is now virtually unheard of for bikes to be stolen at major events. Previously, organised gangs would always turn up at the major bike meetings and Formula 1 events knowing there would be rich pickings to be had in the deserted car parks during races. Bike owners enjoyed the spectacle, blissfully unaware of the inadequate security provisions. Over the last three years, however, the ACU has focused its efforts on monitoring race meetings, introducing more effective surveillance techniques, which have contributed to a significant reduction in bike theft.
Town centre car parks - particularly in the capital - are another Mecca for thieves. One central London car park recorded 36 thefts in a single month, primarily of scooters. However, once the car park owner introduced ground anchors, only three thefts were recorded during the following month - that total is still too high of course, but, clearly, progress is being made.
Other measures to improve bike security, such as the introduction of Thatcham-approved immobilisers, keeping bikes under lock and key in a garage, improving alarm systems, and making more effective use of the latest immobilisers and chains can all make a huge difference. The introduction of GPS technology can also have a positive impact, using satellite technology to trace the movements and whereabouts of stolen bikes. But the relatively high expense of GPS systems means this option is only really worthwhile for owners of more expensive machines.
Professional gangs have also targeted the scooter market as a lucrative source of revenue. Their methods are crude but effective. Typically, scooter thieves hire an unregistered van, tour a neighbourhood and load 20 to 25 scooters into the rear of the vehicle. As soon as the van is loaded, the scooters will be ferried to the continent and sold on to bike rental companies for £200 to £300 making a profit of five or six thousand pounds for a night's work.
Some unscrupulous rental companies overseas will be only too happy to acquire a virtually new scooter for £300. The bike will then be ridden to death and probably thrown on the scrap heap at the end of the year. The local authorities, unfortunately, are sometimes less than rigorous in checking the credentials of these operations. One underwriter, just back from holiday, told me he had asked the owner of a Spanish bike rental company how the speedometer on the bike he had rented came to be marked in MPH. He was told that this feature had been specially laid on 'to please the tourists!'
High performance sports bikes also get the white van treatment on far too regular a basis. They are then shipped abroad and not only sold to rental companies but also broken down into spare parts. Unfortunately the bike manufacturers don't tag individual bike parts with an identity number so there is nothing to prevent garages purchasing stolen items and using them to refit second hand bikes.
Preventing bike and scooter theft is nine-tenths common sense. A relatively small initial outlay on one of a range of theft prevention devices can make a difference. Insurance providers have an important role to play in countering the threat of bike thieves. They can offer a value-added service to their customers by advising them on the latest risk mitigation strategies and providing useful information as to how customers can make their bike or scooter more secure.
All scooters, for example, should be fitted with Bauer locks, which work in the same way as a chain except that they are integrated into the back of the seat. Scooters fitted with Bauer locks are significantly more difficult to steal, and riders who use them can secure their bikes without having to carry a cumbersome chain around. Alarms and immobilisers are rarely fitted as standard on two-wheel vehicles. But I doubt many car buyers today would purchase even a modestly priced vehicle like a Renault Clio without an immobiliser. But a similarly priced bike is very unlikely to be offered with an immobiliser. So why should there be one rule for cars and one for bikes?
Another potentially effective risk management tool involves tagging bikes by brushing or spraying on an adhesive film containing thousands of 'microdot' identifiers. Invisible to the naked eye, these microscopic tags have the vehicle's identification number encoded and are applied across as many panels and components as possible (the engine apart, for obvious reasons). Once exposed to a particular frequency of light these reveal a unique code that will help the police identify a bike in the event of a theft. All manufacturers could, and indeed, should be encouraged to place unique codes on all of their bike parts at the point of manufacture, given that over four fifths of motorbikes stolen in 2001 were produced by the four big manufacturers - Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. If they can get together and agree to tag, we will have taken a major step forward.
As well as providing the best cover at the best price, insurance providers can also assist policyholders in material terms. If a bike or scooter owner commits to fitting an approved crime prevention system, then it is only right that they should benefit from discounted premiums and/or a reduced excess in the event of a theft.
Insurers are very strict about security on certain sports bikes and I believe that it is in all parties' interests (thieves excepted) to focus on this issue. At MCE we are looking to persuade as many as possible of our bike and scooter clients that it is in their interests to implement one or more of a range of simple, cheap and effective solutions now available. Thieves are often still getting away with their loot far too easily, let's not ignore the options we have to stop them doing so.
16.08.02
MCE appoints Training & Compliance Co-ordinator
Wellingborough-based insurance broker MCE has appointed Lisa Hunt BA Hons to the newly created position of Training & Compliance Co-ordinator.
A graduate of the University of Ulster, Lisa Hunt, 26, was previously responsible for training and staff development with NU Direct in Northampton - a position she had held since January 2000.
Her responsibilities at MCE will include human resources and recruitment, and compliance and liaison with GISC/FSA. She will also oversee the ongoing development of MCE's in-house training programme and qualification for Investors in People accreditation.
MCE's Julian Edwards, business development, comments: 'I am delighted that Lisa has agreed to join us. She has exactly the mix of skills and experience we need to push forward proactively with our training and compliance programmes. I am confident Lisa will play an important role in enhancing the professionalism and efficiency of our operations at all levels.'
Lisa Hunt - Training & Compliance Co-ordinator
27.06.02
Aged 16-24? MCE is Looking for You!
MCE, in partnership with Intec Business Colleges, has 10 vacancies for 16-24 year olds interested in developing a successful career within the insurance industry. We need ambitious young people to join the fourth most successful independent car and motorcycle insurance team in the UK.
Intec Business Colleges (IBC) is enabling successful candidates to train for an NVQ qualification alongside a day-to-day role in the MCE team. Intec account manager, Gaby Ceely said, "This is a superb opportunity to join a forward-thinking company with excellent career prospects. As well as gaining hands-on experience, employees can become better qualified and achieve a greater understanding of the business as a whole."
To qualify, in addition to being aged 16-24, you must have a good telephone manner and a flexible approach to work. MCE has a supportive working environment in which you will be encouraged and helped to achieve your personal best. We rely on the highest standards to maintain our superior service in such a competitive, so you must be serious about being the best.
If you feel this is the opportunity for you, or would like further information, contact Dominic Edwards at MCE on 0870 420 75 75 or email dominic.edwards@insuremce.com.
24.07.02
Security Made Easy for Bike Owners
Motorbike insurance specialist MCE is to offer reduced insurance rates to policyholders who purchase one of a range of security devices it can supply direct at competitive prices. MCE's Security Made Easy initiative aims to draw on the company's in-depth knowledge and experience of bike security issues to counter the growing threat of bike theft and reward owners' commitment to risk prevention through lower insurance costs.
State-of-the-art technology like credit-card sized immobilisers and Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers can substantially reduce the chances of a bike ending up on the back of a lorry. But according to MCE, all bike-owners can dramatically reduce their overall cost of ownership by adopting the right crime prevention strategy and using a cost-effective security product.
The Security Made Easy initiative offers a combination of security advice, products and insurance cost savings. With an approved crime prevention device fitted, MCE policyholders benefit from discounted premiums and pay no excess in the event of a theft.
MCE director Michael Edwards comments: 'There's an old saying: just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you! No matter how careful you are with your bike, whether it's a scooter or a top of the range performance machine, there's a good chance someone will be eyeing it up with unlawful intent.
'The solution is simple: call MCE and we can help identify a system tailor-made to suit your machine. With our hassle-free on-your-doorstop installation service, you'll soon have the peace of mind of knowing your bike is properly protected and your insurance costs reduced.'
Appropriate security measures depend on the type of machine, for example:
- Scooters suffer mainly from hotwiring joy riders. MCE can provide an immobiliser operated via a 'credit card' that fits inside a wallet or pocket. An unobtrusive receiver is placed under the bike seat, ready to be activated with a minimum of fuss and with highly effective results.
- Larger standard machines are more likely to be targeted by ringers, requiring a different kind of crime prevention solution - for example a highly sensitive trigger-mechanism alarm. The alarm's built-in immobiliser will thwart joy riders, whilst a tilt sensor mechanism stops thieves lifting the bike onto the back of a van.
- High-value, high-performance machines like R1s or Fireblades may warrant a more sophisticated, hi-tech tracking solution. A satellite-based GPS tracker notifies owners within seconds of a theft, and provide a pin-point location reference for the police - whether or not the engine is running or the ignition is on.
MCE's Security Made Easy service also provides a wide range of benefits:
- Freephone number available from 9am until 7pm
- Rapid doorstep installation service
- Available throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Easy payment terms available, from two to 36 months
- Lifetime warranty on all products
- Technical assistance 365 days a year
- Custom and classic bikes catered for
- Automatic (passive) systems available
- All devices are Thatcham approved
01.06.02
Win a Classic Mustang with Free Insurance
MCE and Classic American magazine have teamed up to give you the chance of winning a fully insured, classic Ford Mustang. The prize will be awarded at the Classic Motor Show, Birmingham NEC which is held between Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th November.
You've got plenty of time to get your entry in, so just pick up a copy of Classic American from your newsagent, or visit the Classic American web site at www.classic-american.com.
29.05.02
New Financial Controller at MCE
We would like to give a big 'welcome' to our new Financial Controller, Karen Robinson BA (Hons) ACCA. Karen is heading up our finance department.
Karen has been in accountancy for over 17 years, starting her career at Grant Thornton as a Senior Accountant. More recently, Karen has been in a senior accountancy role for a national retail group.
If you would like to speak to Karen, just call 0870 420 75 75.
13.05.02
MCE's Northampton Office Moves Home
The MCE office based in Northampton has relocated to our national management centre in Wellingborough. This initiative has been driven by the needs of our customers, and will enable us to provide you with more advisers, longer opening hours, better quotes and will help us in our aim to make your insurance as easy as possible.
If you have any questions about this change or how you feel we could improve our service, your call is very welcome on 0870 90 90 911.
03.05.02
MCE Agrees Sponsorship Deal with American Auto Club
We are delighted to be the proud sponsors of the American Auto Club (AAC) 2002 season. Part of this partnership will comprise MCE presenting the awards, including 'Car of the Year', at the Autumn Nationals.
If you would like to find out more about the American Auto Club, just visit www.american-auto-club.co.uk.
Thanks to your feedback about what additional services you would like to see introduced, Sunday opening times have been introduced.
To improve our service in line with your comments, the MCE team can be contacted on a Sunday between 10am - 2pm, from 5th May.
Initially, our Sunday team will be able to help with bike policy quotations, mid-term adjustments to your existing policy (such as a change of bike or additional rider) and policy renewals. We will keep you up-to-date through this news page as additional services are added.
27.04.02
New MCE Corporate Identity Launched
We made the decision to create a new identity for MCE, to reflect how the company has developed over the last few years, and to convey our beliefs and values in making insurance 'easy' and giving our customers value for money.