Welcome to the InsureTAXI blog. Keep up-to-date with our latest taxi news and taxi articles by reading our blog which we will regularly update. We will also let you know about some of our best taxi insurance deals, so watch this space!
We at insureTAXI spotted this in the news today.
Whilst taxi drivers do have to put up with more than their fair share of abusive passengers, keep calm and avoid copying the driver in this video if you want to keep your taxi insurance premiums low (and keep your taxi badge full stop!).
We have some of the lowest taxi insurance rates in the country so get an online quote or call us on 0800 142 2828
Jan Evans outside County Insurance's Head Office in Crewe, Cheshire
Jan and friend Neil crossing the line!
Mat Bailey being interviewed by ITV at County Insurance's head office in Crewe, Cheshire
YESTERDAY was an exciting day for insureTAXI (providers of great value taxi insurance)!
ITV came to our head office in Crewe to film a news story!
Insurance4your, our private car, home and van insurance department are proud sponsors of Nantwich Town Football Club (Evo Stick Premier League) who are impressively through to the first round of the FA Cup!! One of their top players, Mat Bailey, also works as a taxi insurance advisor for insureTAXI!
In the build up to NTFC’s big game against MK Dons on Saturday (12th November), ITV were interested to know how Mat balances his career at insureTAXI and being a professional footballer.
Mat has taken the sensible decision to plan for his life after football by starting to work for County Insurance (insureTAXI’s parent company) as a taxi insurance advisor. It’s his first ever job!
Mat balances his work life at insureTAXI (Taxi Insurance Specialists) with playing semi-professional football
“It’s been a big change for me but one that I’m really enjoying” says Mat. “Adapting to life in an office after being a full-time professional footballer has been an eye opener but the team at insureTAXI are genuinely brilliant and it’s been much easier than I expected!”
“I’m really enjoying it and for me it’s the best of both worlds at the moment. I am learning an important and long lasting skill being a taxi insurance advisor and hope to complete my Cert CII qualifications. It’s a varied role and quite fast-paced. It’s great to get customers the best deal on their taxi insurance. At the same time I am still a semi-professional footballer, playing for a great club like Nantwich who have a strong team and experienced manager in Jimmy Quinn”
Mat scored one of the goals and was also “Man of the Match” in the game that put NTFC through to the FA Cup first round in their 3-2 victory over Northwich Victoria last week.
Tim Crighton (Left) preparing to give his thoughts on camera!
County Insurance’s Tim Crighton (Director) comments “We are very proud of Mat and the team’s achievement! We’re looking forward to travelling down to Milton Keynes to watch them play this important match.”
Tim continues with saying “Mat has done a great job for us, so we’re pleased to support him in his sporting career. As he’s played at a top level, he’s completely used to the importance of teamwork; you can certainly see this in the office environment. He has integrated into the insureTAXI team perfectly, has an upbeat personality and brings a winning mentality to his role. He is very bright, which has probably aided his sporting development too.”
So what would happen if a bigger sporting opportunity came along? “We would support Mat 100% if he had the opportunity to play at the highest level. He would leave with our best wishes and we’d keep the door open for him if he ever wanted to return. We admire him as he is doing the sensible thing in building a career in a respected industry for after his football days. However, if he gets an opportunity to climb the sporting ladder even further, we’d be delighted for him”.
The story will be aired at 6pm on Friday (11th November) on ITV Granada.
Need taxi insurance?
Call us on 0800 980 3136 and speak to our expert taxi insurance team, which includes Mat!
Alternatively, fill in an online taxi insurance quote.
Next tie away at League 1′s MK Don’s…..good luck Mat!
Jonny Kettle (Left) and Mat Bailey (Right) balance work at County Insurance, in the insureTAXI department, with their sporting commitments
insureTAXI, taxi insurance brokers and part of County Insurance Consultants, has not one but TWO top sportsmen employed as taxi insurance advisors in the insureTAXI department!
Rarely would a company of 65 staff be able to boast both a professional footballer, who has been named man of the match on a televised FA Cup game on ITV1 and a top rising cricketer, who has just been voted player of the year across the entire Cheshire County Premier League scoring over 1000 runs in the process!
Mat Bailey is a taxi insurance advisor and also plays for Evo Stik Premier League team Nantwich Town who are flying high at the moment having won 8 of their last 9 games and are in the FA cup qualifying round 4; only one win away from the FA Cup round 1. Insurance4your, which is the personal insurance brand of County Insurance are also the first team sponsor of Nantwich Town.
Jonny Kettle, also a taxi insurance advisor is the opening batsman and wicket keeper for both Nantwich Cricket Club and Cheshire County 1st X1. He scored over 1000 runs and claimed 53 dismissals, for the best side in Cheshire, Nantwich Cricket Club, winning player of the season across the whole league in the process.
Here is a little more information about them both and why they have had such an impact at County Insurance and the insureTAXI department……and how they see insurance as part of their future careers.
Mat Bailey (25) has been a professional footballer since the age of 16 and has played for Crewe, Stockport and Northwich Victoria at league level as a central defender. The highlight of his career to date was Northwich Victoria’s FA Cup run when he was man of the match in the live ITV1 televised game beating Charlton 1-0. He also scored a goal in round 2, vs Lincoln City, which was televised live as well.
Mat has taken the sensible decision to plan for his life after football by starting to work for County Insurance as an advisor. It’s his first ever job. “It’s been a big change for me but one that I’m really enjoying” says Mat. “Adapting to life in an office after being a full-time professional footballer has been an eye opener but the team at County are genuinely brilliant and it’s been much easier than I expected!”
“I’m really enjoying it and for me it’s the best of both worlds at the moment. I am learning an important and long lasting skill being an insurance advisor and hope to complete my Cert CII qualifications. Taxi insurance is definitely far more interesting than I thought it would be! At the same time I am still a semi-professional footballer, playing for a great club like Nantwich who have a strong team and experienced manager in Jimmy Quinn”
Nantwich Town are facing one of their biggest games for years on October 29th with a home tie against Nuneaton Town. The prize for the winner is a place in the FA Cup 1st round. Mat is no stranger to this, having played in both round 1 and round 2; he is hungry for more! It’s no co-incidence that since Mat joined Nantwich they’ve seen an upturn in results, with a recent 8 wins out of 9 games. Mat’s leadership and defensive skills make the defence an altogether meaner unit.
Mat Bailey on the forthcoming big game says, “I have played against Nuneaton Town a couple of times recently and if we play to our potential we have a really good chance”
Jimmy Quinn, ex Northern Ireland legend and Nantwich Town manager comments “Mat has made a big difference to the club since he joined. He is a professional who has been there and done it, yet is still only 25 so has a lot to give. He has really strengthened what is now shaping up to be a very good team. He’s a bright lad as well, so I’m not surprised that he is doing well in his second career. It’s the first time one of my star players has also worked for our first team sponsor!!”
Jonny and Mat enjoy getting taxi drivers the best deal on their taxi insurance
Jonny Kettle (21) has had a fantastic season as opening batsman and wicket keeper for Nantwich Cricket Club and Cheshire 1st X1. Nantwich won the Cheshire County ECB Premier League for the second year in a row and Jonny weighed in with 1070 runs, averaged 66.88 runs and got five 50’s and four centuries – his highest score 150 not out. He also claimed 53 dismissals – a league record.
Added to this he represented Cheshire in the MCCA Championship and KO competitions, scoring nearly 500 runs and claiming 22 dismissals.
Jonny has been with insureTAXI as a taxi insurance advisor for nearly six months now and is enjoying balancing his job with his cricketing commitments.
“County Insurance are really understanding and allow me to take time off for any 4 or 5 day Championship games” explains Jonny. “The job is very varied and busy, which suits me perfectly as I’m used to a fast pace with my cricket and the two seem to be balancing well. I really enjoy getting taxi drivers the best deal on their taxi insurance!”.
Dave Clapp, Managing Director of County Insurance, gives his take on the two sportsmen and insurance advisors. “Mat and Jonny have done a great job for us, so we’re pleased to support them in their sporting careers. Both of them have played at a top level and are completely used to the importance of teamwork; you can certainly see this in the office environment. They have integrated into the team perfectly, have upbeat personalities and bring a winning mentality to their roles. They are also both very bright, which has probably aided their sporting development too.”
“It’s impressive as they show full commitment at work, despite the training and matches they play at evenings and weekends, while the rest of us put our feet up!”
So what would happen if a bigger sporting opportunity came along? “I would support Mat or Jonny 100% if they had the opportunity to play at the highest level. They would leave with our best wishes and I would keep the door open for them if they ever wanted to return. I admire them both as they are doing the sensible thing in building a career in a respected industry for after their football and cricketing days. However, if they get an opportunity to climb the sporting ladder even further I’d be delighted for them”.
Why not call for a taxi insurance quote on: (Freephone) 0800 980 3136 and you may be served by Jonny or Mat! Alternatively, click here for a taxi insurance quote online.
Jonny Kettle (Left) and Mat Bailey (Right) outside County Insurance Head Office in Crewe
Jonny and Mat get some practice in outside work at County Insurance's Head Office in Crewe
insurance4your - Proud Sponsors of Nantwich Town FC
We at insureTAXI (providers of cheap taxi insurance), are delighted to announce that our sister company insurance4your has continued its first team shirt sponsorship of Nantwich Town FC for a second season.
Insurance4your – the online personal insurance brand of County Insurance Consultants (who also own insureTAXI) – provide private car, van and home insurance quotes online.
Nantwich Town play in the Evo Stik League and have recently employed the services of experienced league manager Jimmy Quinn.
Tim Crighton, Marketing Director at County Insurance Consultants, explains the rationale behind the sponsorship. “Last year was the first time we have ever sponsored a football team and it was largely unchartered territory for us. It just felt like it was a good thing to do in terms of giving a little back to the local community but with the bonus of increasing our brand awareness.”
Tim continues “We’ve been delighted how well it has gone so far. From a personal point of view we have been made very welcome at the club and are now friends with a number of the directors and staff there. From a commercial point of view it’s apparent to us that our brand recognition has increased. We can see the benefits in a number of ways including an increase in organic search website visits and also a pleasing amount of phone calls from the unique phone number we offer in all club advertising campaigns”
“Our main objective is to offer the customer what we call ‘best of both worlds’ car or home insurance – the convenience and price advantages of buying online but with a local customer service team fully trained to deal with any questions or claims. We hear a lot of complaints from customers who buy insurance online but then get lousy customer service. In our view, insurance is far too important to consumers to warrant poor service”
“The new strip is modern and eye-catching so hopefully increased sales of this will boost awareness of our brand further, alongside any good F.A. cup run!”
Jon Gold, the Nantwich Town Chairman, adds “We’re absolutely delighted that Insurance4your have continued their valuable support. Their support really helps the club push forward and it’s really pleasing that they come to all home games, meaning it’s much more than just pure financial support. They, like us, see it as a partnership and hopefully all Nantwich Town supporters will recognise that too and use their services.”
For more information on private car, van or home insurance from insurance4your call 0800 980 3265 or visit www.insurance4your.co.uk
In the last 6 months, we have seen a steady increase in the number of enquiries about private hire taxi insurance. This month (September 2011) we have seen record number of taxi insurance quote requests, despite a reduction in advertising.
We asked our advisors to do some analysis of the calls for a week and these are the findings:
1) Record number of new taxi drivers asking for taxi insurance prices
2) Taxi drivers shopping around harder due to taxi insurance premium increases
Taking thse in turn, number 1 above comes as no surprise. Simply put, people are are unemployed or seeking additional income are looking at taxi driving to boost their income in this tough economic climate. Unemployment is on the rise and living costs / inflation continues to increase, so becoming (or restarting) taxi driving is a viable and quick option to earn a living.
Number 2 above comes as no surprise either! Taxi insurance premiums are rising and its natural that owner drivers shop around seeking cheaper private hire taxi insurance.
Our reply is simple and direct! Why bother?
insureTAXI have the leading panel of taxi insurance providers PLUS our market leading position gives us access to exclusive rates that can’t be found elsewhere. We also fully understand taxi drivers needs – and the importance of taxi insurance as part of your livlihood – so you’ll get fantastic customer care too.
Call us on 0800 142 2828 or click here for a private hire taxi insurance quote
A TEENAGE drunk who wrote off a stolen mini-bus after an afternoon drinking session received a suspended jail sentence.
Thomas Anthony Hill, 18, Nantwich, was handed an eight-month suspended sentence for driving with excess alcohol and aggravated vehicle-taking at Chester Crown Court on Monday.
The court heard how Hill, who was more than twice the legal limit when he was arrested, had been drinking with work colleagues on December 23rd 2010.
He had started to walk home but then knocked on someone’s door to ask them to call a taxi for him.
Prosecuting, Laura Nash said: “He sat down and attempted to log on to Facebook. He was slurring his words. He left and walked down the drive towards the taxi, which then drove away. The householder saw a man running after it.”
Hill had jumped into the cab and drove away after the taxi driver got out to find his passenger.
Shortly afterwards, the taxi – a Nissan minibus – was found on its side in a field and witnesses, who described Hill as being drunk, had to pull him from the vehicle through a window.
He claimed he was the passenger and that the driver had run off but police checks confirmed the taxi had been reported stolen.
Defending, Simon Parry said: “He is from a decent family and is thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour. He has apologised to the taxi company. He was made worse because some of his colleagues decided to spike each other’s drinks.”
The taxi company said they had lost £30,000 in revenue because of the incident.
Judge Roger Dutton said: “He could have killed himself – and he could have killed someone else. What he, and other young men in his position, must understand is that behaviour like this will not be tolerated. He has escaped prison by the skin of his teeth.”
Hill received an eight-month sentence for aggravated vehicle taking, suspended for two years, plus a concurrent three-month sentence and an 18-month driving ban for driving with excess alcohol. He must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a £3,000 contribution to the taxi company.
Judge Dutton explained: “I offer my sympathy to the taxi driver. I cannot help him as much as I would like to but I am doing the best I can.”
Make sure you have the right taxi insurance so you’re covered if something similar happens to you.
For expert advice Call 0800 142 2828 or click here for a taxi insurance quote.
The silver Mercedes taxi and Christie's Audi A8 were badly damaged in the crash
Linford Christie, former Olympic sprint champion, has recently been disqualified from driving for 15 months and fined £5,000 after driving on the wrong side of the road and crashing into a taxi.
The accident, occurring close to midnight on May 8th 2010, happened on the A413 in Chalfort St Peter in Buckinghamshire. Christie hit the taxi head-on and injured taxi driver Naeem Akhtar, newlyweds Claire Lloyd-Ashton and Peter Ashton and the bride’s Uncle Michael Burt.
The taxi was taking the newlyweds to a hotel for their first night of married life; instead they ended up in A&E.
During the trial, the jury heard how Christie had driven to buy a pint of milk from a Tesco Express and when realising the petrol station was closed decided to do a u turn. He drove for 13 seconds on the wrong side of the carriageway before smashing into the taxi.
Mr. Akhtar was in hospital for three and a half months after suffering a broken elbow and wrist and fractures to both legs, Mrs. Lloyd-Ashton received bruising to her chest and knees, Mr. Ashton suffered from a punctured lung and four broken ribs while Mr. Burt was hospitalised for two months including six days in intensive care in an enforced coma. He broke his leg, hip, spine and pelvis and needed re-constructive surgery to his face and requires further surgery.
Linford Christie, 100m gold medalist (Barcelona 1992) has been disqualified from driving for 15 months and fined £5,000 for hitting the taxi
Christie was cleared of the more serious charge of dangerous driving, which he had denied, after a two day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Mr Burt said “I’m very disappointed at the outcome. I have to live with the serious injuries that Christie caused. I suffered multiple fractures and damage to my face which were so severe that I now have several metal plates holding my scull together.”
Christie commented “I saw the lights and bang. I smelt a funny smell and thought if I didn’t get out quickly, I was going to die.”
He managed to climb out of the window of his badly damaged Audi A8 (with the personalised number plate 100 RUN) before he fell to the ground and allegedly shouted “Oh my God, it’s all my fault”
Separate civil claims against Christie are on-going.
This story reminds us all that accidents happen. Make sure you are covered by an expert insurance broker who provides you with experienced advice, support and assistance should you be involved in an accident. Call 0800 142 2828 for more information.
Dave Clapp (MD) and Lesley Garratt (Operations Director) from insureTAXI accepting the award from Heidi Cowen – Lloyds TSB
In a highly contested and fought out category, insureTAXI were proud to be announced as Professional Service Provider of the Year, by East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce at their recent award ceremony.
We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award against some very stiff competition. In the highly competitive insurance industry, the big brands and supermarkets have made choosing your insurance very price-focused. We pride ourselves in being competitively-priced whilst also offering first class customer service throughout your policy lifecycle. There is the option to get online quotes, 24/7 at your convenience or call our experienced team to discuss your specific requirements. We also welcome you to our offices based at Crewe, Southport and Chester if you would prefer to speak to one of our experts in person.
All of our staff are thoroughly trained and have achieved, or are working towards, professional insurance qualifications. We answer all queries quickly and efficiently and provide support during stressful times such as claims and replacement vehicles.
We would like to thank East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, all of our team of staff for their hard work and of course our valued customers.
Click here for an online taxi insurance quote or call our expert team on 0800 142 2828
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