Insurer makes inroads into Emerald Isle motorbike market

PRINCIPAL Insurance, headquartered in Sale, Greater Manchester, has signed a new deal with non-standard motor underwriter Tansar which will significantly extend its reach within Ireland’s motorcycle insurance market.
 
The fast-growing specialist insurance group opened offices in Dublin in April 2015 with bike insurance as its first target sector.

Within just 18 months the broker has secured over eight percent of the market and is forecasting it will book €1m in biking premium income this calendar year.
The Tansar deal will enable it to quote on a much broader range of bikes, most notably by offering cover for classic, custom, trike and high value machines.

This will include agreed value for some lines. Having thus far only been able to cover three bikes on a single policy, Principal is also now bringing a full multi-bike offer to market.

“This is a significant extension of cover which will enable us to better serve Irish motorcyclists who have already warmly welcomed our intervention in what had become a complacent market,” said Aly Dixon who heads Principal’s Irish operation.

“Our arrival has already provided a significant competitive boost with thousands of bikers choosing Principal to arrange protection for their machines. This deal can only be further good news as greater competition is brought to bear across the wider bike insurance market.”

Andrew Hill, Tansar’s head of motorcycle, said that Principal was a natural broking partner. “Tansar was set up specifically to cover non-standard risks, just as Principal was. We both offer extensive experience and understanding of the niche markets we serve which, together, enables us to better evaluate risk and quote appropriately.

“It’s a compelling proposition for the Irish motorcycle insurance market which has long been in need of a fresh competitive drive.”

Principal is growing fast in Ireland. Having opened its office in Santry 19 months ago with just two staff, it now employs nine and serves over 3,000 policyholders.

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