Demand is rising

The motor fleet market has returned to growth. September data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlights that year-to-date new company car registrations are up 7% compared to 2020, with the equivalent of two fleet and business registrations every minute in the first nine months of the year.

Significant uptick in demand for greener vehicles

32,721 Battery electric vehicles (BEV) were registered in September – that’s almost one every minute. Plug-in hybrids and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also increased their market share. We’d expect this trend to continue as greener vehicles become more affordable and companies look to reduce carbon emissions in line with the government’s target of being net-zero by 2050.

Car technology is evolving

Increasingly complex car technology is having an impact on fleet policies, with specialist experience and expensive parts often required for repairs. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which can be impacted by even common repairs such as windscreen or wing mirror replacement, are increasingly popular. AI, 5G and autonomous vehicle technologies are all expected to play a key role in the future of fleet and will all require increasingly complex levels of technology and connectivity.

How is NIG responding to these changes?

We have a strong appetite for underwriting electric vehicles – in the past five years we’ve seen a 60% increase in the number of policies which include an electric vehicle and a 240% increase in the number of electric vehicles on cover.

We have no restrictions in place when it comes to writing electric fleets. However, additional terms may apply for high performance  or high value vehicles.

We’re also continually adapting our policies to better meet the needs of the electric fleet market, for example, we’ve recently updated our fleet wording to include electric cables, batteries and chargers within the Accessories definition.

We’re working closely with our Auto Centres and garages across the UK to upskill and ensure that technicians are able to effectively repair and maintain electric vehicles and the growing range of new car technologies. High voltage training is now a core part of our apprentice training programme, with trainees undertaking the IMI’s Level 3 in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement. Between January and October 2021, we’ve seen an 20% increase in high voltage vehicles repairs including BEVs, HEVs and plug-in hybrids.

To find out more talk to your usual NIG contact.