Media Centre

The legal services arm of RAC has launched Biker Care, a new service for motorbike fleet managers to protect both the business and their fleet riders in the event of accidents that are not their fault. 

Biker Care provides legal cover to handle all the expenses associated with a fleet rider having an accident, which are not necessarily covered by fully comprehensive insurance. This includes the cost of replacing the damaged gear - helmet, leathers, boots etc, which can cost thousands of pounds, as well as lost earnings and the cost of legal action against the person who caused the accident.

In addition, to avoid a business spending time organising repair work to the motorcycle, Biker Care offers assistance for the bike to go directly into a local Aviva-approved repairer.

David Fulker, commercial account and acquisitions manager at RAC, said: "There were over 23,000 casualties among motorcycle users in 2006* and therefore a key consideration for fleet managers must be the safety of their drivers. Investing in good quality safety gear is vital, however this can be a huge expense, so having the right cover should be a key consideration.  

"Minimising downtime is also a priority for a business, with this in mind Biker Care will provide a replacement bike to keep the same number of fleet riders on the road. In addition, we can provide a rehabilitation service for the driver in the event of an injury claim, which can speed up recovery time and minimise the employee's time off the road.

"We can even provide a full accident management service for a business through RAC services, from the motorcycle accident and roadside pick up, through to the repair of the motorcycle, dealing with the injury claim, as well as the rehabilitation of the driver."

* Department For Transport - Road Casualties Report 2006

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RAC Press office contact:
Adam Cracknell 01603 684 916 / 07800 699 517 or Elinor Graveson at Staniforth 0161 919 8025 / 07973 360 141

Notes to editors
About RAC

• With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists.  Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
• Aviva bought RAC in May 2005.  The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15%.
• RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.