APRIL 1999

1 NORWICH UNION: Have
announced changes in relation to the way they rate motorcycles and to their no claims discount. These changes will be effective from 1st May 1999 for new business and 1st June 1999 for renewals. This can be viewed as another MAG victory as we have fought for years to have an equitable rating system like the one they use in the U.K. Norwich will now rate motorcycles by the performance of the particular make and model rather than by the c.c. The No Claims discount will be increased to 20% after two or more years claim free.

They are also increasing the excesses applicable to own damage, theft and fire claims.

We have attached an overview of the cost comparison between the old and new rating structures. Norwich anticipate that approx. 65% of policyholders will experience no change or minor adjustments, approx. 22% will experience a reduction in rates and 12.5% will have a rate increase.

Norwich are withdrawing their Motor Cycle Rider and Motor Cycle Policy's and replacing them with Premier Bike and Motor Cycle Select.

Premier Bike is available only for Riders aged between 25 and 70.

Motorcycle Select is available for Riders aged between 16 and 70. They will quote freely for Riders aged 16 to 24 for Groups 1 - 5, for groups 6 - 12 they will need a fully completed proposal form for a quotation.
We have also attached a breakdown of these two new products.

A breakdown of the group rating structure is available for inspection in the MAG office.

It is important to note that with the withdrawal of the Rider policy, you will now be required to specify all bikes you intend to ride, up to a maximum of three.

While we welcome the above changes as a move in the right direction, it has to be said that premiums are still to high and there is no option to pay by instalments.

2 CAROLE NASH: Have informed us that they are now prepared to offer quotations to Rider's aged 23 and over based on each individual case. For a quotation you will be required to have a full licence and 1 years no claims bonus.

3 THIRD INSURER: We know that there are other European Insurers looking intently at the Irish Market and a year from now we are hoping that there will be even more competition in the market.

4 LUAS INQUIRY: We have made our submission to the above regarding the Harcourt Street line. While it may make no difference to the final outcome, at least we have made our point about the dangers posed to motorcyclists from these rails which may prove to be useful in the future.
5 SATURDAY OPENING: From Saturday 1st May the MAG office will be open from 10am to 4pm thanks to the services of two volunteers who will take it in turns to man the office. All callers welcome as usual!

6 PUBLIC RELATIONS: we urgently need someone with recent PR experience to help with MAG's essential PR activity. Do you know of anyone?

7 EYROY: As you are aware MAG is organising the Irish heats of the European Young Rider of the Year competition. Please try to get any rider's you know under 26 to apply - male or female, you need not be a member of MAG to enter this competition - phone the MAG Office for an application form.

8 MAG DONEGAL: held a very successful Rider Training Weekend and now have 9 riders who are more competent as a result.

9 ROOTERS MCC: Many thanks to the Rooters who allowed us
to use the check-in at their recent very successful Rally to acquire new members. Thanks also to members of Los Lobos who managed to 'railroad' 12 people into becoming MAG members.

10 NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING: Regional Reps are reminded that the next meeting of MAG's National Council takes place at Hodson's Bay Hotel, Athlone on Saturday 8th May, 11am for 11.30 am and that for them this is a "day of obligation" - please make sure your Region does not go unrepresented. Anyone having problems over this should contact John Wheeler as soon as possible.

11 NEXT ROADRUNNER: Press date is 15th May, send any material as soon as possible. Details of forthcoming events, Local Group and Club News items, letters, articles of general interest, "My Bike" articles etc., etc are always much appreciated. So too is ADVERTISING. Who and what in your area ought to be advertising in Roadrunner? Tell us, we'll get on to them. The only way we can have a quality magazine is if we get as much advertising as possible.

12 CARLOW SHOW: We had a very successful stand at the Leinster Classic and Vintage Show this Easter, raising over £900 between new memberships and product sales - our most successful MAG stand ever! Many thanks to the team of volunteers who helped out.

13 AFFILIATED CLUBS: There will be a list of all MAG Affiliated Clubs in the next edition of Roadrunner, please contact Catherine Donnelly immediately if your contact person, address or phone number have been changed.