At VINTTRO Cover, we’ve always been passionate about protecting vehicles that represent more than just transport. Whether it’s the mechanical heartbeat of a rare supercar, a classic that’s been lovingly restored, or a camper van built for the next great adventure, our mission has always been to deliver specialist cover that fits perfectly.

Now, we’re taking that commitment even further. We have significantly expanded our insurer panel and we are proud to announce what we believe is now one of the strongest niche car and vehicle insurance offerings available in the UK market today, thanks to our diverse insurer panel. Our enhanced insurer panel allows us to offer tailored solutions for every unique vehicle. This expansion of our insurer panel ensures we meet the evolving needs of our clients effectively. With our extensive insurer panel, we can provide unparalleled coverage options.

What This Means for Our Clients and Members

By growing our insurer panel, we have unlocked new levels of flexibility and protection. This expansion allows us to:

• Provide better cover: Tailored policies designed specifically for unique and specialist vehicles that mainstream providers often overlook.
• Offer more competitive premiums: With a broader range of specialist insurers on board, we can deliver greater value and choice.
• Cover virtually any niche vehicle: From daily luxury drivers to investment-grade assets, if it’s special to you, we can protect it.

Vehicles We Now Confidently Cover

Thanks to this expansion, our scope of cover has never been broader. We are now confident we can protect almost any niche vehicle, including but not limited to:

• Camper vans & motorhomes
• Classic cars & modern classics
• Rare and exotic supercars
• American muscle and hot rods
• Military vehicles & imported cars
• Investment collections
• Modified and custom builds (including bespoke luxury interiors)

In short, if it’s unique, unusual, or high-value, there’s a good chance VINTTRO Cover can insure it.

Why Choose VINTTRO Cover?

Our members aren’t just looking for a standard policy; they require specialist cover paired with a highly personal service. Much like a fine timepiece, a unique vehicle requires an intimate understanding of its intricate value, engineering heritage, and market rarity. By working with a diverse and carefully selected insurer panel, we go beyond the algorithm to match each client with the right protection for their specific vehicle and lifestyle.

Our appetite for excellence means we are uniquely positioned to place high-value risks that others simply cannot. Whether you are managing an elite collection of hypercars from the likes of Bugatti, Pagani, or Koenigsegg, or you are among the fortunate few securing the latest hybrid masterpieces from Ferrari, Rimac, or McLaren, we ensure your insurance is as sophisticated as the machinery itself.

Whether you’re cruising the coast in a bespoke motorhome, displaying a cherished modern classic at a show, or storing a rare, investment-grade collectible in your garage, you can drive (or relax) with total peace of mind knowing you’re properly protected. VINTTRO clients enjoy the assurance of our unrivalled knowledge of the specialist market and our discreet, expert claims management, ensuring that if the unexpected happens, your prized assets are in the safest hands in the industry.

Looking Ahead

This expansion is just the beginning. At VINTTRO Cover, we’re committed to continuously improving our offering to ensure our members always have access to the best insurance on the market, which also extends to fleet cars, vans, and comprehensive business insurance.

If you’ve got a specialist vehicle that needs cover, or you’re part of a car community where unique rides are the norm, VINTTRO Cover is ready for you.

Take Action Today

Explore our expanded niche insurance cover today and see how VINTTRO Cover can protect your pride and joy. To find out more about how we can help with your niche asset insurance requirements, please reach out to our specialist team.

• Call us: 0333 4042 007
• Email us: insurance@vinttro.co.uk

The FCA – Financial Conduct Authority has fined broker Martin Sarl £5,021.00 and permanently banned him from the financial services industry for acting without honesty or integrity.

Mr. Sarl, the sole director of Perry Prowse Insurance Consultants Ltd, failed to pass on client premiums to insurers between November 2017 and October 2019. This negligence meant that his customers were paying for protection they didn’t actually have, leaving them completely uninsured.

A Breach of Trust

The FCA investigation uncovered that Mr. Sarl diverted money from the firm’s client account to pay off personal and business debts. By law, client funds must be kept separate; by dipping into these accounts, Mr. Sarl breached fundamental client money rules.

Because the funds were misappropriated, there wasn’t enough money left to transfer the premiums to the insurance companies. This left families and businesses at risk of having home and car insurance claims rejected at their most vulnerable moments.

Hiding the Truth

When customers began to question the status of their insurance, Mr. Sarl knowingly hid the truth. He went as far as blaming a false “IT glitch” to cover his tracks.

The consequences were real: in one instance, a customer’s claim was rejected because the premium had never reached the insurer. They were left to face the financial fallout alone.

Therese Chambers, Joint Head of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA, commented:

“Mr. Sarl’s customers trusted him to keep their money safe and to secure the insurance cover they needed. Instead, he helped himself to prop up his business and personal finances. He compounded this by lying to his customers… It is right that Mr. Sarl should be banned from the industry.”

The VINTTRO Takeaway

Stories like this are exactly why we emphasise transparency at VINTTRO Cover. When you insure through us, we don’t just go through the motions, we encourage and support you through the whole process up holding transparency at all times through out your customer journey together.

Your insurance requirements deserves more than a provider who cuts corners or hides behind “IT glitches.” We believe in total honesty, layered security and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your insurance is exactly where it should be.

Don’t leave your coverage to chance. Contact VINTTRO today to discuss our fully insured, secure storage options.

They say the truth eventually comes to light, but for Patricia Rogers, it happened under the bright studio lights of national television.

In a case that has stunned insurance investigators, a 25-year-old woman from Barnsley has been sentenced after her appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show provided the “smoking gun” evidence needed to dismantle a massive fraudulent insurance claim.

The Half-Million Pound Lie

The saga began in 2014 following a genuine motor vehicle accident. Rogers claimed the incident left her with debilitating back pain, asserting she was unable to walk unaided or stand for more than 10 minutes.

Seeking damages totaling £492,141 from her insurer, NFU Mutual, she maintained a sophisticated “pretence” for nearly a decade. To support her claim, she attended medical appointments leaning heavily on a walking stick, presenting herself as a victim with a severely diminished quality of life.

The “Miraculous” TV Recovery

The cracks in her story didn’t just appear; they ran across a TV stage. Investigators discovered footage of Rogers on The Jeremy Kyle Show in 2017. Despite her claims of being unable to walk without assistance, she was filmed running across the set unaided.

When confronted by the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), Rogers offered a creative defense: she claimed the “anger” she felt during the filming distracted her from her physical pain, allowing her to run.

The Surveillance Breakthrough

Beyond the Jeremy Kyle TV appearance, NFU Mutual conducted extensive surveillance in April 2021, which revealed a pattern of “gross exaggeration”:

• The Taxi Trick: Footage showed Rogers walking to a taxi with a walking stick merely hanging from her arm. Upon arriving at her medical appointment, she suddenly began leaning heavily on the stick for the benefit of the doctors.
• The Dog Walk: On the same day she claimed she couldn’t stand for 10 minutes, she was filmed walking her two dogs for 40 minutes with no visible discomfort.
• The Lead Logic: Rogers told police she couldn’t hold a dog lead and a walking stick simultaneously, yet surveillance showed her doing exactly that.

The Legal Verdict

At Sheffield Crown Court, Rogers admitted to fraud by false representation. The consultant orthopaedic surgeon concluded her condition was either “grossly exaggerated” or entirely psychological.

She was handed a 12-month jail term (suspended for 18 months) and ordered to pay £500 in compensation. Detective Constable Carley Parodi described her actions as “astounding,” noting that Rogers believed she could outsmart medical professionals and insurers for years. This was clearly a fraudulent claim

Why Integrity Matters:

Insurance fraud is often mistakenly viewed as a “victimless” crime, but the reality is far more damaging. As Richard Turnell of NFU Mutual noted, these fraudulent insurance claims ultimately drive up premiums for every honest policyholder. When individuals exaggerate or fabricate injuries for financial gain, it drains resources and increases the operational costs for insurers, costs that are inevitably passed back to the public.

In the world of specialist and niche vehicles, where valuations are high and the community is tight-knit, this impact is felt even more acutely. Fraudulent activity can lead to stricter underwriting, higher barriers to entry for unique coverages and a general atmosphere of scepticism that hurts genuine claimants. Maintaining integrity within the insurance pool ensures that when a real accident happens, the support and funds are there for those who truly need them.

VINTTRO Cover

We believe in providing our clients with honest and robust insurance protection they deserve. Whether you are insuring a prized Ferrari collection or a unique niche build, our bespoke policies are built on transparency and expertise. By offering tailored terms, we ensure that your lifestyle is protected against genuine risks. Don’t let the actions of a few impact your peace of mind, trust a specialist who understands the true value of your insurance needs.

Simon Bennett, writes this blog about the financial loss he has suffered through the ignorance of the love of cars.

Ok, before I dig deep into this, let me get one thing straight: I’m talking about the daily drivers. The school-run shuttles, the back-and-forth commute, the 12,000-miles-a-year workhorses. I’m not even including the costs of servicing, maintenance, tax, or insurance in the figures below, this is purely about the “hole in the pocket” that is depreciation and monthly payments.

I admit it: I have a ridiculous addiction. When I get bored, I buy another car. But looking back at my history of daily drivers, I’ve realised this familiar practice is just a complete waste of money.

The £17,000 “Lightbulb Moment”

The catalyst for this blog was a conversation with my stepfather, David. Just under three years ago, he bought a brand-new electric Nissan for £27,000. Recently, he became uncomfortable after reading about potential battery replacement costs exceeding £13,000, so he looked into trading it for a Hybrid Toyota Yaris priced at £24,000.

To his shock, he was offered just £10,000 for his Nissan.

Despite having covered only 9,000 miles in three years, the car had lost £17,000 in value. It seems some electric car values are falling like a stone, often losing significantly more than the average 50–60% expected for most new cars in their first three years. I managed to talk him out of it, trading that car would be like throwing £50 notes into a fire pit. Instead, I convinced him to buy a top-of-the-range 65-inch TV and keep the Nissan. Job done, and £14,000 saved.

My Hall of Shame: A Decade of Leasing

Looking back at my own history, I’ve been just as guilty of burning cash. Between 2006 and 2015, I spent a staggering £38,652 on lease deals, Simon said:

• 2006–2009 (Lexus IS): £12,121 total
• 2009–2012 (Audi A5): £17,901 total
• 2012–2015 (Mercedes E-Class): £19,539 total

At the end of those nine years, I had completely nothing to show for it. No asset, no equity, just a very expensive way to buy someone else’s car.

The “Impractical” Phase

In 2016, I tried to break the cycle by buying a second-hand BMW Z4 for £21,000. It was fun, but thirsty and the two-seater life didn’t suit my business needs. When I traded it in a year later, I lost another £4,000.

I moved into a new Audi Avant for £33,000. It was practical and “cool-ish,” but ultimately a bit boring. Three years later? Another £10,000 gone in depreciation.

Even my rural “sensible” purchase a Range Rover for £11,000 cost me £2,500 in a year because I lived in constant fear of the crankshaft snapping or the electronics failing, a common anxiety in enthusiast circles.

The Pocket Rocket & The Final Straw

By 2022, working from home meant I only covered 6,000 miles a year. I bought a Fiat 500 Abarth for £14,000. It was an absolute “pocket rocket,” but the build quality felt like a baked bean tin. My wife hated it, fearing for my safety every time I passed a 38-tonne lorry. I sold it 18 months later for £9,800, another £4,200 loss.

The Strategy: Beating the Curve

When I added it all up, I’ve wasted an average of £4,000 per year for 18 years. That is simply ridiculous.

So, what is the solution for someone doing 6k–8k miles a year who still wants a reliable, stylish car?

1. Don’t lease: It’s a guaranteed loss.
2. Don’t buy brand new: You lose 20% the moment you drive off the forecourt.
3. Buy at the bottom of the curve: Look for a car that has already lost the bulk of its residual value.

My choice is a Mercedes E-Class 350 CDI Coupe. It’s stylish, relatively low mileage, and a fantastic cruiser. I picked up a near-immaculate example with a full Mercedes history for just £8,000. While £8,000 is still a lot of money, compared to the tens of thousands I’ve wasted in the past, it’s an absolute bargain.

Like Simon, have you fallen victim to the “new car” money pit? Does the cost of depreciation bother you, or is the “new car smell” worth the price tag?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, I’m off to polish my classics… at least they’re worth every penny!

If your car or van is stolen or written off, the last thing you need is a secondary battle with your insurance company over what it’s worth. Unfortunately, a recent review by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) suggests that for many drivers, that battle is becoming a reality.

The regulator has uncovered evidence that some motor insurers are consistently offering customers settlements below the actual market value of their vehicles. Even more concerning? Some firms only seem to offer a fair price once a customer officially complains.

The “Wait and See” Strategy

The FCA’s findings highlight a troubling trend where initial offers are intentionally low. This “lowballing” forces the burden onto the consumer to prove their car’s worth, despite the FCA’s previous warnings in December 2022 that this practice must stop.

“Having your vehicle written off or stolen can be intensely stressful,” says Sheldon Mills, Executive Director of Consumers and Competition at the FCA. “We expect firms to offer the right support and we are engaging directly with those that have issues that need to be addressed.”

The Impact of Consumer Duty

Since July 2023, the stakes have been higher for insurers due to the Consumer Duty. This regulation isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a requirement for firms to:

• Put consumers at the heart of their business.
• Act to deliver “good outcomes.”
• Provide support during the claims process, rather than creating hurdles.

When an insurer offers a settlement they know is below market value, they aren’t just being “frugal” they are likely in breach of these fundamental regulatory requirements.

What Should You Do if Your Claim Feels Low?

If you are currently dealing with a claim and the offer feels like a “lowball,” you have clear paths for recourse:

1. Don’t accept the first offer immediately: Research the market value using reputable price guides and local listings for similar makes, models, and conditions.
2. File a formal complaint: State clearly why you believe the valuation is incorrect. Under current FCA observations, many firms are only correcting their offers at this stage.
3. Escalate to the Ombudsman: If your insurer refuses to budge, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). They have the power to overrule the insurer if the valuation is deemed unfair.

The Bottom Line

The FCA warning: We are watching and we will be engaging with the firms identified in the review to ensure they improve their valuation processes. For the insurance industry, the message is clear: Fair value is a right, not a negotiation tactic.

The VINTTRO Claims Advantage

At VINTTRO Cover, we believe you shouldn’t have to navigate these hurdles alone. We have our own in-house claims team dedicated to guiding you through any anomalies in your motor insurance cover. Whether you are facing a valuation dispute or general claims-related issues, our experts are here to provide the peace of mind that comes with VINTTRO Cover. We don’t just provide a policy; we provide the comfort of knowing someone is in your corner when it matters most.

Hollywood star Jason Momoa best known for his roles in Aquaman, Dune, and Game of Thrones, has always had a passion for classic craftsmanship. Recently, he took that passion to the next level by commissioning a groundbreaking electric conversion of his vintage 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

The Partner: Electrogenic

To pull off this “dream project,” Jason Momoa turned to Electrogenic, a world-leading EV technology company based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Known for their “sympathetic” conversions, the team spent 18 months transforming the nearly century-old icon.

“I needed a team that would appreciate the storied history of this car while updating its technology,” Momoa explained. “Electrogenic is all about honouring classic cars and making them electric without losing any of the vehicle’s character.”

Engineering the “Unbearable”

The Phantom II was originally powered by a massive 7.7-litre pushrod straight-six engine. Electrogenic replaced this with a 93kWh battery pack and a high-performance electric powertrain.

The result? A car that is now:

• Four times more powerful than the original (delivering 150kW/201hp).
• Weight-neutral, meaning the new components didn’t add bulk to the two-tonne chassis.
• Capable of 150 miles of real-world range on a single charge.

The conversion wasn’t just about the motor; it was a “labour of love” that required re-engineering the car’s complex cable-operated braking system and its famous “through-flow” chassis lubrication system to work with modern EV architecture.

Modern Comforts, Vintage Soul

While the exterior remains a masterpiece of 1920s design, the interior received subtle modern upgrades. The original gauges were creatively repurposed, the fuel sight glass is now an LED battery indicator and a high-end, multi-speaker Bluetooth audio system was discreetly hidden within the leather and wood-lined cabin.

The entire process was filmed for Momoa’s new Discovery+ series, “On The Roam,” showcasing the incredible intersection of heritage and future-proof technology.

What Do You Think?

Converting a classic Rolls-Royce to EV: A stroke of genius by Jason Momoa, or should it have stayed original? While some see it as preserving history for the next generation, others miss the smell of petrol and that iconic engine note.

Where do you stand on the EV vs. Original debate?

The VINTTRO Advantage

At VINTTRO, we understand that whether you’re driving a modern EV or a converted 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom, your cover needs to be as unique as your vehicle. We have our own in-house claims team dedicated to guiding you through any anomalies in your motor insurance cover or claims-related issues. That is the comfort and peace of mind you get when insuring through VINTTRO Cover.

Find Out More

• Explore Electrogenic: Visit their website here.
• See the Photos: View the BBC’s full gallery of Jason Momoa’s Rolls-Royce here.