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.

Amazon entered the UK insurance comparison market just 15 months ago with The Amazon Insurance Store, but following an internal evaluation, the decision has been taken to close this arm of the business.

As reported by Reuters, the e-commerce giant introduced Amazon Insurance to select customers on October 19th, 2022, followed by a nationwide rollout by the end of the same year. Initially, the panel featured home insurers Ageas UK, Co-op, and LV=, later adding Policy Expert and Urban Jungle. However, the experiment ended after less than a year and a half.

The Challenge of Disruption

While Amazon officially cited “prioritisation” and a “strategic review,” several industry factors likely influenced the decision.

• The “Big Four” Dominance: Established comparison sites currently hold a combined market share of over 95%, making it incredibly difficult for a newcomer, even one as large as Amazon, to gain a foothold.
• A Narrow Selection: With only five providers on the panel, Amazon struggled to compete with established platforms that offer over 100 choices, making it difficult to guarantee the “best” price for every consumer.
• A Lack of Differentiation: Industry experts noted that the store didn’t solve a specific pain point beyond simply being an Amazon-branded service, failing to offer a unique “Value Proposition”.

From Comparison to “Embedded” Insurance

Amazon’s exit doesn’t necessarily mean they are done with insurance. Many analysts predict a pivot toward “Embedded Insurance” the practice of selling coverage as a seamless part of a product purchase, such as offering home insurance alongside a Ring doorbell.

The Perspective

The exit of a tech giant is a stark reminder that in the insurance world, specialist expertise and choice still reign supreme. It is one thing to master the logistics of e-commerce; it is quite another to master the complex, high-trust world of personal risk.

At VINTTRO Cover, we see this as a validation that customers still value a “one-stop-shop” that understands their specific lifestyle rather than a generic algorithm.

What are your thoughts on this announcement? Does Amazon’s exit prove that traditional specialist brokers still have the upper hand, or is the next great disruptor just around the corner?

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has officially stepped back into the insurance ring. After a challenging period that saw many mainstream insurers retreat from the Range Rover market, the manufacturer has launched its own dedicated insurance scheme to restore confidence and protect its drivers.

The move comes after the brand’s previous insurance partner ceased operations last November, leaving many owners facing astronomical premiums or, in many cases, a total refusal of cover. This “insurance desert” didn’t just hit owners’ wallets; it began to impact new car sales and caused a noticeable dip in second-hand values.

A Data-Driven Solution

Partnering with Allianz Partners, the new scheme went live in October and has already been adopted by over 4,000 clients.

The launch follows JLR’s £10 million investment in vehicle security updates. These upgrades are proving effective: data from the Police National Computer recently cited a 40% drop in thefts for Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models built between 2018 and 2022.

The Fine Print: What You Need to Know

The new policy is designed for flexibility, though it does come with a few specific eligibility requirements:

• Age & Value: Drivers must be 30 years of age or older, and the vehicle’s value must be below £150,000.
• Flexible Terms: The policy features no deposits or interest charges. Better yet, clients can modify or cancel coverage without incurring the usual mid-term adjustment fees.
• Price Guarantee: Pricing is locked in for 12 months, providing much-needed stability in a volatile market.
• Expert Repairs: If monthly payments are below £200, the policy guarantees that any necessary repairs are handled exclusively by JLR-authorised body repair centers.

How VINTTRO Cover Can Help

While JLR’s new scheme is a great step forward, we understand that standard manufacturer policies don’t always fit every lifestyle, especially if you own a highly modified vehicle, a classic model, or a multi-car collection.

At VINTTRO Cover, we specialise in providing bespoke insurance solutions for JLR owners who need a more personal touch. Whether your vehicle exceeds the £150k value cap or you’re looking for an Agreed Value policy to protect your investment from market depreciation, we have you covered. Our team works with a panel of specialist underwriters to find competitive rates even for models that traditional insurers avoid. From the latest Range Rover to a cherished classic Defender, we bring your everyday and niche vehicles under one trusted roof with flexible, high-standard protection.

Beyond the Range Rover

The JLR scheme (and our specialist cover) is inclusive of the entire JLR family:

• Defender
• Discovery
• Jaguar models

To explore the specifics of the manufacturer’s new product, visit the Jaguar Land Rover website.

Ready for a quote that actually fits? Call us today on 0333 4042 007 to discuss your specialist JLR insurance needs.

Did you know that despite the high value of leisure vehicles, only 13% of motorhomes and 6% of campervans have trackers installed? According to research by Trackershop, the security gap doesn’t stop there: 54% of motorhomes and 45% of campervans lack even a basic alarm system.

Since the pandemic, the UK has seen a massive surge in motorhome sales, with campervan ownership rising by 20%. We are now in the height of the season, and unfortunately, theft is at an all-time high. For new owners, protecting your asset has never been more critical.

Why Motorhomes are High-Value Targets

It’s a simple case of supply and demand. Much like the high-end performance car market, motorhomes are prime targets for organized gangs. In 2020 alone, one tracking specialist recovered over £1 million worth of stolen vehicles.

Modern thieves don’t always need your keys. With computer technology underpinning modern ignitions, tech-savvy criminals can often bypass security systems in seconds. Without a tracking device, the chances of recovery are slim, especially since thieves quickly strip or alter identity markings once the vehicle is hidden.

How to Protect Your Pride and Joy

Whether you own a modern marvel or a classic Hymer, security should be a top priority. Here are our essential tips for keeping your vehicle safe:

1. The Golden Rule: Keys

It sounds simple, but never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle. Doing so could invalidate your insurance, leaving you completely uncovered for loss or damage due to theft.

2. Physical Security Locks

Thieves are opportunists; if a job looks like it will take too long, they’ll move on.

• For Classic Owners: Standard locks on vintage vans are often easily picked. We recommend upgrading to a van lock plate or a deadlock to bolster your defences while maintaining that classic look.

3. Electronic Immobilisers & Alarms

Most modern motorhomes feature remote immobilisers, but classic owners aren’t always so lucky.

• Immobilisers: These prevent the engine from starting without the correct electronic “handshake.”
• Thatcham Category 1 Alarms: We highly recommend a Thatcham-approved system. A loud, audible deterrent is often the best way to scare off a thief before they get inside.

4. GPS Tracking Systems

Once reserved for supercars, GPS technology is now highly affordable. A tracker allows you to monitor your vehicle’s location via your phone in real-time.

• Recovery Rates: Some systems offer up to a 95% recovery rate.
• Storage Tip: If you keep your vehicle in a storage facility, a tracker provides a “virtual eye.” If you’re storing it for long periods, consider a solar battery charger to ensure the tracker doesn’t drain your battery.

5. The “Safe Box” Mentality

If a thief sees a tablet, sat-nav, or even a charging cable on the dashboard, they assume there is something worth stealing inside. Keep your living area tidy, hide your valuables in a built-in safe, or take them with you when you leave the vehicle.

Insurance: What You Need to Know

Do I need insurance while in storage?

Yes. Even if your vehicle is SORNed (off the road), it remains a target for fire, flood and theft. At VINTTRO, we always advise clients to maintain insurance during storage to cover incidents that fall outside a facility’s standard trade policy.

Do I need specialist insurance to drive?

Standard car insurance is not sufficient. Motorhome insurance is specialised because it covers the unique way you use the vehicle, for cooking, sleeping, and carrying personal contents.

A Note on Licences: * Passed before 1997: You likely have a C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg.

• Passed after 1997: You are generally limited to 3,500kg (plus a 750kg trailer). Always check your licence before buying or renting!

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Get Covered with Vint-tro

At VINTTRO Cover, we want you to focus on the adventure, not the “what ifs.” Whether you’re a classic Hymer enthusiast or a new campervan convert, our team is here to help you find the right protection for your vehicle and its contents.

Ready for peace of mind? Speak to the team at VINTTRO Cover today on 0333 4042 007.