Head of Car Club Liaison Steph Hoy discusses Lancaster Insurance Services and the future of the classic car world
Classic car broker Lancaster Insurance Services is keen to increase its support for Britainʼs classic clubs, and new Head of Car Club Liaison and YouTube star Steph Hoy has plans to build on its success for the future.
Steph and Lancaster Insurance Services are both passionate about getting younger people involved with the car clubs, which has included providing the insurance for the Morris Registerʼs 1939 Morris Eight loan car and setting up the ʻBright Young Sparksʼ programme, aimed at enthusiasts aged 16-25. “Weʼre really encouraged by the fact that, with our support, clubs have been able to futureproof and look ahead,” says Steph, “whether that is reproducing parts or introducing younger members to their clubs. The average age of people in UK car clubs is now over 60, so it is very important for us to make sure that weʼre accessible for the earlier generations, too.
“Lancaster Insurance Services is able to cover drivers under 25 in a number of clubs, and weʼd encourage people to give us a call to see how we can help” “We want to bring more clubs into the Lancaster car club scheme, but also help them to achieve their goals,” says Steph, “whether thatʼs bringing in new members, or brainstorming ways to support clubs and their members, basically whatever helps them keep these fantastic classic vehicles going.” Steph sees the shrinking numbers and awareness of pre-war cars – beyond favourites such as Bentleys and Austin Sevens – as a real issue, and points to the dwindling numbers of certain 1980s and ʼ90s models as proof that many younger classics are similarly under threat.
Lancasterʼs support comes in many forms, from financial to attracting new members, as well as collaborating on ideas and education on how to make the most of their offering to members, including helping with skills such as running social media accounts. “We sponsor banners, help them to afford equipment they need, support club magazines with advertising and help set up young-member insurance schemes,” says Steph. “Itʼs more than that, though. This morning I sat on the phone with a club for a few hours to talk about how to use social media. Iʼve also taught clubs about YouTube video tags. We donʼt just stop at monetary support.”
01480 400927; www.lancaste
