New Atom Owner

[CAG3D]

Hi all,

I’m sure you see this question all the time, but can anyone steer me in the right direction with regards to insuring an Atom.

I’m collecting it on Saturday, between the rain showers.

I don’t have personal no claims bonus, as I have run company cars for a long time.

Thanks


Tony



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[phil4]

Hi Tony, there's a few firms out there. If you have some previous experience of high performance cars it should help, but we all have to start somewhere.

I'm currently with REIS https://reis.co.uk/ who also bundle in trackday cover.
I was previously with MSM http://www.msminsurance.co.uk/.

Both have been helpful and friendly.

I've never got a competative quote from Adrian Flux, but understand they may cover it. Lloyd and White offer a quote each year too, but are massively over the others.

There will be others, but no point recommending someone I've not at least had quote.

Beware also that many will refer to it as a kit car, which might annoy you. And if expensive (they have a threshold, I don't know what it is), they may require a tracker fitted and working, so make sure you get the right paperwork and get it transferred to you if already fitted.

[AlanP]

Tony

The other tip is don't hang about. Reis took about 3 days to get me a quote (£800 odd with 6 x trackdays included) MSM took more than a week to come back and ask for >£2000!

I'm 61 years old, car £100k, donkeys years worth of transferable no claims.

They wouldn't cover my wife at all because 'she doesn't have enough experience driving a car like that' she's 44 years old with a blameless driving history!!

Alan

[Fastlane]

I'm with A plan Thatcham. As AlanP says above, insurers may not insure you unless you have previous experience with a sports car, preferably in the last couple of years.You'll also need to garage it.

Good luck.

[CAG3D]

Thank you.

Yeh, plenty of previous experience in bonkers cars.

I will contact some now and see how I get on.

Tony




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[CAG3D]

Without sounding stupid, how the heck to you hide a Tracker on an Atom.....?


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[phil4]

I think it starts by no one really knowing what the tracker looks like, and then putting it somewhere most people don't see.

For security reasons, I'd suggest if you do know... you don't post here, no point this becoming the google goto for stealing atoms

[Noel]

hi cag3d,

iv just recently been through this and struggled, phoned up loads of companies that will insure atoms and most were over 2000, as some one else mentioned, non of them were really bothered about my no years no claims, they all wanted to know what experience iv had and if iv driven super bikes and done track days etc which i haven't.

i used to have a tuscan and was insured with adrian flux, so i gave them a call and after talking to them a helpful woman got me a quote for just over 500 so i was happy, so might be worth trying them.

hope that helps

[CAG3D]

Perfect, thank you

I will give them a call later




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[CAG3D]

Right, I’m ready to go.

I am planning on collecting the Atom on Saturday.

The weather is looking a bit touch and go, it’s approx 1 1/2 hour journey home.

I don’t want to not pick it up, as I want it in my garage ASAP

Can you give me some advice on what to expect? I’m planning on driving sensibly, but I noticed a comment the other day about having freezing cold feet (something I wouldn’t have considered)

I have borrowed a couple of helmets for the trip (my 13 year old son wants to come back with me)

If it’s not raining, but wet roads, does it spray everywhere? Do we just need to dress in thermals and waterproofs?

How easy are they to clean once filthy from a wet dirty journey?

Thanks


Tony



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[phil4]

Can you give me some advice on what to expect? I’m planning on driving sensibly, but I noticed a comment the other day about having freezing cold feet (something I wouldn’t have considered)

If it’s not raining, but wet roads, does it spray everywhere? Do we just need to dress in thermals and waterproofs?

How easy are they to clean once filthy from a wet dirty journey?

Hi Tony,

Lets say it's cold/wet. Then yes, I'd get something warm and waterproof. Don't forget gloves too. You don't want windchill on top of low temps for over an hour.

What else? Be gentle with the accelerator and change up early, try not to accelerate round/out of bends and it'll be like a pussy cat. The Atom being light has a lot of engine braking, which leads me to the next point, with no ABS, try and keep distance and use engine braking to slow, with light application of brakes. Keep your distance and plan ahead. Be careful though, drop a gear too many and you'll lockup the rear.

In short it can be driven gently and it'll behave like a pussy cat, give yourself time to plan and react gently and you'll be fine.

The above may sound like overcaution, and it probably is, but equally I don't know how you drive, and would rather you get home without incident.

Cleaning it is pretty easy, just hose it all down (except the ECU on the rear bulkhead), and then baby wipes on the tubes and panels.

[AlanP]

Tony

Good luck and enjoy the trip. The only time I think you need a helmet is if it's raining heavily in which case sunglasses don't clear. Plastic glasses obviously (I think they pretty much all are). I'd put a helmet on your son though, a bit of grit at 80 can smart.

I've never had cold feet but hands are a bit exposed and can get chilly.
The tyres need warming.
The petrol gauge it's a deceitful thing and there are some long gaps between petrol stations on the A303. Fill up early to save unnecessary stress.
Be aware it's a total monster so just take care, I'm sure you wil absolutely love it.

Post a photo or two please.

A

[CAG3D]

Thanks all

Pics to follow


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[Hedge]

Drive the tits off it.

#sage

Cheers,
Hedge

[autobackup]

If you don't have any cold weather/waterproof gear then https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ do some very reasonably priced jackets and insulated waterproof trousers - not suitable for a motorbike - but are absolutely excellent when driving an Atom in cold and/or wet weather.

I would strongly suggest that waterproof gloves are also essential as if the gloves soak up water your hands can get very cold indeed!

You don't need a helmet but, if you don't have the full windscreen option fitted, even rain 'hurts' at quite modest speeds and the odd thrown up stone can be very painful - if you decide not to wear a helmet then I would suggest that clear or tinted polycarbonate glasses are a safety minimum!!

Mountain Warehouse obviously supply via the internet but they actually have a few shops scattered around the South of England if you need something in a hurry https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/stores/results/