Chris North FCII
Commercial Vehicle Insurance Technical Manager
Chris is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is a longstanding Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII).
Chris is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is a longstanding Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII).
He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets. Chris is responsible for providing this specialist team with technical advice, not only about the usual motor, liability, property and goods in transit covers, but also increasingly crucial covers such as directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and cyber threat insurance.
His role also includes bringing forwards new initiatives for transport-related businesses, in particular those of a risk management nature given the importance Towergate places on the maxim that ‘prevention is better than cure’.
Towergate is the UK’s leading independent insurance broking platform and forms part of The Ardonagh Group, an international network of over 100 offices and 7,000 people which incorporates leading brands in both Lloyd’s of London and global markets.
Published Articles
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Driving in the winter
Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable, resulting in hazards like snow, ice, and flooding. Even for the most experienced drivers, journeys can become particularly dangerous when faced with severe conditions such as fog, strong winds, heavy rain, ice, and snow.
November 21, 2024
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Risk Update: Changes to TfL Safety Permit Scheme
Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme were introduced in 2021 and require operators of trucks over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) to have a safety permit in order to enter and operate in London. As of 28 October 2024, more stringent road user vehicle safety features will be introduced to protect vulnerable road users in Greater London.
September 18, 2024
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Car Key Loss Insurance for Multiple Vehicles
Clients running fleets of vehicles may have a considerable number of vehicle key sets that need to be kept safe. What would happen if a sizeable number of those keys were to be lost, stolen or damaged at the same time?
July 19, 2024
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How to Become a Taxi Driver
A career as a taxi driver offers freedom, flexibility, and the ability to decide your own schedule – it’s no wonder more and more people are wondering how to become a cab driver.
July 10, 2024
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Reduce the Risk: Occupational Road Safety for Your Vehicles
Learn how to create the right occupational road safety culture to ensure your fleet stays on the road - and reduce your transport insurance costs at the same time.
July 05, 2024
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Qualifications to be a Taxi Driver
It’s important to note that there are no set qualifications that all applying taxi drivers must take. Instead, the qualifications to be a taxi driver will vary depending on your local council’s requirements.
July 04, 2024
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Vehicle Safety Features to Reduce Your Insurance Costs
Keeping drivers safe and insurance claims down is increasingly vital for transport operators. See how new commercial vehicle safety features can help.
May 30, 2024
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How To Start a Taxi Firm
Taxis are an extremely popular method of travel in the UK, with the number of registered taxis and private hire vehicles having increased by nearly 90% since 2005. If you are looking to start a taxi firm, we have put together the guide below to help you take your first steps.
May 10, 2024
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12 Tips to Tackle Vehicle Rental Crime
Doing all you can to keep your rental fleet secure is vital. We've put together 12 tips to help you tackle vehicle rental crime.
February 28, 2024
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Best Driving Shoes
In wet, windy and snowy weather, you may want to wear wellies or walking boots - but what are the best driving shoes?
October 06, 2023
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Load Securing: Why It’s Important for Truck Insurance
Every haulier knows how important it is to secure the loads drivers carry. But you may not be aware of the importance of load securing for insurance.
October 17, 2022
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing a Dash Cam
Over the past 20 years, dashcams have become ever more widely available.
September 21, 2022
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Three Common Driving Offences Explained
We all know the dos and don’ts to bear in mind while we’re on the road, yet offences still take place across the UK every day.
August 02, 2022
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Is Your Anti-theft Tracker Activated?
If you purchase an anti theft tracker or a car that has one, check the terms of your car insurance and how they relate to your tracker system.
July 15, 2022
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Avoiding Ghost Brokers When Taking Out Car Insurance
Car insurance to protect what could be the second most expensive purchase you will ever make is really important. But how do you avoid 'ghost broking'?
March 14, 2021
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UK Drivers No Longer Need Insurance ‘Green Cards’ for Driving in Europe
Following Brexit, UK drivers were required to carry a “Green Card” (an International Motor Insurance Certificate) when driving in Europe.
November 29, 2020
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Beware Crash for Cash Scams
Towergate Insurance Motor Division have issued a list of top tips to help drivers avoid being targeted in 'crash for cash' scams.
November 14, 2020
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What Licence Do I Need to Drive a Minibus?
Read our guide to see if you need an additional licence to drive a minibus.
August 20, 2019
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Managing the Spreading Fire Risk in Trucks
Read what steps can a fleet operator take to reduce the likelihood of fire, be it accidental or deliberate, breaking out in one vehicle and spreading to many others.
May 09, 2019
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Using Camera Systems to Reduce Your Fleet Insurance Costs
Cutting the frequency of claims can help reduce your truck insurance and fleet insurance premiums. Read our guide to installing camera systems.
August 28, 2018
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Putting Goods-in-Transit Security First
Losing a load doesn't just cost time and money; reputations can be broken if security fails and consignments are lost. This guide looks at some of the ways you can minimise the risk as a distribution firm.
August 24, 2018
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Guide to CPC Training
Find out more about why you need CPC to drive a coach, lorry or bus commercially.
August 23, 2018
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Reducing the Risks of Using Agency Drivers
Learn more about the threats facing haulage companies and how to reduce risks to your business.
April 04, 2018
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A Guide to being a Good Driver
Any driver, young or old, will tell you that driving well comes with practice. We list some of the key things to do in order to improve your driving.
March 09, 2018
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Top Tips for Driving on Country Roads
Driving on winding country lanes can be daunting. Our guide contains simple tips for staying safe on country roads.
March 07, 2018
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A Young Driver's Guide to Driving In the City
Driving in traffic through a busy city can be challenging, risky and unpredictable. Here are a few quick tips for young drivers in a crowded city.
March 06, 2018
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Tips for Passing Your Driving Test
Towergate's ten top tips for passing your driving test, to help you to stay focused and, just as importantly, keep your cool.
March 06, 2018
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Top Ten Dangers to Young Drivers on the Motorway
Driving on the motorway can be daunting for any newly qualified, young driver. We've put together ten top tips for new drivers driving on the motorway.
February 28, 2018
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Guide to Restarting a Car Battery
If your car is refusing to start you may have a flat battery. Read our guide to find out the causes of a flat battery and how to solve the problem.
February 27, 2018
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Benefits of Pass Plus
It can be easy to dismiss Pass Plus as another unnecessary expense after learning to drive, however, there are a number of benefits for young drivers.
February 27, 2018
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A Guide to DVLA Car Classification
Our straight forward guide explains the different classes of vehicles and the different classes of cars in the car classification.
August 02, 2017
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How to find the value of your classic car
Buying, selling or looking to insure a classic car? Discover how with our guide to valuing your classic car using the famous Triumph Spitfire as an example
July 18, 2017
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Towergate's Top 10 UK Scenic Driving Routes
View our top 10 driving routes across the UK. Written in conjunction with our friends at Footman James.
July 14, 2016
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What is the Best Car for Chauffeurs?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to add to your fleet, we run through some of the most popular chauffeur car choices.
July 13, 2016
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‘Commercial considerations’ transit insurance extension
Unsure on the benefits and limitations associated with the 'commercial considerations' transit insurance extension? Here's why it's worth considering.
January 22, 2016
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Goods-in-transit – Are you liable for consequential losses?
How can hauliers insure themselves against consequential losses?
January 22, 2016
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DVLA Licence Validation
Our guide to checking a customer's DVLA licence - for vehicle rental companies.
October 16, 2013
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‘Full Responsibility’ Transit Insurance
This article explains the difference between "all risks" goods in transit cover and "Full responsibility" transit insurance. An important read for any haulier but especially those that regularly carry high value loads.
October 01, 2013