Carole Nash, an iconic brand and character in the motorcycle insurance sector, is carving out a significant and expanding niche among car owners and retailers.

With more than 250,000 policies on its books the Altrincham-based broker, founded by the avid bike enthusiast Carole Nash 20 years ago, has ridden into motor and trade indemnity cover on the pillions of two-wheeler customers and motorcycle traders.

While it now insures 20,000 cars, 75% of which are run by existing motorcycle clients, Carole Nash’s head of marketing, Warren Dickson, predicts that number will double within 12 months. He explains: “Just as Carole started with vintage bikes we became the insurance provider for many of their owners’ classic cars. They account for 8,000 of car policies but to maintain momentum we are going to grow our ‘moderns’ or contemporary model business.”

In tandem, the trade element is moving beyond core motorcycle retailers into car dealers, “largely through word of mouth endorsements”, claims Dickson.

He adds: “This is a lucrative, large liability premium area covering stock, premises and road risks.”

He admits diversification into car cover presents new challenges outside familiar territory where “enthusiasts’ knowledge and personal contacts are our hallmark”. Specialist schemes include OMNI, offering a combined single premium embracing motorcycle, car, household and travel cover.