Iggy Pop insurer snubs musicians

AN INSURANCE advert that features Iggy Pop is refusing to provide cover for musicians.

Swiftcover features the veteran rocker in a TV campaign with him saying: "I got it Swiftcovered. I got insurance on my insurance. Do it. Get a life. Get Swiftcovered".

But the online firm, part of the Axa insurance group, has come under fire for turning down car insurance cover for people who work in the music industry.

It cited higher levels of risk and potential claims costs as its reasons.

Swiftcover said it chose the former Stooges frontman to be the face of the £25million campaign as an actor who "loves life" rather than as a musician.

Bassist Tim Soong said he applied for insurance but was told: "We don't insure musicians owing to underwriting rules."

He, along with 11 others, complained to the Advertising Standards Authority who said it has launched an investigation.

A spokesman said: "We have received 12 complaints and we are formally investigating those complaints.
"They have challenged whether it is misleading to suggest Iggy Pop has insurance with Swiftcover because its website states that those who work in entertainment cannot take out a car insurance policy with that insurer."

Swiftcover.com's marketing director Tina Shortle, said: "Insurance premiums are based on a number of different data, including the historic claims costs for specific occupations.
"This means that we do not provide cover to some professions that, according to that data, have a higher level of claims costs."

The firm also refuses to insure bailiffs, bodyguards and those working in gambling, modelling and professional sport.