2023 is a big year for us as it marks 40 years of being in business! We’ve come a long way in the last four decades, so we thought we’d look back at where it all started and how the business grew along the way.
The beginning of Chris Knott Insurance
Our brokerage was founded in 1983 by Chris Knott, who wanted to create a business that focused on meeting the needs of particular sectors, such as car club members and enthusiasts. After working with the Volvo Owners’ Club (VOC), he realised that car club owners would be viewed as ‘good risks’ from an insurance perspective, thanks to their careful maintenance and driving. However, this wasn’t being taken advantage of by insurers or factored into risk profiling and premium costs.
He began by working from home in a small cottage, approaching different clubs and building relationships with them. Over time, he began to specialise in these schemes, in addition to developing relationships with Personal Insurance clients, churches, charities and community groups. He grew his business from a one-man band into a multi-person company, before setting up offices in Hawkhurst in Kent.
A new home for CKI
When Chris stepped away from the business in 2004, we were successfully working with a number of car clubs, churches, charities and not-for-profits, as well as developing a high-quality Personal Insurance offering.
Since then, our business has continued to grow and moved into a new base in Hastings, but we have maintained our dedication to our specialist sectors. We have also held true to our company values, which include offering a personal service, maintaining an ethical approach and conducting ourselves with understanding and empathy.
Commenting on the landmark anniversary, Director Neil Franklin is positive about how far Chris Knott Insurance has come: “From the very beginning, it was important to us to support specialist sectors and tailor their cover to their individual needs. Forty years on, and this still holds true. We’re therefore looking to work with more car clubs, churches and charities in the future and will continue to help our clients to find the right insurance.”
Take advantage of our expertise
Whether you’re a car club member, charity or homeowner looking for insurance, we can help. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today to experience our personal service first hand and get a quote that’s right for you.
Simply call 0800 917 2274 to talk to us today.
