FLEETS operating alternatively-fuelled vehicles that have not been converted by an approved installer risk being left without insurance.

Sixteen insurance companies, including giants Allianz, AXA, Norwich Union, Pearl, and Royal and Sun Alliance, have all confirmed that any LPG vehicle provided directly from the manufacturer, or any vehicle converted by an LP Gas Association Approved Installer, will not incur any extra premium.

But 15 of the 16 companies also said they would not insure a vehicle at all if it had been converted by a non-approved installer.

Tom Fiddell, director general of the LPG Association, said the news was a further boost for the LPGA's Approved Installer Scheme.

He added: 'I am delighted that the main insurance companies support our efforts to regulate the high standards required in our industry. With the environmental and economic advantages of running on LPG, conversions are much more popular and the assurance obtained by using LPGA approved installers is increasingly important for fleet managers and consumers.'

The LPGA is producing official certificates for approved installations, which insurance companies will ask to see. Each will have a unique certificate number, silver security embossing to try to prevent fraud, and the name and LPGA number of the technician responsible for the conversion.

However, despite the assurances of comparable premiums to non-LPG cars, insurance companies still insist on being told about conversions and must always be informed. Failure to do so is likely to result in the policy being voided.

Insurance companies that support the scheme are: Allianz, Allianz Cornhill, AXA Insurance (including AXA Direct), CGNU, Churchill Insurance, Co-operative Insurance, Direct Line, Fortis Insurance, Groupama Insurance, Hastings, MMA Insurance, National Insurance & Guarantee Corporation, NFU, Norwich Union, Pearl, Privilege, Provident, Prudential and Royal and Sun Alliance.