'PONCH' URGES CYCLE POLICIES RALLY, RIDE WILL UNDERSCORE 21ST CENTURY'S NEW OFFERING.Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer WOODLAND HILLS - When an insurance company introduces a new product, it's difficult to draw attention ... unless it's being sold by Frank ``Ponch'' Poncherello from the classic cop show ``CHiPs.'' For the first time in 44 years, 21st Century Insurance Co. will roll out coverage for motorcycles today. Adorned a·dorn tr.v. a·dorned, a·dorn·ing, a·dorns 1. To lend beauty to: "the pale mimosas that adorned the favorite promenade" Ronald Firbank. 2. in black leather with Harleys humming, actor Erik Estrada Erik Estrada (born March 16, 1949 in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States) is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent, known for his co-starring lead role in the 1977–1983 US television series CHiPs. , who played Ponch in the 1977-83 NBC-TV series, will lead a motorcycle rally A motorcycle rally is a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts. A rally can range from the mild corporate-sponsored Honda Hoot to the infamous Hollister riot. Rallies can be large or small, and one-time or recurring. from Glendale to the insurance company's headquarters in Woodland Hills. ```CHiPs' got me into motorcycles and now I'm supporting a company that will offer the insurance,'' Estrada said. 21st Century is introducing a new product it hopes will be a boon for business. Earlier in the year, the insurer said it would take a $50 million fourth-quarter charge related to claims surfacing from an earthquake law. Pete Moraga, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California, said this is the perfect time of year to announce motorcycle insurance. ``And obviously Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, is known to have many motorcycle enthusiasts,'' Moraga said. Bruce Marlow, chief executive officer of 21st Century, said with more than 90 percent of motorcycle owners also owning another vehicle, this is a good opportunity for the company to further leverage its auto insurance. The company hired Estrada to lend his star power for a kickoff fund-raiser. More than 50 riders from the Beach Ride Committee and the Harley-Davidson Owners Group will participate in the rally. On behalf of the riders, 21st Century Insurance will donate funds to the Exceptional Children's Foundation, the City of Hope and Pediatric pediatric /pe·di·at·ric/ (pe?de-at´rik) pertaining to the health of children. pe·di·at·ric adj. Of or relating to pediatrics. Children's Ward Children's Ward (retitled The Ward from 1995 to 1998) was a British children's television drama series produced by Granada Television and broadcast on the ITV network as part of its Children's ITV strand on weekday afternoons. . 21st Century's rally comes a few days after a biker-backed measure to relax California's mandatory motorcycle helmet A motorcycle helmet is a type of protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is motorcycle safety - to protect the rider's head during impact, thus preventing or reducing head injury or saving the rider's life. law was curbed by legislators. Although insurers probably wouldn't be thrilled if the helmet laws were relaxed, Moraga said he didn't think 21st Century's announcement was prompted by lawmakers' decision. 21st Century Insurance shares declined 11 cents to close at $21.40 Thursday. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (color) Erik Estrada will lead a ride today to introduce 21st Century Insurance Co.'s motorcycle coverage. |
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