Uninsured Van Drivers to Face Law

Vans are a big part of British culture and contribute enormously to the economy and whether we are talking about plumbers or drivers, they face significant loss of earnings should the van be out of service.

This means that adequate van insurance cover is essential for commercial van drivers including builders, shopkeeper, delivery driver, electrician and handyman.

According to a recent report, uninsured British motorists will no longer be allowed to drive without their car or van insurance and industry experts now say that the proposed crackdown by the government could see many rounded up. At the moment the market is saturated with low-cost van insurance deals available online. Freight Transport Association (FTA) also released a guide this week showing 11 proposed road pricing schemes put forward by the Department for Transport which could mean more good news for van insurance customers.

The latest figures suggest that there are an estimated two million uninsured vehicles on UK roads with Barkerend area of Bradford in West Yorkshire being the worst culprit. As a result, the government has now been forced to take a tougher stance saying it will compare databases containing information on registered vehicle owners and car and van insurance policies in an attempt to track down those motorists breaking the law.

But the police crackdown is not the only thing van drivers should worry about, earlier in the week, motorists who use mobile phones while driving were warned that they could risk being penalised with higher insurance premiums in addition to the fixed-penalty charges.

Insurers maintain that there is a direct relationship between speed and accident claims in the same way that there is an irrefutable link between the use of mobile telephones and claims. Recent reports also suggest that motorists in Scotland were subjected to a police crackdown which could impact on those looking to preserve their van insurance.

According to the Glasgow Evening Times, some 205 Strathclyde drivers were stopped by officials in the region as part of the initiative. However, any three-point licence deduction or fixed penalty fine arising from a crackdown is still likely to compromise van insurance policies, as insurance providers could consider those with a poor road history a risk.

The fact that driving without insurance is considered a crime and has become an endorsable offence with the offence code CU80, insurers will probably take account of it when calculating premiums, AA Insurance warned. As a result, van drivers should be aware that an endorsement is likely to attract a premium increase of around 60 which will remain for three years. While some insurers may ignore a first offence, as they may for a speeding endorsement, they are likely to significantly increase premiums for a second offence.

Recently, AA Insurance surveyed 200 commercial van insurance customers in the UK and found that 59% believe their business would suffer from the loss of their van, while nearly one-quarter said they would lose money. The study also found that 35% of commercial van drivers are women.

by Mildred P.

Tips to Keep Your Van Secure

Van insurance should cover most driving related and legal eventualities and good cheap van insurance may also carry additional features such as recovery following an accident, full breakdown cover, home start, some European cover and a like for like vehicle in the event of an accident and the need for a repair. When it comes to protecting your van against theft then some basic security measures are required to validate most insurance policies and some additional measures that you can take will bring the cost of premiums down.

Some security features are easy and cheap to add to your van; some are more costly. Your considerations will depend in part on: the value of your van, whether you need to keep expensive tools or other equipment in it unattended at times, and whether the additional security features are a prerequisite of your van insurance policy or optional extras that will reduce your premium.

Some basic door security is obviously required but there are other more sophisticated mechanisms on the market that you could consider. Deadbolts can be fitted to the rear and side doors of your van and are tamper proof once installed. They can be operated either by a mechanical key or from a remote key fob. Slam locks automatically lock and secure a door when closed. These are especially useful for delivery drivers who have to leave their vehicle and its cargo unattended while making deliveries, leaving van and cargo vulnerable to theft. A slam lock would protect against this problem and allow you to quickly and safely go about your business. An armaplate lock cover is another extra that completely encases your van door lock and handle as well as adding a steel plate inside the door.

Interior van security is also important for safety as well as anti-theft reasons. Van boxes can be used for storage and secured to the van interior whilst being removable should you need to carry tools or other equipment with you. Van bulkheads are a steel or perspex screen that is fitted behind the driver and passenger seat which prevents thieves climbing over the seats, and protects driver and passenger from shifting loads during sudden braking. It is also possible to fit steel grilles on the back windows which prevent thieves entering that way but still retain visibility for the driver. Ignition locks should come as standard on most modern vehicles, whilst alarms and GPS immobilisers are other extras that you could consider.

Some other measures you can consider to bring down the cost of your insurance could include keeping your van in a garage or on a drive if available to you, taking an additional driving course, driving well and keeping a good driving record, keeping your no claims bonus by paying for any small accident-related repairs and having a higher voluntary excess on your van insurance policy. It also helps if you can pay for your van insurance all in one go, rather than the more expensive option of monthly direct debits.

If you can implement all or most of these ideas, then the chances are you won’t encounter any problems anyway. In addition, the effort required to act on these ideas will be repaid by making it much easier for you to obtain comprehensive cheap van insurance which will give you peace of mind and ensure you are covered if anything did happen.

Julia Niven – One Van Insurance search a panel of the UK’s leading van insurers to find you a great deal on your van insurance.

Whether you need van insurance for private or business use, our click and buy service means you can arrange your van insurance online in minutes!
We offer fully comprehensive cover, third party, fire & theft and third party only cover. Visit our site and see what cheap van insurance deals we offer.

Safe Towing Tips

Towing any vehicle, whether it’s a refrigerated truck, a snack hut or even just a standard trailer, will dramatically affect the way your van handles. If you are not used to towing any kind of trailer, there are a few safety tips you should bear in mind before setting off.

The first rule is – always read the manual. Even if you are an experienced driver with plenty of practice in towing the manual will give you vital information that will determine how you hitch up the trailer, tyre pressures, the maximum load limit and weight distribution instructions. Refrigerated trailers will also need to be connected up correctly to ensure that all electrical connections are wired up properly and that the unit will not fail in transit.

Commercial van insurance can be invalidated if your policy does not cover you for towing, so it is essential that you check before hitching up your trailer that your van insurance allows you to tow a trailer. This is particularly important if you are towing vehicles such as snack huts, as they may require additional cover to deal with the contents of the hut and whether the hut has propane gas cylinders attached. Some cheap van insurance policies may not cover you for towing trailers over a certain weight, so check your policy carefully before venturing out onto the road.

Once you’ve checked that your insurance is in place and you have also had a good look at the manual, the next step is to ensure that your vehicle is suitable for towing the weight of the trailer and that the trailer itself is hitched up correctly. Any trailer that has its own braking system must by law be fitted with a safety chain. This will prevent the trailer from potentially careering into oncoming traffic should the hitch fail by applying the safety brakes. Ensure that if your trailer does has a safety chain fitted that it is attached correctly to the towing vehicle.

One of the most common causes of incidents involving towed vehicles is incorrect weight distribution of the load. By checking with the manual you will be able to determine the correct weight for the axle configuration and how that weight should be distributed for maximum safety.

Connecting a trailer to a vehicle changes almost every aspect of normal road craft. The extra weight will mean that you will have to apply more pressure to the accelerator to get the vehicle moving and braking distances are increased, again because of the additional momentum of the trailer. You will need to leave yourself an extended distance between yourself and the vehicle in front when driving to give yourself plenty of time to stop in an emergency. ‘Blind spots’ may be greatly increase, particularly on the nearside of the vehicle, so ensure that your mirrors are adjusted accordingly or use convex mirror additions to minimize areas of restricted visibility. Because you need more time to react when towing a trailer, you will need to look further ahead and be aware of potential hazards much earlier than if you were in a normal vehicle with no trailer attached.

The handling of the vehicle will also be affected when cornering, and depending on the length of your trailer you may need to reposition yourself on the road before making a sharp left or right turn. Trailer wheels track tighter, so your turns have to be wider to compensate. This may put you over the central line, so be aware of oncoming traffic and your road position when turning. Gear selection on steep inclines and declines is also important – a lower gear when going downhill will enable the engine to act as an additional brake rather than risking overheating the brakes by applying them all the way down a hill. If you have tow-mode on your vehicle, engage it when tackling hills.

Towing a trailer need not be a daunting experience, and if you have never towed before find a quiet area to practice before venturing out on the road to get used to the difference in handling and manoeuvrability of your vehicle. Remember to take your time, give yourself plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle in front and make sure that all your trailer lights are working before you set off. A few simple steps before you hitch up should mean that you will be able to tow any trailer safely.

Julia Niven – One Van Insurance search a panel of the UK’s leading van insurers to find you a great deal on your van insurance. Whether you need van insurance for private or business use, our click and buy service means you can arrange your van insurance online in minutes! We offer fully comprehensive cover, third party, fire & theft and third party only cover. Visit our site and see what cheap van insurance deals we offer.

Kwik Fit Van Insurance – Is Kwik Fit Van Insurance

Kwik Fit Van Insurance – Is Kwik Fit Van Insurance Right for You?

Kwik Fit van insurance has developed a name for itself as a high quality and popular insurance provider in the UK. Kwik Fit provides van cover in the UK not only for private individuals who own and operate vans, but also self employed van drivers and companies who drive vans as their primary work vehicles. Companies that own entire van fleets can also benefit from Kwik Fit, a van insurance provider that strives to offer an extensive line up of van cover products to meet a variety of needs.

Kwik Fit offers a variety of different types of van policies in addition to insurance cover for a variety of other vehicles. Many of the insurance policies offered by Kwik Fit are actually make and model specific, which means that you can obtain extremely specific van insurance and will have the peace of mind that you need to feel safe and protected.

Is your van currently insured? Are you pleased with the level of insurance cover that you are paying for, the price that you are paying monthly or yearly for that cover, and the peace of mind that it gives you? If you are not pleased with your current van insurance cover, it may be time for a switch to Kwik Fit van insurance. Kwik Fit is a van insurance provider that strives to provide custom tailored insurance plans for van drivers of all types. So if your van is privately owned and driven casually, used for work to carry tools, or you are looking to insure an entire van fleet, this insurance provider can probably deliver the peace of mind that you need and the protection that you deserve so that you can drive on the road without having to worry about the safety of your vehicle.

You can use a good van insurance broker and get 15 quotes to find a cheaper van insurance quote in 2 minutes. I invite you to visit http://www.van-insurance-britain.co.uk

Getting the Right Coverage to Protect Your Van

While taking out coverage to protect against the financial implications of damage to a van is always important, this sort of protection could be even more vital if you use your van for work.

If you are a decorator or delivery driver, then it is likely that as well as being used for work, your van is actually your main form of transport in day-to-day life, so getting the right level of coverage is certainly advisable.

Commercial van insurance policies come in all sorts of different types so before taking out a policy, you should make sure you carry out as much research as possible. As well as this, considering what level of van insurance coverage you require as well as whether you need breakdown assistance or access to a courtesy vehicle is also a wise move.

If you are keen to reduce the cost of your van insurance, there are a few steps you can take to cut your expenses and help keep premiums as low as possible.

Van drivers who keep their vehicles outside their homes overnight could be hit by higher costs as an insurance firm will consider that their motor is at greater risk of harm. Therefore, parking a van in a locked garage when not in use is a good step to take.

Making sure a van is fitted with a good alarm is also wise for those trying to reduce costs, as it can act as a deterrent to thieves and lower the chances of a vehicle being broken into.

Depending on where you live, you may require different types of van insurance coverage. If you regularly drive your van around bustling cities with hectic roads, a policy which includes coverage for day-to-day bumps and scratches is ideal.

In areas known for crime or vandalism, van drivers may want to make sure that their policy protects them against the high cost of having a vehicle stolen or broken into by thieves.

Either way, with such a wide range of van insurance and commercial van insurance polices available, you are sure to find one which is ideal for your needs.

If you’re in the market for van insurance then check out leading insurer Endsleigh for comprehensive commercial van insurance. Originally founded in 1965, Endsleigh has since grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent intermediaries. We specialise in providing insurance solutions for career people offering a product range that starts with students and continues through to retirement and beyond.

Getting a Cheap Van Insurance Quote

Van owners can now have the choice in looking for a cheap van insurance quote though the Internet. The internet allows you to look for the right van policies online. When you are searching for insurance policies, you have to choose the policies that can cover all the risks.

Affordable auto insurance is offered by the insurance companies without compromising the coverage. The insurance provider needs some information like the age of your van, the model, the number or drivers, and the purpose of your van – it is either for business use or personal use.

You can reduce the cost of your van insurance by naming only one driver. Owner/driver is offered with great discounts on the premiums especially if they have history of no claims. They will also give you discounts if you did not make any claims on your previous policy.

Most of the van insurance quote provides conditions and limitations. They give guidelines as to who will qualify for the discounts that they are offering. They need to limit their offers to protect the company’s financial status. Usually, you will have a hard time looking for insurance companies offering affordable auto insurance for drivers below 21 years old.

Young drivers have fewer experiences in driving and they are more prone to road mishaps. They are usually charged with higher premiums compared to the expert drivers. If you are working for a company, you can reduce your premiums if you placed your company logo at the back of your van and on the sides as well. This will help you in reducing your claims and the premium that you will be paying.

Studying the van insurance quote you get is necessary… Make sure that you read first the terms and conditions before sending your application. There are some sites that charge you with processing fee. Instead of getting affordable auto insurance, your expenses are increased because of the fees they charged in your application.

There are lots of insurance providers that can give you affordable van insurance quote. If you are not able to understand the terms and conditions of the policy, you can ask the insurance companies for further details.

Remember: If you are looking for van insurance quote, do not limit yourself to one insurance company. As much as possible, check out as many insurance companies so that you can get the great deals for your van insurance.

Elephant Insurance – An Effective Provider of Motorbike, Home, Travel

Elephant Insurance – An Effective Provider of Motorbike, Home, Travel and Van Insurances

Elephant insurance company is one of those companies who have more than 350,000 happy customers. The company offers insurance on motorbike, home, travel and also van. The company is seriously good at providing car insurance. The company is one of the best online providers who came into existence in the year 2000.

The company is specialized and one of the best providers. The company spread their savings amount to the customers. That’s one of the reasons why they offer very cheap quotes when compared to any other company in the industry. Elephant insurance has teamed up with other similar comparison site to bring you the best possible deals by comparing prices. This saves both money and time to select the best motorbike protection policy.

Elephant insurance provides insurance for Bikes, scooters, cruisers, mopeds and also for trucks. The insurance is provided to cover fire accidents and also for theft. Legal expense cover is also provided for free of cost by elephant insurance company. To select a policy all you need to do is to answer few questions. Once the questions are answered and your details are submitted the company would suggest cheapest and the best insurance policy that suits you.

The company also provides phone support if you want to know more about their services and insurance policies. Elephant insurance also provides building security for very convincing prices. This facilitytypically comes under home insurance and can be done from the internet. Great prices are provided for both homeowners and also for people living in rented homes. This covers protection against fire, flood, storm etc. It also includes fixing of glasses, pipes, ceramic hobs in case of accidental damage.

Accidental damage of electronic equipment like home based personal computers, audio and video equipments, theft goods also taken into consideration. The company also covers travel insurance too. This comes into action when you are on your way to annual family vacation or when you on a business trip. 24 Hour emergency support is provided with exceptional medical expense cover. Elephant insurance also provides personal accident cover for travel trips.

The company also provides van insurance for commercial vehicles. Car warranty policy comes under van insurance. This policy covers all the repair cost of your car in case of an accident. This policy is applicable for both mechanical and electrical failure of your car. The company pays the repairing charges and the labor charges for the insured parts of your car. Elephant insurance is also working with company called Warranty Direct who covers loss for broken and uninsured parts. Prices are generally low because these warranties are sold directly.

Elephant insurance also provides protection for people who have more than one car. This is called Multicar insurance, and this will help the users to make the best possible deals. Great discounts can be obtained using these policies to save few dollars for further use. Legal protection and personal injury cover are the major benefits of this policy. Free windscreen repair service and stereo covers for cars are also provides as an added advantage.

You can learn more about elephannt insurance plans. Also get more information on different types of insurances including life insurances by following the link: http://insurancenational.org/.

Courier Insurance For Cars and Vans

Recently, there has been an increase in development, and more and more professional services are being offered to institutions as well as to the common man. After the postal service that is run by the government, the private sector came up with a courier service that is a lot faster and secure in comparison to the normal postal service. One can send any kind of item to any person anywhere in the world. Using a courier service, everything can be sent – from a piece of paper to a car – the only difference is the charges for the delivery. This service involves a high level of risk, as it is the responsibility of the courier service if any of the products that are delivered are found to be damaged or broken.

So, many private companies came up with courier insurance policies to help the courier companies. These insurance companies offer courier van insurance as well as cover for the goods in transit. But the problem arises when a new firm tries to get into the courier business, as the premiums for the policy can be quite pricey. These companies try to obtain the cheapest courier insurance available, which offer lower premiums with less cover. One way to find this cheap courier insurance is to visit the web sites of courier companies and find the best tailor-made courier insurance policies available. The second way is to contact the sales office of a courier insurance company, and to provide your details to the company, and purchase less cover on a cheap courier insurance policy.

Getting courier insurance helps the courier company appear more professional, as well as attracting a lot of customers. In general there are three types of courier insurance policies available, which are courier van insurance, public liability, and goods in transit cover. Courier van insurance is a must, as owning a vehicle requires insurance cover by law. Courier van insurance also offers cover for the goods that are being delivered in the van. As the goods need to be delivered everyday, there is a high risk involved because of road accidents. But many small companies are not aware of this, so they only opt for the vehicle insurance, which requires a relatively lower premium.

“Goods in transit cover” is meant for the goods that are delivered from one place to another via mediums such as trains, aeroplanes and trucks. So if in any case a courier delivers a broken or damaged item, the courier insurance company pays for the damages caused. Applying for this policy helps the courier company obtain a good reputation, and is a must if you want to offer a better, more professional service to clients. Public liability insurance is purchased to cover any kind of legal issues that arise with customers. This kind of insurance policy is the cheapest of all, and is an optional one. Generally, companies don’t face any kind of issues against them by the customers so this is the least chosen one of all.

Classic Van Insurance – Tips for Insuring Your Classic Van

Classic Van Insurance – Tips for Insuring Your Classic Van

If you have a classic van, no doubt you know how difficult it can be to get the insurance that you need for it. There are many people who own a classic van who find that even finding a quote on classic van insurance can be difficult. However, you definitely need to be sure that you find great insurance to keep your classic van protected. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are insuring your classic van.

Tip #1 – Get Specialized Classic Insurance – First of all, if you happen to have a classic van, make sure that you get specialized classic van insurance. You need special cover on this type of a van, so look and find a company that specializes in insurance cover for classic vans. Then you’ll be sure to find the cover that you need for your special van.

Tip #2 – Find Quotes Online – You may also want to look for quotes online for your classic van insurance as well. Check out websites that help you find multiple quotes so you can compare quotes all at the same time. In fact, it is quite easy to get the quotes you need, and the right site can provide you with several quotes when you fill out one simple form.

Tip #3 – Look for Great Features – Of course you’ll want to make sure that your classic van insurance policy comes with great features as well. Look for special features like roadside assistance, a complimentary van, and more.

Tip #4 – Get all the Discounts You Can – While you’ll find that classic van insurance is a bit more expensive than other types of van insurance, you can still find discounts and you’ll want to get all the discounts you can. You can get discounts by proving you keep the van in a secure place, showing a good driving record, and even by going with the same company you carry other insurance policies with as well.

You can use a good van insurance broker and get 15 quotes to find a cheaper van insurance quote in 2 minutes. I invite you to visit http://www.van-insurance-britain.co.uk

Cheap Van Insurance – Compare Policies Online

There are so many insurance companies that are just selling a lost leader when they use a “cheap” insurance script on their website or sales literature, so how do they manage to be cheap yet still offer the same cover? The truth is this; “should you decide to take an insurance policy for a commercial vehicle or a car that claims to be the cheapest online, then you can just about guarantee they will catch you for something else!” By this I mean, they will sell you something else to make up the difference.

The major strategy they use is the “cheap” scenario, and once you have purchased your van insurance, you automatically think that they will be the cheapest for everything else, which is not always the case. Insurance is a gamble, and they are placing heavy odds that you will take out another policy with them for something else.

Getting a Quote on the Phone.

When you telephone for a quote, the insurance companies will always ask when your policies are due, be it your house insurance, contents insurance or whatever policy it is you decide to tell them. The other side to this is you need to make sure the cover you get is the same as the other quotations you have got, for example; there has been cases where people have telephoned certain brokers and insurance agents for a quotation and forget to mention the excess on the policy.

This alone can make the life of the insurance company so much easier, because as they check online for a policy to meet your needs, they can lift the cost of the excess until they reach the desired amount to make things look like they are weighted your way.

Van Insurance Online

When looking for Van Insurance Online, you would be better off going to a broker that has years of experience providing cover for vans, than a comparison site who can not offer you anything better than what is on screen at the time you are searching for your quote.

So, what’s the best answer to the problem?

Use a reputable insurance company that offers affordable insurance, and guarantees to beat any renewal premium for any commercial vehicle insurance on a like for like basis. And, if that’s not going to convince you then what about this; should you find a policy cheaper anywhere else within 48 hours, we will give you your money back, Guaranteed!

So what are you waiting for, go straight to our Van Insurance in association with Autonet UK.