June « 2011 « VanQuoteDirect – Van Insurance Blog

Archive for June, 2011

Online purchases save time and money

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

At a time when cutting costs is an exercise that every van driver who uses his vehicle to earn a living must consider, the opportunity to purchase products online can prove to be a saving in more ways than one.

Whether it is purchasing commercial vehicle insurance, engine parts, tyres or communication aids such as satellite navigation systems there is a website out there looking to save you time and money.

Convenience is the name of the game

In the case of van insurance, one visit to a van insurance comparison site will save massive amounts of time and more than likely impressive amounts of money. It is so much more convenient and can be done in the comfort of your own home without taking precious time away from your working day. The same applies to the other products. A sat nav can be purchased online, with fitting arranged to suit your timetable, engine and body parts can be organised similarly.

Online tyre purchases now available

Tyres are an integral part of any vehicle, and van drivers should know just how important maintaining a good set of tyres is. What many drivers may not know is that they can purchase tyres online and save money. The first purchase may prove slightly more difficult than just driving into a garage and leaving the vehicle for half a day but it is almost guaranteed to save you time and money and the process will be easier second time around.

Website will offer guidance

The website will ask you to make sure the tyres you order are the correct ones and will give you guidance on how to check, you can either look at your manufacturers handbook or check on the tyres already fitted. This is quite easy, somewhere on the side of your tyres there will be a series of numbers and letters i.e. 225/45 R 17 W. The first set of numbers-225 refers to the width of the tyres, the second number-45 refers to the wall profile of the tyre, the first letter R- refers to the tyre type-Radial, 17 refers to the rim diameter and the last letter-W- refers to the speed rating of the tyre.

Fitted to suit you

Armed with this information you can order tyres online and arrange for them to be fitted at a time that suits you. The company will even come to your home or works depot or wherever you fancy. Tyres are always fitted in twos or fours (never mix tyres on the same axle) and often big savings can be made by purchasing four.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, online shopping, tyres, van comparison sites, van drivers
Posted in commercial vehicle insurance | 1 Comment »

Van drivers hope most expensive road in Scotland delivers the goods

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

The many van drivers who ply their trade in and around Glasgow will get access to the M74 motorway extension for the first time later today. The stretch of road that is by far the most expensive piece of tarmac in Scottish history has divided opinion in the city. Those van drivers with an interest in commercial vehicle insurance will get access to the city centre much more freely than in the past and indeed couriers and hauliers will anticipate the motorway extension will be good for business.

Long delays in building

The road is almost 3 years behind schedule and with a total bill of something just short of the £700 million mark comes in at about £72,000 per yard, the most expensive piece of road in Scotland the second most expensive road in the United Kingdom and one of the most expensive in the world. According to critics of the scheme, and there are plenty, the road will only serve to make Glasgow’s traffic problems worse. Transform Scotland, the sustainable transport advocates, have been cutting in their criticism of the scheme and say although there may be a short period of time where traffic around the city is eased believe in the long run the new road will just add to the traffic congestion.

Minister says road will create thousands of jobs

After the debacle of last year’s snow problem the Scottish Transport Department cannot afford another disaster on the same scale, they have been bullish about the difference the motorway will make to the citizens of Glasgow and the jobs the road will create. Alex Neil, the infrastructure minister, said the motorway had created 700 jobs at the new Clyde Gateway project and would go on to create thousands more, with big names in the property development world talking of creating a new business park.

Government will be judged on performance of new road

It is a fact that many hauliers and couriers who took out van business insurance on their vehicles last year are now out of business. After their order books collapsed in the aftermath of last year’s snowbound motorways they were deeply critical of the Scottish Parliaments abject failure to keep traffic moving. They may need some convincing that the £700 million spent on a five mile stretch of road would not have been better spent on winter weather equipment to keep the roads passable.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, Motorway, Scotland, van drivers
Posted in commercial vehicle insurance | 1 Comment »

Van dealerships experiencing heavy traffic as drivers prepare for the LEZ

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

The encroaching timetable for large vans and lorries to be fit for purpose in regard to the London Emissions Zone (LEZ) is seeing second hand van dealers overwhelmed by professional drivers eager to get commercial vehicle insurance on a van that will match up to the LEZ compliance standards.

More vehicles brought under compliance umbrella

Although the LEZ has been in place since 2008 the changes on January 3rd 2012 will mean more vehicles are affected, including many vans of all descriptions. The aim is to cut the amount of pollution in the London atmosphere and make it compliant to European Commission standards. Much of the pollution comes from the exhausts of cars and the LEZ only allows vehicles that emit low volumes of pollutants, to travel freely within the London area.

Mayor doing his bit to alleviate the cost

The penalty charges for travelling within the zone without being compliant could well be described as draconian; a van driver transgressing for just two days would probably pay as much as he does for 12 months van insurance cover. Boris Johnson famously arranged discounts for London van drivers on new vans with many of the top manufacturers a few weeks ago, describing them as the lifeblood of the city business infrastructure, but it is used van dealers who are seeing much of the action.

Record sales for South east firm

One company, Anchor Vans, who have several showrooms in the South East, reported record sales recently on both new and used vans. They believe that small businesses in particular are upgrading their vans in readiness for 2012 and say the phenomenal rise in lease to buy vans is also noticeable in their figures. The sales director confirmed that March, the latest figures they have to hand, was the most successful month the company had ever had in twenty years of trading and they had not noticed any slackening off since.

Website offers free guidance

Any van driver unsure as to whether his vehicle is compliant with the standards required can go to the Transport for London website and run a check. The system is quite simple and guides the van owner through the process quite painlessly. The check is free and should really be undertaken by any driver unsure of his vehicles specifications; the penalties are just too punitive to take a chance.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, London Emissions Zone, Transport for London, Van Insurance
Posted in Van Insurance | No Comments »

Vauxhall vans take pride of place in security awards

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

It would appear that van drivers conscious of security will be examining the credentials of Vauxhalls comprehensive van range over the next few months after their success at the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA).

Security is a cost cutter

At a time when cost control is of paramount importance, companies and lone traders know the cost of commercial vehicle insurance is a compulsory purchase but not a compulsory price. Van insurance comparison sites can save drivers considerable savings especially if there are years of no claims attached to the quote. Buying a secure vehicle will obviously help in this.

Five of the best

The fact that Vauxhall secured the best overall van manufacturer at the BIVSA presentation is a testament not only to the range of vans Vauxhall produce but the importance they place on security of the vehicle. The five vans in the Vauxhall range include the UK built Astravan and Vivaro with the Corsavan and Combo being complemented by the all new, and some say scene stealing, Movano, Vauxhalls van of the future.

Awards supported by big names

The awards are supported by What Car Magazine and UK Insurers, while the judging criteria are based on the New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) system. Judging of the vehicles plus categorization is carried out by Thatcham, (the car alarm specialists), the Home Office, the Department of Transport and the Automobile Association (AA). So the awards certainly carry the official seal of approval.

Strong security options

The judges were obviously impressed by Vauxhalls range of security products which include; engine immobilisers, deadlock and remote control locking systems, steel bulkheads and of course a comprehensive selection of car alarms. Many tradesmen are also convinced that Vauxhall vans are for them due to the extra security available to them through the purchase of accessories such as security bars for the steering wheel and security grilles for the windows.

Vans exceed standards

All vans in the range surpass the required standard demanded by the Association of British Insurers and the proof of the pudding is shown by the dramatic drop in thefts from Vauxhall vans over the last few years.

Tags: British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards, Van insurance comparison, Vauxhall Vans
Posted in Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Thieves looking to cash in on catalytic converters

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

As the spate of metal thefts gathers pace across the country, van drivers and charities are finding themselves in the middle of a “battlefield” which is being overrun by organised gangs of criminals.

Soaring scrap metal prices to blame

Many social experts are putting down the spate of thefts as symptomatic of a society that is struggling with unemployment, high inflation and soaring energy bills. Others are putting it down to the soaring price of scrap metal! Whatever the reason, more and more van drivers are making claims on their commercial van insurance now because someone has stolen their catalytic converter.

Charities are sitting ducks

Unfortunately many charities are also finding themselves on the wrong end of a theft. Small vans that are used by charities to ferry the disadvantaged in society to places of education or entertainment are proving easy fodder for the callous thieves. The vans are perfect targets for the crime, first of all a small van is easier to manoeuvre under than a car and secondly the catalytic converter is bigger, making it more valuable. Charities can’t usually afford expensive security systems so the vans become “sitting ducks”, and this is a phenomenon that is being repeated across the length and breadth of the UK.

Exhaust system contains platinum

A catalytic converter contains a small amount of platinum in its interior which bolsters its scrap value and although no-one is quite sure how much they are being sold on for, the cost of a replacement for those who suffer the crime is around £400. On top of that of course is the loss of a no claims bonus on their van insurance, and the cost of finding alternative transport to fulfil engagements or contracts.

Police asking van drivers to mark their catalytic converters

For months now the police have been asking van drivers to be careful where they park their vans overnight but the level of offences has now led to some companies actually buying locks to fit on the converters. The police have now added to their advice by asking van drivers to mark their catalytic converters so they can be recognised by scrap dealers if the thieves try and weigh them in.

Tags: catalytic converters, commercial van insurance, stealing catalytic converters, Van Crime, Van Thefts
Posted in Van Crime | 1 Comment »

Can van drivers afford a bad winter again?

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

The effects of the Uk’s coldest winter spell for many years had a devastating effect on many courier and transport businesses in Scotland and Northern England last November and although we are now entering the week of the summer solstice, long range weather forecasters are warning the haulage industry to get their commercial vehicle insurance policies sorted out now.

Correct tread will keep vans in good stead

In particular, van insurance companies are reminding professional drivers that appropriate tyres for the weather are part and parcel of the demands expected from experienced drivers. With last year’s unexpected cold blast leaving many van and lorry drivers stuck on the hard shoulder for days, producers of specialised winter tyres are already experiencing a high level of enquiries.

Tyre firm tempting traders with deposit scheme

The number of businesses that eventually disappeared after the disruption to the transport system last winter has not been officially revealed as yet, but any company that experienced the helplessness associated with having vehicles stuck on the side of a main highway artery while their order book frittered away will make sure they are prepared this year. Fleet managers will already be aware of their fleet insurance renewals and the offer by tyre company, ATS, to give firms a pre ordering opportunity by depositing 25% now and paying the rest when the tyres are fitted in the winter will tempt those with contracts they just can’t afford to lose.

Hauliers must consider all options

Of course you can’t rely on the British weather and the tyres may not turn out to be a necessity, it is just one of those chances you take in business, but those who have fallen by the wayside this year will advise anyone who cares to listen, that “Be prepared” is no bad motto. The problem is of course many companies are only just managing to keep their heads above water with the rising fuel costs, the last thing they want is an extra cost right now and for some it will be the choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. A spokesman for ATS was in no doubt what van drivers should do, he was keen to point out that the long range forecast was already predicting a severe winter and he warned their supplies of winter tyres ran out very quickly once the snow started settling last year.

Tags: ATS, commercial vehicle insurance, Van Insurance, weather
Posted in Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

A spoke in the wheel for Cambridgeshire van drivers

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

It would appear that van drivers in the heartland of England are about to meet up with yet another competitor at a time when business is proving ever more difficult to conduct profitably. It is no secret that higher fuel costs and more expensive commercial vehicle insurance is stretching some businesses to the limit, they are now coming up against a competitor with no fuel costs whatsoever.

Rivals have influential backing

The van drivers of Cambridge are about to meet up with a competitor on two wheels! A bicycle delivery courier service will be offering their services to the city and they expect to siphon off a majority of the light goods delivery business in the city without getting out of the saddle. The company, Outspoken Delivery, are part of a European Union project to dramatically cut the energy use of transport in European cities; they have the backing of Local Authorities, energy saving groups, cycle organisations and politicians throughout the EU.

Cambridge the perfect setting

The threat to van drivers in the area is real, with Outspoken Delivery saying they are confident their cargo bikes can offer innovative delivery solutions to inner city traders. It is also a fact that they will not look out of place in the University City. It is no coincidence the Cycle Logistics Project has chosen Cambridge to launch their UK goods delivery platform it is a perfect location for the trial. The flat hinterland around the city allows cyclists to travel for miles before hitting any incline of significance.

Although the first meetings of the group were held in Copenhagen, which probably ranks alongside Amsterdam as the most cycle friendly city in Europe, Cambridge has long held the reputation for the UK’s most alternative transport friendly city. If students aren’t riding a bike they can be often found falling out of a punt on the River Cam. Joking apart, business van insurance, road tax, diesel costs and city parking charges add up to a big part of a couriers overheads and a rival that does not have to pay any of these extras, is a rival that must be taken seriously. It is enough to turn a White Van Driver grey!

Tags: bicycle delivery courier service, commercial vehicle insurance, Outspoken Delivery, van drivers
Posted in Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Light van sales back on track in May

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

With May 2011 recording the 16th successive month for van sale growth in the UK, manufacturers of vehicles that attract quotes for commercial vehicle insurance could be forgiven for resting on their laurels. However, although the progressive march of van sales goes on unabated it is true to say new registrations for light commercial vehicles disappointed some of the sector in April.

All round sales increase

Overall the year on year figures showed a very healthy 17.3 growth and considering that light van sales dropped by almost 10% in April the rebound in sales was definitely noticeable in May. Sales of light vans were up about 12% on May 2010. In fact the number of companies purchasing van insurance cover on all types of vans increased in May. As well as light vans showing an increase of 12%, medium vans increased by 18% and heavy vans by 17%.

Thousands more coming off the production line

The story was repeated throughout the range on year to year figures as well as the year to date. Almost 25,000 more vans have been sold this year compared to the same period in 2010 and looking at the rolling year we see an increase of a figure approaching 50,000 vehicles.

Chief Exec acknowledges the commercial sector

Paul Everitt the chief executive of the SMMT, has been glowing in his praise of the commercial sector for some time now and was as ebullient as ever today saying Truck and Van sales were leading the motor industry out of the downturn. He was also quick to praise the heavy truck sector that has seen a remarkable renaissance in sales this year. Once more articulated vehicles were the stars of the sector showing an improvement of over 60% in sales.

Electric van sales may be next driver

It is vital that an industry that supports something in the region of three quarters of a million jobs is fighting its way out of recession. The advent of the new zero emission vehicles and the Government support behind the revolution may well prove to be the kick start to a new decade of growth that is desperately needed.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, commercial vehicles, electric Vans, van sales
Posted in Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »

Good Ship Flake will take some licking

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

The fact that it is National Ice Cream week in the UK should be glaringly obvious by the fact that the sun has refused to shine, seemingly for the first time in months. However, it has not deterred the launching of “HMS Flake” an amphibious ice cream van which left the owner wondering whether he should take out ice cream van insurance or ice cream ship insurance.

Launch of a protest

Skipper Dave Mountfield who proclaims to be “licensed to chill” explained that the idea of selling ice cream from the sea was to highlight the plight of many ice cream salesmen who are being driven off the roads by fuel bills and Local Council legislation.

Sharp drop in vendors

It is certainly a fact that van insurance is now only taken out on 5,000 vehicles selling ice cream as opposed to the 50,000 that chimed their way through the streets of the UK in the 1960s. According to Mr Mountfield the decline has accelerated in recent years and the factors behind it can easily be pinpointed. He says the traditional “patches” for ice cream sellers such as social housing estates, city parks and outside school playgrounds are now all off limits. Many councils now ban the long recognised playing of chimes under the guise of noise pollution and say the actual product they sell is now contributing to child obesity levels. He says they are caught between bureaucracy and the “food police”. Further blows to the industry have included the rising cost of a seller’s license and most importantly the cost of his raw materials. Sugar and milk have gone up equally as sharply as fuel which as impacted greatly on profit margins.

Voyage will end in Venice

Mr Mountfield launched the Good Ship Flake off the sandy shores of Blackpool earlier this week and intends to sail a path through the famous seaside resorts of England, up the Thames to eventually make his point outside the Houses of Parliament. He then plans an even more audacious voyage, across the open sea and into the lagoon of Venice. There he will sell his wares amongst the experts of his trade in the famous Italian city. What chime does his floating ice cream van use? Well it could only be one really “We are sailing”.

Tags: commercial vehicle insurance, HMS flake, Ice cream vans, National Ice Cream Week, seaside, Van Insurance
Posted in Van Insurance, commercial vehicle insurance | No Comments »