Author: News Desk

Why Van Drivers Face Rising Mental Health Risks Today

Posted on by News Desk

How Are You, Really?

No, really—how are you doing?

It might sound like a casual question, but the truth is alarming.

Last week, the news revealed a shocking statistic.

The suicide rate among van drivers stands a staggering 25% above the national average.

Take a moment to absorb that.

Even more concerning?

Surprisingly, only one in four businesses that employ van drivers have taken any steps to monitor their employees’ mental health.

The Pressures on Van Drivers Are Rising

Rates of stress and depression are growing among van drivers.

Why?

The pandemic has created relentless pressure, especially for delivery drivers.

Their workloads have surged, but they’re still bound by the same 24-hour day.

Moreover, it’s not only delivery drivers who are feeling the strain.

Many other van drivers have dealt with furlough, salary cuts, and isolation.

In this challenging new era, unpredictable journey times further intensify their stress.

The Mental Health Stigma Remains

Most van drivers are men, and for many, discussing mental health feels daunting.

It’s often seen as unmanly or a sign of weakness.

But here’s the reality:

Anyone struggling with the pressures of life during Covid should reach out.

Talking to someone—a friend, family member, or professional—can be transformative.

Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference

Exercise can help.

Even a brisk walk can boost endorphins and lighten your mood.

If you’re a van driver under pressure, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Support from CALM: A Lifeline for Van Drivers

To support struggling van drivers, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has stepped in.

They’ve created 20,000 driver packs specifically for those battling stress and depression during lockdown.

Each pack includes resources for support, self-care tips, and practical ways to ease feelings of stress.

Don’t Brush It Off—Take Action

It’s easy to dismiss your stress as just “lockdown fatigue.”

Or to tell yourself everyone feels the same way.

But remember, you can take simple steps to feel better.

Take a moment for yourself.

Get your free driver pack here.

Give yourself a break.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

If you need help, reach out and get it.

No one has to face depression alone.

Tradespeople On The Road: Locked Down, But Not Out

Posted on by News Desk

Essential Work For Tradespeople Or A Risk?

Demand for tradespeople has surged since the first lockdown ended.

British van drivers – many of you are still out on the road, despite lockdown.

Why?

But now, a debate has sparked: should the government allow this during a national lockdown?

SAGE Calls For Limits On Tradespeople Work

SAGE, the government advisory group, has a strong opinion.

They’ve urged officials to restrict to only “critical” work.

Or work that can’t be delayed due to health and safety.

Currently, most trades are still running – with a few changes.

Workers wear masks indoors and maintain social distance.

But, they face no limits on the type of jobs they take on.

The Unfairness Factor: Who’s Really Left Out?

And here’s a twist:

The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, an industry group, is speaking up.

Their message?

Stopping tradespeople would be unfair.

Did you know?

Approximately 1.5 million tradespeople, however, were excluded from financial support.

Some, for instance, were short-term contractors.

Others, meanwhile, worked on zero or low-hours contracts with limited companies.

In their situation, every job truly matters, and every pound absolutely counts.

Why Restrictions Could Be Devastating For Tradespeople

Imagine the government tells you that you can’t work, yet you still don’t qualify for support.

That’s the reality for many. And restrictions on trades could be disastrous.

Unlike office jobs, they can’t “work from home.” Their work is hands-on.

And let’s be honest:

The rules, however, feel confusing and inconsistent.

For instance, nurseries and churches allow large gatherings.

Yet, at the same time, tradespeople – who perform critical services – face restrictions.

Where’s the consistency?

Hope Ahead: Vaccines And Lower COVID Cases

Many trades include essential work, like heating, plumbing, or other vital services.

They’re often called to fix things that simply can’t wait.

And here’s to hoping:

With the rapid vaccination rollout, we might see an end in sight.

COVID cases are dropping. We’re moving forward.

For the tradespeople of the UK, let’s hope work can continue.

Maybe not “as usual,” but enough to keep their families fed and secure.

BBC Biased Against Van Drivers?

Posted on by News Desk

So, as another lockdown comes into full force, the weight of online shopping rests on van drivers.

Builders and brickies keep on keeping on, while the BBC finds itself in hot water this week.

The issue?

Allegations of bias against car and van drivers, which may surprise absolutely none of you.

The cycle-friendly broadcaster has been accused by lobby group Fair Fuel UK of an anti-car and van bias.

The BBC often portrays the motorist as the cause of problems, says Fair Fuel UK.

Fair Fuel accuses the BBC of favoring the well-financed green environmental position.

Historically seen as the voice of neutrality, the BBC now faces increasing criticism for biased opinions.

These views are increasingly out of step with the average person on the street—or in their van.

The BBC seems to particularly target diesel drivers, despite many unable to afford newer electric vehicles.

Not everyone is on a state-funded BBC salary, after all.

The reality?

Not everyone can get around by bike, especially during winter.

The unused cycle lanes from the last lockdown prove this point, especially in winter snow and ice.

Chaos up and down the country is already building, with more to come in the weeks ahead.

We appreciate the work of Fair Fuel UK, standing up for British van drivers once again.

They face constant challenges while keeping the country moving, rain or shine.

Let’s not forget we’re here to help you, too.

Whether it’s a news story to brighten your week or saving on van insurance, every bit helps.

An End to Border Chaos?

Posted on by News Desk

Good news this week for international drivers, especially those caught in the channel crossing chaos over Christmas.

The UK announced plans to open 20 new COVID testing centres.

These centres are designed specifically for van and truck drivers, providing rapid testing to streamline their journeys.

Consequently, drivers can move forward with ease before reaching the border into France.

This week, officials opened the first centre in Peterborough at the Peterborough services on the A1M.

The army joined the effort to support these centres, aiming to prevent the delays and tailbacks from just a few weeks ago.

The government is taking furthers steps too.

Giving hauliers the chance to set up their own test centre at their premises, with free of charge test kits. 

This is part of a plan to give lorry and van drivers a Kent Access Permit.

This is to help ease the delays that were causing chaos throughout Kent, as divers queued in huge tailbacks as they awaited tests.

Additionally, light goods and van drivers have access to these government centres for testing before they reach Dover.

Enabling them to move quickly through customs and border control and onto the continent. 

The centres provide results within the hour and offer free advice on new border processes.

This is to help ensure van drivers have the correct paperwork, as we navigate this new Brexit era. 

Delivering the gift of Christmas

Posted on by News Desk

So, for those of you who are delivery drivers, this year should, in theory, have been ‘it’ – the run up to Christmas, the busting your chops to squeeze in endless deliveries of Christmas goods for the people who shop online.

But this year has been different in so many ways and the Christmas rush may not be over, come December 24th. While last year saw a run of online ordering putting unprecedented demand on van drivers over the festive period, nothing could have prepared us for what happened in March, when COVID struck. 

The poor delivery drivers of the UK didn’t know what had hit them. It was like Christmas all over again, with the country locked down and ordering online becming something of a national pastime. Delivery drivers didn’t know what had hit them, as they worked around the clock, busting a gut to get things to people – from food to fancy fripperies, and everything inbetween. 

And this Christmas, the heat is on again. Brexit related stockpiling is seeing delays at UK ports and a huge backlog of things to get to people, from building supplies to Christmas presents. With most of the country in tier 3, that is all in addition to those who are reliant on online ordering to deliver everything from clothes to groceries. And now, as of yesterday, ports into the UK are closed. Who knows what that will mean. More deliveries, fewer deliveries… many businesses will be scratching their heads and trying to figure out if they actually have anything to send at all.

Many experts are predicting that this seasonal rush will carry on right into January and even beyond, depending on what happens with Brexit and how quickly the COVID vaccine can be rolled out. But of course, with this new raft of port closures, the truth is nobody knows what is coming next.

So, while it doesn’t really help ease those tired limbs or the sheer exhaustion, we just want you to know that this Christmas, we here at Cheap Van Insurance doff our caps to you all – from the delivery drivers, to the man and vans, to the builders and brickies and everything in between. Here’s hoping next year gets back to something approaching normal and life can return to the heady days when people went out and actually got things for themselves. 

Cross Channel Chaos

Posted on by News Desk

This week we want to spare a thought for those van drivers who spend their life hopping the channel into Europe and back to collect and deliver goods across the UK. As many of you will know, the port of Dover is currently in chaos, as a result of the massive queue of lorries trying to cross the channel in both directions. Most of the A20 is resembling a lorry park as a result of the pre-Christmas rush, businesses stockpiling and the side effects of COVID restrictions and the anticipation of the imminent arrival of a vaccine.

Any vehicle, not just lorries, are subject to 40mph restrictions around the area, and all laybys in the area are closed. While typically lorries relied on ferries to get them from A to B, the amount of congestions has seen many turn to Eurotunnel to get them over the channel instead, causing additional delays there too. 

Stockpiling is the latest to blame for the delays, as fears of a no-deal Brexit grow. It seems everyone from supermarkets to specialist goods suppliers are stocking up, in fear of additional delays, import taxes and restrictions that may come about if we cannot make a deal with our European neighbours. 

The year as a whole has, as a result of reduced traffic, seen a massive drop in the usual traffic jams and delays around the country, so the van and lorry drivers who are affected by the cross-channel delays are feeling it particularly hard, after the year they have had, where many saw hours and work opportunities cut as a result of lockdown. 

It seems like this chaos is set to go on if the UK Government is unable to make a deal towards a Brexit agreement and many experts are forecasting months of chaos at UK ports if the worst should happen. 

So, spare a thought for your channel-hopping, van driver brethren this Christmas who may just be starting on what could be months of disruption. 

How to Save on the Cost of Running Your Van

Posted on by News Desk

Christmas is coming and while the goose may be getting fat, many of us are feeling the pinch in our pockets at the end of a tumultuous and unprecedented year. 

You all know the old saying, save the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves, and while we here at Cheap Van Insurance work tirelessly to bring you the very best van insurance provider deals, direct to your inbox, which are sure to save you a few quid, we thought we’d go through a few more ways you can save a few pennies. 

1: Summer is over. 

So turn off your AC. Yes, we know you guys like being cool behind the wheel, but open a window and save yourself a few quid. Running your AC year-round not only uses a lot of fuel, but also means you’ll need to pay to get your system re-gassed sooner. So think twice before you have it on blast all day.

2: Stop costs going through the roof.

Literally. Having stuff piled on the top of your van such as ladders can end up costing a few quid more than you need. Of course, you need some of the stuff, but all of it, all of the time? Maybe not. Not only does the extra weight add to fuel costs, but it also does a number on your aerodynamics, adding more drag which again, equals paying more at the pumps.

3: Consider how much you fill up:

Adding fuel means adding weight and if you don’t need a full tank, why go all the way? Fill up not quite so full and a little more frequently and you’ll pocket the savings.

4: Consider how much you fill up (part 2):

Do you really need everything in the back of your van? Is your cab full of rubbish that can be binned? Have a good clear out and only take what you need for your jobs. Less weight = less fuel. It’s a smart and simple way to save a few bob. 

5: Drive in style:

If you have cruise control and can use it, do so. If you have a more modern van with a fuel efficiency mode, use it. We know it goes against the very ethos of many van men, but driving calmly and smoothly can really make the biggest difference to your fuel consumption and costs. Go gently, easy on the brakes and slow on the revs and you’ll be able to see the difference in your wallet in no time.

Now, all that you need to decide is what you want to spend those savings on. Christmas is coming, after all. 

What’s in a work/life balance?

Posted on by News Desk

A news story that caught the eye of the Cheap Van Insurance team last week created a lot of conversation at head office. The furore blew up after a woman called Evandra texted a carpet fitter at 12.15am, requesting a quote for his services.

Suffice to say, the carpet fitter in question was not best pleased and told her in no uncertain terms. Which leads to an interesting debate. If you are a tradesman or woman who advertises online and publishes their number, when is the right time to ignore the phone.

On the one hand, business is business, right? And on the other, everyone is entitled to some down time. 

Many felt that had Evandra emailed her request, the time was immaterial, but that to text at that time considered an unreasonable breach of privacy and she was unreasonable to do so. 

Others felt that a text was fair game and she shouldn’t have necessarily expected a reply at that time, but that she wasn’t unwarranted to send it. 

We understand, those with kids or ageing family may not feel able to put their phone in flight mode or silent during the night, but many do, so who is to say what she did was inconsiderate? We are so used to living in a 24/7 society, many think nothing of firing out a few email before bed to chase thins up and make things happen. 

The debate was a close-run thing, with a poll taken by those investing in the debate voting almost 60% to 40% that she was in the wrong for making her request by text at that time. 

Our advice: if you’re a tradesman, invest in a work phone. Switch it off at a time that works for you and forget about it to the next day, if it’s out of hours. And if you’re a customer, just try to remember that sole traders, workmen and small businesses are entitled to a little down time too. 

Every Little Helps?

Posted on by News Desk

We hate to be harbingers of doom in a gloomy November, with a cold snap on the horizon for all of us, but more bad news this week for many van drivers, thanks to the PM, Boris Johnson, who has announced that he is bringing forward plans to see Britain go all electric with vehicles from 2030.

While this is a blow to motorists, some of the hardest hit maybe you, the humble van drivers of the UK. While electric cars cost a packet, (and many government critics are saying the move to electric vehicles will prevent the poorest people of the UK from being able to afford a car), the case is worse for van drivers, with the cost of a new electric van coming in at around £20k for the most basic models. 

Not to mention, of course, that you have to find somewhere to charge the thing, which is bad news if you live in a flat or somewhere with no off-street parking. (As if worrying about van security isn’t bad enough). And if you’re a delivery driver, there’s the added stress of worrying about electric automated drop-off vans, drones and robots coming to take your jobs. 

While many big businesses with van fleets appear to be in favour of the move, they are of course, failing to consider, you, the little guys, who depend on the fuel efficiency of diesel or the reliability of a petrol van to get you from A to B without needing to stop off and charge up a vehicle you possibly can’t even afford. 

As always, it seems that the little guys are going to be the hardest hit. While we can’t do much more than voice our concern and suggest that the government needs to consider implementing substantial subsidies to help van drivers of the UK make the switch to electric vehicles, we can, as always, ensure you get the best deals on your van insurance. It isn’t much, but it’s something. And right now, as a famous supermarket once said, ‘every little helps.

Pay as You Drive?

Posted on by News Desk

As if the news isn’t bad enough right now, with no end to lockdown any time soon and more misery through to the new year if the news is to be believed.

And now news reaches us here at Cheap Van Insurance that the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is considering adding a levy to drivers to plug the £40 million-pound gap in the economy. 

How is he planning to do this? By charging drivers to use the roads. 

Isn’t that what road tax is for?

Apparently not. The deficit in the government coffers comes from the switch to electric vehicles, which we have all been encouraged to make, with grants and discounts for those who have already made the switch. The government is planning to ban the sale of petrol, cars earlier than planned, now with a rumoured end date of 2030, just 9 years from now. 

And of course, there is also a darker side to this. If it wasn’t bad enough already, consider how they will charge per distance travelled? That’s right, enforced black boxes in all of our vehicles to track where we are going and what we are doing. It’s a dystopian future that none of us really want to contemplate, but may soon be coming to a vehicle near you.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

Pick your favourite and get instant cover