Author: News Desk

When is a van not a van?

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Camper van, motor home, converted van, mini home, tuk-tuk!

There are literally loads to choose from – new, nearly new, used and those on their last legs. During the lockdown, staycations grew in popularity and many people who would have been flying to their faraway destinations were stuck at home, wondering what to do with their hard-earned cash.

OK, perhaps not wondering, but if they couldn’t jet off to some sun-kissed beach, then what to do? The kids would be driving everyone bonkers and mum and dad just needed to get away from the office (which of course was the kitchen table, spare bedroom, hallway or anywhere else that was free). Basically, everyone needed to have a break.  

Sales of campervans during lockdown increased by around 150%.

No, that isn’t a typo. One Hundred and Fifty Percent. Wow. Whereas in the past the average age of campervan ownership has been people in their 50s and 60s, a younger generation of buyers crept in during the pandemic.

What better way to see our wonderful British Isles than from the comfort of your very own van/home on wheels? You can make the journey as big an adventure as you please; especially if the children are still at an age where everything is magical. Perhaps not the same kind of adventure for teenagers then! Just drag them along for the experience; they may actually enjoy it.

One particular company usually experiences a very quiet August month, due to everyone being on their annual holiday (planned and paid for the year before) and not yet contemplating next year’s holiday. In August 2020 they had orders for 23 campervans, compared to the average of 3 or 4!

Unfortunately, demand outstripped supply and there was also a long waiting list for new vans. Rentals, however, are still very popular with people who want to experience a different kind of holiday from those that they would normally take.  It could take up to a year to get a brand-new van but savvy buyers will always find a bargain if they are willing to put in the time and effort to search.

After that, of course, insurance will need to be searched for and where better than right here? Check out our cheap van insurance deals. Get started by filling out our 3-minute form.

Let’s get some electric over here

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Pardon me? An all electric van? Who would’ve thought! Yet, it is exactly what Ford has come up with to replace Britain’s most popular and bestselling vehicle in the UK (yes folks, the beloved Ford Transit Van). Obviously, a lot of effort has gone into improving the EV (electric vehicle) market but as we are all aware, it had to start somewhere (one small step for cars, one giant leap for vans). The noisy old transits will be a thing of the past as the newer, electric versions replace the older models because manufacturers must keep up with the need to improve on air quality and vehicle emissions. They just don’t stop (thankfully) trying to improve on this. Great stuff.

So, just what have Ford been up to?

Well, they will be looking to push four new commercial vans into the market by 2024 although they are realistic enough to understand that not everyone is in a position to switch to electric motors, even though running costs are considerably lower than diesel.  However, the E-Transit, as it is known, has a 196 mile capacity which should comfortably get the driver from A to B and then on to C – Charging point. Considering there are now more than 42 000 charge point connectors throughout the UK in over 15 000 locations, an increase of around 35% since April last year, the chances of being caught without power are very slim indeed. A point to bear in mind though is that some vans don’t cover quite as many miles; it does depend on battery size.

What else has changed?

You’ll no doubt be relieved to know the answer is – not much has changed to the design of the Transit Van. Some things are just best left alone. So from the outside, it looks like a Transit Van. Under the bonnet and the interior though, you’ll notice a lot of differences. It also will come as no surprise to find that the competition have been doing their homework too and Fiat, Renault, Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall have all got their very own electric vans. Plenty of choice if you are looking to replace or buy new. Insurance costs will vary so you need to do your homework if you are looking at investing in a new van (or indeed renewing your insurance). That is, of course, why you are here, right?! Excellent choice, so get cracking and see how much you could save with us on cheap van insurance deals. Get started by filling out our 3-minute form. Yes, really, just 3 minutes is all it will take! What are you waiting for?

Drink and Drive Being Encouraged?!

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We thought that might spark your attention. What is this, you may well ask. You are aware, of course, that it is a criminal offence under Section 5(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to drink and drive and if caught, may result in an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence. So why is it being encouraged? Because we are talking about drinking WATER dear readers! Phew. That’s cleared that one up then.

Did you know that if you fail to top up your own water tank before embarking on a long distance journey, you could end up with a hefty fine (up to £1000)? Why? Well, it’s pretty much down to the fact that when you become dehydrated, your body experiences symptoms that are similar to the effects of alcohol in the bloodstream (dizziness and loss of focus), which could then lead to you not having full control over your van. Dehydration also causes headaches and this may hinder your concentration levels, very much the same way alcohol does.

All that just because you didn’t drink enough! Silly really, isn’t it. You know that before a long journey, you check your van’s oil and water – why wouldn’t you check your own? Ok, not necessarily oil although up to you if you use oil, but definitely water. Being hydrated and staying hydrated throughout the journey will ensure your concentration levels are at their best, ensuring not just your safety but other road users too.

Considering 3 out of 5 people were not aware of these risks and how they compare to the other type of drink driving, it really is worthwhile making sure you drink before, during and after a long drive. You’ll probably have to factor in a few stops along the way, but you should be doing that anyway, right? Then you can safely top up your water levels and get right back to your journey, in the knowledge that you won’t become dehydrated anytime soon.

Oh and just in case you’re thinking “but I always take my flask of tea/coffee, so that counts” read more here on that topic. In the meantime, no watered down deals here, just cheap van insurance deals. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

When Actions Speak Louder than Words: A Short Tale

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Okay, we realise how silly the title of this week’s blog post sounds. But dear readers, we simply could not resist reporting on this story from Cornwall that took place a few days ago.

Enjoy… Some scenes may have been dramatized for effect.

I’m feeling good: Scene 1

Picture the scene: you’re driving along a picturesque Cornwall road. The weather is lovely, and you’re looking forward to having an ice cream later. 

But wait!

A copper is signalling for you to pull over. What have you gone and done now, eh?

Well actually, it seems there is good reason for you to be pulled over. 

As you signal to pull up by the kerb, you think of the best excuse you can muster because you know exactly what the police are about to ask for. 

You ensure your poker face gives nothing away.

Actions speak louder than words: Scene 2

“So fella, we can’t seem to find any insurance on your van. Can you explain that?”

Words fail you, despite having tried desperately to come up with a palpable excuse. Several reasons flit through your mind, but none of them suffice.

There is only one thing for it. You’re going to have to use a technicality.

“Well sir, I have received a van insurance quote. Surely that’s valid?”

You flutter your eyelashes, hoping with all your might that you look as cute as your neighbour Marge’s new puppy. 

Unfortunately, and predictably, it doesn’t work. Even though you’re a company director. 

This is outrageous. The audacity! How dare anyone question the status of your van insurance?

Technicalities don’t prosper: End scene

You can imagine this tale doesn’t end well, and you would be right. The van was seized. Contrary to popular belief (or not), simply having a quote for insurance, doesn’t actually mean you’re insured. 

We know, we were amazed to find this out, too. (Just kidding – we’d be awful at our jobs if that was the case).

What this poor fella needed was 3 minutes of his time to fill out our form. He would have then received several cheap van insurance quotes from reputable providers. His next step would have been to, of course, actually proceed with taking out and arranging payment for a policy. 

Don’t be like this guy, and save on your van insurance costs with us. Otherwise, you may find your own sorry tale playing out.

Police in Bristol Disappointed by Surprise Van Checks

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Worried about your van’s condition? You should be. You never know when you’ll be pulled over for checks. Especially as some commercial van drivers recently found out the hard way. 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, as well as the police, spent a Thursday in Bristol last week inspecting commercial vehicles. The checks took place at Memorial Stadium, in the Bristol Rover football team’s car park. 

Unfortunately, the results were disappointing. 

They found that out of 39 vans, only 6 were found to be clean and not breaking any laws. A whopping 80% had some sort of illegal defects. The worst past? Over 50% were in a condition considered so bad, that they were instructed to be taken off-road immediately. 

What were the reasons for being considered unsatisfactory?

There were a few, some of which were particularly terrible, actually:

  • Faults and/or defects that violated regulations (22 of which were so dangerous, they were asked to immediately remove their vans from the road) 
  • A van was found to be carrying too much weight, which we all know from previous blog posts is actually illegal
  • The aforementioned van was also carrying dairy items that were unrefrigerated, resulting in a swift call and immediate seizure by Environmental Health
  • Another van had a load that wasn’t secured properly
  • Two vans didn’t have tax and four lacked an up-to-date MOT
  • Eight possessed bald tyres
  • Two vans were genuinely leaking fuel
  • Another van was caught running around with the now-banned red diesel

What was most shocking was the calibre of van drivers, and not just the vans. Get a load of this: 

  • One particularly naughty van driver has cannabis on him
  • Four drivers had absolutely no van insurance – they obviously hadn’t heard of this site – we’re sure if they knew they could easily get cheap van insurance, they wouldn’t have got caught
  • Two van drivers just simply didn’t have licences
  • Three of them were found to be using their phones

Whilst we’d hope no van driver reading this was caught or is guilty of one of the above points, we are here for you. Especially when it comes to cheap van insurance. 

Delivery Drivers Versus Greggs (and Stuart)

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There have been a few battles in our blog posts last year, from e-scooters to ice cream vans, from delivery drivers to the sea.

However, today we report on delivery drivers taking a stand against companies that haven’t been doing the best they can do for their vital staff members.

If Greggs is one of your favourite breakfast or lunchtime places to grab a bite to eat (their iced ring doughnuts are divine, and the sausage rolls aren’t half bad either), you may want to reconsider after reading this.

Why are delivery drivers striking?

Over in South Yorkshire (Sheffield to be precise, just in case you were wondering, duck), delivery drivers have been striking for nearly 3 months outside a Greggs. 

The reason? Something we’re sure everyone has become familiar with at least once in their lives. Two dreaded words: Pay cuts. 

However, there is more to the story, and it isn’t just Greggs who are to blame here. We should really be pointing our fingers at a company named Stuart.

Who is Stuart?

Stuart isn’t a person who we should solely be directing our anger at. In fact, Stuart is a logistics company working (under DPD) for the famous takeaway site, Just Eat. 

What did Stuart do?

Well, what didn’t he do? Last year (November), a new pay structure was initiated. This new implementation of pay doesn’t quite have delivery driver’s best interests in mind. Hmm, we wonder who it best suits? 

Greggs has been a target in Sheffield in the hopes the strike will be noticed. In fact, this has been quite the tenacious gig economy strike, making it the longest in Brit history. 

We’ve seen reports of strikes over in Mansfield and Ashfield, Worcester, Kent (Farnborough) and Derbyshire. We’re sure there are more, too.

When you consider the rising costs of living – fuel being especially significant here, we’re with our fellow delivery drivers.

I’m a delivery driver – how can I save some pennies?

Whilst we can’t instigate a new pay structure for Just Eat, we can offer some pretty impressive cheap van insurance deals. Interested? Get start started by filling out our 3-minute form, and you can thank us later.

Have You Been Stopped at an RSA Checkpoint?

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With the ban on red diesel coming into effect in April, some countries have been setting up stop points to check on vehicles that shouldn’t be using it. 

So far, there have been stop checks set up in: 

  • England
  • Ireland
  • Australia

Know of any others? If so, please let us know! 

Why are governments checking vehicles for red diesel?

From April, only vehicles that don’t require road use will be able to use red diesel. That mainly covers sectors such as agriculture, fishing, forestry or horticulture. 

You can check the full list of allowances and changes on the government website, right here.

However, unless you’re living under a rock, it has been impossible to avoid the news about the soaring costs of fuel. Whilst this is a global problem, some countries have feared that motorists will illegally be using red diesel. 

As the government loses out on money in England if this happens, a red dye (hence the term red diesel) has been employed to mark the fuel out. This means you can easily be caught with it if you shouldn’t be using it, especially if you’re stopped at an RSA checkpoint.

What’s the craic?

In Ireland, certain rules for this diesel have been in place since the 1960s. They also use a green dye to identify the fuel. 

Authorities use random checks of fuel (called ‘dipping’) to assess whether the diesel in question is being used, by identifying the colour. The penalties in Ireland are also a lot stricter and harsher than in the UK, so you’re not going to want to be found guilty of this.

Very recently, a video of an Irish van driver in a Renault Master went viral. If you haven’t seen it, let us provide a chuckle amidst the havoc of increasing costs.

This particular Renault Master was a fully electric van, but the driver in question still found himself being pulled over for a fuel check. You can watch the video of the start of the interaction on Facebook, linked right here.

Not the smartest move there from the authorities in charge of the checks, but we appreciate the laugh. 

I’m looking for cheap van insurance

Whether you have a fully electric Renault Master van, or a Ford Transit, we’re here for you. You can find the best and cheapest van insurance quotes right here. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

Van Drivers, Hold Onto Your Seats – It’s About to Get Bumpy

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Despite the incoming army of hybrid and electric vans in the future, those of us still driving petrol and diesel vans are about to find the pennies – or should we say pounds – leaving our bank accounts faster than usual.

Why should petrol and diesel van drivers be aware?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that come April, we must not forget that the government’s announcement of rebated diesel (or red diesel) use is coming to an end. Unfortunately, this could mean that businesses could be in for a shock, as they may face additional fees.

Whilst this may not affect petrol and diesel van drivers, it is still significant as it’s all connected. With petrol and diesel prices soaring more than ever before, costs seem to be skyrocketing everywhere. From gas and electricity to fuel and everyday living costs.

It’s also significant to note how fuel companies’ profits have also risen by more than 150%. It doesn’t quite add up, does it? As the ongoing war conflict between Ukraine is Russia is also being blamed, why is it that others are profiting? Perhaps there is more to the story that we don’t understand. At this moment in time though, all vehicle owners feel like they are being taken for a ride. 

Have you suffered from increasing fuel costs and/or lack of fuel?

For those of us van drivers operating a business or working for one, it’s becoming more and more difficult to keep up with the increasing prices of owning a van. Have you felt the same, or do you feel differently? 

There have also been excessive queues for fuel once again, impacting drivers who rely solely on their vehicles to get to work. Van drivers, has the increase in demand for fuel influenced you to go to your local fuel station and stock up too? 

How can I save on costs?
Whilst we may be facing fuel problems for a while yet, we can help you out by offering cheap van insurance deals. It’s quick to get quotes, too. Simply complete this 3-minute form, and hopefully, we can help you save some moola.

Delivery Driver Camaraderie Saves the Day

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Don’t worry, guys and gals. This week’s post doesn’t feature something silly like an oopsie daisy, that a van driver has done, or even any dirty motives. In a refreshing take of delivery driver news, this time we have some superhero-worthy stuff to report. 

Here is a story that is bound to make you feel proud to be a van driver or a delivery driver.

Scottish delivery driver goes above and beyond for his colleague

Derek Stoddart, a commendable Scotsman from Clovenfords, did something that perhaps not all delivery drivers would do. 

Despite the fact that he was supposed to finish his shift at Asda at 2 pm, he ended up staying out and working until 9.30 pm when he was able to return to the superstore. This was because he was helping out a fellow delivery driver whose van had broken down.

Knowing full well that there could be many disappointed customers, the kind Mr Stoddart offered to remain with the faulty van until services arrived, so his colleague could continue making deliveries. 

He was out there with the van for so long, that his family even came to say hi and deliver him his dinner and plenty of coffee. 7 hours later, he was able to get back to Asda, but during his time in the van, it grew dark. Thankfully, the van’s heating was able to keep him warm. We imagine he had a lot of time to think, stuck out there in the van. 

If that wasn’t enough, Mr Stoddart reported for his 6.30 am shift the following morning without any complaints. We’re not sure how many people would be so generous with their time, and we sincerely hope Mr Stoddart was rewarded handsomely. Perhaps some decent overtime pay, or some freebies from Asda? What do you think? 

Do you know of anyone, or can recommend a colleague who has gone above and beyond for their van driver or delivery driver duties? Let us know as we’d love to give them a shout-out. 
Until then, we can offer cheap van insurance deals as a reward for all you van driver superheroes. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Why you Shouldn’t Use your Van to Give Rides to your Mates

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We’re not talking about giving your friends the odd lift here and there – we’re not that stingy. However, if you’re planning on sticking a chair to the roof of your van, stick a mate in said chair, and then speed around… You may want to rethink things.

And no, this week’s post is not a joke! 

When playing daredevil goes wrong

You know when you were a child, and you were playing on a bike or a skateboard with your friends, you were maybe tempted to try out some wacky moves. And that’s absolutely fine, as long as health and safety was taken into consideration.

However, what we don’t recommend is fixing a picnic chair on top of your van with bungee straps as a 22-year-old. And then using that chair to have not one – but 4 friends – having an ol’ jolly in it whilst you speed around in a car park for A CATTLE MARKET.

You can’t make this stuff up, and reader, we promise we’re not.

In fact, you can read more about it here if we’ve got your curiosity radar on the go. 

What playing daredevil with your van could cost you

Dear van driver friends, as always, we like to say that something just aren’t worth it. And once again, we have been proven right. 

This van driver rebel found himself being marched to Lincoln Magistrate’s Court where he has been given a suspended sentence of just over 2 years in prison. Let’s not forget about the fact that’s also been banned from driving for 18 months, too.

Again. Just not worth it, is it?

What to do when van stunts go wrong

Well, just in case things do end up hurtling in the wrong direction after a daring van stunt or three, you’re going to want good van insurance. Good van insurance doesn’t always come cheap, however we have the best and cheapest van insurance deals right here. 

All it takes is 3 minutes to complete this quick form, and you’ll have a list of providers before you can say “wicked van stunts”. 

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

Pick your favourite and get instant cover