Author: News Desk

The Hidden Dangers Of A Messy Van: Why Clutter Could Cost You Big

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How many drivers have messy vans?

It probably didn’t start that way.

But over time, life gets busy, and you’ll “tidy up next time.”

We all know “next time” rarely comes.

Suddenly, you’ve got cans, coffee cups, and wrappers piling up in the cab.

Sound familiar?

But is it really a problem?

Actually, yes—it can be.

Imagine something on the floor rolling over to the driver’s compartment.

What could happen then?

Two things are likely.

You need to brake, but there’s something lodged under the pedals.

Or, you decide to move it—and now, you’re distracted.

Both situations can lead to serious consequences.

If your van’s too messy, you could even face fines and points on your licence.

Did you know?

While there’s no specific law against a messy van, Rules 117-121 and 144 of the Highway Code might still apply.

Law enforcement, for instance, could easily notice you struggling with clutter.

As a result, depending on the severity, you might face a fine of up to £5000.

And in the unfortunate case where a fatality occurs due to distraction?

A prison sentence may inevitably follow.

Think it’s rare?

Apparently, millions of drivers leave rubbish in their vehicles.

But if your van looks more like a skip, it’s time to clean up.

Take it home.

But don’t throw rubbish out of the window.

Rule 147 of the Highway Code prohibits that too.

This includes cigarette ends and all that clutter.

Remember, it’s about consideration for others—especially cyclists and motorcyclists.

Is your insurance up to date?

Now’s a good time to check.

Use our quick 3-minute form form to find the cheapest options online.

When Good Manners On The Road Backfire: The Surprising Fines Of Courteous Driving

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Did you know that simple acts of courtesy on the road could cost you points on your licence?

Or even lead to a fine?

It’s surprising, but trying to be polite to fellow drivers might land you in hot water.

Let’s dig into why these gestures can be riskier than they seem.

Helpful Honking Whilst Driving On The Road

You probably think honking to alert other drivers is a good thing.

After all, you’re just trying to keep people safe, right?

But here’s the catch—there are strict rules around when you can legally use your van’s horn.

Imagine this:

You’re stuck behind a car at a traffic light. The light turns green, but they’re not moving.

Your instinct might be to honk to get their attention.

But in this case, that’s actually illegal.

Why?

Because the law considers this type of honking “aggressive” and a form of harassment.

Breaking this rule could leave you facing a fine.

And it’s not just pocket change.

If you honk without a valid reason, authorities can fine you £30 on the spot.

If you take it to court, the fine could go up to a staggering £1000.

So, think twice before reaching for that horn. Only use it when absolutely necessary, and only if it’s to alert others to a true hazard.

On The Road And Waving To Other Driver 

Ever waved to thank another driver for letting you merge?

Or maybe to apologize for accidentally cutting someone off?

While it feels like a polite gesture, it might also be a risky move.

Why?

Waving can distract you and take your hands off the wheel, which the law doesn’t take lightly.

In fact, any gesture that pulls your hands from the wheel, even for a split second, means you’re not fully in control of your vehicle.

During our research, we found that opinions vary on this topic.

The general rule?

If you keep your palm on the wheel and give a small raise of your fingers, that’s probably acceptable.

But raising your entire hand to wave?

That could lead to trouble if spotted by law enforcement.

No Flashing Please

We’re not talking about anything inappropriate here—just headlights and hazard lights.

It’s tempting to give a quick flash of the headlights or a tap of the hazard lights to say thank you.

But did you know this could get you fined?

Hazard lights are for emergencies only.

For instance, if you’re parked on the roadside due to a breakdown, or if traffic ahead suddenly stops.

However, if you use them to say “thank you” or as a way to excuse stopping on double yellow lines, you’re risking a fine.

And flashing your headlights?

The Highway Code specifically discourages using headlights for anything other than alerting other drivers of your presence.

So, while a quick flash might seem friendly, it could be seen as a misuse of lights.

Getting caught misusing lights could not only result in a fine, but could also affect your driving record.

Stay Covered

After considering all these rules, there’s one last thing to keep in mind.

Is your insurance all up to date?

It’s always wise to ensure you have the best coverage, just in case.

Fortunately, checking for affordable rates only takes a few minutes.

Simply use our quick 3-minute form form to compare options and secure the best price.

In the end, simple courtesy could cost you big, but staying aware of these rules—and keeping your insurance in order—could make all the difference on the road.

Van Driver Fails You Won’t Believe: Stuck in Sand and Under Bridges

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Stuck In The Middle With You

Well, actually, it was more like stuck in the sand for one unlucky AA van driver.

The call seemed straightforward: rescue a stranded van and driver at Porth Beach in Newquay.

But things didn’t go as planned.

The AA van itself got stuck in the sand.

Locals quickly jumped into action.

They worked alongside the AA driver to free both vehicles.

We can only assume the original stranded driver joined the efforts too.

It took nearly an hour to free both vehicles.

But this wasn’t an isolated incident.

It’s not the first time the AA has ended up stuck while responding to a rescue.

On a previous occasion, even a tow truck was required to save both vehicles.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Over Easter, a Transporter van and a Mazda car met the same sandy fate.

The story doesn’t end there.

Just down the road at Great Western Beach, it’s a regular occurrence.

In the past year, more than a dozen cars have needed rescue from the sand.

Why Are People Driving Onto The Beach?

It’s a good question.

Maybe they didn’t feel like walking.

Hopefully, they’ll think twice before trying it again.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Now, let’s talk about another kind of stuck.

One unfortunate van driver found themselves in a different predicament.

Not in the sand this time.

But wedged under a bridge.

The road had to be closed.

Despite numerous warnings about the low bridge, the van became firmly lodged.

How Could This Happen?

Above the bridge, there’s bright yellow writing.

It clearly states LOW BRIDGE.

There are also multiple signs alerting drivers to the height restriction.

Yet bridge strikes still happen.

Didn’t They See The Signs?

Some drivers seem to think they can squeeze through.

Or maybe they just don’t notice the warnings.

Reality hits fast.

A van measuring 7’3” simply won’t fit under a 7-foot bridge.

What happens next?

Deflating the tyres is often the only way to get unstuck.

That’s four flat tyres.

If you’re lucky, it might work.

But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to pay more attention to those signs.

Better check your insurance to see if it covers getting stuck in unusual places then.

Luckily for you, it won’t take long at all with our quick 3-minute form.

 

Master The Art Of Van Driving: Safety Tips You Can’t Ignore

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Sometimes, it’s easy to forget: not everyone has your driving experience.

But here’s the kicker:

Rushing or losing patience with slower vehicles can turn you into a dangerous statistic.

Van drivers, especially those driving for business, spend countless hours on the road.

It’s easy to become complacent.

But think about this:

At just 30mph, taking your eyes off the road for TWO seconds means you’ve traveled 90 feet.

That’s the length of two double-decker buses.

And during those 90 feet?

Your focus isn’t on the road. It’s elsewhere.

Now, let that sink in.

Scary, right?

This makes it crucial to familiarise yourself with your vehicle—especially if you’re transitioning from a car to a van.

All Vehicles Are Not Created Equal

The first thing you’ll notice in a van?

No rear-view mirror.

Obvious, right? Vans don’t have a rear window.

But here’s the good news:

You’ve got wing mirrors. And not just any wing mirrors—most come equipped with blind-spot mirrors.

Forget about looking over your shoulder. In a van, it’s all about using those mirrors.

Here’s something cool:

Ford has developed a “smart mirror.”

It looks like a rear-view mirror but shows live footage from a rear camera.

It adjusts brightness based on the time of day and provides a wider viewing angle.

Perfect if you’re still getting used to your van’s size.

Adjusting To Van-Specific Features

Brakes in a van?

They’re a whole different beast.

Light load? No load? You’ll notice they feel sharper than car brakes.

Take your time. You’ll adjust.

Now, let’s talk speed.

Vans follow different speed limits.

On single or dual carriageways, they’re often 10mph slower than cars.

But here’s the thing:

Just because it’s the limit doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Always drive to the road conditions.

Arrive safely. Every time.

If you are transitioning from a car to a van, you might want to ensure you’re adequately insured by completing this quick 3-minute form.

How Camper Vans Became The UK’s Lockdown Travel Obsession

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Camper Van: The Staycation Dream

Camper van, motorhome, converted van, mini home, tuk-tuk.

The options are endless.

From brand-new models to those barely roadworthy, there’s something for every budget.

Here’s where it gets interesting:

During lockdown, staycations exploded in popularity.

Travel bans left people grounded, cash in hand, and searching for alternatives.

The result?

A camper van boom like no other.

Families Needed To Escape

Imagine it: kids climbing the walls, parents working from the kitchen table, and no flights to tropical beaches.

Everyone was desperate for a change of scenery.

Camper vans became the answer.

Sales skyrocketed by 150%.

Yes, you read that correctly. One hundred and fifty percent.

A New Generation Of Adventurers

Traditionally, camper van owners were in their 50s and 60s.

But lockdown changed everything.

Younger buyers jumped on the bandwagon.

Why?

Because exploring the British Isles became the ultimate adventure.

From dramatic coastlines to quaint villages, every trip could be magical.

Especially for kids.

Teenagers? Maybe not as thrilled, but they’ll thank you one day.

A Surprising Demand Spike

One camper van company usually sees slow sales in August.

In 2020, something remarkable happened.

They sold 23 vans—up from their usual 3 or 4.

That’s a massive leap.

But there was a catch.

Demand far outstripped supply.

New vans came with long waiting lists, sometimes up to a year.

Rentals To The Rescue

For those unwilling to wait, rentals became the next best thing.

They offered the same freedom, minus the commitment.

But savvy buyers knew how to spot a bargain.

They just had to put in the effort to search.

Don’t Forget The Insurance

Once you find your dream camper van, there’s one final step.

You’ll need insurance.

And where’s the best place to find it?

Right here.

Affordable. Reliable. Tailored to your needs.

Make your dream adventure safe and stress-free.

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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Ford’s Electric Van Revolution

Pardon me? An all-electric van?

Who would’ve thought it!

Yet, that’s exactly what Ford has developed.

It’s set to replace Britain’s most popular vehicle, the Ford Transit Van.

Efforts to improve the EV (electric vehicle) market are accelerating.

As we know, progress had to start somewhere.

One small step for cars, one giant leap for vans.

The noisy old Transits will soon be a thing of the past.

New electric models will replace older versions.

Why?

Because manufacturers must meet stricter air quality and emissions standards.

They don’t stop working to improve this.

Thankfully, the results are impressive.

What Is Ford Doing Now?

Ford plans to introduce four new commercial vans by 2024.

However, they know not everyone can switch to electric right away.

Still, the benefits are undeniable.

Running costs for electric vans are significantly lower than diesel models.

The E-Transit, Ford’s flagship electric van, offers a 196-mile range.

That’s enough to get from A to B—and then on to C: the charging station.

Worried about finding a charging point?

The UK now has over 42,000 charge connectors in more than 15,000 locations.

This is a 35% increase since last year.

The chance of running out of power is slim.

But keep in mind, battery size affects range for some models.

What Has Changed?

From the outside, the Transit Van looks the same.

Some designs are best left untouched.

But under the bonnet, the changes are significant.

Inside, the upgrades are modern and efficient.

Ford isn’t the only one innovating.

Competitors like Fiat, Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, and Vauxhall have launched their own electric vans.

There’s no shortage of options if you’re considering buying or upgrading.

What About Insurance?

Insurance costs for electric vans can vary.

Do your homework to find the best deal.

Whether you’re buying new or renewing, research is key.

A little effort can save a lot of money.

So, is it time to go electric?

With Ford’s E-Transit leading the charge, the future of vans looks bright.

 

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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Fancy a drink?

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).

This 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.

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.

Roadside Revelations: The Cornwall Incident And The Van Insurance Mix-Up

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Van Insurance…

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 dramatised for effect.

I’m feeling good: Scene 1

Imagine the setting:

You’re driving along a picturesque Cornwall road.

Meanwhile, the landscape unfolds beautifully around you.

The weather is lovely, and you’re looking forward to having an ice cream later. 

But wait!

A copper is signaling for you to pull over.

What could possibly have gone wrong, eh?

However, it appears there is indeed a valid reason for this unexpected stop.

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.

Consequently, there is only one option left.

You’re going to have to resort to using 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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Surprise Van Checks

Worried about the condition of your van?

You should be.

You never know when the police will pull you 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 clean and not breaking any laws.

A whopping 80% had some sort of illegal defects.

The worst past?

Over 50% were in such bad condition that authorities immediately ordered them off the road.

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 were so dangerous that authorities immediately demanded their removal 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 carried a load that wasn’t properly secured.

Two vans didn’t have tax and four lacked an up-to-date MOT.

Eight possessed bald tyres.

Two vans were genuinely leaking fuel.

Authorities caught another van using 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

Authorities found three of them 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. 

Greggs Strike Drama: Why Delivery Drivers Are Taking A Stand

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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), the company initiated a new pay structure.

This new implementation of pay doesn’t quite have delivery driver’s best interests in mind.

Hmm, we wonder who it best suits? 

Greggs is targeting Sheffield in hopes that the strike will gain attention.

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.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

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Step 3

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