Author: News Desk

How Camper Vans Became The UK’s Lockdown Travel Obsession

Posted on by News Desk

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

Posted on by News Desk

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?!

Posted on by News Desk

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

Posted on by News Desk

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

Posted on by News Desk

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

Posted on by News Desk

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.

Red Diesel Crackdown: What Every Driver Needs to Know Now

Posted on by News Desk

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, authorities have set up stop checks 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. 

The government in England loses money when this occurs, so they add a red dye (hence the term red diesel) to mark the fuel clearly.

This marking makes it easy for authorities to catch drivers misusing it, especially during stops at RSA checkpoints.

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 randomly check fuel (called ‘dipping’) to identify whether drivers are using the correct diesel based on its 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.

The driver of this particular fully electric Renault Master still faced a fuel check during the stop.

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

Posted on by News Desk

Van drivers…

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

Posted on by News Desk

Delivery driver goes above and beyond.

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 on 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.

He was then 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.

Van Stunt Gone Wrong: The Cost Of Playing Daredevil 

Posted on by News Desk

Are you using your van to give mates a ride…

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 you considered health and safety.

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 that authorities also banned him from driving for 18 months.

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