Tag: campervan

When is a van not a van?

Posted on by News Desk

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.

Meet the Busker Who Converted His Peugeot Expert Van

Posted on by News Desk

Have you ever considered converting your van? Throughout the pandemic, there have been a number of people with similar ideas of converting humble vans into top-of-the-range camper vans. You may have seen a growing trend, especially in areas like Australia and New Zealand. In the UK, when you consider how many of us have been stuck indoors for so long, you might find the appeal to be out on the road growing stronger every day.

Every now and again, we’ll hear tales of rowdy van drivers gone wild, or on the other side of the spectrum, vegan van drivers who are going green. This time, read on to hear the lovely tale of a modest busker from Grimsby in Lincolnshire.

For Josh Robins, a 27-year-old musician who now lives in Cambridge, the ongoing pandemic and multiple lockdowns saw him revert to his busking roots. Like many industries, Covid-19 brought the arts and entertainment sector to a halt. So, with venues shut down and performances cancelled, Josh found that his band ‘The Mardlers’ wouldn’t be able to do very much. Instead, he opted to travel around the UK, passionately busking along the way, as he had done for the past 10 years.

Josh had previously used his trusty van when out and about gigging before the pandemic hit the UK. So, why not put it to use? However, this wasn’t a premium conversion — in fact, it’s far from it. With a bed in the back, he cooked meals on a small hob at the front of the van. He also confessed he missed the use of a toilet he could have permanent access to. Be that as it may, Josh found he had more time to dedicate to writing music, instead of falling for distractions such as Netflix.

When it comes down to it, Josh used the essentials to travel around the UK and do what he loves. What we really appreciate is the fact that he did it all using a Peugeot Expert van. Could you do it? Whether you’re thinking about making your musician/busking dreams true or not, there’s one area in which we can help with. If you’re travelling the UK in a van — converted or not — you’re still going to need the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

The Day Van, Man

Posted on by News Desk

We have heard about the white van man, that has been covered a lot right here…but what about the “day van man?” Not many have heard.

Fortunately, the day van man (or woman) is the kind of driver that is not causing trouble on the roads of the UK or Siberia. No. They are much more relaxed.

What is all this about exactly? Well, a “day van” is a special combination of campervan and van, which has become very popular over recent years.

In the past no-one knew exactly what a day van was, but these days they are lining up to buy them, credit cards in hand.

The main problem is that insuring these things is not always straight forward because the van insurance companies are a bit confused.

“Is it a campervan or is it a van?” they often say, while sitting at their desks and twiddling their thumbs. “No, It’s a day van,” the customer will say, getting a bit hot under the collar (not white van level) and becoming frustrated.

This frustration doesn’t lead to rage and it doesn’t lead to discontent…there are no unleashings and nobody is being unchained.

Instead, all the day van drivers do is to inform and educate. They explain exactly what a day van is, and then once the van insurance company has a clearer picture of what they are talking about then they feel more confident of offering the right kind of insurance.

However, day van owners might no longer have to spend time on the phone explaining themselves to van insurers. The reason? Because there is a new insurance product in town…one that caters specifically to insuring day vans.

It is offered by Caravanwise and they know all about day vans and how to insure them. Visit their site or give them a call is my advice, although before you do that make sure you fill out the form right here.

Where? The Nations Favourite…van insurance comparison website that it, the place where thousands of van owners get the quotes that make them jump in the air with joy and fist pump when those cheap quotes start coming through.

Many have described the experience of using the form here at CVI as like getting your GSCE or A Level exam results…only to find you have straight A’s…a perfect score all round.

In that moment you would have a level of excitement that be difficult to surpass, especially after working for all those years in order to be a straight A student, and now you have done it.

However, the CVI form only takes 3 minutes but you still get that same level of excitement when you press the submit button and get the quotes.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

Pick your favourite and get instant cover