Tag: cheap van insurance

British Gas Vows To Electrify With New Vauxhall Vivaro E Vans

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Are electric vans the future…

With potential fuel tax hikes, van and delivery drivers may face tough times ahead.

As it stands, fuel costs are already rising quickly.

Furthermore, an additional 3p per litre could add £1 billion to the UK Treasury.

But for van drivers, this means an extra £250 a year on fuel.

Reports say that after a 9-year freeze on fuel tax, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering lifting it.

The aim?

To help pay off lockdown costs.

But at what cost for delivery drivers?

Rising Fuel Costs – What’s At Stake?

For van drivers, these hikes don’t just impact the bottom line.

Each added expense eats into profits, especially for small businesses and independent drivers.

The increase, while seemingly small, compounds over hundreds of fill-ups.

It’s a relentless drain on resources.

So, what options are there?

Could Electric Vans Be The Future Of Britain’s Fleets?

With these rising fuel prices, the future of Britain’s vans could very well go green.

In fact, more motor companies are now pledging to produce only electric vehicles by 2030.

But here’s the real question:

Could this shift not only cut costs but also benefit the environment?

Electric vans, while an upfront investment, can lead to lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance over time.

As traditional fuel costs soar, the cost-benefit of going electric looks more attractive.

British Gas certainly thinks so.

British Gas Takes A Bold Step Toward Electric Vans

In fact, British Gas is taking major steps toward a greener fleet.

Recently, they made the biggest electric vehicle order in the UK.

They’ve ordered 1,000 of Vauxhall’s new, all-electric Vivaro-e vans.

This is just the beginning.

Once available, they plan to add more electric vans to their fleet.

Electric vans can help companies cut down on emissions and lead by example.

British Gas, a significant employer of van drivers, is setting the standard.

The New Vauxhall Vivaro-e: A Game-Changer For British Gas

And they’re not stopping there.

The Vauxhall Combo-e, launching this summer, is also 100% electric.

It’s quickly emerging as a strong contender in the small van market.

Moreover, British Gas, owned by Centrica, has ambitious environmental goals.

Specifically, they’re aiming to transition their entire workforce to electric vehicles by 2030.

This move goes beyond compliance—it’s about future-proofing their operations for sustainability.

Preparing For an Electric Fleet By 2030

How will they make it work?

British Gas has plans to provide electric vans to employees who volunteer for the switch.

Additionally, they’ll prioritise areas with high emissions or places where van replacements are needed most.

This targeted strategy ensures that their electric fleet makes a meaningful environmental impact.

What started as an idea—the switch to electric vehicles—is now in full motion, with real changes underway.

Installing Charging Stations For A Greener Future

Worried about charging stations?

Don’t be.

British Gas is installing home chargers and training engineers in electric vehicle use.

This proactive approach means they’re prepared for a seamless transition.

Their engineers won’t be scrambling for charging points or dealing with long downtimes.

With infrastructure in place, the goal of a fully electric fleet is more achievable.

British Gas Commitment to “Net-Zero” Targets

British Gas’s commitment to achieving “net-zero” targets is truly setting a new standard.

Their efforts focus on reducing van emissions while improving local air quality.

But they’re not stopping at promises—they’re taking action.

Lowering van emissions is key to shrinking their daily carbon footprint.

Over 4 Million Deliveries: Supporting Communities In Need

Since the pandemic began, British Gas engineers have delivered over 4 million meals to those in need.

These deliveries highlight the crucial role that van drivers play in supporting local communities.

Their dedication goes beyond just work; it’s a lifeline for many.

This commitment highlights the importance of protecting these essential drivers for many households.

Thinking About Electric Vans? We’ve Got You Covered

So, is it time to think about an electric van?

Perhaps you already own one.

Rising fuel costs and environmental goals could make electric vehicles the new norm.

Whether you’re exploring electric options or already on board, the right insurance is key.

Having the right coverage can make all the difference when making the switch.

Either way, we’re here to help with affordable electric van insurance.

We’ve got you covered—because the future of vans might just be electric.

Courier? You May Need Special Insurance

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If you’re working as a man (or woman, obviously) with van as a courier, we hope you’ve got the right insurance.

Some, pushed into a new courier career, thanks to Covid, may not be aware that it’s more than standard van insurance that is required.

Couriers can’t just make do with van insurance and hope for the best.

If your van gets broken into or stolen, you need to be pretty certain that the cost of whatever you have inside is covered,

or you could find yourself in a sticky situation.

Not only that, as couriers are also in contact with member of the public for work,

anyone working as a delivery driver needs to have public liability insurance to make sure that they are fully protected.

Most van insurance companies offer specialist courier insurance policies, regardless of what type of vehicle you are using.

These are often more expensive than regular car or van insurance.

The high cost of the goods you transport is one factor.

Plus, spending more time on the road than other drivers increases your accident risk and expenses.

Similar to regular car or van insurance, you can choose third-party cover, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive.

Comprehensive is always the best option for full coverage.

Additionally, goods in transit insurance protects the value of any items lost or damaged during transit.

This also covers your van and contents in case of theft, whether parked at home or out on deliveries.

A longer driving history, strong van security, and fewer motoring convictions all help.

These factors keep your courier insurance costs down.

Use our free quote tool to ensure you are getting the best deal on your van insurance.

We may be over the snow, but accidents and thefts can happen any time, so it’s always best to stay safe. 

Time To Ditch The Go-Faster Stripes?

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Here at Cheap Van Insurance, we know what it’s like.

Van drivers are busy people.

You’ve got places to be and people to see and no time for a chat.

But if you are one of the many white van people who are tempted to exceed the speed limit from time to time,you may want to think again. 

That’s because the boys in blue are rolling out the speed cam in blue.

Anew, handheld camera that is capable of catching drivers who are exceeding the speed limit, day and night, from a distance of 750 metres. 

The new, handheld cameras are being rolled out by police forces up and down the country, including by Warwickshire and Northumberland police.

Costing around £10,000 per camera, they can automatically identify the make, model and number plate of vehicles from a distance – far greater than was previously possible with other handheld speed guns. 

And don’t think if you haven’t been stopped that you haven’t been caught.

These devices automatically send video images to a database and automatically issue a penalty charge.

Penalties are currently a minimum of £100 and three points on your license.

Not only that, these cameras are also capable of detecting errant mobile phone users, tailgaters, and non-seatbelt wearers too.

The days of pretending it wasn’t you behind the wheel of the company van are well and truly over. 

If that wasn’t enough, it can also read rear number plates too and is untraceable to jamming devices that identify fixed speed cameras ahead.

So if you are a bit prone to putting your foot down or driving that littler bit too close, beware. Y

our days without getting caught may just be numbered. 

Tradespeople On The Road: Locked Down, But Not Out

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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?

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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.

Van Insurance Set to Increase

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As if the current lockdown wasn’t enough to have us all hunkering down for the winter, news this week is that van insurance is set to go up in cost. In fact, since the end of the last lockdown, they have, reports suggest, already increased by 1.6% in the last 3 months, compared to a drop of 2.4% during lockdown.

If you get all whizzy with the maths, that is still a net decrease of 0.8%, but given that many van insurance commentators (yes, they actually exist), had predicted a much greater fall, it doesn’t make for happy reading, especially considering that van drivers were one of the most affected jobs as a result of the lockdown, either by being unseasonably busy or simply unable to work.

There is some good news if you use your van as your main form of domestic transport too  with a social, domestic and pleasure policy – there has been a drop in the cost to renew your van insurance, but given that most of us use our vans for work, this doesn’t really help the drivers who use their vans to earn a living.

Also, with more people looking to switch career and get into van delivery driving due to the cut of jobs in other industries such as hospitality and leisure, bad news for the younger van drivers out there. Unless you are prepared to install a telematics device to reduce the cost of van insurance, the average cost of annual van insurance for the under 25’s is a whopping £3,091. 

What happens next? Well, if this year has taught us anything, it’s that none of us really know. But if you do want the best deals, our advice remains the same – complete our simple quote tool, and let the very best van insurance deals come directly to you. After all, life is hard enough. 

A Week of Heroes and Villans

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We start this week with some good news for a change. Yes, despite the weather being more variable than a typical Aston Villa footballing season, we have some good news this week. (No, Villa haven’t signed Gareth Bale – well, not yet, anyway).

The good news is that since lockdown, the average cost for van driver insurance is down. Not by a massive amount, but by 2.3%, which can still represent a good saving on van insurance for most van drivers.

Latest research shows that the van insurance industry has put a pause on their typical insurance price increases, and instead of a hike, have taken a cut.

This is a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has seen a marked reduction in the number of white van men and women on the road throughout the UK. This has meant that unsurprisingly, there have been fewer van insurance claims made and so the cost has come down. 

This is particularly good news because prior to COVID bringing the UK industry to a grinding halt, van insurance premiums were at something of an all-time high. 

The group of van drivers who have seen the biggest drop in their van insurance renewal costs are young van drivers, who have seen the cost of insuring their vans decrease by around 14% (although bear in mind, van insurance for young drivers remains eye-wateringly expensive, with an average annual policy costing upwards of £3,000 compared to the overall average policy cost of a smidge over £1000 – representing a drop of 2.3% in the last few months.

The average premium on van insurance has seen a drop of 0.9% over the last year, so the recent drop of 2.3% is a big change downwards, by comparison.

If you are driving your van for work and using it at home on a ‘Social, domestic and pleasure’ policy, if your van insurance is due, you too, should see a drop although it will be around the more modest 1.2% mark.

Of course, like most good things, they are often fleeting (like the feeling of relief felt when Villa scraped through being relegated), because the future is, like football, less certain. With things returning to normal on the roads, there will inevitably be more accidents, and with more accidents come more claims and that of course means an increase in insurance premiums too. 

So, if your van insurance is due any time soon, make hay while the sun shines. Use our free quote tool, to triple check that you are getting the best possible van insurance deal. 

… And finally,  before anyone writes in to complain of Aston Villa bias or to send Villa-related abuse, let us remind you that the future King of England is a Villa fan, and if he has anything to do with it, you’ll all be Villa fans when he’s in charge.

Until next week.

Weekly Roundup – Coronavirus Special

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Good news if you insure your van personally and chose Admiral – you are getting £25 back from your policy cost, irrespective of whether or not you are still on the road. Government MPs are petitioning chancellor Rishi Sunak to get involved and ensure all car and van insurers pass some of the savings on that they are making while the country is in lockdown – with a reported 50% fewer accidents happening then it makes sense that we should all be getting something back and not see insurers profiting at the expense of the regular guys and gals out there. 

We do expect more to come on this in the coming weeks and more insurers either being forced or pressured into giving rebates. Some companies are also offering front line and essential workers discounts on their van insurance premiums, so if you are a key worker, be sure to mention it to your insurance broker at the time of your policy renewal and see if you can’t bag a little extra off the cost of your policy. 

Some insurers, such as Aviva and MoreThan are offering customers who are feeling the pinch payment holidays on their insurance payments (for home as well as car or van insurance). Again, we expect more to follow, although do be aware you will still be required to repay your annual policy in full at some point during your insurance term, so it may be deferring greater pain down the line, if you choose to do so.

Sadly, there are more and more reports coming in of serious accidents as a result of dangerous driving or speeding on the quieter than usual roads. As we clearly stated last time, now is not the time to see if you can take the racing line flat in your transit, however tempting that may be. 

In a bit of good news, it looks as if drones won’t be replacing anyone’s jobs any time soon. A new study found that drone deliveries were up to 10 times less energy efficient than vans. So, if you’ve still got a job, make sure you keep it by driving safely, observing all good hygiene practices (wear a mask if you can, even if they suggest otherwise) and keep on keeping on. 

Van Drivers – what’s ahead with coronavirus?

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Well, it’s a strange time to be alive, that’s for sure. Panic is mounting over the threat of coronavirus and for your average van driver, that could be a good or a bad thing.

The upside is that more and more people are choosing not to go out unnecessarily and have goods and services delivered to them instead. So many of you can look forward to busier weeks ahead (just think, it will be like Christmas all over again with a ton of deliveries each and every day). Happy days?!

The downside, of course, is what happens if you actually get the virus yourself. And being in and out of businesses each day makes you particularly vulnerable not just to catching it, but potentially spreading it too. Get hold of hand sanitizer if you can, don’t be afraid to ask businesses if you can wash your hands at regular times throughout the day and take a large pack of tissues and a van bin to dispose of them. Consider buying and using disposable gloves if you’re coming into a lot of contact with people. 

Many van drivers form the backbone of the gig economy and many are saying they simply can’t afford to take time off if they get sick. With a budget due this week, we hope that the new chancellor makes moves to do something positive to provide financial help to those who need it, should they be sick. Nobody needs a super-spreader making things worse. 

And of course, what happens for those of you who drive longer distances if we get to a stage where travel restrictions are put in place? Smart fleet owners may be able to set up an inter-regional relay type of structure where deliveries still get from a to b, but who knows if handovers will be possible? We’ll need to look to countries like Italy to see how they handle things and if there is anything we can learn from them. 

Hopefully builders and traders won’t see too much impact in the short term, but of course, there may be supply chain issues down the road (no pun intended) with goods from overseas getting to us on time. And there is of course, the threat of recession down the road all around the world, not just here. 

One thing you can do is make sure you keep an eye on your own money and keep hold of what you can in case you need it to get through the months ahead. Thankfully, we can help with that, by offering the best van insurance prices that will help you keep hold of as much of your hard-earned dosh as possible. In the words of one supermarket – every little helps. Just don’t go and blow all your savings on loo roll. 

In the market for a new van?

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It’s that time of year again. The new registration plates are about to be issued next month, and van drivers up and down the country dream wistfully of a brand new, shiny van with all the optional extras a driver could dream of.

And of course, now is the time that the van manufacturers launch their newest models to ensure those who are in the money are ready to show it off from next month with the latest in technology.

This past week, both Mercedes and Volkswagen have showcased their new offerings, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500XD, and the Volkswagen Caddy V5.

The Mercedes is a veritable force to be reckoned with. With almost unlimited variations and added extras, this is a van driver’s dream. A three-litre turbo diesel V6 engine gives as much grunt as the beefiest Scottish van driver could need for getting up those steep hills and glens. A seven-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive and 325 pounds of torque gives it almost off-road abilities. There’s a 10.5” touchscreen, navigation, in-built cruise control in the premium plus package, while the premium package adds lane assist, a rear camera and active brake assist. There are also options for heated mirrors, an electric step at the back, and illuminated front steps. 

Reported to have incredible visibility and more space in the back than a DPD depot, this doesn’t come cheap, but will undoubtedly be the choice of those for whom money is no object and as an investment for a van that’s read to last the distance.

At the other end of the market, for just£21,000 there’s a new VW Caddy in town. The fifth generation of Caddy, this has all the convenience of a hatchback in van form. There are three versions – the Caddy, Life and Style, with more kit as standard on all models. All the Caddys can carry up to two pallets of goofs in the back, but a revamped dashboard with 10” touchscreen makes being behind the wheel a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

Two petrol and one diesel options are available, and there’s even one that can carry additional passengers too. 

If you are in the market for a new van, don’t forget to fill out our free quote form, to know the best possible van insurance prices out there – with the money you save, you may just be able to stretch to one or two added extras on your van spec!

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