Tag: cheap van insurance

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”. 

Oopsie Daisies: UK Van Driver Blunders You Won’t Believe!

Posted on by News Desk

There have been a few stories circulating around the web recently over UK van drivers making some silly mistakes.

However, we’ve got your back.

We’ve decided to call them Oopsie Daisies. 

These things can happen to anyone.

Can’t they…?

Why don’t you read on and be the judge?

Delivery Driver Working For DPD Gets Stuck Inside His Van – TWICE

Forgot your keys in the van and locked yourself out before?

Fair enough.

It happens.

However, this unfortunate DPD driver trapped himself in the back of his van, not once, but twice.

Thankfully, he created enough noise to grab the attention of a nearby student who came to his rescue.

He used his horn and hammered – which we guess is definitely difficult to ignore.

Now, we get that this is the type of situation that may happen to someone once.

But for it to happen twice?

You may want to wedge your van doors open a bit mate, especially if you have no choice but to go in and get parcels.

Can you relate?

Or has something similar happened to you?

Let us know.

We promise not to laugh.

If you’d like to watch the viral TikTok that caused the van driver’s unfortunate event to become famous, you can watch it here.

Van Driver From Exeter Drives Off With Roof Of Car Park

Not quite the exit he meant to make, we’re sure.

An unfortunate van driver in Devon somehow made the unlucky call and misjudged the manoeuvre. 

 

While helping a friend move in, the driver likely felt very surprised to discover he had strapped an additional roof to the top of his van.

Witnesses say they are surprised there haven’t been more incidents like this, as the car park roof is quite a low one. 

An oopsie daisie, for sure.

If you’d like to read more about the unfortunate event, you can do so here.

I’ve Committed An Oopsie Daisie, What Should I Do?

We’re quite sure we’d rather have the first oopsie daisie happen to us, but perhaps you’d prefer the second?

Of course, in an ideal world, there would be no oopsie daisies at all.

However, these things do happen, and in events like this, it’s best to be prepared.

That’s why we offer cheap van insurance deals, especially for you.

We will have the lender for you, so why not fill out this quick form, and see what we can do to help.

Holiday Hazards: Why Dogs Are A Real Threat To Delivery Drivers

Posted on by News Desk

The Hidden Hazards Delivery Drivers Face During The Holidays

It’s a story as old as time for delivery drivers:

The family dog charges at an unsuspecting postman.

When we think of dogs and Christmas, this probably isn’t the first image that comes to mind.

More often, people say, “Dogs aren’t just for Christmas.”

But for delivery drivers, the holiday season can bring a different kind of worry.

Why Dogs Pose A Unique Threat To Delivery Drivers

No matter how cute or friendly a dog might appear, their instincts can still take you by surprise.

For certain dogs, the sight of a delivery driver’s fingers slipping through the letterbox quickly registers as an unwelcome intrusion.

In fact, just recently, we stumbled upon the story of a Scotsman who has learned this lesson firsthand.

Real Stories: When Friendly Fidos Turn Fierce

Glen Morgan, a veteran delivery driver for Hermes, has had his share of run-ins with canines.

In his eight years on the job, he’s been attacked four times.

His first encounter was especially severe—requiring stitches and a tetanus shot.

A Neighborhood Hazard That’s Hard To Avoid

Most delivery drivers know which homes in their neighborhood have aggressive dogs.

But here’s the thing:

In most cases, there’s very little a driver can do aside from hoping that the owners will keep their pets secured and out of reach.

Not exactly what you’d want on your Christmas wish list, is it?

The Unexpected Danger Of Surprise Attacks

And then, there are the sneak attacks.

Unpredictable and startling, these can be the most nerve-wracking of all.

For many, non-contact delivery during the pandemic brought a sense of relief.

According to Royal Mail, dog attacks on their delivery staff dropped by 31% with non-contact delivery.

Staying Safe: Resources And Advice For Drivers

Royal Mail has a helpful resource—the “Dog Awareness” page—for posties looking to stay safe.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Tips for drivers on handling dog encounters
  • Advice for dog owners to prevent incidents
  • Case studies like Glen Morgan’s

You can even see which areas in the UK are the worst for dog attacks on delivery drivers.

A Final Word Of Caution For The Holiday Season

As the Christmas rush ramps up, delivery drivers work harder than ever.

The moral of the story?

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings—especially when dogs are nearby.

One last tip:

Don’t let your van insurance renewal ruin Christmas, either.

We’ll leave you with a helpful tip.

Don’t let your van insurance renewal ruin Christmas either. Get it out of the way and check out our cheap van insurance deals. It takes just 3 minutes.

Vans & Commercial Vehicles Awards

Posted on by News Desk

You May Be Surprised To Learn That The Top Vans Place For 2022 Was Shared By Four Winners This Year — Yes, FOUR.

WhatCar? released their winners recently. Consequently, we thought what better way is there to kickstart November, than to talk about all the good vans to come? 

Which Vans Won?

Let’s cut to the chase. 

We know you’re all here for the winners, so without further ado, here they are:

  • Citroën e-Berlingo
  • Toyota Proace City Electric
  • Peugeot e-Partner
  • Vauxhall Combo-e 

All electric, these vans were chosen for their practicality and the lovely fact that they’re so cost-effective.

To find out more about the winners, see here.

Who Else Was A Winner?

There were several categories, but we couldn’t possibly name them all in a quick guide.

So, instead, we’ve collated some of the awards that we feel are worth an honourable mention.

Best Large Van

Maxus Deliver 9: a new contender looking to change things in the world of vans, and doing so successfully!

It’s comfy to drive, full of luxury equipment, and is much cheaper than a Ford Transit.

Best Medium Van

Ford Transit Custom: With running costs that are so low you might not believe it.

This highly versatile van is also available as a hybrid. 

Best Small Van

Volkswagen Caddy: A highly desirable van with a brand-spanking new look, and we’re here for it.

It’s more economical to help keep those costs low, and its features are extremely high quality.

Best Compact Van

Ford Transit Courier: Ford may be raking up all the prizes, but for good reason.

Small but powerful, this comfortable van is based on a small Fiesta and is remarkably fun to drive.

Best Van-Based MPV

Ford Tourneo Custom: The perfect all-rounder for any lifestyle – there’s even a bike carrier built inside!

What’s Your Verdict?

What are your thoughts?

Do you agree with the winners that were announced?

We’d love to know, so leave a comment below.

If you are planning on splashing out on a new van, or even if your current one needs its insurance renewing, we’re here to help.

How?

By dishing the dirt on the cheapest van insurance deals, of course. Simply begin with this quick 3-minute form.

Let’s Put The Lasers Down, Please…

Posted on by News Desk

This week brings a strange story

Apparently, a Volkswagen Transport van driver decided to experiment with lasers (and his van).

As a result, his actions have cost him dearly.

In fact, we’re talking a whopping £3,000. And that’s just the start of the punishments…

Genius, Or Just Downright Silly?

Mr. Jason Moore of Swansea has been convicted of something that many of us didn’t even think was possible.

Have you ever heard of a laser jamming device?

Well, it turns out Mr. Moore has.

Additionally, he attached one of these laser jammer devices to his Volkswagen Transport van.

You may be asking why on earth anyone would ever want to do that.

Well, this is where it gets interesting.

Mr Moore decided to attach the laser for one simple reason: to avoid speeding cameras. Genius? Or silly?

Now, it’s not like Mr Moore was travelling down the motorway at 90 miles per hour or anything.

In fact, he was driving 12 miles per hour above the speed limit.

However, that speed is enough to endanger other motorists on the road as well as himself.

Driving without due care and attention, perhaps?

Caught Red-Handed

The laser device interferes with cameras’ ability to pick up and read a vehicle’s speed.

Unfortunately for Jason, videos captured the flashing jammer device in action.

Along with error texts when they tried to read the speed of his moving van.

Mr. Moore, thinking he’d gain 15 extra minutes of sleep by dodging speeding fines, got caught.

The court accused him of perverting the course of justice and ordered him to follow a 2-month curfew.

If that wasn’t enough, he will be facing a sentence of 32 weeks of custody (although this has been suspended for a couple of years).

Well, at least he somehow managed to avoid prison, hm?

And so, van drivers (and motorist drivers alike) are taught a valuable lesson.

Let’s not play with lasers, eh?

For more useful advice, how about something that can give you cheap van insurance quotes?

All it takes is completing a quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way to cutting down your van costs.

How Sneezing Become Deadly For A Lorry Driver

Posted on by News Desk

Today we bring you a sad story about a sneezing lorry driver.

You may have heard the tragic news already, but if you haven’t, then let this serve as a stark warning.

What Reacting Too Late Can Cost You

The tragic incident of a van driver becoming blind in one eye, and suffering brain damage, happened nearly 3 years ago.

However, the man who was the cause of the accident has just been sentenced.

The event happened due to a lorry driver suffering a sneezing fit.

His reactions were too slow, and unfortunately, he did not slow down in time.

This resulted in a crash between his lorry and the van driver.

It has also been reported that the lorry driver was using cruise control.

Unfortunately, after three years, the van driver, Mr Steven Hurst, still suffers from severe memory loss.

The Price to Pay

The lorry driver will spend a year in prison for his mistake, as well as a driving ban lasting two years.

On top of this, he will carry out 80 hours of work (unpaid).

He will also follow the rules of a strict curfew for half a year, as his sentence has been deferred for 15 months.

However, there is clear remorse from Colin Shaw, as he has accepted his mistake and declared he did not react quickly enough.

He agreed that despite traffic being clear to see for nearly half of a mile, he did not use his brakes in time and was too slow to do so.

A sobering admission.

Van Drivers, Be Vigilant

We know this could happen to any motorist out there, but lorry and van drivers, in particular, deal with long hours.

The tiring effects can be detrimental to driving confidence and ability.

We have even heard about people getting into accidents due to wasps in the car, or something similar.

Our sympathies go out to Mr Hurst and his family.

It is tragic and cannot be helped, but perhaps being aware of what could go wrong can help.

Should things take a tragic turn of events, you’re going to want to make sure you’re covered by good insurance.

Fill out this quick 3-minute form to see how you gain just that, as well as make a saving. 

Drive In Hiring New Delivery Drivers To Cost Company Millions

Posted on by News Desk

Who’s hiring delivery drivers?

Can you guess which company it is?

The story has been doing the rounds all week.

Okay, fine, we won’t keep you in suspense.

Drum roll, please… It’s only everyone’s favourite online supermarket that goes by the name, Ocado. 

Just What Has Ocado Been Up to?

By now, you have likely heard about the serious fuss over delivery driver shortages in the UK.

Unless, of course, you live under a rock.

To attract more employees, Ocado is advertising their delivery driver roles using everyone’s most hated best friend: money.

By offering higher wages and bonuses, they hope these incentives will fill the delivery driver void.

Why are Ocado Offering Higher Wages to Drivers?

Recently, it was confirmed by the UK government, that HGV tests would be sped up and also made easier.

You may have read about it in one of our previous blog posts. 

So, following this news, Ocado hopes their soaring wages will be motivation enough for drivers to want to join them.

At the moment, it is estimated that we are short of around a whopping 90,000 drivers.

Eek.

Naturally, this has caused disruption to supermarket supply chains, fuel and all sorts of other goods.

Are you one of the many thousands who have been affected by the shortages? 

So, What Are Ocado Moaning About?

In paying you lot higher wages and bonuses (as they should), they are estimating it will cost the company an additional £5 million (at least). 

However, we’re hoping this trend of paying our fellow delivery driver higher salaries continues.

Especially as Ocado are not the first to brag about this.

In fact, John Lewis and Aldi have also recently decided to up their delivery driver wages.

Tesco has also jumped on board the bandwagon and are offering decent bonus packages to join them, too. 

Let’s hope these higher paid wages and bonuses are enough to entice delivery drivers back, eh?

Where are you all? We miss you. 

For those of you who are still in the profession, or looking to join, it’s a good thing you’ve stumbled upon this blog post.

The first thing you need to do is to consider van insurance.

There are additional details you need to consider as a delivery driver, too. 

Find out all you need to know about cheap van insurance by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

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