Tag: fuel costs

Van Drivers, Hold Onto Your Seats – It’s About to Get Bumpy

Posted on by News Desk

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.

How to Save on the Cost of Running Your Van

Posted on by News Desk

Christmas is coming and while the goose may be getting fat, many of us are feeling the pinch in our pockets at the end of a tumultuous and unprecedented year. 

You all know the old saying, save the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves, and while we here at Cheap Van Insurance work tirelessly to bring you the very best van insurance provider deals, direct to your inbox, which are sure to save you a few quid, we thought we’d go through a few more ways you can save a few pennies. 

1: Summer is over. 

So turn off your AC. Yes, we know you guys like being cool behind the wheel, but open a window and save yourself a few quid. Running your AC year-round not only uses a lot of fuel, but also means you’ll need to pay to get your system re-gassed sooner. So think twice before you have it on blast all day.

2: Stop costs going through the roof.

Literally. Having stuff piled on the top of your van such as ladders can end up costing a few quid more than you need. Of course, you need some of the stuff, but all of it, all of the time? Maybe not. Not only does the extra weight add to fuel costs, but it also does a number on your aerodynamics, adding more drag which again, equals paying more at the pumps.

3: Consider how much you fill up:

Adding fuel means adding weight and if you don’t need a full tank, why go all the way? Fill up not quite so full and a little more frequently and you’ll pocket the savings.

4: Consider how much you fill up (part 2):

Do you really need everything in the back of your van? Is your cab full of rubbish that can be binned? Have a good clear out and only take what you need for your jobs. Less weight = less fuel. It’s a smart and simple way to save a few bob. 

5: Drive in style:

If you have cruise control and can use it, do so. If you have a more modern van with a fuel efficiency mode, use it. We know it goes against the very ethos of many van men, but driving calmly and smoothly can really make the biggest difference to your fuel consumption and costs. Go gently, easy on the brakes and slow on the revs and you’ll be able to see the difference in your wallet in no time.

Now, all that you need to decide is what you want to spend those savings on. Christmas is coming, after all. 

Tax Tales and Fuel Foes

Posted on by News Desk

Bad news for van drivers up and down the UK, as chancellor Rishi Sunak has hinted at a double whammy of tax increases incoming next year for van drivers.

He is looking to not only end the freeze on fuel duty, but also increase taxes for the self-employed next year. Fuel duty has not been increased in over 10 years, but in a blow to van drivers, this looks set to change as the chancellor looks to find ways to pay back the cost of the COVID crisis. 

The suggested increase appears to be somewhere between 3-5p per litre, putting a decent whack of change on the cost of filling your tax next April onwards. This is a tough blow for many, following on from the impact that COVID has had on many households up and down the UK. Fuel duty is currently 57.95p per litre and has been that amount since 2011. There’s no doubt an increase will upset many voters, who are already facing huge difficulties as a result of COVID measures taken by the government, especially the lack of help and support for the newly self-employed. 

And if that wasn’t bad enough, it seems that self-employed van drivers will also see their National Insurance contributions go up, from the current rate of 9 per cent, to 12 per cent, in line with the amount currently paid by employees. There appears to be a lot of resistance to this, given that the self-employed do not receive the same rights as the employed, in terms of sick pay, annual leave, redundancy pay and more. 

So, we are glad here at Cheap Van Insurance that at least we continue to do what we do best, and help you save a packet on your van insurance. It sounds like you may need the savings next year. 

Cutting costs – How to Save on Your Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

It’s been a rough few months for everyone. Even the most hardy of us have been affected one way or another by COVID-19, and van drivers haven’t been exempted. And with the threat of a recession looming, keeping costs down is crucial, especially those that could be cheaper. 

So, we thought that now would be a good time to take a look at ways that you could potentially trim back some costs on your driving expenses. Just the smallest tweak could save you some bucks, and right now, that’s got to be a good thing. 

1: Do you really need that big van?

Yes, it makes you feel like the man, out on the road, compared to all those amateurs in their Twingo’s and Kangoo’s, but they may be having the last laugh, if they are running close to capacity and you’re riding around with space in the back almost every day. Not only is a bigger van costing you more in fuel and van insurance, but you’ll be paying more insurance for it too. Now, there are of course, costs attached with selling one to replace with another, but if It’s time for a new van, it’s worth thinking about trading down for something a bit smaller if you have the capacity to do so. And you could even spend that money you save on a fancier model with a few more bells and whistles. Doing that may not save you money upfront, but you might end up with a comfier ride and lower fuel and insurance costs.

Are you secure?

Not that your missus might run off with her personal trainer, but your van security – is it up to scratch? A tracking device or security etching could also save you. Vans are a big target for thieves, and anything you can do to reduce the risk of yours getting nicked or help in it being recovered can reduce your annual premiums. Don’t forget where you park overnight, either. Leave it on the roadside outside your home, because it’s a pain to get into your driveway, and you could be paying extra. 

Can you pay your van insurance annually?

If you can afford to, it’s always cheaper. APR’s of around 30% are not uncommon if you’re opting for monthly van insurance payments, which can add a few hundred quid onto your policy cost if you’re paying monthly. If you do need to pay monthly, make sure any comparison quotes you get are all showing those costs so you can make an accurate decision on which one works out the cheapest.

Consider Telematics:

Ok, so if you’re a bit older and prone to the odd white van man manoeuvre, then maybe getting a black box fitted is a bad idea. And there’s the whole Big Brother aspect that nobody likes, but if you are new to van driving or maybe the other side – older and generally sensible, then adding a telematics device could save you a few quid on your insurance too. 

Get Fast, Competitive Van Insurance Quotes

But, if all these options seem like a bit of a pain and not really your thing, we have one thing you can do that will definitely save you not just a few quid, but a massive chunk of time too – when it comes to renewing your van insurance, don’t forget to fill out our quick quote form. We’ll get the best quotes delivered directly to you, without you having to put in the legwork to getting you the best deal possible.

And who isn’t for the easy life, especially when times are tough?

Safe driving!

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