Tag: van drivers

Negligent Workman Causes Collision When Ladder Falls Off Van

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Safety first….

The incident that happened on the Coast Road in Walsall.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of securing loads properly before setting off on the road.

Negligence in this regard can cause serious accidents and pose a threat to the safety of other road users.

Absent-Mindedness And Road Safety

The workman hadn’t secured the ladder to his vehicle when he travelled along the busy main road.

The case is an example of how a moment of absent-mindedness can have serious consequences.

Although nobody was injured in the crash caused by his ladder falling off the van, the incident could have been much worse.

It is fortunate that there were no injuries and that the damage caused was limited to the two vehicles involved.

The workman’s lawyer highlighted that his client had been going through a period of absent-mindedness at the time of the incident.

This was likely due to the stress of his mother’s illness.

While this may have been a contributing factor, it is essential to emphasise,

all van drivers have a responsibility to ensure that their loads are secure before taking to the road.

Penalties For Failing To Secure Loads

The court fined the workman £150 and gave him three penalty points.

This is a reminder that drivers who fail to secure their loads can face penalties under the law.

A Wake-Up Call For Road Safety

The incident highlights the need for awareness and caution on the roads.

It is easy to become complacent and overlook safety measures, especially when we are preoccupied with personal issues.

However, it is essential to prioritise safety at all times, as the consequences of a moment of carelessness can be severe.

Conclusion

The incident caused by the absent-minded workman is a reminder of the importance of securing loads properly,

and the dangers of negligence on the road.

Unsafe loads can invalidate any driver’s van insurance in the event of an accident claim.

It is vital for drivers to remain aware of their responsibilities.

And take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.

Van Insurance Rates Soar by 15.5% – What’s Behind the Spike?

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Introduction

Van insurance has become significantly more expensive in the past year.

With an increase of 15.5% for new business customers, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Van Insurance Price Index.

Why does this matter?

Rising Costs And Regulations Drive Up Van Insurance Prices

The average quoted cost for van insurance in the UK is now £1,129.

But wait, there’s more…

Prices have dropped 3.3% in the past three months and are below the record high hit in September 2022.

A Recent Dip In Van Insurance Prices

So, what’s the catch?

Despite this recent dip in prices, the overall trend remains upward.

Being driven by rising claims costs and new pricing regulations by the Financial Conduct Authority.

You’re probably wondering why…

The cost of claims is increasing due to the impact of inflation on parts, labour, and replacement vehicles,

as well as the increase in traffic on the roads after the pandemic lull.

What does this mean for you?

In response, insurers are raising premiums to cover these costs, with overall market premiums up 30.8% year-on-year.

Older Van Drivers Pay Significantly Less Than Their Younger Counterparts

Here’s a shocking truth:

The ban on “price walking” was introduced by the FCA a year ago.

It prevents insurers from quoting higher renewal prices to existing customers than new customers.

How does this affect you?

This has led to higher renewal prices for all van drivers.

However, older van drivers aged 50 and over are still paying significantly less than their younger counterparts.

With an annual policy costing just £691 compared to a prohibitively high £3,153 for drivers under 25.

Business Users Paying Higher Premiums

Wondering if this applies to business van users?

Average premiums have now increased 52.4% since April 2014 when Consumer Intelligence first started collecting data.

With prices peaking in September 2022 and now sitting just 5% below the all-time high.

But here’s the kicker…

Business users are now paying slightly higher annual premiums than those who use their vehicles as a car substitute under ‘social, domestic,

and pleasure’ policies, likely due to spending more time on the road and their vehicles being more technologically advanced.

So, what can you do about it?

Despite rising prices, van insurance remains a necessary expense for many drivers, particularly those who use their vans for business purposes.

However, it is worth shopping around to find the best deal and considering ways to reduce the cost of premiums,

such as increasing the voluntary excess, improving security measures, and building a no-claims bonus.

Conclusion

Van insurance prices have increased significantly in the past year due to rising claims costs and new pricing regulations by the FCA,

But don’t lose hope!

There are some signs of improvement with a recent drop in prices.

The bottom line?

Older drivers are paying significantly less than younger drivers.

It is important for all drivers to shop around for the best deal and consider ways to reduce their premiums.

Van Drivers “Twice As Likely” To Use A Mobile While Driving

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Introduction

The use of mobile phones while driving is a growing concern.

Recent studies have shown that van drivers are “twice as likely” to use their phones while behind the wheel compared to car drivers.

This dangerous behaviour puts the lives of drivers and other road users at risk.

It could also have significant consequences for van drivers’ insurance policies.

Demands Of The Job Versus The Dangers Of Distracted Driving

One of the main reasons for the high rate of mobile phone use among van drivers is the demanding nature of their job.

Van drivers often need to make calls, send text messages, or use GPS navigation while on the road.

They may feel that they need to be constantly connected to perform their job effectively.

However, the use of a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and illegal, and it increases the risk of accidents on the road.

The High Cost Of Mobile Phone Use For Van Drivers

The dangers of using a mobile phone while driving are well documented.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road.

Using a mobile phone takes a driver’s attention away from the road, even for just a few seconds.

This can result in a crash, and it can also result in a fine or loss of points on a driver’s licence.

Furthermore, using a mobile phone while driving can also be a criminal offence.

This can carry a jail sentence and also have an impact on a van driver’s insurance policy.

Insurance companies consider a driver’s behavior when setting policy prices.

They view using a mobile phone while driving as high-risk behavior.

Insurance companies can void a policy if they find the driver at fault.

This might make the driver liable for paying for the damages and injuries from an accident, which could be financially devastating.

How To Reduce The Use Of Mobile Phones While Driving Among Van Driver In the UK

One solution is to increase enforcement of the law through increased police presence on the road.

And the use of technology such as cameras that can detect mobile phone use while driving.

Employers can also play a role in reducing mobile phone use among their employees by setting clear policies, providing training,

and ensuring that employees have the tools and resources they need to perform their job without using their mobile phones while driving.

Another solution is to encourage the use of hands-free technology while driving.

This can include hands-free headsets, voice-activated controls, and dashboard-mounted devices.

These tools can help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Thus reducing the risk of a crash and improving their insurance situation.

Conclusion

The trend of van drivers using mobile phones while driving in the UK is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed by increasing enforcement,

encouraging the use of hands-free technology, and raising awareness.

Van Driver Mistakes That Could Instantly Invalidate Your Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

By now you should know what you can and can’t do whilst driving a vehicle.

Any vehicle, not just a van.

It does seem though, that some folks need to be constantly reminded of these facts, as some of our weekly stories illustrate.

Hands-Free Or Not At All

Holding your mobile phone whilst driving is a definite no-no; especially more so since the recent changes to the Highway Code.

However, one driver in Pembrokeshire was recently fined £220 plus costs of £90.

He also had the privilege of having 3 points on his driving licence.

Police charged the driver with “not being in proper control of a vehicle,” a Transit van.

They had spotted him using his phone while driving.

The driver also failed to attend the court hearing!

Dangerous Driving

Thames Valley Police recently sentenced another van driver to 18 months in prison after chasing and finally catching him.

The driver had been speeding at 90mph on the M40 and continued at this speed on the A40 after leaving the motorway.

Driving erratically and endangering other road users, the driver tested positive for drugs.

He also lacked a valid driving licence and van insurance.

Motorists Keeping North Yorkshire Police Busy

A team of officers in an unmarked police vehicle observed a van driver.

They were there to target lawbreakers on the roads, in this case, the A1M near Wetherby.

Not only was the driver in question not wearing a seatbelt, but he was also using his mobile phone.

When he saw the officers filming him, he reacted by sticking two fingers up at them.

Unsurprisingly, authorities fined him £200 and added 6 penalty points to his licence.

On Patrol In Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police recently patrolled and decided to investigate a white van and its driver at a roadside stop.

One officer instinctively sensed something was off, although they initially stopped the van for defective lights.

They investigated further and discovered the vehicle lacked tax, had no valid MOT, and the driver’s licence was revoked.

A definite case of “you’re nicked, sunshine”.

Don’t take any chances, and don’t get caught out without insurance.

Have a quick check for the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van.

Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Stuck in the middle with you

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Well, actually it was more like stuck in the sand for one unlucky AA driver. After receiving a call to rescue another driver and their vehicle that had got stuck in the sand at Porth Beach in Newquay, the unfortunate AA driver also became stuck.

Locals tried to come to the rescue and were seen attempting to free both vehicles, alongside the AA driver (and we would hope, the driver of the original vehicle that caused all the bother). Apparently, it took nearly an hour to free both vehicles but this is not the first time it has happened and not the first time the AA has been called and ended up stuck as well. The last time it happened, a tow truck was needed to rescue both!

Over Easter, a Transporter Van and a Mazda car were both in need of rescuing after becoming stuck in the sand. This same story is repeated down the road at Great Western Beach with over a dozen cars having to be rescued in the last year.

Why are people driving onto the beach? You may well ask. Who knows? Perhaps they didn’t feel like walking – let’s hope they take more care on their next visit though.

Bridge Over Troubled Water?

Talking of being stuck, another unfortunate van driver found themselves stuck not in sand but under a bridge. The road had to be closed as the van had become lodged under the bridge; despite the wording and warning that it is a LOW BRIDGE, written above the bridge in nice, bright luminous yellow letters (so you can’t miss it?) along with a warning sign letting drivers know of the height restriction. How many times do we read about bridge strikes?

Didn’t  you see the signs?

Even with signs before the bridge, bright yellow writing, more signs, height restrictions and more signs, some folks seem to think they can just squeeze through (or maybe they just don’t see all those signs). They no doubt realise very quickly that no, a van with a height of 7’3” will not fit under a bridge with a height of 7 feet. No matter how much you want it to. That’ll be 4 flat tyres then to get you out; if you’re lucky.

Better check your insurance to see if it covers getting stuck in unusual places then. Luckily for you, it won’t take long at all with our quick 3-minute form.

Sorry for the ear worms this week folks!

Let’s take a bit of time out here folks

Posted on by News Desk

Sometimes it is easy to forget that not everyone has the same driving experience as you. Don’t be one of the (too) many statistics because you’re in a hurry or you think the vehicle in front is taking too long to manoeuvre around an obstacle. 

People who drive for business (such as van drivers) spend a lot of time behind the wheel and it’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but when you think that if you are driving at around 30mph and take your eyes off the road for TWO seconds, you’ve travelled around 90 feet.

That’s the length of two double-decker buses, when your concentration is somewhere other than the road and what is on it. I’ll let that sink in for a few more seconds. Scary, right? It’s wise then, to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and the various controls and features, especially if you are progressing from a car to a van for the first time.

All vehicles are not created equal

The first thing you might just notice (hopefully) is the lack of a rear view mirror, for obvious reasons. You do usually have two pretty decent wing mirrors though and most will have blind spot mirrors on them as well. Get used to not looking over your shoulder for the blind spot. However, Ford, those guys we mentioned in a previous post, have been working on this problem and have come up with a smart mirror – it looks like a rear view mirror but in fact it’s using live images from a camera at the rear of the vehicle.

It has features to adjust the brightness depending upon time of day and also gives more viewing area than a conventional rear view mirror. A handy device to have, especially if you’re not too familiar with the width of your van yet.

Brakes are also something that will react differently to a car; especially if the load is light or no load at all. You might find them a little bit sharp – take your time and you’ll get used to them soon enough. Which leads quite nicely into – speed.  Vans are subject to different speed limits, depending if you’re on a dual or single carriageway, but usually 10mph slower than for cars. Remember, just because it is the speed limit, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Drive to the conditions of the road and arrive safely. If you are transitioning from a car to a van, you might want to ensure you’re adequately insured by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Flames, Frames and Freemen

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Should Freeman pay for Van Insurance?

We’re only two weeks into January, yet the headlines surrounding van drivers seem to become stranger and stranger…

Let’s start with news from Wales.

This story isn’t as weird as it is disturbing, so get ready to grit your teeth. 

Flames And Frames In Wales

Unfortunately, desperation can often get the best of us, but for Mr Sean Clarke, it’s safe to say it consumed him. 

In a hopeless bid to cash out on an insurance claim, Mr Clarke thought he would try to frame one of his friends for setting a van alight.

Not just any old van mind, but a lovely Vauxhall Combo van.

The clearly troubled Mr Clarke had hoped his story of his giving the van’s keys to his friend would suffice with the authorities, but of course, it wasn’t.

The police followed up quite thoroughly and came to the obvious conclusion that Mr Clarke had, in fact, set the van on fire himself.

With 12 offences under his belt already, we sincerely hope Mr Clarke gets the help he needs to turn his life around.

To read more about this story, you can catch it here.

Freemen Of The Land Should Pay For Their Van Insurance Too

So, here is where it starts to get strange.

The first thing we should do is disregard the plural here.

This story is more about a ‘Freeman’ rather than a bunch of them. 

In Staffordshire’s Woodville, police had a laugh after stopping a van driver without insurance.

The driver claimed that as a “Freeman of the land”, he did not require van insurance.

In his head, simply refusing to consent to the laws in the UK meant he didn’t have to follow them. 

Sure, sure… Makes total sense.

Unfortunately for the “Freeman”, the police officers did not see it his way.

This inevitably led to a lot of police time wasted after he refused to exit the van, but he was arrested in the end. His lovely black Vauxhall was also seized, too.

If you’d like to read more about the “Freeman”, you can do so right here.

I’m No Freeman Or Flameman, But Would Like Cheap Van Insurance Deals, Please

Well, it’s good to have you on board, friends.

If you’re a simpler person like us and would rather avoid the hassles of flames, framing and Freemen, then you’re in the right place.

We’re here to treat you to the best and cheapest van insurance deals around.

All it takes to begin your journey is to complete this quick 3-minute form.

Highway Code Updates Every Van Driver Must Know

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Changes To The Highway Code: What Every Van Driver Needs To Know

Many UK motorists assume The Highway Code applies only to car drivers.

But here’s the truth:

Anyone who qualifies as a “road user” must observe these rules. And yes, that includes van drivers.

If you don’t want surprises when the rules go live on the 29th of January, read on.

What is The Highway Code?

Let’s get straight to it.

The Highway Code is, without a doubt, your essential guide for road safety rules.

Not only does it include valuable advice and clear guidance, but—most importantly—it also lays out mandatory regulations for all road users.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a van, car, or on two wheels, these rules apply.

For those looking to dive deeper, you can explore the full details of The Highway Code online.

But we’ll break down what you need to know here.

What’s Changing in The Highway Code?

If you’ve heard talk about these updates sparking debate, you’re not alone.

Concerns are rising that these changes might lead to more accidents, especially if drivers aren’t aware.

Let’s break down the main updates:

Pedestrians And Cyclists First

From now on, pedestrians and cyclists—often referred to as vulnerable road users—will, in fact, have priority at both junctions and crossings.

Translation?

Even if you’re running late, they come first. So, pay extra attention.

The “Dutch Reach” For Van Drivers

Here’s an important one:

Van drivers must now use the “Dutch reach” to open their doors.

This method ensures you look over your shoulder before opening, helping to keep pedestrians safe.

More Room For Cyclists

Cyclists need space—minimum 1.5 metres when you overtake them. And if you’re going over 30mph, give them even more.

Stricter Mobile Phone Rules

The rules on mobile phones just got tighter.

Don’t take photos. Don’t record videos. And don’t change songs.

Even if you’re stopped at a red light.

Using your mobile in these ways could lead to a fine.

 

Need a visual guide to these updates?

This tweet from Scots explains the hierarchy, with clear visuals.

What Should You Do Now?

Now that you’re in the know, it’s simple:

Follow these rules once they come into force.

If you find yourself breaking them, you may need decent van insurance.

That’s where we can help – it’s cheap, too.

Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Driver Takes His Van For A Swim

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Yes, you did read what you thought you just read.

And whilst it’s not quite as simple as that, we’re phrasing it that way, so the driver doesn’t feel too bad. 

…But he should. 

This week’s news comes fresh to you from Exmouth.

A lovely English Seaside town in the South of Devon, that can get quite lively, from what we hear.

Well, lively enough for a van driver to park his van on a tidal slipway, slip off for a quiet pint or two, and forget about the van.

The driver went off for a pint, that is – not the van.

Then again, the van did go swimming, so who knows what else it’s capable of…

Unfortunately, this memory loss has cost the driver dearly.

The next thing he knew, town members had spotted his white van bobbing off into the sea.

Regrettably, he was not made aware of this until the next morning, when he returned to pick up his van.

Thankfully, the driver appears to have remained upbeat.

What else can you do, we suppose?

We’re not sure what exactly is in the air and affecting our dear van drivers this week, but similar news also hit the headlines in Cornwall. 

Whilst we don’t think a pint was involved this time, there was some blatant disregard for parking rules.

The unfortunate driver was initially at Newquay Harbour Beach to help launch a boat.

He then ignored signs and protests from the parking attendant about leaving his van on the beach.

Well, karma sure came around for this guy because the next thing he knew, his van was already submerged, having a dip in the sea.

The best thing (or worst thing?) was that he left his van there, just so he could go off and jet ski with a buddy.

That’ll teach him. Hopefully.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever left your van parked?

We’re sure there are some juicy stories out there… So, come on, don’t be shy! 

If, like the unfortunate drivers in this article, you ever find your van needing a float in the form of van insurance, we’re thankful to say we have you covered.

 So whether you’re planning on parking on the beach (let’s hope not),

or somewhere a little more sensible (like the road, or a driveway, perhaps?),

you’ll find we have the cheapest van insurance quotes around.

Tests For Van Drivers Made Easier

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The tests van drivers need to take will be relaxed — but it’s not necessarily a good thing.

You may have heard about the very serious hoo-ha of a shortage of HGV drivers and van drivers facing the UK at the moment.

Some are blaming Covid-19 and the number of tests that have had to be cancelled.

Others are firmly pointing their fingers at Brexit.

Some are blaming an accumulation of both, alongside other resulting factors in the past, very unusual, year. 

We’re not one to accuse people or pandemics (although perhaps we should), but there is a major concern here.

With the tests being made easier, it could be argued that they’re being relaxed a smidgen too far.

And with the ease of passing the tests, there is a rise in numbers of people being concerned about safety issues.

Depending on where you live, you may have also noticed a few empty shelves at your local supermarket.

Again, sparked by Brexit or the COVID-19 app pinging left, right and centre, telling people to isolate and keep the country safe?

Once again, it could be a bit of both. 

Whatever the reason is for the cause of these shortages, from empty shelves to delivery drivers.

This could really affect the safety of our HGV and van drivers out there.

For example, this relaxing of the requirements to pass the test follows a decision that affects breaks that lorry drivers can take.

Now, drivers have to drive for longer before they can take a break, as if it wasn’t exhausting enough already.

The Secretary for Transport, Grant Shapps, has launched a plan of action.

This could increase the number of van drivers passing their tests to over 1,500 successful passes a week.

Off-road manoeuvres are also in the plan to be discarded. 

Are you a van driver and feel strongly about this?

Or, are you going to be sitting your test soon?

Let us know how you feel about the latest news.

Whilst you’re here, whether you’re a seasoned van driver or a new one.

Something we can all agree on is where you get the cheapest van insurance from. Guess what? It’s right here.

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