How Van Racking Can Save You Money on Insurance

Introduction

Let’s face it, when you have van racking –

Having van insurance is absolutely crucial, especially when you’re transporting valuable equipment from one place to another.

But here’s the twist:

Van racking doesn’t just keep your tools organized; it can actually slash your insurance premiums in the long run.

Curious how?

Let’s dive into why it can work wonders for your insurance costs.

Racking – Efficient Use Of Space And Vehicle Size

First things first—

It can help you organize and store tools safely.

With a well-organised van, you might realise you don’t need that large vehicle anymore.

Downsising to a smaller van means lower purchase costs, cheaper maintenance, and yes, reduced insurance premiums.

Why does this matter?

A smaller van with a smart racking system maximises space, making every inch count.

It’s all about getting the most out of what you have, and that’s a win for your wallet.

Racking Helps Prevent Transit Damage

Think about it:

Without racking, your tools and equipment can easily shift and bounce around during transit, increasing the risk of damage.

That’s not just annoying—

It’s costly.

But install it, and suddenly, everything stays put.

Your gear stays secure, and you avoid the expensive damage that leads to insurance claims.

And guess what?

Insurers love this.

They know it keeps your equipment safe, drastically lowering the risk of damage while on the road.

Less damage means fewer claims, and fewer claims mean lower premiums for you.

It’s that simple.

Reduced Risk With Racking And Improved Safety

Here’s the deal—

Insurance companies aren’t just looking at your van

They’re assessing risk.

When insurers spot racking, they quickly recognise that the van owner takes safety seriously and is committed to minimising risks.

Additionally, by keeping everything securely stored, you significantly lower the chances of tools becoming hazardous projectiles during sudden stops or unexpected accidents.

The payoff?

Reduced risk means insurance companies might offer you lower quotes.

In fact, it can reduce your premiums by an average of 5-10%.

It’s all about showing insurers that you’re committed to vehicle safety.

Enhanced Security Features

But wait—

There’s more!

When you’re setting up your racking, why not add some extra security?

Locks on storage compartments protect your valuable tools, making theft less likely.

And that’s music to any insurer’s ears.

Better security doesn’t just safeguard your tools

It also lowers the perceived risk of theft.

While security features might increase your van’s value, the drop in theft risk means lower insurance costs.

You save money, and your gear stays safe.

Win-win.

Van Racking Is A Game-Changer

But don’t stop there.

Here are a few more tricks to keep those premiums low:

  • Add Signage: Signage increases your van’s visibility, making it less appealing to thieves.
  • Name Your Drivers: Listing individual drivers instead of opting for “any driver” cover shows insurers you’re selective, which can lower your premiums.
  • Secure Your Van: Parking in locked garages or monitored lots further reduces risks, proving you’re serious about keeping your van safe.

Conclusion

Van racking isn’t just about organisation—

It’s a strategic move to cut insurance costs.

From maximising space utilisation to boosting security features, racking plays a crucial role in helping you save on insurance premiums while ensuring your tools remain safe and organised.

Moreover, when you combine racking with additional strategies like adding signage, naming specific drivers on your policy, and securing your van with safe parking options, you set yourself up for even greater savings on your insurance costs.

Bottom line?

Investing in van racking isn’t just good for your equipment—

It’s great for your insurance budget.

So, why wait?

Start racking and watch those premiums drop.

A Sobering Warning: Drunk Van Driver Caught with Child on Toolbox

Introduction

The consequences of drink-driving can be severe.

A recent case in Shrewsbury is a stark reminder of the dangers it poses.

Police caught a van driver with a child sitting on a toolbox in the back of his van.

The driver was more than twice the legal limit for alcohol consumption.

Caught In The Act

Police stopped the van driver on Hereford Road in Shrewsbury on January 14th while he was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro.

Upon inspection, officers found there were no seats or seat belts in the back of the van where a child was sitting on a toolbox.

The lack of proper seating and the driver’s alcohol impairment endangered the child’s safety.

A Reminder Of The Dangers Of Drink-Driving

A breath test showed that the van driver had 71 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath.

This is more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

This alcohol level could have caused blurred vision, slower reactions, and impaired judgment, all critical for driving.

At Telford Magistrates’ Court, the van driver pleaded guilty to two charges.

Namely drink-driving and using a motor vehicle in a manner that could cause danger to passengers.

As a result, he received an 18-month driving ban, which he can reduce by 18 weeks if he completes a course by February 2024.

The court fined him £120, ordered him to pay £135 in costs, and imposed a £48 surcharge.

The incident highlights the dangers of drink-driving and the importance of adhering to safety regulations and standards while driving.

The presence of a child in the back of the van further compounds the risk posed by the driver’s irresponsible behaviour.

The lack of seats and seat belts in the van made the child more vulnerable to injury or harm in the event of an accident.

Putting Passengers At Risk

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and standards while driving.

Drivers must prioritise their safety and their passengers’ safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks,

such as drunk driving, which could result in severe consequences.

Additionally, drivers must ensure that their vehicles are appropriately equipped with necessary safety measures,

such as seats and seat belts, to protect their passengers in case of an accident.

Conclusion

Drink-driving is a reckless behaviour that poses a significant risk to road users.

The case of this van driver highlights the dangers of drink-driving,

especially when children are involved.

It is essential to prioritise the safety of all road users by avoiding reckless behaviour.

Adhering to safety regulations and standards,

and ensuring that vehicles are appropriately equipped with necessary safety measures.

And remember, drink driving can affect your insurance policy.

Driver Takes His Van For A Swim

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.

How to Save on the Cost of Running Your Van

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. 

Staying Safe in Uncertain Times

Okay, so we’ve not spoken about it so much, until now, but as a van driver, what should you be doing to stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak?

The good news is that you have been designated ‘key workers’ meaning that those of you who are self-employed can keep going for now and keep some money on the table until the chancellor hopefully announces some new measures to help out, besides the current paltry £94 a week on offer. 

And now, more than ever, the nation is depending on you to move vital goods up and down the country. The plus side is that the traffic and parking is a damn sight easier. 

But what are your employers doing to keep you safe? 

Hopefully, you all have some form of PPE – be it gloves and masks or at least some hand sanitiser to take with you.

It’s so important to keep on top of not just regular hand washing, safe distancing and generally more awareness of what you do and when, but also to keep your van interior cleaner than ever. Steering wheels can be four times dirtier than toilet seats. Yuk. And your phone, sat nav, buttons and dials can all be breeding grounds for bacteria too.

At the start of each day, spend a little longer getting ready for your day. Give everything a liberal spray of antibacterial and actually clean things with a cloth because spraying alone isn’t going to be enough. Clean out all those used pasty wrappers and dirty tissues. The less in your cab, the less there is to get contaminated so give it a damn good sort out. Give footwells a wipe and all your door handles too.

Take disposable gloves out to open doors safely and if you require a signature on delivery, make sure your handset is anti-bac’ed too. At the end of each day, take your shoes off at the door and get your work clothes in the wash. 

Stop and think when you stop for petrol or a pee. Wear gloves and use elbows to open doors where you can. Resist the urge to pick your nose or touch your face through the day. Easier said than done, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Wash your hands before and after eating (you’ll likely need a packed lunch with all the drive-throughs closing). 

We all need to do our bit and while life goes on (for most of us, for now) for the hardworking van drivers of the UK, we just want to finish by saying thank you for everything you do to keep the country moving. 

Stay safe everyone. 

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