Van Insurance

An increasing number of tradesmen and companies involved in either the express courier business or the transportation of goods in general, are turning to light commercial vehicles for their transport needs. Over the last ten years or so, the number of vans being used on the roads of the UK has quadrupled and is now the most popular method of commercial transport used by the Nation's business community. In common with all other forms of motorised vehicles, the van must be covered by a valid certificate of motor insurance before it can be legally driven on a highway.

As well as obtaining the minimum cover of ‘third party risk' that is required by law, any businessman must give serious consideration to arranging for a comprehensive policy of van and load insurance cover that will protect his assets and his staff in the event of loss, theft or accident. The owner of a commercial vehicle should understand the risks that his vehicle, its load and its driver are exposed to and the potential disastrous effect that stock loss or delivery delay may have on business. Home Office statistics indicate that in excess of 50,000 vans are stolen each year.

On top of that figure, the Police deal with a huge number of reported thefts from goods vehicles in every area of the country. Furthermore, we all know that breakdowns occur and accidents happen. All of these eventualities can and should be insured against. Cover can also be obtained that will ensure you will have access to a replacement vehicle if your own van is damaged and is unroadworthy, allowing your deadlines to be met and your business to continue to operate without expensive delay.

There are a whole range of insurance companies that provide specialist van insurance policies covering vehicles and loads of every description and value. Benefits and costs differ depending on the provider and a number of variables including the make, size and specification of the vehicle, where it will be predominantly used, its estimated annual mileage and whether it will be used in mainland Europe. Other factors include the type and value of a typical load together with levels of the security fitted to the vehicle and the arrangements for its storage. Details of all drivers will be required together with their driving history. If you operate a fleet of vehicles, you will find that a policy including them all will be a cheaper option.

The cost of the policy can be reduced if you fit your vehicle with recognised security devices including GPS trackers, alarms and deadlocks, but do fist check with the insurance company as they will have their own rules and a list of accepted levels.

While commercial van insurance may appear to be expensive it can be a saviour, but do remember that the policy will normally relate to business use only and will not provide cover for leisure or social use.