Van Insurance

Insurance /Motor News

21/10/2007: - Motor Trade Insurance can be very difficult to source online as Insurance Comparison is very difficult. When shopping around look out for Insurance Policies that include Personal Accident Cover, Legal Expense Insurance, legal advice, Personal Liability Insurance and Motor Prosecution Defence cover.

21/10/2007: - Make sure that if you go away this winter you don’t just lock up your Van but also turn off your water mains tap. In the same way that leaving your van unlocked will affect the validity of your Van Insurance Policy your Home Insurance Policy will be affected by you forgetting to turn off your water mains tap. Call your House Insurance Company if you intend to leave your property unoccupied for a considerable amount of time.

20/10/2007: - Chimneys could be high risk for Home Insurance Claims. If you have a Chimney take good care of it and make sure it is in good repair as one day a Chimney may result in your House Insurance being loaded. Braces maybe needed to ensure that your chimney does not blow down in a strong wind, call the appropriate Building expert if you are concerned.

19/10/2007: - Most car owners are aware of the term ‘White Van Man’ but such a term was only invented 10 years ago. According to bbc.co.uk it was a Radio 2 programme that first called Van Drivers white van men. The fact that the term ‘White Van Man’ is younger than one would have thought implies to me that van drivers have been notoriously impatient on our roads. However, a recent survey from a Van Insurance Company showed that Van drivers perceived themselves to be good drivers and that BMW drivers were much more of a menace on our roads than Van drivers. And, Van owners were tested by being asked whether they have ever made rude hand gestures and over 80% said no. Apparently, despite the new research, BBC’s Radio 2 presenter is adamant that Van drivers are still a menace on our roads. And whilst I do not disagree entirely one has to remember that Van drivers are more likely to stop and help our old ladies. I am sure a suited and booted BMW driver is less likely to stop and change a tyre!

And:-

1 Over 50% of van owners felt they looked after their Vans.
2 Nearly 20% of drivers don’t play music in their vans.
3 30% took it personally when finger writing was found on their dirty vans

If you are thinking that point 1 and 3 above contradict each other then I have to agree! Are Van drivers merely in denial?

And, according to white van man the worst drivers are:-

1 BMW owners
2 Female four by four owners
3 Young boy racers
4 Elderly people who seem to slow the roads on a Sunday
5 Flashy sales reps
6 Land Rover owners
7 Taxi Cabs
8 911 Porsche owners who think they are at Silverstone
9 Bicycle riders
10 VW owners
11 Learners
12 Alpha Romeo owners
13 Motorcycles
14 Vauxhall Cars
15 Citreon…2CV’s??
16 Caravans
17 Buses
18 OAP’s
19 Farmer with Tractor
20 Truckers

18/10/2007: - October’s business failure rate declined slightly and therefore on face value looks good, but it seems that the key industries such as Banking & Financial Services are suffering from an above average business failure rate. With Insurance Companies and Insurance Brokers coming under the Banking and Financial Services Sector then this does not bode well for the immediate future. The regions of Northern Ireland, East Anglia and West Midlands are suffering most with London, surprisingly, outperforming most regions.

17/10/2007: - Allianz Insurance reports that fatalities at work are on the rise with the biggest killer being a fall from a height.

16/10/2007: - Does your Insurance Company offer you Best Home Insurance? Most Insurance Companies offer help-lines that are open 24 hours day, 365 days a week. Some insurance help-lines are based in the UK but most are based in India.

15/10/2007: - Serious insurance risks are evident in Homes that are in need of an appropriate electrical check. Circuit breakers and fuse boxes should be checked regularly to ensure they do not unduly add risk to a potential Home Insurance claim.

14/10/2007: - Motor Traders failing in business fell by over 15% according to a recent insolvency report. It is doubly bad news for Motor Traders when you consider that the insolvency report showed that business failures across all types of businesses fell by an average of only 0.4%.

Many in the Car Industry were supporting the view that smaller Car Dealers were joining bigger groups instead of facing bankruptcy and therefore the figures are artificially low.

It is likely that a further demise will occur as the internet and in particular Google, MSN and Yahoo take a hold on the human buying process. The impact could be even greater if the oversupply of younger cars on the market continues. And let’s not forget interest rates having an effect on the consumer affordability. The reluctance of Car Finance suppliers to lend, post the Credit Crunch, will only make things worse.

Indeed, the Car Industry as a whole maybe in for a rocky time with the Motor Trader being the biggest casualty.

13/10/2007: - Before winter sets in remember to get any dangerous tree branches cut by a professional tree surgeon. Do not attempt any tree cutting yourself as your Income Protection Insurance may not cover your for such a hazardous activity. Look out for tree branches that are near to power or telephone lines and report any potential risk to the supplier. Trees near to your home should be checked for the chance of being uprooted by strong autumn winds.

09/10/2007: - Could lower limits on drinking and driving reduce Car Insurance or Van Insurance premiums? The Government is considering a proposal to reduce the drink drive limit. In Europe the limit is as low as 50mg (The limit in Poland, Sweden and Norway are even lower at 20mg) whilst in the UK the limit is nearly double at 80mg. In the U.S. Van and Commercial Vehicles drivers have a lower limit and therefore Van Insurance premiums are relatively lower for this fact. Canada has the same limit as the UK but as you would expect the UK Government is likely to follow in the footsteps of Europe and not the United States or Canada. But it is the drug and drive culture that is likely to add to insurance risk and both Van and Car drivers are targets for drug screening by the roadside. I have found that Sweden and Belgium have successfully implemented roadside drug screening.

18/09/2007: - The Best Home Contents Insurance can pay dividends for homeowners who wear glasses. Make sure your Home Contents Insurance includes Accidental Damage as Insurance Companies pay out millions per a year on replacing broken spectacles. Furthermore, some Home Contents Insurance Policies provide cover for misplaced glasses. I would also like to add that Buildings Insurance can often include Accidental Damage but the cover is for other perils not for replacing glasses!

16/09/2007: - Over 15% of Home owners fear that intruders will one day enter their homes uninvited in search of lucrative items. And fair number of burglary victims felt compelled to move home shortly after being burgled. The most favoured burglary deterrents are security lights, house timer switches, CCTV and even guard dogs. I suspect House Alarms did not feature because a significant number of households do not set such alarms when leaving their homes.

14/09/2007: - it seems the Used Car Market is holding up very well in respect to selling of fuel burners. Whilst I accept that taxes on such fuel burners are persuading some buyers to opt for diesel cars the shift is not so great. Indeed, I have been told that Sports Car Sales have been very strong with a relatively small drop in Petrol Cars generally. However, if the truth be told I am expecting greater buyer’s woes as Petrol Stations are expected to continue selling Petrol at a £1 a litre!

12/09/2007: - A staggering 439,000 bikes were stolen last year. I personally found that the statistic regarding the number of thefts reported to the police was alarmingly low i.e. less than 50%. Bike Insurance Companies generally recommend you protect your bike by first insuring your bike and then taking a photo or photos highlighting any unusual or unique features. I would also recommend security marking your bike, buying a heavy duty lock and removing pump and lights when the bike is unattended

09/09/2007: - When Experian re-launched the Car and Van Data Check and renamed it Auto Check the customer experience improved dramatically. In particular, the Vehicle Mileage Check was a winner!

02/09/2007: - Drowsy drivers on boring roads most at risk according to Cornhill Insurance. Van and Car drivers are urged not to drive after dark if they intend to drive on boring roads this winter. Van owners who drive for many hours are well aware of roads like the M6 but it is the inexperienced Car owner taking a rare long trip that is most at risk. I would certainly try take a break often, drink plenty of coffee and if travelling alone then turn up the music really loud!

28/08/2007: - According to a leading provider of Home Insurance £4.6 billion is stashed in people’s homes. The figure equates to £127 per a household or between £300 and £1000 for more affluent areas such as Central London. Most alarming was the fact that homeowners stashed money in tins, pockets and drawers i.e. obvious places for thieves to look. However, one canny customer stashes money in his/her freezer! Bizarre enough, people are stashing more because of the Northern Rock Mortgage fiasco. Trust in Banks, Building Societies and Mortgage Companies seems to be at an all time low.

Stashing places to avoid for obvious reasons i.e. everyone does it: - Draws, tins, pockets, cupboards, safes, shelves, beds, flower pots and floor boards. I would try digging a big hole in your garden and marking a cross in a map and then making sure your Contents Insurance has cover for cash!

27/08/2007: - Unpredictable UK weather can do damage to your Car, Van, House and Business. Morethan, the Insurance Company, compiled a list of tips but I have decided to compile my own list-

1 Following damage to your home or business it is best not to re-enter until an appropriate person has secured the property.

2 Business premises and Homes would benefit from having a suitable fire extinguisher installed.

3 If you take it upon yourself to turn gas off at the mains then ensure that a qualified expert turns it back on.

4 Personal injury in your home can result in a claim under your Private Health Insurance. Cabinet and closet doors are notorious for causing injury in the home.

5 Keep a torch in the home or business premise but also in your van or car.

6 Insurance Companies are a very good source of help as they deal with Insurance claims frequently. Make sure your Insurance Company is high on your call list.

26/08/2007: - Recent floods have led Insurance Companies paying tradesmen prices that are ridiculously high. It seems to me that Cowboy Tradesmen are moving in and taking advantage of desperate homeowners. However, a recent survey from Allianx Insurance showed that 84 per cent were expecting cowboy Tradesmen to move in on flood victims so I expect both Insurance Companies and Homeowners are prepared for unsolicited knocks at the door from unscrupulous builders or tradesmen.

25/08/2007: - Beware if you are a parent and have a teenage son and/or daughter. If you decide to go on Holiday it isn’t just Holiday Insurance that you have to be concerned with its also Home Insurance. If you are in Holiday mood and decide to say yes to a sibling party then double check your House Insurance. I also recommend you ban red wine, ban smoking in the house, hide cds and dvds, pack expensive clothes, cover the sofa and chairs, buy plastic glasses and plates, get some strong carpet cleaner or even better hire a carpet cleaner machine AND most importantly ban any internet based promotion i.e. invites via Facebook or Myspace!

21/08/2007: - I have compiled this ten step plan for new Van based businesses. I hope the ten steps will help you choose the right name to be displayed on your van or vans.

1 Most importantly you need to establish whether your proposed name is already taken. Check availability with Companies House, the Trade Mark register and Domain Name registers such as ICANN and Nominet.

2 Some names are not at all positive. Make sure you are not in a pessimistic mood when choosing your name.

3 Ask yourself whether the name reflects your business type and its great attributes.

4 Ask your friends and family to give you an honest opinion as to whether your chosen name is appealing.

5 Is the name memorable and easy to spell? Easy to spell has become more important in recent years due to the internet revolution and despite the fact that Google, Live and Yahoo have great correction tools I have found that direct web page navigation remains very popular.

6 Do not be too specific with your name i.e. do not choose Courier Vans if you have any desire to develop the business to offer more than Courier services. Ask yourself whether you want to offer Van hire or another service in the future.

7 Too generic names cannot be Trade Marked which may result in others trading on the back of your businesses good will.

8 You may wish to advertise on radio or take advantage of word of mouth so make sure the name is easy to say. For example, a number can be written as a word or as a numerical value.

9 If you intend to trade throughout Europe then make sure the name is simple to translate into the major European languages. It is also good to remember that most European countries use the English language as a mutual trading dialect, but the level of understanding will be relatively low. I say you need to keep things simple.

10 Protect your name by registering it as a domain name and trade mark.

12/07/2007: - Allianz the insurance giant are helping the Motor Trade develop young talented individuals by off loading its salvaged cars and vans to the Tresham Institute. I think this move will help the students by allowing them to work on more modern cars and vans. However, I am not sure if Allianz intend to off load all types of cars and vans.

I understand from the press release that it is a ‘win win’ situation i.e. Allianz Insurance will get their cars and vans returned fixed!

29/06/2007: - Income Protection has been suggested for many home workers. Cornhill Direct have a Home Worker Scheme that includes Employer’s Liability Insurance and Business Contents Insurance. I have personally found Home Insurance to be inadequate for home workers.

28/06/2007: - Young Drivers Insurance could be hit by an increase in night-time driving. Whilst the UK tackles Young drinkers by encouraging them to drive ‘t total’ we could see a general increase in young drivers at night. Car Insurance Broker comments “If more clubbers and pub goers become‘t total’ then they could be persuaded to drive instead of ride to their favourite club. The cost of a taxi cab ride is already cost prohibitive if travelling alone.” A leading Insurance Company warned that nearly 20% of night time drivers have been involved in at least one accident in a three year period. And over 40% of all UK accidents occur between the hours of 11pm and 6am. Van Insurance Companies are less affected by these statistics. Moreth>n have been encouraging young drivers to sign up to their ‘Drive Time’ scheme so that they can accurately assess younger driver risk. The technology behind this scheme can track where and when the car starts and when and where the car stops.

21/06/2007: - Are Van Insurance Companies going to increase the Cheap Van Insurance as our roads become increasingly dangerous? I read a report the other day that said our roads are so congested that pot holes and cracks are becoming hazardous. For example, around Colchester on the A12 that runs from London to Great Yarmouth potholes are in such numbers that insurance claims are significantly higher than the average for the UK. Other roads of concern are the M8 in Scotland, A30 in Devon and Cornwall, A361 near Glastonbury and the M6 around Birmingham. I think Allianz Insurance claimed that over 14% of van and car drivers had an accident whilst trying to avoid a pot hole.

18/06/2007: - Women’s love affair with the accessory called a handbag does not extend to added care and protection for the well loved item. Indeed, a staggering 20% of women lose their handbag or will have their handbag stolen at some point in their lives. According to Allianz (Cornhill Insurance) the value of the average handbag, with its contents, is £300. If you are looking for insurance on your handbag then don’t forget contents insurance as the average handbag has cash, purse, pen, mobile phone, MP3 player, diary, address book and car keys contained within it.

15/06/2007: - The television has played an important part in persuading the young to the middle aged to go it alone and start a small business. Nearly a million individuals have gone to the expense of compiling a business plan or registered a company or applied for a bank loan this year. However, Insurance Companies are warning that bankruptcy insurance should be high on any new companies list of things to arrange. Over 30% of small businesses fail within three years. More Than, Norwich Union, Allianz, Zurich and AIG provide Insurance Plans that can be tailored to the specific business needs. Cover can include anything from Van Insurance to Public Liability Insurance.

Surprisingly businesses are generally attracted to the very expensive city centres and not the suburbs. Such Commercial Properties are very expensive to rent and Commercial Property Insurance is a must and will push up costs further.

The most popular places to set up business are in the major towns; London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Bradford, Liverpool and Sheffield.