July 29th, 2010
There is no way that a plumber could carry on with their normal working day without their tools. Normally, a plumber’s van is packed full of tools and equipment, carried around to ensure that they are able to complete a huge range of tasks and jobs.
So if this equipment is stolen, then a plumber will find it difficult to make a living as easily as he was before.
That is why, if you rely on your van and the equipment within it in order to carry out your daily tasks, you should make sure that you have the right van insurance cover.
Van insurance is essential for anyone who drives a van for personal or commercial use. There are three different types of policies to choose from when it comes to van insurance and they each offer you varying degrees of cover.
The most basic form of van insurance you can choose is third party van insurance. The next step up is third party fire and theft and if you want to be fully protected, you can choose comprehensive van insurance.
But when you choose your van insurance policy, you need to make sure that you are suitably covered for your circumstances. For example, a plumber will need to ensure that the contents are insured as well as the van itself. This means that if anything does happen to the van or the contents, then the plumber will be as protected as possible.
July 29th, 2010
If you drive a van, you need van insurance. But finding the right van insurance is not an easy task and it is certainly not a quick task.
Most of us lead very busy lives. We get home from work and we barely have time to sit down before it’s time to make the dinner and run the kids to their evening activities. So when it comes to buying van insurance, there really isn’t time to be phoning round all of the companies and comparing the quotes that you are given.
To avoid this confusing and time consuming process, one of the most effective ways to find the right van insurance quote for you is to look online.
By looking online for your van insurance quotes, you can easily find different quotes and compare them in a really simple way.
The information will be simply displayed, making it easier for you to see what each policy includes and how the prices compare.
There are different policies to suit different needs, so it’s best not to simply pick the cheapest option as this may not include all of the cover that you need for your circumstances.
Take your time to look over the options and find the policy that best fits your needs for the most cost effective price.
July 29th, 2010
If you run a van or even a fleet of vans for your business, then you will know how expensive it can be; particularly when you add in the costs of van insurance, road tax and garage repairs.
But one way to keep the costs of running a van down, is to look after your van and ensure that you maintain it properly. There are little things that you should keep on top of in order to keep your van or vans in good running order.
Firstly, ensure that your windscreen wash is full. Check your oil level too. This is easily done using the dipstick. Fill up your oil if the level is a little low.
You should also ensure that your coolant is kept to the right level. This ensures that the engine doesn’t overheat and is vital, particularly when the vehicle is being used a lot.
Tyre pressure is something else that needs to be monitored. Having the right tyre pressure means that the vehicle can drive much more effectively and it also means that the van doesn’t use up as much petrol. While you are checking your tyre pressure, you should also check your tyre tread. If this is not to the required level then you could be driving a dangerous vehicle.
By monitoring all of the above, you will be keeping your van in good working order meaning that it will cost less in the long run.
July 28th, 2010
Before you buy a van insurance policy, you need to make sure you are familiar with the different types available so that you can judge which type of van insurance is most suitable for your circumstances.
There are three basic types of van insurance to choose from. They all cover you to a different extent and of course, the prices of them vary accordingly.
Firstly, there is the third party fire and theft cover. This type of policy will cover you if a claim is made against you for injury or damage to someone else’s vehicle or property. This policy will also cover you against theft and also against damage caused by a fire.
If you want a more basic version of this, then third party only insurance will cover you for claims made by a third party for injury or damage to property, but it will not include cover against damage caused by fire or theft.
If you’re looking for more protection than is offered by these two forms of van insurance, then there is the option to buy comprehensive van insurance.
This will cover you for everything the third party fire and theft policy covers you for but it also covers you for accidental damage to your van, personal belongings, medical expenses and personal accident cover.
July 28th, 2010
Van insurance is a necessity whether you drive a van for work purposes or for personal use. At the moment, most people are always on the lookout for ways in which you can save money and there are ways you can save money with van insurance as well as everything else.
The first thing to do is to make sure that you get as many van insurance quotes as possible. This means that you can compare the van insurance quotes to ensure that you get the best deal.
Remember that you are usually entitled to discounts if you are a driver without convictions or a claim free driver. There are also ways in which to reduce the costs of van insurance related to how you keep the van. For example, if your van is kept in locked and secure premises overnight, then the risk of it being damaged or stolen is significantly reduced and your van insurance costs are therefore lowered.
In the same way, having security measures fitted in your van can also help to decrease the van insurance amount because, for example, if you have an alarm, this can act as a deterrent – reducing the van insurance costs further.
July 28th, 2010
Having your van stolen when you’re a small business can have a devastating impact on you and the way that the business operates.
And that’s certainly something a charity shop has found out the hard way. A transit van that the charity used to pick up items and deliver them to customers has been stolen and this means that the charity may have to cut its services.
The van was stolen from outside the owner’s home one evening, while he slept and this has had a huge impact on the charity as the van was instrumental on raising funds for the charity.
The van had helped the charity to survive the recession because it meant that they could collect items from donors and deliver items to customers.
Not only has the charity lost the van, but they have also lost £1000 worth of goods that were in the back. As well as this, the charity has had to give refunds to the customers who had already paid for these goods.
For most small businesses, van insurance is a life saver in events such as these. With some policies, you can benefit from a courtesy vehicle and you are also covered for any items that were in the van too. So ensure that you have the right policy to protect your business in case of a theft.
July 27th, 2010
Police in Somerset are once again advising people not to leave items in cars and vans because there is a greater likelihood that their vehicles will then be broken into.
There have been a series of thefts in the South Somerset area recently. A Vauxhall Corsa had its stereo stolen earlier in the month and on the same night, a Mitsubishi was broken into and an iPod Touch and DVD player were stolen.
A Ford Transit van had its sat nav stolen and another Ford Transit had tools and drills taken from within it. Vans are often targeted by thieves as there is a greater likelihood that they will contain items of value.
PC Iain Selley said:
“People should not be unduly worried about having their car broken into. Despite these recent offences there are some simple steps which can reduce the risk of being targeted. They do not take much time, and it is cheaper than having to pay for a new window and the replacement of any valuables taken. Quite simply, please take all valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Any items, even seemingly worthless old coats, might be of interest to thieves in case they are hiding more valuable items or have bank cards in the pockets.”
Van insurance is also of crucial importance. Make sure your policy covers you for loss of the contents of the vehicle as well.
July 27th, 2010
Following a spate of thefts from vehicles in Bristol, police have given advice as to measures people can take to combat this form of crime. While it is vital that you have van insurance to cover you in the event that you have items stolen from your vehicle, it is equally important that you take every possible step to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Inspector Bob Evely said:
“The extra patrols and attention we are giving this problem has already resulted in five arrests in the last two weeks but there are quick and easy steps which motorists can take to prevent their valuables being stolen. Always remember to lock your car, even if you are only leaving it for a few minutes and can still see it. It only takes a few seconds for someone to reach in and take something. Take personal items with you even if they are worthless – a thief might think it is hiding something more valuable. If you can’t take them with you, put them out of sight before you reach your destination.”
Evely went on to advise that people parked in well-lit areas wherever possible and used garages at their homes, where there was one.
July 27th, 2010
A thief who stole a transit van and then set it on fire has been jailed for a year at Chester Crown Court. Jamie Foster, a 21-year-old from Ellesmere Port, was found with a burnt-out white transit van in May. The vehicle in question had been stolen in Whitby.
Foster had used a screwdriver to break into the vehicle, before breaking the steering lock with his feet and then hot-wiring it. Although he was subsequently released on bail, he was then seen in a stolen Vauxhall Astra taken in Ellesmere Port. Police pursued him, with Foster doing a hand-brake turn and heading into oncoming traffic at one point. After being chased on foot, he was then arrested.
In sentencing, the judge referred to the second crime, saying:
“It’s a privilege to be given bail and the court expects you will respect that privilege and not go on to commit more crime.”
Vans are often targets for theft, which underlines the importance of having appropriate van insurance. While they are not necessarily stolen, many thieves target them due to the fact that they are likely to have valuable tools and the like inside them.
July 27th, 2010
After a spate of thefts from cars and vans in the Bradley Stoke and Patchway areas, police are warning owners to take precautions to ensure the security of their vehicles.
Half of the thefts that have taken place in these areas have been from vehicles that weren’t properly secured. As well as being an invitation to thieves, failing to secure your vehicle can affect your car or van insurance. Sat navs have often been taken, while one van contained £3,000 worth of tools which were stolen. The van had been to a number of DIY shops and had been left unlocked on each occasion, meaning the police are struggling to even know where the theft took place.
The thefts from vehicles are considered a priority at this moment, with police visiting victims and going door-to-door enquiring as to whether anyone has any information that might help them identify offenders. They have also dropped off leaflets and raised awareness with local community groups. Extra patrols are being made during the times when thefts are most likely to occur.
Whatever your level of van insurance, it is vital to always lock your vehicle at the very least. Many thefts which take place are opportunistic in nature.
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