Automotive Addicts

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles recently carried out a survey of van hire customers regarding the vans they had driven and how they felt they performed, especially when compared to the cars these occasional van users normally drive. The results are very positive and really bring to light the way vans have developed over the past few years.

1,000 people who had recently hired a van, be it Vauxhall or otherwise, were surveyed, these people being occasional users, needing the larger load capacity for moving home or transporting large items. One of the biggest indicators of how well the van has developed is that a full 90% of respondents were happy with the comfort and specification of the van they had used. Many Vauxhall vans now come fitted as standard with electric windows and air conditioning, matching the standards of cars. Even a few years ago these were unheard of fitments in vans so it is obvious that these light commercial vehicles have really come a long way in a short space of time. Continue reading ‘Vauxhall Vans Driver Feedback’ »

Couriers are usually regarded as “high risk” for motor insurers. Van drivers statistically have a higher accident rate than private vehicles, their exposure on the roads is far greater than that of a private motor car, therefore dramatically increasing the chances of a road traffic incident. The vehicles are more often than not owned by a company or fleet and drivers are less likely to worry about the damage they may cause to the vehicle.

Courier van drivers, also referred to as the ‘White van man’ are notoriously known for being involved in road traffic accidents. Couriers can be up against tight pick up and delivery time slots, and some are even incentivized on the amount of collections and deliveries they make. This can encourage the drivers to race around town and hence are prone to more incidents. Insurers take this into consideration when quoting this type of risk and the premiums quoted are a reflection of the claim statistics. Continue reading ‘Courier van drivers posing an insurance concern’ »

What Affects the Cost of Van Insurance?

Ultimately there are many factors which can affect the cost of insuring your van (or vans). Detailed below are a list of key factors which insurers will consider when pricing up your policy:

1. How many vans are to be covered in the policy
2. The weight of the van (s)
3. The make and model of the van (s)
4. Your geographical location
5. The age and experience of the van drivers
6. Whether or not the van drivers are named (or an ‘any driver’ van insurance policy is required)
7. The security of the van(s) – e.g. whether alarms, immobilisers or trackers are installed
8. Claim history
9. What the van will be used for
10. The excess

It is really important that you obtain appropriate insurance cover for your van(s); rather than simply going for the cheapest quote you can find. Continue reading ‘Van Insurance – A Guide’ »

A new ladder rack alternative is now available for all the service trade vehicle owners out there. Most of you have been limited in ladder rack availability for your vehicle, based on the narrow focus of the ladder rack manufacturers.

Overhead or actually over-bed ladder racks and truck roof mounted ladder racks have been the only options in the truck, trailer and van ladder rack market for far too long. Although there are many products available in many sizes, materials and configurations, they all achieve the same end in basically the same way. One being to stow your ladders over the open bed of your truck, creating a dangerous overhead obstacle; or in the case of roof mounted ladder racks, for trucks, vans and trailers, they stow your ladders on top of the vehicle, the highest possible point from the ground. Requiring the user to climb the truck, trailer or van to stow or retrieve their ladders, a daunting, if not dangerous task in the best of situations. Continue reading ‘New Ladder Rack Design hits Marketplace, “Vertical Ladder Racks”, an excellent alternative’ »