No one will ever argue against the benefits of making sure you have valid car insurance or van insurance, but don’t forget that it’s not just a good idea: it’s the law.
Yes, commercial car insurance currently costs an arm and a leg, even if you use an insurance comparison site to find the best deals. Still, it’s better to have the proper cover in place if you end up getting into a road traffic accident, because repair costs and medical bills can be incredibly expensive if you have to pay these costs out-of-pocket.
Not only can you not afford to get into an accident without valid insurance, you can’t afford to be caught out by the authorities either. It’s a legal requirement to have your van insured at all times, regardless of whether it’s currently being driven or not, and if the police find out you’ve been getting behind the wheel without proper cover, you could be in for some weighty penalties – up to and including having your licence taken away and your car destroyed!
Continuous enforcement rules are now in effect in the UK, which means that if you own a car or van, the vehicle needs to be insured at all times. The only way around this is to file a Statutory Off Road Notice with the government, which certifies that your vehicle is currently off-road.
If you’re caught violating these new rules, you’re in for a world of hurt if you don’t get cover for the vehicle. Sure, fixed penalties may start at £100, but if you simply refuse to insure a given vehicle, you could have it seized from you and crushed, in addition to ever-higher penalties while running the risk of an invalidated licence as well.