Author: News Desk

How to Save On The Cost Of Running Your Van

Posted on by News Desk

Christmas is coming. Want to save on costs?

While the goose may be getting fat, many of us are feeling the pinch in our pockets at the end of a tumultuous and unprecedented year. 

You all know the old saying, save the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.

While we here at Cheap Van Insurance work tirelessly to bring you the very best van insurance provider deals.

Direct to your inbox,

which are sure to save you a few quid, we thought we’d go through a few more ways you can save a few pennies. 

1: Summer is over. 

So turn off your AC.

Yes, we know you guys like being cool behind the wheel, but open a window and save yourself a few quid.

Running your AC year-round not only uses a lot of fuel, but also means you’ll need to pay to get your system re-gassed sooner.

So think twice before you have it on blast all day.

2: Stop costs going through the roof.

Literally.

Having stuff piled on the top of your van such as ladders can end up costing a few quid more than you need.

Of course, you need some of the stuff, but all of it, all of the time? Maybe not.

Not only does the extra weight add to fuel costs, but it also does a number on your aerodynamics,

adding more drag which again, equals paying more at the pumps.

3: Consider how much you fill up:

Adding fuel means adding weight and if you don’t need a full tank, why go all the way?

Fill up not quite so full and a little more frequently and you’ll pocket the savings.

4: Consider how much you fill up (part 2):

Do you really need everything in the back of your van?

Is your cab full of rubbish that can be binned?

Have a good clear out and only take what you need for your jobs. Less weight = less fuel.

It’s a smart and simple way to save a few bob. 

5: Drive in style:

If you have cruise control and can use it, do so.

If you have a more modern van with a fuel efficiency mode, use it.

We know it goes against the very ethos of many van men, but driving calmly and smoothly can really make the biggest difference to your fuel consumption and costs.

Go gently, easy on the brakes and slow on the revs and you’ll be able to see the difference in your wallet in no time.

Now, all that you need to decide is what you want to spend those savings on. Christmas is coming, after all. 

What Happens When You Text A Tradesman At Midnight?

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When Is It OK To Message A Tradesman?

Would you message a tradesman at 12:15am?

A recent news story sparked a lively debate here at Cheap Van Insurance HQ.

It all started when a woman named Evandra sent a late-night text to a carpet fitter.

Specifically, she messaged him at 12:15am.

She simply asked for a quote.

However, the fitter wasn’t impressed.

He replied quickly—and bluntly.

Naturally, this raised eyebrows and questions in equal measure.

Is A Tradesman Ever Really “Off Duty”?

If you advertise online and share your number, are you expected to respond at all hours?

On one hand, some say yes. Business is business, after all.

However, others argue that everyone deserves time to rest.

After all, running a small business doesn’t mean you’re available 24/7.

So, where’s the line?

Was The Late-Night Message To A Tradesman Too Much?

Many people felt that if she had emailed, it wouldn’t have mattered.

In contrast, texting felt more intrusive.

It was late.

Moreover, she sent a direct message, not a passive query.

Some believed it crossed a boundary of basic privacy.

Still, others disagreed.

They felt a text was fair game—as long as she didn’t expect an immediate reply.

In their view, the real issue was how the fitter reacted, not the timing of the message.

Phones, Families, And Flexibility

Let’s not forget—some people can’t switch their phones off at night.

For example, parents or carers may need to stay connected in case of emergencies.

Even so, many people do put their phones on silent.

Therefore, what feels reasonable to one person may feel disruptive to another.

As a result, it’s tricky to say whether her message was truly inconsiderate.

The Always-On Culture: A Modern Dilemma

In today’s world, we’re used to sending messages at all hours.

Before bed, we fire off emails, book appointments, and chase things up.

However, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

After all, being reachable 24/7 comes at a cost.

Especially for sole traders who don’t have a team to lean on.

Respecting boundaries matters—now more than ever.

The Office Vote: A Split Decision

At Cheap Van Insurance, we took a poll.

Interestingly, 60% said she was out of line.

The remaining 40% disagreed.

Clearly, opinions are divided.

This story might seem small, but it taps into something bigger.

Where do we draw the line between accessibility and overstepping?

Our Advice: Boundaries Benefit Everyone

If you’re a tradesperson:

Invest in a separate work phone.

Then, switch it off after hours and enjoy your downtime.

Clients can wait till morning.

If you’re a customer:

Be mindful.

Just because someone shares their number doesn’t mean they’re available 24/7.

In short, a little respect goes a long way.

After all, small businesses are run by real people—not robots.

 

Electric Vans by 2030? Why UK Van Drivers Should Be Worried

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Electric…

We hate to be harbingers of doom in a gloomy November.

With a cold snap on the horizon for all of us, but more bad news this week for many van drivers, thanks to the PM.

Boris Johnson, who has announced that he is bringing forward plans to see Britain go all-electric with vehicles from 2030.

While this is a blow to motorists, some of the hardest hit may be you, the humble van drivers of the UK.

While electric cars cost a packet, (and many government critics are saying the move to electric vehicles will prevent the poorest people of the UK from being able to afford a car), the case is worse for van drivers, with the cost of a new electric van coming in at around £20k for the most basic models. 

Not to mention, of course, that you have to find somewhere to charge the thing, which is bad news if you live in a flat or somewhere with no off-street parking.

As if worrying about van security isn’t bad enough.

And if you’re a delivery driver, there’s the added stress of worrying about electric automated drop-off vans, drones, and robots coming to take your jobs. 

While many big businesses with van fleets appear to be in favour of the move, they are of course, failing to consider, you, the little guys.

The little guys who depend on the fuel efficiency of diesel or the reliability of a petrol van to get you from A to B without needing to stop off and charge up a vehicle you possibly can’t even afford. 

As always, it seems that the little guys are going to be the hardest hit.

While we can’t do much more than voice our concern and suggest that the government needs to consider implementing substantial subsidies to help van drivers of the UK make the switch to electric vehicles, we can, as always, ensure you get the best deals on your van insurance.

It isn’t much, but it’s something. And right now, as a famous supermarket once said, ‘every little helps.

Pay as You Drive?

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Pay as you drive.

As if the news isn’t bad enough right now.

With no end to lockdown any time soon and more misery through to the new year if the news is to be believed.

And now news reaches us here at Cheap Van Insurance that the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is considering adding a levy to drivers to plug the £40 million-pound gap in the economy. 

How is he planning to do this?

By charging drivers to use the roads. 

Pay as you go.

Isn’t that what road tax is for?

Apparently not.

The deficit in the government coffers comes from the switch to electric vehicles, which we have all been encouraged to make, with grants and discounts for those who have already made the switch. 

The government is planning to ban the sale of petrol, cars earlier than planned, now with a rumoured end date of 2030, just 9 years from now. 

And of course, there is also a darker side to this.

If it wasn’t bad enough already, consider how they will charge per distance travelled?

That’s right, enforced black boxes in all of our vehicles to track where we are going and what we are doing.

It’s a dystopian future that none of us really want to contemplate, but may soon be coming to a vehicle near you.

Van Drivers Could Be Crushed By 2030’s Electric Shift

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Van drivers read on.

As if the current lockdown wasn’t enough to have us all hunkering down for the winter, news this week is that van insurance is set to go up in cost.

In fact, since the end of the last lockdown, they have, reports suggest, already increased by 1.6% in the last 3 months, compared to a drop of 2.4% during lockdown.

If you get all whizzy with the maths, that is still a net decrease of 0.8%.

But given that many van insurance commentators (yes, they actually exist) had predicted a much greater fall, it doesn’t make for happy reading.

Especially considering that van drivers were one of the most affected jobs as a result of the lockdown, either by being unseasonably busy or simply unable to work.

There is some good news if you use your van as your main form of domestic transport too, with a social, domestic, and pleasure policy.

There has been a drop in the cost to renew your van insurance.

But given that most of us use our vans for work, this doesn’t really help the drivers who use their vans to earn a living.

With more people looking to switch careers and get into van delivery driving due to the cut of jobs in other industries such as hospitality and leisure, bad news for the younger van drivers out there.

Unless you are prepared to install a telematics device to reduce the cost of van insurance, the average cost of annual van insurance for the under-25s is a whopping £3,091. 

What happens next?

Well, if this year has taught us anything, it’s that none of us really know.

But if you do want the best deals, our advice remains the same:

Complete our simple quote tool, and let the very best van insurance deals come directly to you. After all, life is hard enough. 

Winter-Proofing Your Van: Simple Steps To Stay Safe, Secure, And Road-Ready

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No, not when Britain locks down again, although it is starting to seem like an endless hamster wheel of doom and gloom.

Hopefully for many of you, life will go on and work will continue, and you won’t be putting in extra hours as a result of the new lockdown.

But it is the time of year when the days are shorter and winter driving comes into play.

So, it’s a smart move to keep on top of what’s going on with your van, and do what you can to keep things in good working order.

A lot of issues and van trouble can be pre-empted by a bit of home maintenance and regular checks to keep things ticking over. 

Get in the habit of walking around your van each day before you set off to give it a quick check over.

Are your lights working?

Are your tyres all looking okay?

Check the tyre pressures weekly, while you’re at it.  

Are all your doors secure and your fuel cap tight?

We spoke about van security last week, but it’s important to keep an eye on any doors or windows that could do with some extra security.

Always try and park it somewhere that you can see it. 

Regular services are a must.

At least once every 10,000 miles is necessary.

Make sure you keep everything safe, secure, and roadworthy, especially as the weather is getting worse.

And make sure you have breakdown recovery, just in case you need it.

This weather is not the time to be broken down in the middle of nowhere with no help at hand. 

And of course, make sure your van insurance policy is up to the job.

Goes without saying, really.

We’ll talk more about the lockdown and what it means for van drivers next week, but in the meantime, stay safe. 

Van Drivers Hit By Soaring Theft Costs

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Instead, they drag their feet, forcing you to wait for a payout.The Alarming Numbers You Need to Know

To begin with, a new report reveals that theft from vans is draining a staggering £264 million every single year.

Even worse, a study commissioned by van-insurance company Honcho discovered that each van break-in costs tradespeople an average of £5,584.

As if that weren’t alarming enough, thieves break into a van somewhere in the UK every 23 minutes.

Some Insurers Respond Fast — Others Don’t

So what does this really mean for you?

For starters, while some insurers act quickly — often providing 24-hour replacement services for stolen tools — so van drivers and tradespeople can return to work almost immediately, others simply don’t.

Instead, they drag their feet, which means you’re left waiting for a payout.

Consequently, as the delays mount, you’re forced to watch valuable jobs — and crucial income — slip away.

The True Cost Of Delays

Unfortunately, the impact doesn’t stop there.

On average, these delays can put a tradesperson out of work for roughly an entire month.

Worse still, if you’re a sparky or a plumber and thieves hit your van, you could lose nearly two months’ wages just replacing the stolen tools.

Clearly, the financial hit can be devastating.

Shocking Gaps In Cover

But here’s the real shocker…

Despite the risks, 89% of van drivers still skip full cover for goods stolen from their vehicles.

In addition, 84% go without a courtesy van in their policy, leaving them stranded when theft strikes.

What You Can Do Right Now

So what should you do now?

First of all, it’s essential to strengthen your van’s in-vehicle security.

Therefore, consider installing lockable storage boxes and reinforced locks on every entry point.

Moreover, if your existing policy doesn’t include these crucial extras, it’s definitely time to shop around.

After all, choosing a comprehensive new van-insurance policy could save you weeks of downtime — and protect you from an even bigger financial loss.

Van Drivers Face Tax Hike Double Blow: Fuel Duty Rise And NI Increase On The Horizon

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Double Trouble For UK Van Drivers

Brace yourselves, van drivers across the UK.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has hinted at a double hit of tax increases heading your way next year.

And it’s not looking pretty.

Fuel Duty Freeze Could Soon Be History

Let’s start with fuel duty.

It’s been frozen for more than a decade, holding steady at 57.95p per litre since 2011.

But that’s about to change.

In an effort to recover the massive cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chancellor is reportedly considering lifting the freeze.

And here’s the kicker:

The proposed rise is between 3p and 5p per litre.

That means your average fill-up could suddenly cost you a lot more from April onwards.

Already Struggling? This Just Makes Things Worse

Let’s face it—this couldn’t come at a worse time.

The pandemic has already squeezed household budgets, especially for tradespeople and delivery drivers.

Many are still recovering from the loss of work and income during lockdowns.

So naturally…

Any increase in fuel duty is likely to hit van drivers the hardest.

Especially those who rely on their van for day-to-day income.

Self-Employed? Expect Higher National Insurance, Too

But wait — there’s more.

If you’re self-employed, you could soon be paying even higher National Insurance contributions.

At the moment, you pay 9%.

But from next year?

That could jump to 12%, putting you on par with employees.

Here’s the problem:

The self-employed don’t get the same benefits—no sick pay, no paid holidays, no redundancy.

So understandably…

The proposed rise is facing serious backlash.

What’s The Real Cost For Van Drivers?

Let’s break it down.

  • Rising fuel costs will eat into your take-home income.
  • National Insurance could increase, without giving you any extra rights in return.
  • Little government support exists for the newly self-employed.

Many van drivers feel the government is punishing them for working hard and staying independent.

But There’s Still A Way To Save

Here’s some good news at last.

At Cheap Van Insurance, we’re committed to helping you cut costs where it matters most.

While you can’t control the Chancellor’s next move…

You can still lock in great value on your van insurance.

So before next year hits your wallet harder than ever…

Make sure you’re not overpaying on insurance.

Because if these changes go through?

Every penny will count.

Time for an Electric Van?

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It seems the world of vans is heading into an all-electric future. This week, delivery giant Amazon unveiled their new custom electric delivery vans which they are rolling out on a large scale through the next few years, with plans to have 100,000 on the road by 2030. 

The van was designed in part with input from Amazon delivery drivers, and features in built Alexa, state of the art traffic sensors, hands-free, real-time navigation, an ergonomically designed driver’s seat, improved access to packages, thanks to a new interior layout, and 360-degree cameras around the vehicle. The company developed the vans as part of a wider green initiative to be carbon neutral by 2040. 

Meanwhile, Kier group, who are responsible for many of the motorway and major road repairs in the UK have also just added electric vehicles to their fleet, in the form of electric taxi vans that are capable of carrying two Euro sized pallets with a payload of up to 830kg. 

These taxi vans will deliver supplies to roadwork sites up and down the country and are currently being tested around the UK. Again, these form part of a bigger goal towards carbon neutrality for the Kier Group. 

The good news is that the drive for electric vehicles by these companies is seeing electric technology being integrated into many commercial vehicles rather quickly. This means that prices are starting to become realistic, the technology more reliable and the savings from owning an electric van are becoming something worth considering for many van drivers. Maybe next time you are due a van upgrade, it will be worth taking a look.

Van Driver Heroes

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You know here at CVI, we’re always doing our bit to celebrate you, the unsung heroes of the UK, the relentless van drivers who get out there come rain, shine or COVID 19 to get things done. And what a lot of grafters you are. 

But it isn’t just us who want to celebrate the great British van drivers of the UK. What Car? Magazine have teamed up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to find those great British van driver heroes that we all know and love. 

We know you’re a modest lot, but friends and family can also nominate you, and as a thank you, the best 10 van driving heroes will be chosen and their achievements and examples of going above and beyond will be celebrated across social media for their commitment to getting it done. 

The competition is fronted by TV personality Edd China and he too, will be sharing on his socials those winners, giving them a great bit of free publicity and of course, the recognition that they deserve. 

Getting involved is easy – just send in up to 300 words explaining why you, or a van driver you know, deserves the recognition and any supporting photos or video and send them using this link. But you need to move fast – entries close this Friday, 9 October. 

This has been quite an extraordinary year, so what better time to celebrate those extraordinary van drivers of any trade or profession who have done their bit and made a difference?

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