Tag: van insurance

Van That Took An Unbelievable Twist: A True Story of Adventure

Posted on by News Desk

We’re pretty sure everyone has seen movies where a van plays a starring role.

But have you noticed?

It’s usually a sinister black van, with blacked-out windows and FBI-type agents inside, watching houses or tailing someone.

Sound familiar?

But here’s a van story with a twist.

Well, sort of.

Van Life: Go And Live The Dream

Back in 2015, a young Australian man made a bold decision.

Why?

Because his life was crashing down around him.

Everything that could go wrong, did.

So, what did he do?

He left Australia behind and traveled to the USA to follow his dream—whatever that was at the time.

Here’s the kicker…

He wasn’t looking to sit behind a desk anymore.

Instead, he wanted to live life to the fullest.

What did that look like?

  • Skydiving.
  • Windsurfing.
  • Music festivals.

But there was just one problem…

He wasn’t too keen on the whole camping-in-a-tent idea.

So, what did he do next?

He bought an old white van.

Yes, a beat-up, well-worn, and slightly dodgy-looking van.

Van Painted With “Free Candy”

Rather than shy away from the van’s questionable look, he decided to lean into it.

And here’s the wild part…

He painted “free candy” in big, red letters along the side of the van.

Want to know the weirdest part?

He even dipped his hands in red paint and smeared his handprints all over the van—inside and out.

You can probably guess what happened next, right?

It didn’t take long for the van to attract attention.

But not just from curious locals.

The police were on to him too.

Here’s the real surprise…

The police stopped him eight times in total.

Oh, and when a friend borrowed the van for a few weeks?

They got stopped seven times.

At least we know the police were on high alert!

But did they get any free candy?

We’re not sure about that, but the young Australian certainly stocked up—spending over $1,500 on sweets to complete the look!

A Happy Ending

Here’s the part we love…

During his travels, he met his future girlfriend while driving the infamous “free candy” van.

Now, after everything had fallen apart back in Australia—including his relationships—this was quite the happy turn of events!

Surprised?

His girlfriend was a little shocked by the van too, but after the initial surprise, she accepted a ride home in it.

And guess what?

The rest, as they say, is history.

A year later, they were still together, and they decided to sell the van (along with the candy stockpile) when it was time to return to Australia.

Ah, who doesn’t love a happy ending?

Speaking Of Happy Endings

Here’s one for you!

Ensure you fully insure your van, so you don’t get caught out

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Why wait?

Start your search now!

Van Driver Mistakes That Could Instantly Invalidate Your Van Insurance

Posted on by News Desk

Van drivers: By now you should know what you can and can’t do whilst driving a vehicle.

Any vehicle, not just a van.

It does seem though, that some folks need to be constantly reminded of these facts, as some of our weekly stories illustrate.

Hands-Free Or Not At All

Holding your mobile phone whilst driving is a definite no-no; especially more so since the recent changes to the Highway Code.

However, one driver in Pembrokeshire was recently fined £220 plus costs of £90.

He also had the privilege of having 3 points on his driving licence.

Police charged the driver with “not being in proper control of a vehicle,” a Transit van.

They had spotted him using his phone while driving.

The driver also failed to attend the court hearing!

Dangerous Driving

Thames Valley Police recently sentenced another van driver to 18 months in prison after chasing and finally catching him.

The driver had been speeding at 90mph on the M40 and continued at this speed on the A40 after leaving the motorway.

Driving erratically and endangering other road users, the driver tested positive for drugs.

He also lacked a valid driving licence and van insurance.

Motorists Keeping North Yorkshire Police Busy

A team of officers in an unmarked police vehicle observed a van driver.

They were there to target lawbreakers on the roads, in this case, the A1M near Wetherby.

Not only was the driver in question not wearing a seatbelt, but he was also using his mobile phone.

When he saw the officers filming him, he reacted by sticking two fingers up at them.

Unsurprisingly, authorities fined him £200 and added 6 penalty points to his licence.

On Patrol In Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police recently patrolled and decided to investigate a white van and its driver at a roadside stop.

One officer instinctively sensed something was off, although they initially stopped the van for defective lights.

They investigated further and discovered the vehicle lacked tax, had no valid MOT, and the driver’s licence was revoked.

A definite case of “you’re nicked, sunshine”.

Don’t take any chances, and don’t get caught out without insurance.

Have a quick check for the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van.

Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form.

Unbelievable Van Driver Stories: Ice Cream and You Tube Chaos

Posted on by News Desk

Amazingly, the van driver rolled out of the wreckage and seemed unharmed, though he went to the hospital for a check-up.

Let’s hope he learned his lesson about patience on the road—because the van didn’t survive the encounter.

Ice Cream, Anyone?

Some rather bizarre van stories surfaced this week.

First up, police stopped an ice cream van driver near junction 2 on the M60.

When asked to do a saliva test, the driver tested positive for cannabis.

Afterward, he was taken into custody.

No one mentioned what happened to the ice cream van, but we can only hope the police handed over the contents as evidence before they melted.

Van Drivers: Don’t Play Chicken With HGVs

A van driver in Turkey barely escaped with his life after a collision with an HGV.

The van, waiting at an intersection, pulled away ahead of the other vehicles.

Was he being impatient?

The HGV coming from the opposite direction couldn’t swerve or stop in time.

The result? A full-on collision with the van’s cab.

Amazingly, the driver rolled out of the wreckage and seemed unharmed, though he went to the hospital for a check-up.

Let’s hope he learned his lesson about patience on the road—because the van didn’t survive the encounter.

YouTube And The Road: A Dangerous Combo

We’ve talked before about drivers without insurance or proper documentation.

But here’s another story to add to the mix.

On the A50 in Derbyshire, a van driver caught the attention of the police—not for speeding, but for doing the opposite.

He was driving at 40 mph on a road with a 70 mph limit.

Why?

He was watching YouTube on his tablet while driving.

After the police stopped him, he tried to give false details, but a quick check revealed he lacked both insurance and a licence.

Needless to say, he didn’t finish watching that video.

Van Drivers – Don’t Get Caught Without Insurance

Getting caught without insurancecould put you in a sticky situation.

Ensure you find the best and cheapest van insurance quotes to stay covered.

It’s easy—just fill out this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

Why Businesses Are Still Holding Onto Diesel Vans

Posted on by News Desk

Why Are Some Businesses Holding Onto Diesel Vans?

In a previous post, we discussed the shift to electric vans.

But it appears that the transition isn’t happening as fast as expected.

Many businesses operating fleets are holding onto their diesel vans for as long as possible.

But why?

Why Not Electric Vehicles (EVs)?

Some companies claim they can’t fully adopt electric vans just yet.

Why?

EVs need to be charged during long trips.

This can cause major disruptions for businesses that rely on tight schedules.

Imagine needing to plan each route carefully, knowing where the charge points are.

There are about 42,000 charging stations across 15,000 locations in the UK.

That sounds like a lot, but it’s not always enough.

If a driver is traveling across the country, they might need four full charges—possibly more.

Rural areas?

The situation worsens, with fewer charging stations available.

Now picture the logistical nightmare that fleet managers must face.

Caught in the Middle

Fleet owners know they have to go green.

They recognise the push for sustainability.

Yet, they feel stuck.

Right now, businesses face limited options for a seamless transition.

What can they do?

Diesel Until the End?

One solution might be keeping a small fleet of diesel vans.

They would reserve these for long-haul jobs.

But there’s a catch.

New petrol or diesel vans won’t be available for purchase after 2030.

Only second-hand options will exist.

They will still sell fuel, but it won’t come cheap.

Maintenance costs will rise, too.

Still, many businesses are hanging onto their diesel vans, hoping for cheaper EV alternatives down the line.

Fossil Fuels or Bust?

It’s not that businesses don’t want to embrace cleaner energy.

They do.

But they have to remain practical to stay in business.

Survey Insights: What Are Vans Used For?

A 2020 survey revealed some interesting data.

Vans are primarily used for transporting equipment, tools, and materials.

The next most common use? Delivering and collecting goods.

And here’s another insight:

Most businesses purchase new vans.

However, privately owned vans are typically bought second-hand—82% of them, in fact.

The Future of Diesel Vans

Diesel vans won’t disappear overnight.

They’ll still be around for a while.

But remember, your van—whether new or used—needs insurance.

So why not find the best and cheapest van insurance rates today?

It’s easy.

Just start by filling out this simple 3-minute form.

You’ll be on your way to great savings in no time.

Don’t Wait Too Long

The shift to electric might be slower than expected.

But it’s coming.

And sooner or later, you’ll have to decide:

Will you go electric or stick with diesel for as long as possible?

The choice is yours—just make sure you’re ready.

Van Driver With No Insurance Crashes Into Patrol Vehical

Posted on by News Desk

Patrol vehicle attempts to slow traffic

Impatient van driver…

As can often be the case, we see patrol vehicles on our highways slowing traffic due to a variety of reasons.

It may be an accident up ahead, it may be that emergency repairs need to take place.

Obviously, it would be difficult and dangerous without slowing traffic right down.

This is precisely what happened on the M6 in June this year.

A patrol vehicle was successfully slowing traffic with signs indicating that the workforce was on the road.

A Red X to indicate a lane closure, and slower speeds in other open lanes.

Unfortunately, there was a rather irate and impatient van driver behind the patrol vehicle.

Instead of doing what everyone else was doing (slowing down),

he decided he would rather crash into the patrol vehicle to try and avoid the temporary road works and slow traffic.

It Didn’t End Well For The Driver

Nor, we suspect, the ending he had hoped for either.

He appeared in court and paid court costs and compensation of just over £500.

In addition, the court banned the driver from driving for a year and ordered him to complete 200 hours of community service.

Oh yes, and not to forget a 19 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

This is usually a requirement to reduce the prospect of reoffending.

Let’s hope the driver learns a lesson and reflects on this experience while completing community service.

Just so that you are all aware, it is an offence to drive in a lane with the Red X and has been for more than 20 years now.

Authorities installed cameras to detect drivers who ignore the Red X, which can result in a fixed penalty and 3 points on your licence.

And In Other Van News

Police stopped a van driver on suspicion of using cloned number plates.

They later found the plates were genuine.

But,

The van driver didn’t have insurance or even a licence.

It was also discovered that he had been driving around like this for many years.

On the same day,

not far away,

another van was stopped and it was found that there was no valid MOT and the driver had no licence.

Once again, it had been that way for quite a while.

These are just a few reasons to make sure everything is up to date.

You can do this by checking you have the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van.

Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

Driver Caught On M4 Driving Van Without Tyres Blames Covid And Alcohol

Posted on by News Desk

Ever Seen A Van Missing Tyres?

Tyres…

You’re driving along the motorway at night.

Suddenly, you spot a van… with missing tyres.

That’s exactly what happened on the M4 recently.

A Night Out Gone Wrong

The driver?

He’d been out with friends, had a few drinks (maybe a few too many), and then decided to drive home.

Where did my tyres go?

How do you not notice you’re driving on rims?

We can only guess.

The driver was, in fact, almost twice over the legal alcohol limit.

So, perhaps that had a little something to do with it.

No Tyres And Driving On Rims? No Problem, Apparently…

But this driver didn’t stop.

Instead, he kept going.

Ten miles on the rims!

A concerned driver eventually noticed and promptly alerted the police.

Fortunately, since it was the early hours, the roads were quiet with far less traffic around.

Pulled Over by Police

When police pulled him over, they gave him a breathalyser test.

The result?

Almost twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Blaming Covid for Poor Judgement

The driver admitted the charge, but he had an excuse.

He blamed his poor awareness on Covid.

He tested positive the next day, claiming it “clouded” his mind.

So he wasn’t fully aware of his decisions.

“Trying to Reach Safety” as a Defence?

His defence argued he was just trying to reach safety, as recommended by the Highway Code.

But what does it say about drinking and driving with two blown tyres?

Maybe common sense would have been a better guide.

The Prosecutor’s Response

The prosecutor wasn’t convinced.

They argued it was the alcohol, not Covid, clouding his judgment.

Nice try, though.

Make sure you have the best and cheapest van insurance quotes for your van. Simply begin by completing this quick 3-minute form, and you’ll be on your way.

 

Van Driver Fails You Won’t Believe: Stuck in Sand and Under Bridges

Posted on by News Desk

Stuck In The Middle With You

Well, actually, it was more like stuck in the sand for one unlucky AA van driver.

The call seemed straightforward: rescue a stranded van and driver at Porth Beach in Newquay.

But things didn’t go as planned.

The AA van itself got stuck in the sand.

Locals quickly jumped into action.

They worked alongside the AA driver to free both vehicles.

We can only assume the original stranded driver joined the efforts too.

It took nearly an hour to free both vehicles.

But this wasn’t an isolated incident.

It’s not the first time the AA has ended up stuck while responding to a rescue.

On a previous occasion, even a tow truck was required to save both vehicles.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Over Easter, a Transporter van and a Mazda car met the same sandy fate.

The story doesn’t end there.

Just down the road at Great Western Beach, it’s a regular occurrence.

In the past year, more than a dozen cars have needed rescue from the sand.

Why Are People Driving Onto The Beach?

It’s a good question.

Maybe they didn’t feel like walking.

Hopefully, they’ll think twice before trying it again.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Now, let’s talk about another kind of stuck.

One unfortunate van driver found themselves in a different predicament.

Not in the sand this time.

But wedged under a bridge.

The road had to be closed.

Despite numerous warnings about the low bridge, the van became firmly lodged.

How Could This Happen?

Above the bridge, there’s bright yellow writing.

It clearly states LOW BRIDGE.

There are also multiple signs alerting drivers to the height restriction.

Yet bridge strikes still happen.

Didn’t They See The Signs?

Some drivers seem to think they can squeeze through.

Or maybe they just don’t notice the warnings.

Reality hits fast.

A van measuring 7’3” simply won’t fit under a 7-foot bridge.

What happens next?

Deflating the tyres is often the only way to get unstuck.

That’s four flat tyres.

If you’re lucky, it might work.

But maybe, just maybe, it’s time to pay more attention to those signs.

Better check your insurance to see if it covers getting stuck in unusual places then.

Luckily for you, it won’t take long at all with our quick 3-minute form.

 

Let’s Get Some Electric Over Here

Posted on by News Desk

Ford’s Electric Van Revolution

Pardon me? An all-electric van?

Who would’ve thought it!

Yet, that’s exactly what Ford has developed.

It’s set to replace Britain’s most popular vehicle, the Ford Transit Van.

Efforts to improve the EV (electric vehicle) market are accelerating.

As we know, progress had to start somewhere.

One small step for cars, one giant leap for vans.

The noisy old Transits will soon be a thing of the past.

New electric models will replace older versions.

Why?

Because manufacturers must meet stricter air quality and emissions standards.

They don’t stop working to improve this.

Thankfully, the results are impressive.

What Is Ford Doing Now?

Ford plans to introduce four new commercial vans by 2024.

However, they know not everyone can switch to electric right away.

Still, the benefits are undeniable.

Running costs for electric vans are significantly lower than diesel models.

The E-Transit, Ford’s flagship electric van, offers a 196-mile range.

That’s enough to get from A to B—and then on to C: the charging station.

Worried about finding a charging point?

The UK now has over 42,000 charge connectors in more than 15,000 locations.

This is a 35% increase since last year.

The chance of running out of power is slim.

But keep in mind, battery size affects range for some models.

What Has Changed?

From the outside, the Transit Van looks the same.

Some designs are best left untouched.

But under the bonnet, the changes are significant.

Inside, the upgrades are modern and efficient.

Ford isn’t the only one innovating.

Competitors like Fiat, Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, and Vauxhall have launched their own electric vans.

There’s no shortage of options if you’re considering buying or upgrading.

What About Insurance?

Insurance costs for electric vans can vary.

Do your homework to find the best deal.

Whether you’re buying new or renewing, research is key.

A little effort can save a lot of money.

So, is it time to go electric?

With Ford’s E-Transit leading the charge, the future of vans looks bright.

 

See how much you could save with us on cheap van insurance deals.

Get started by filling out our 3-minute form.

Yes, really, just 3 minutes is all it will take! What are you waiting for?

Roadside Revelations: The Cornwall Incident And The Van Insurance Mix-Up

Posted on by News Desk

Van Insurance…

Okay, we realise how silly the title of this week’s blog post sounds.

But dear readers, we simply could not resist reporting on this story from Cornwall that took place a few days ago.

Enjoy…

Some scenes may have been dramatised for effect.

I’m feeling good: Scene 1

Imagine the setting:

You’re driving along a picturesque Cornwall road.

Meanwhile, the landscape unfolds beautifully around you.

The weather is lovely, and you’re looking forward to having an ice cream later. 

But wait!

A copper is signaling for you to pull over.

What could possibly have gone wrong, eh?

However, it appears there is indeed a valid reason for this unexpected stop.

As you signal to pull up by the kerb, you think of the best excuse you can muster because you know exactly what the police are about to ask for. 

You ensure your poker face gives nothing away.

Actions speak louder than words: Scene 2

“So fella, we can’t seem to find any insurance on your van.

Can you explain that?”

Words fail you, despite having tried desperately to come up with a palpable excuse.

Several reasons flit through your mind, but none of them suffice.

Consequently, there is only one option left.

You’re going to have to resort to using a technicality.

“Well sir, I have received a van insurance quote.

Surely that’s valid?”

You flutter your eyelashes, hoping with all your might that you look as cute as your neighbour Marge’s new puppy. 

Unfortunately, and predictably, it doesn’t work.

Even though you’re a company director. 

This is outrageous.

The audacity!

How dare anyone question the status of your van insurance?

Technicalities don’t prosper: End scene

You can imagine this tale doesn’t end well, and you would be right.

The van was seized.

Contrary to popular belief (or not), simply having a quote for insurance, doesn’t actually mean you’re insured. 

We know, we were amazed to find this out, too.

(Just kidding – we’d be awful at our jobs if that was the case).

What this poor fella needed was 3 minutes of his time to fill out our form.

He would have then received several cheap van insurance quotes from reputable providers.

His next step would have been to, of course, actually proceed with taking out and arranging payment for a policy. 

Don’t be like this guy, and save on your van insurance costs with us.

Otherwise, you may find your own sorry tale playing out.

Police In Bristol Disappointed By Surprise Van Checks

Posted on by News Desk

Surprise Van Checks

Worried about the condition of your van?

You should be.

You never know when the police will pull you over for checks.

Especially as some commercial van drivers recently found out the hard way. 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, as well as the police, spent a Thursday in Bristol last week inspecting commercial vehicles.

The checks took place at Memorial Stadium, in the Bristol Rover football team’s car park. 

Unfortunately, the results were disappointing. 

They found that out of 39 vans, only 6 were clean and not breaking any laws.

A whopping 80% had some sort of illegal defects.

The worst past?

Over 50% were in such bad condition that authorities immediately ordered them off the road.

What were the reasons for being considered unsatisfactory?

There were a few, some of which were particularly terrible, actually:

Faults and/or defects that violated regulations.

(22 were so dangerous that authorities immediately demanded their removal from the road.)

A van was found to be carrying too much weight, which we all know from previous blog posts is actually illegal.

The aforementioned van was also carrying dairy items that were unrefrigerated, resulting in a swift call and immediate seizure by Environmental Health.

Another van carried a load that wasn’t properly secured.

Two vans didn’t have tax and four lacked an up-to-date MOT.

Eight possessed bald tyres.

Two vans were genuinely leaking fuel.

Authorities caught another van using the now-banned red diesel.

What was most shocking was the calibre of van drivers, and not just the vans.

Get a load of this: 

One particularly naughty van driver has cannabis on him.

Four drivers had absolutely no van insurance.

They obviously hadn’t heard of this site – we’re sure if they knew they could easily get cheap van insurance, they wouldn’t have got caught

Two van drivers just simply didn’t have licences

Authorities found three of them using their phones.

Whilst we’d hope no van driver reading this was caught or is guilty of one of the above points, we are here for you.

Especially when it comes to cheap van insurance. 

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