Safe driving and the van insurance implications
For drivers, it pays to be safe on the roads. This is particularly true when it comes to your van insurance.
Insurance companies want to know that when they insure you, the risk of you having to make a claim is kept to a minimum. Therefore, drivers with a track record of accidents and brushes with the long arm of the law pay more for their insurance.
Conversely, if you've got a clean license and have been claim-free for a substantial period of time, then insurance companies will look upon you as low-risk, and reflect this in your premium.
Some drivers, like younger motorists (those under 25) who have just passed their tests, are inherently high risk, due to the relatively frequent incidence of accidents that they are involved in. Insurance companies are well aware of this as the Driving Standards Agency released figures in 2008 stating that one in five new drivers will have a crash within the first six months of driving.
However, there are plenty of ways to make yourself safer on the roads, and drive down the cost of insurance with it.
Avoiding driving convictions is a good place to start. Whether it's fixed gatso cameras, mobile detection units or average speed cameras, Britain's traffic police are constantly on the lookout for drivers breaking the speed limit. Getting caught means a fine, but it won't just be the fixed penalty that will hit you in the wallet. There will also be implications for your car insurance, too, with providers perceiving you to be of far greater risk if you've got points on your license.
This also applies to driving without due care and attention. Technically you can be doing caught doing anything, from chomping on a chocolate bar to using a mobile phone (the latter being a particular bugbear for the UK's traffic cops) and be stopped and fined for breaching the law. Take a long hard think whether or not that call is worth it. If it simply can't wait, make sure that you take the call through approved hands-free equipment.
If you have points on your license incurred by the above offences, all is not lost. If you stay out of trouble for four years, the endorsements will no longer be shown on your license.
It goes without saying that drink driving is highly dangerous, and will probably result in you losing your license. However, when you get your license back, it's unlikely that any insurers will give you any cover because of your prior convictions. It really isn't worth it, so don't bother.
If you're unfamiliar with driving commercial vehicles, then you could always enrol on a course which would familiarise you with the issues presented, and how to deal with them when they arise.
Lowering risk isn't just restricted to how you drive. Installing upgraded security makes your van less likely to be targeted by thieves. Likewise, installing a tracking advice means that in the event of your car being stolen, you'll be able to find its whereabouts relatively easily.
Shopping around will also make paying less for your van insurance more likely. It's easier than ever to check out policies on deals from lots of different insurers thanks to comparison websites. But always bear in mind that the cheapest deal might not always be the best. Your policy should provide the cover you need in the event of an accident.
Should you choose this option, insurers may also grant you an online discount, due to the lower overheads incurred on their behalf.