Commercial Van Insurance For Specialised Vans

According to a survey conducted by a leading UK insurance company van drivers will spend two hours on average looking for a van insurance quote online. This is a longer period than has been reported in earlier years and the insurers speculate that the recession and new financial pressures are causing consumers and businesses to search harder to find a way to get cheaper van insurance.

But there are some things that don't change when it comes to insuring a van. For one, it is of course critical that you fill out all the necessary forms accurately and honestly. Otherwise discrepancies can cost you dearly later.

You can search for rates online, have an insurance broker help you shop for rates, or you can do both to maximise your chances of finding an affordable policy that gives you the cover you need. Consider specific commercial van insurance cover you'll need according to your business, employees and type of van.

Some insurers offer cover for road rage incidents, breakdown cover, provision of a courtesy vehicle and European cover.

All commercial van owners and drivers should know that insurance rates have to do with the load the van carries. Vans have very specific weight limits and if they go over those limits, the balance of the vehicle can be altered, there could be too much pressure on the frame and an accident could ensue. Keep in mind when you're purchasing a commercial van insurance policy that if drivers of overweight vans cause an accident their van insurance would be considered invalid and they would personally be liable for damage caused. It's important that you ensure that all your van drivers are aware of this.

So called grey import vans are imported from other countries, but not through the maker's official distribution system. Sometimes these are called 'parallel imports'. If you have a grey import German imported VW van, or a Japanese Hi-Ace by Toyota, you need to find an insurer with experience insuring grey import vans. Those that are not used to dealing with import grey van insurance may charge very high premiums or decline to provide cover altogether. An insurer who is used to dealing with grey imports, U.S. imports, parallel EU imports and modified vans will know what kind of cover to offer you and how to underwrite it.

If you drive an ice cream van, you don't want to let your customers down by being put out of service from theft or an accident. You can get premium quotes online specifically for ice cream vans, whether they're independently owned or company owned. Like other van types, ice cream vans can buy cover for liability, breakdown and road rage incidents. Like with import vans, it is a good idea to find an insurance underwriter with experience specifically in insuring ice cream vans.

Also ask if you can get your 'no claims bonus' transferred from any private cars you insure. Some insurers will gladly do so.

Vans that transport hazardous goods and materials require special cover and an insurer with experience in vans that transport hazardous materials. Many of them offer instalment payment plans to make premiums a little less painful.

If your van transports hazardous materials in Europe, you will need to get European cover. But if you were to neglect to get commercial van insurance cover specifically for transport of hazardous materials, your insurance could be invalid in the event of an accident.