Demand for van insurance has been on the rise since 2006, a nationwide study conducted by Norwich Union Direct found that a new generation of business professionals is emerging. The survey of over 500 van drivers revealed that contrary to popular belief van drivers are health conscious, well educated and well groomed professionals who regularly use their van as a mobile office.
The perceptions of British van owners being male was destroyed as 35% of the people surveyed were female, 53% of who are self employed compared to 44% of men. Women are, evidently using vans to broaden or expand their businesses.
The van is becoming more than just a vehicle, being equipped as a mobile office in many cases, with stationery, paperwork and laptops. The demand for competitive van insurance is also on the rise alongside the entrepreneurial efforts of many van owners.
Jill Willis, Norwich Union Direct van marketing manager, said: “The impact that van owner drivers are having on the growth of entrepreneurialism in the UK is significant; the van owner-driver is a much more sophisticated business operator than some people have been led to believe in the past. Van insurance is one of our fastest growing sectors and we are happy that this research has helped to dispel the old ‘white van man’ myths.
“The effect of this growing sector can be seen throughout business industry with van owner-drivers continuing to play an instrumental role in maintaining the economy.”
The van driver is an important sector of the market for insurers, although it is often overlooked, with the van being both a method of transport and a mobile office, competitive premiums and comprehensive packages are essential for owners. The idea of using a van as a workplace is not a new one, although it seems to have taken off in the UK over recent years.
It offers a cheaper alternative than renting premises due to the accessible finance schemes, such as secured loans, available to purchase a vehicle, it is the ideal route for start-up businesses that need a mobile element.
Norwich Union’s survey covered a thorough cross section of businesses from plumbers to florists and caters to builders, and the results dispelled any ‘white van man’ stereotypes. For example almost a quarter of participants had a degree, 25% had O Levels or GCSEs and 20% had A Levels, it seems white vans are not just for the uneducated.
Breaking another stereotype of van owners the survey revealed that a healthy diet won over greasy spoon fry ups, with almost a third enjoying muesli or porridge for breakfast. Image conscious as well as health conscious 6% wax regularly and 3% of men have regular facials. Now that’s one that wouldn’t go down too well on a laddish building site!
For those using their van for business purposes it is important that their van insurance policy covers them for business and pleasure. Collision coverage is also an important factor, if your van is all or part of your business and it is out of action due to an accident your business would be quickly affected and money would be lost.
Some insurers offer courtesy vehicles while any repairs are taking place, and some will guarantee the work will take place as quickly as possible. These are all factors the van owner should consider before choosing an insurer.
Insurance policies vary greatly from company to company in the cover they provide, for example contents insurance, which for a professional is an essential part of covering their van. If a workman loses his tools he will be unable to work, even if he has a replacement vehicle. The insurance market is highly competitive due to the great demand, and the package should be scrutinised, after all it is your livelihood at stake.
Related Articles
How to be a White Van Man
By: J Tillotson | 03/12/2007 | Vans
Perhaps you’ve just started on a new business endeavour, or the new addition to your family means you can no longer fit everyone into your old faithful hatchback…Whatever the reason, buying a van is a decision which needs to be looked into carefully.
Secured Loans Provide a Source for Driving Holidays
By: Ruth Jacob | 22/06/2008 | Loans
New research from, insurance provider, the AA has suggests that recent rises in the costs of petrol and diesel, could cost UK car owners an additional £110 million, in travel costs over the holiday period, including over Bank holidays.
Car Leasing: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
By: Shaun Parker | 05/08/2008 | Cars
A helpfull guide to avoid the potential horror stories associated with car rental and leasing
Combined Motor Trade Insurance - Why It Works And How It Can Save You Money
By: Mark Burdett | 13/12/2006 | Automotive
If you work in the Motor Trade, you more than most will know that customers nowadays are demanding more, for less. And if you're a Motor Trade who also demands this from your suppliers and service providers, here are some ways you can get it from your Insurance Broker.
Depending on...
Secured Loans Insurance Cover
By: Adrian Hudson | 20/07/2006 | Loans
The article discusses getting insurance cover for a secured loan and also provides a few tips about reducing the overall cost
Van Drivers Recommended To Use Motor Loans On Insurance
By: Abbi Rouse | 28/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
Van owners could be well advised to ensure that they are using money from their motor loan to take out adequate insurance for their vehicle, it has been suggested.
Singletons and Loans
By: David Collins | 23/05/2008 | Loans
With prices of fuel, food and energy soaring with inflation in recent times, the cost of living has increased for many of us.
It can be rather the struggle to try and balance the bills even on two salaries, but new statistics have shown that it could be singletons that are finding it more difficult to get affordable deals on services such as loans and insurance.
What Does 2008 Hold For The Automotive Industry?
By: Mark Burdett | 16/11/2007 | Cars
Rising fuel prices, unstable financial markets and taxation changes with the apparent aim of getting us to use our cars less often (or at least pay more to use them) have been just some of the issues that have affected the automotive industry in the past 12 months.
This article looks at what 2008 may hold for the automotive industry and road users in general.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
12 Passenger van license requirements?
By: lisaz | 23-08-2008
What type of license do I need for a 12 passenger van in California? Thanks
Where to mail payments to Farmers Insurance ...
By: Carolyn | 22-08-2008
Where to mail payments to Farmers Insurance Exchange
Finding a new medical insurance carrier (NY)
By: Kathy | 22-08-2008
I have my own personal medical insurance (NY) Single with percription coverage that in very costly. They are canceling my coverage at the end of the year. Where do I begin looking for new coverage that is afforable for a single with good perscription costs?
Link Exchange
By: dwp_ins | 22-08-2008
Is there anyone who knows anything about link exchanges between individuals who have websites. I currently have a great insurance website that has helped a lot of people save money but I need to know how to get more traffic to my site. Is link exchange a good option for me to market my site.
Need medi van
By: Phyllis | 22-08-2008
Looking for a medi van from reliable company,to take relative to wedding. She is a stroke patient living in nursing home in Deerfield,going to Glenoce Illinois ,10 miles . Saturday 8/30/08 4:45 pm until 8:30pm
Corporate Greed
By: jjamieson550 | 21-08-2008
Why not print more money and devalue it?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Jemma
The Number of Mortgage Deals Dropping
By: Jemma | 26/06/2008 | Mortgage
Industry figures have shown that the number of new mortgage applications approved by the major banks fell again in December. British Banker’s Association (BBA) members approved 42,088 new mortgage loans last month, the lowest figure that has been seen since 1997 when the data started to be collected.
The Cost of Uninsured Motorists
By: Jemma | 26/06/2008 | Insurance
The government has released figures that show there are more than 2m vehicles on the road in Britain without insurance, that is 1 in 15 vehicles being illegally driven, uninsured on British roads.
Teenage Parties not Always Covered by Home Insurance
By: Jemma | 26/06/2008 | Insurance
It is something you might see on the plot of Eastenders of Coronation Street, but some people actually have to live the nightmare of seeing their home wrecked during a teenage party. This is exactly what happened to the parents of Sarah Ruscoe in Devon recently.
Senior Travellers Like to Try New Things
By: Jemma | 26/06/2008 | Insurance
People approaching retirement age are now more likely to be searching for senior travel insurance than their slippers, pipe and newspaper according to new research launched by Prudential.
Secured Loans Work Out Cheaper
By: Jemma | 24/06/2008 | Loans
According to MoneyExpert.com borrowers can cut their monthly repayments on loans if they choose products which are secured against their home, as opposed to just borrowing on unsecured terms.
Northern Rock Need to Rescue Customers
By: Jemma | 24/06/2008 | Loans
There have been many calls for Northern Rock to offer some kind of rescue package to borrowers who took out the company’s Together loan, a 100% plus mortgage. John McFall, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee is the latest in a long line of supporters for the rescue plan.
Northern Rock Might be the Place to Borrow
By: Jemma | 24/06/2008 | Mortgage
State-owned Northern Rock is set to offer great deals for savers in the coming months, however it is the bank’s existing 800,000 mortgage customers who are the bone of contention.
Life Insurance for Armed Service Personnel
By: Jemma | 24/06/2008 | Insurance
Under a Ministry of Defence (MOD) scheme, 300,000 personnel in the armed forces are being offered life assurance. Before this scheme the forces found it difficult and expensive to get insurance because of the dangerous nature of their jobs.
Finance 
