Some handy tips for traders from Quotezone on van insurance; Van drivers have been warned of the common mistakes which could see their insurance void, including having a messy vehicle. Motoring experts from Quotezone.co.uk have revealed five reasons drivers could be invalidating their insurance.
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One of the most unusual mistakes is having a messy van. Experts advise if the police feel the mess is a hazard or a driver ends up in an accident because of a messy vehicle, they could be fines £100 and given three penalty points. The insurer may even deem the insurance invalid, given the accident was preventable and as a result of lack of care from the driver.
Modifications could also invalidate insurance, including adding business branding and signage without letting the insurer know.
Motor insurance is a legal obligation and drivers without it risk a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points. Uninsured vans could also be seized from the driver and destroyed by the police.
Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: “Aside from being a legal obligation, motor and van insurance protects van drivers and companies from accidents, damage and theft.
“It is essentially a financial safety net and is vital if using a van for work, especially if there are expensive tools involved – without proper cover, tradespeople are risking major losses, hefty fines and even a threat to their livelihood. Many people are unaware that simple mistakes, even the likes of not providing accurate information to insurers on mileage or occupation, could make a policy invalid meaning they are driving illegally.
“Additionally, any drivers found deliberately misleading the insurer to help make insurance premiums cheaper, for example, saying they park a vehicle in a garage when they leave it out on the street, could also be convicted of fraud.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s common mistakes which could invalidate van insurance:
1.Vehicle mess:
If a van driver ends up in an accident because of a messy vehicle, an insurance company might refuse to cover the claim as the driver was not looking after the vehicle properly, showing a lack of care that made the vehicle unsafe to drive. They could also face fines, penalty points and risk of serious harm. The mess not only acts as a distraction while driving, but any loose objects can also become lethal when caught up in an accident, research suggests a 20 pound object could have as much force as a 1000 pound object when travelling at 55mph – so van drivers need to ensure inside the van is clean and tidy with loose objects securely fastened.
2.Signage and branding:
Adding signage and branding to a van can increase the risk of break-ins, make it more vulnerable to vandalism and theft, and make it more expensive to replace and repair. Sign writing or branding is classed as a modification and insurers could increase insurance premiums or void insurance if they are not told about it.
3.Class of use:
Anyone who uses a van for commercial purposes, even if it is only occasionally, should have business van insurance. If a tradesperson opts for ‘social, domestic and pleasure’ for the class of use and is found to use it for business purposes, the policy could be invalidated.
4.Location:
Parking locations impact the likelihood of a van being involved in an accident, broken into or stolen. Drivers must be honest about where they operate and park. A van is more likely to be targeted in larger cities, and if it is parked on the road instead of a driveway or garage.
5.Personal Information:
Failing to correctly disclose certain information including age, occupation and driving record on an insurance policy could lead to a claim being refused and the policy cancelled.
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