A new survey carried out by Tesco Finance has come to the conclusion that van drivers are the safest motorists on the UK roads.
The study looked at insurance claims, finding a lower percentage of van insurance claims than any other type of vehicle. Tesco Finance also found that more drivers of vans receive extra training on the roads than other motorists. Perhaps then the traditional view of van drivers is out of date and should be revised. With van insurance claims so low they may well be good drivers and should see lower premiums as a result.
The counter view that Tesco Finance did not mention in their report was that it could just be that van drivers do not always make a claim when they have an accident. If you look at the knocks and scrapes on many vans this could be a real possibility.
A study carried out by esure car insurance has found that younger drivers are more likely to buy an environmentally friendly car than older drivers.
Over 80 percent of drivers under 25 would consider using a hybrid, electric or bio fuel car according to the esure survey results, reflecting their attitude to the future of the planet or perhaps their concern at the rising cost of fuel. In fact 20 percent of all drivers said they would think about moving to a more fuel efficient vehicle to save money.
The hybrid and electric cars are certainly cheaper to run than existing petrol models, though initial purchase cost is high. Car insurance premiums are also relatively high due to the cost of any repairs that may be needed. Being new and innovative means parts cost much more than regular models.
A word to the wise comes from Direct Line with a reminder that any modifications made to a vehicle change the risk profile and therefore the insurance premium.
Lots of car owners are making changes to their vehicles now, personalising them with new wheels, sound systems and much more. Drivers are advised by Direct Line to get in touch with their car insurance provider to let them know about these modifications and enable them to recalculate the premium. If this is not done then the vehicle insurance could well be invalid should a claim be made.
A Direct Line spokesperson did say that modifications that improve the safety or security of a vehicle would not usually see premiums increased, though most mods are usually about enhancing the looks or performance of a vehicle and so would incur costs.
