The company van is at the heart of many businesses. It’s therefore vital that companies choose the right van to meet their needs. With the right vehicle, van insurance premiums will reflect this so you won’t be paying too much or not have the correct cover and the everyday running of a business will be simpler and more efficient.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a company van:
Van Use
When starting out in business, it can be tempting to buy the largest van that the company can afford. However, large vans can be expensive to run and van insurance quotes can be high. It’s best for new businesses to avoid unnecessary expenses like this. In general, business owners should choose a van that’s large enough to carry everything they need on a daily basis.
Van Features
Newer vans are filled with high tech features like air conditioning, sat-nav and cruise control. Although features like this can be appealing, a newer van could add a lot to the cost of a van insurance quote. Business owners should consider whether these features are really necessary and maybe look to find an older vehicle. However, van insurance rates are usually lower for vehicles that have security features like alarms or immobilisers.
Fuel Type
The majority of commercial vans run on diesel, but this isn’t necessarily suitable for every business. Diesel particulate filters can clog in vehicles that are predominately used for short, urban trips. In this case, a petrol van might be more suitable. For some businesses, a hybrid or electric van could be more appropriate, and will make a strong statement about their green credentials.
Buy or Lease?
Companies can either choose to buy a van outright or lease it, paying a monthly fee for the use of the vehicle. Both these options have their pros and cons. Buying a van generally offers the best value for money, but leasing is usually more affordable for start-up businesses.