After years of driving (Class 1) for other people, from small family run, up to national and multi national companies, I was made redundant at the end of June. It has given me time to think about what I want to do for the rest of my working life. (I’m 58)
I have found a niche market that requires the use of a LWB Van for short and long distance including European. This work appears to
pay a decent amount per mile, and as part of the work is with the public the rate is agreed and payment is cash on completion or
delivery.
So, I have an option to buy a low mileage van and all the kit to go with it, straps blankets ramps etc etc, no problem.
As a small startup business I have found myself in that minefield of insurance.
Can anyone of you kind considerate business people give me the name of an Insurance Broker, one that actually knows what they are talking about when it comes to commercial road transport for an Owner Driver.
Courier is a dirty word and the premiums are horrendous, as soon as I mention “hire and reward” and the product I will carry in the same sentence, most Van Specialists decline to offer a premium.
All I want to get started, is Insurance for the Van, GIT/Marine (£30,000.00) public liability for a sole trader.
C & C insurance brokers in Stockport were the ones I always used. Competitive prices but more importantly on the odd occasion that I needed to fully use them for GIT or RTA problems they were fantastic and sorted stuff out immediately.
Ref prices the combination of the above two is a bit horrific, but I spent a long while last yr on renewal & again this yr & either no one would touch me due to the values we move or couldn’t offer exactly what I needed covering- basically v high values for EU transport not just under blanket CMR rates, but to full item values.
For us really bizarrely the freight values made some road risks insurers just have a wobbly, odd when they are not even covering that aspect, but is what I found after a lot of time on this.
I didn’t know anyvan paid that well depends on what you need light haulage all in speak to Cornish multi drop bollingtons. And insurance for removals won’t be covered by your courier or light haulage insurance . If its motorbikes again you’ll need a specialist clause in the insurance.
Make Sure you’ve don’t your sums right before you buy. And remember someone is always looking to undercut you
I had courier insurance on my van but never did five or more drops in any one day so in fact could have saved a fair few squids by having light haulage instead but you never know what’s around the corner and better to be over insured than under (if you get me drift).