Van driver praised for tackling vehicle blaze

On the 25th of January, a 34-year-old was travelling down the M271 when he saw flames appear from underneath the car in front. This vehicle, a silver Peugeot, then spun out of control and landed on its roof.

Quickly applying the brakes, the motorist stopped his van, switched on the hazards, and jumped out the vehicle – with a fire extinguisher in hand – to tackle the flames coming from the flipped car.

Furthermore, he checked the wreck for any passengers and dragged the sole occupant – the driver – to a safe location.

Although it is currently unknown what actually caused the accident, it seems the Peugeot suffered a tyre blow-out – resulting in the car spinning out of control.

Regardless, the van insurance policyholder deserves substantial praise for this actions. Without his quick thinking, the driver could have easily suffered serious, or even fatal, injuries. Instead, he has only sustained minor whiplash.

Commending the man's actions, a spokesperson for Hampshire Police also asked for witnesses of the accident to contact Totton Roads Policing Unit with any relevant information.

Whether you have purchased Ford Escort van insurance, cover for a Transit, or a similar policy for a different vehicle, it is probably fair to say that the majority of your journeys take place without incident.

Unfortunately, sometimes traffic accidents do occur, and although many motorists do not know how they would respond in this situation, this van driver is rightly being praised for his selflessness.

Photo © matthew venn via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Cat stows away on van driver's vehicle

A woman's van insurance holder must have been quite taken aback recently after discovering that a stowaway had managed to make its way onto her vehicle. However, this uninvited guest was probably more terrified than she was.

Kick, a black and white cat aptly named after a kid's television show where the lead character is determined to become a renowned daredevil, somehow managed to climb onto the driver's vehicle while it was stationary and then held onto the roof rack when it started moving.
According to reports, the van insurance policyholder only realised something was amiss when other motorists started flashing their lights. However, when she discovered Kick, she had already been travelling on the motorway for 22 miles – sometimes at speeds of 70mph.

After removing him from the roof rack, the van driver took Kick to a vet to make sure he was alright. Fortunately, he was given a clean bill of health and has since been reunited with his owners.
I wonder what he was doing on top of that van in the first place...perhaps he was intending to go on the purrfect journey or simply trying to live up to his namesake and be remembered as a daredevil. Still, he's lucky this incident didn't end in catastrophe...

Photo © Highways Agency via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Cat gives birth inside van

Courier van insurance policyholders often regularly travel around the country, delivering a wide variety of goods, items, and packages. Occasionally these individuals have to transport loads which can be rather unusual, sometimes leading to an interesting story.

For example, one van driver probably had the shock of their life recently when they travelled to Parc Prison in Bridgend. It appears that while the vehicle was left unattended, a stowaway managed to get inside, remain hidden from staff members, and was only discovered the next morning.

Fortunately, this story is not about the prisoners or an elaborate jailbreak. You see, this stowaway was a cat – who decided to give birth to six kittens while inside the van insurance holder's vehicle.
Upon discovery, prison staff contacted Cats Protection, an animal charity, who then liberated the seven new inmates from the complex – possibly bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘cat burglar' in the process.

Now named after famous crime-fighting characters, (Morse, Sherlock, Christie, Marple, Jessica, and Kojak) the kittens are being cared for by the charity until they can be re-homed.
It is still a mystery how the mother managed to get inside the van, but the incident probably gave staff members some paws for thought.

Photo: Sue Dobbs

A radioactive substance could have been stolen from a van

Van insurance policyholders often transport many important items in their vehicles. Some of these are vital for businesses, others could be extremely valuable – but certain cargos can be dangerous.

Recently, a van was broken into within the Lancashire area – and a small canister was stolen from the vehicle. Although there are no reports as to how many criminals were involved, police have warned that this cargo might be hazardous.
It is believed that the canister was being used to transport a small quantity of Iridium-192 – a radioactive substance which has industrial and medical applications.

Fortunately, the material shouldn't pose a danger to the general public providing the canister isn't opened. The container has been marked with a radiation symbol so hopefully those who stole the substance will have the common sense to keep it closed.

In the event the cylinder is opened, a spokesperson for the Health Protection Agency urged people who have had "prolonged physical contact" with the material to seek medical attention.
If you locate the missing canister, then you should not attempt to transport it and instead contact police who will collect the item. In addition, the criminals have been urged to return the material as they could be placing their wellbeing at risk.

If anyone has any information about the stolen container, he or she can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"To check out some insurance reviews, please go to Insurance Me"
Photo © Beige Alert via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Mobile phone use may be common amongst motorists

It sounds quite obvious, but using a hand-held mobile phone while behind the wheel is illegal for a reason. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), this action may increase a person's chances of performing various dangerous driving behaviours, such as failing to notice road signs, maintain a central lane position, or observe other road users.

As a result, this dramatically increases their chances of suffering traffic accidents – potentially harming themselves or other people in the process. In addition, research published on the RoSPA website suggests that van drivers are more likely than other road users to talk on a phone when behind the wheel.

However, although all motorists should recognise the dangers of using mobiles while driving, the results of a Halfords survey suggest that this behaviour could be commonplace.
After polling a selection of motorists, the retail firm discovered that 36% of respondents had conversed on their devices when behind the wheel – sometimes more than once a week. In addition, when on the roads, 35% stated they looked at text messages while 19% admitted to accessing websites or social media.

Despite these somewhat troubling results, 88% of respondents believed that using a hand-held phone while on the roads placed themselves and other individuals in danger.

All motorists, including car drivers and van insurance policyholders, should refrain from using mobiles when behind the wheel. If caught, they could face various penalties, such as receiving a £60 penalty fine or having three points added to his or her licence.

In addition, in the event of a traffic accident, those responsible may have to pay for an expensive vehicle repair bill – and might also find it hard to obtain affordable motor cover in the future.
Photo © satguru via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Most Brits aren't exercising enough

With the Olympics upon us, I've been thinking recently about my day-to-day routine and, more specifically, about the amount of exercise I get. Admittedly, I could be doing better.

Having said this, new research suggests I'm not the only one.

A collection of studies, published in the Lancet medical journal, show many British adults – around 63% of us apparently – fail to achieve the minimum recommended amounts of physical exercise – that's 150 minutes of moderate activity every week.

If we do not meet these guidelines, we could be more likely to suffer from various conditions such as coronary heart disease or diabetes – and I thought only the price of my van insurance could cost me!

Our alarming levels of inactivity may be attributed to a wide variety of factors, such as Britain's generally poor weather conditions or our busy schedules. In my case, I spend too much time on the roads. Although I take breaks every couple of hours, I really don't have enough time to exercise.

To correct this problem, I did a quick bit of research online and found an exercise programme which drivers can carry out while behind the wheel. This routine, put together by a car insurance company and the University of Wales in Cardiff, suggests several interesting methods, including:

• Exercising your arms by stretching them over the steering wheel, in the direction of the windows and towards your back;


• Gripping the steering wheel, releasing and then stretching your fingers to exercise your hands and wrists; as well as


• Exercising your shoulders by sitting in an upright position, moving them towards the ears and then bringing them back down.

While this routine may ease stress and help motorists become healthier, it should only be carried out while stationary in a safe location. Personally, I'm going to see if I can improve my fitness levels by visiting my local gym.

Photo © Tobyotter via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Are your tyres suitable for wet conditions?

Drivers in the United Kingdom may have recently experienced heavy rain, severe storms or even flooding – I know I did. Although this weather may put a dampener on summer plans, these conditions can also make driving hazardous.

To help motorists stay safe on the roads, TyreSafe, a tyre safety organisation, is urging motorists to check the treads on their vehicles to ensure they are suitable for wet conditions.

Oh, great! How long is that going to take? Well, fortunately, these checks should only take a minute and use something which every motorist should have access to – a 20p piece.

Apparently, to check the quality of their van tyres, drivers should insert the coin into the main grooves of the tread. If they can see the outer band of the piece after insertion, the tyre may not be able to safely handle wet road surfaces. This is dangerous as a vehicle with unsuitable tyres may be unable to grip road surfaces properly, might take longer to stop when the driver brakes, or could aquaplane.

If a vehicle's tyres contributed to the outcome of a traffic accident, the owner may find it hard to obtain cheap van insurance following a claim with their insurer.

In addition, while carrying out the 20p test, drivers should also check their tyres for any signs of degradation; such as cuts, bulges or wear and tear. I had a look at mine and saw a cut on the inside of one of my tyres just in time – I've since purchased a replacement.

If you're concerned about the safety of your vehicle tyres, it is always better to be safe than sorry – take a look yourself, or ask a qualified mechanic to inspect them as soon as possible.

If a tyre does not have a minimum depth of 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tread around its complete circumference, the owner may be breaking the law.

As a result, those who drive with illegal tyres may receive three penalty points on their licence and a £2,500 penalty fine for each offending tyre – I don't know about you but I'm keen to avoid that!

Although this summer may be turning into a washout, it doesn't have to be a dangerous one. Before setting off, reach into your wallet and test the safety of your tyres. By ensuring they are working appropriately, you might be less likely to claim with your van insurance provider.

Besides, if you save money on your premiums, you may be able to visit a warmer, sunnier country this summer!

Photo © nateOne via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

How to Get Cheap Van insurance for Lady Drivers!

Looking for an insurance company that offer low-cost premiums to women is easy. However, finding a company that actually delivers on its promise to provide cheap van insurance for women is a different story. Many companies that purport to specialize in van insurance for lady drivers seldom provide cheap premiums as they promise in their ads.

Lady drivers and cheap premiums are supposed to go together. This is so because statistics show that female drivers process less insurance claims than their male counterparts. In addition, female drivers are less likely to get involved in road accidents. Nevertheless, being a woman is not enough to ensure that a female driver will get cheaper insurance. There are, however, some things that women can do to get cheaper premiums.

First and foremost, choose the right insurance company. The most suitable company does not always mean the cheapest. Rather, it is the one that can give customers the best value for their money. Hence, a "cheap" insurance company can easily turn out more expensive than one that is slightly more expensive but delivers more quality services.

Second, earn driving certifications or take driving lessons. Certifications and other documents that can prove a female driver's competence and skills may convince insurance companies to give discounts on, or generally cheaper premiums.

Third, avoid excesses when choosing a vehicle to insure. Insurance companies usually rate the make or engine size of vehicles to determine the cost of premiums. So, female drivers who want to limit their car insurance premiums should go for smaller vehicles. Not only will one get cheaper insurance, smaller vans also consume less fuel, making them the appropriate choice especially at a time when the economy remains volatile.

Fourth, stock up on security gadgets but limit modifications. A souped up van is most likely to compel insurers to charge higher premiums than the one that has not been modified. In addition, fitting security devices to a vehicle can reduce the risk of the vehicle being stolen. Hence, the chances that the driver will process a claim are significantly reduced. Consequently, insurance providers will see this as a reason to give a cheaper premium.

Fifth, take advantage of no claims discount. This is especially applicable to older drivers who have had insurance coverage for years. No claims discount is the surest way to significantly bring down the cost of car insurance. Female drivers can easily build up their no claims benefits because statistically, women are more careful than men when it comes to handling automobiles.

Finally, don't get stuck on a single insurance company. Most insurance companies seldom reward customer loyalty. In addition, competition is driving many companies to bring down the cost of their premiums. Hence, by keeping their options open, female drivers can find cheaper car insurance companies. Moreover, the Internet has made it easier to find the cheapest van insurers. So, female drivers can easily go online and scour the Web of the cheapest, high-quality van insurance providers in the world.

How to Buy Classic Van Insurance

Looking for suitable classic van insurance can be more difficult than buying the vehicle itself. This is either due to the dearth of information about this type of insurance or because of owners' lack of interest to get the right policy for their precious classic vans. Neglecting to get an appropriate insurance for classic cars can lead to a host problems for owners in the future, and this includes losing the vehicle altogether.

This scenario can be avoided by getting the right classic van insurance. Before owners can begin comparing quotes, it is necessary to first know when a van is considered classic. There are really no uniform requirements that make a classic vehicle a classic. Depending on the owners' location, a vehicle may be considered classic when it is at least 20 years old.

The Classic Car Club of America, for instance, defines a classic van as one that was built between 1925 and 1948. As to van insurance, owners may qualify for classic van insurance if their vehicle is 20 to 24 years. The approximate definition of a classic car settled, owners may now begin the actual process of getting their insurance.

Before anything else, owners must choose which insurance company they want to trust with their hard-earned money. There are several things to consider when choosing an insurance company, but the most important ones to ensure are its reliability and trustworthiness. The cost and quality of its services should also be considered.

Next, prepare the necessary documents such as the current registration and existing insurance coverage if applicable. In addition, owners should also be ready with their driver's license and other personal information just in case the company asks for them. Some insurance companies may also ask for photographs of the vehicle.

Another important thing to do is to have the vehicle appraised. Knowing the current value of the vehicle will help owners get them best coverage or policy for their classic cars. The estimated cost of the classic van can determine the appropriate insurance for the vehicle.

Before filling out an application for classic car insurance, owners should also inquire about the requirements and circumstances that must concur to qualify the vehicle for the type of policy sought. For instance, some insurance companies impose an annual mileage limit for a classic car to remain covered by a chosen policy. Insurance companies are likely to charge higher premiums on classic cars that are used regularly.

If owners choose, there are add-ons or accessory benefits that they can pick aside from the usual coverage included in their chosen classic van insurance policies. Owners must pick additional products carefully so as to avoid spending for something that they do not need. Insurance coverage for classic cars is reasonably priced in their barest, but its cost could easily rise when other products and services are added.

Finally, owners should double check the information they've provided in the application form. This will ensure that the insurance company can provide them with policies that fit their needs and the type of classic vehicle they own.

Men and women van drivers compare England football managers

Proof that van drivers are just like everyone else comes with the news that, according to one van insurance company survey, van drivers would like to see Harry Redknapp as the next England football manager, above all other candidates.

My only wish is that the FA sits up and takes note, now. The reason I say this is because Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has thrown his hat into the ring, saying he thinks that, as a former player at major tournaments and assistant to Capello during the last debacle, he has the experience and nous necessary to get us through a successful Euro 2012.

If by this he means throwing David James up front for the last minutes of an ignominious defeat to Ukraine and asking his defenders to aimlessly hoik the ball in the general direction of his head, then I worry that I may know what he’s talking about – many of you may well remember him doing this with David James during his ill-fated spell as Manchester City manager.

In fact, Pearce fared much better in the van insurance company survey when you compare how he polled against some of the other candidates. Pearce took 24% of the vote, compared to 12% for Alan Pardew and 52% for Harry Redknapp.

Maybe those 24% of van drivers are onto something – after all, who could forget “Psycho” stepping bravely and patriotically to the penalty spot during Euro 96. He was always passionate on the pitch, but whether this has translated into an ability to inspire passion during a management career that has encompassed spells at Nottingham Forest (caretaker), Manchester City and England Under-21s is a question which is very much open to debate.

Interestingly, the van insurance company surveyed female van drivers on the same question and comparing their answers with those of their male colleagues makes for some interesting reading. David Beckham, a man with no management experience whatsoever (Brooklyn, just email me if this needs correcting) is the leading choice for ladies, followed, perhaps unsurprisingly by the debonair Jose Mourinho.  

Image © adifansnet @ Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Ivan’s iVan van insurance blog

Welcome to the iVan cheap van insurance blog. My name is Ivan (handy eh?) and I drive a van for my living.

My van is what keeps my business going and without it I can’t work, so, getting the right information about all types of vans, van maintenance and van insurance is really important.

Choosing the right commercial vehicle for a business is crucial – I mean it’s no good buying a Ford Transit Connect or a Vauxhall Combo when you need to move pianos or long lengths of copper pipe. And turning up to a job with the wrong tools is always a bad idea so why would you get your van insurance from someone who usually covers cats and dogs.

No, when you need a special job done, you turn to a specialist and if you need to know anything about van insurance, van driving or where to find the best bacon Butty in Hampshire, just ask Ivan and I’ll do my best to keep you up-to-date with all the goings-on in the commercial vehicle world.

And if I don’t know I can always ask the missus – Vanessa. She drives a van too and if there’s anything I can’t answer about driving a van for a living, she’ll be able to answer it for me! Know what I mean?