| The reality of cheap van insurance being more readily | | | | operating on Britain's roads - recommendations for |
| available took a blow when recent research revealed | | | | greater care and safety are being urged. |
| that 17% of small van operating businesses had put | | | | Perhaps one possible solution may result from |
| in claims for vehicle theft, with over half of these | | | | developments in new technology. Recently the Ford |
| claims being made within the latest 24 months. | | | | Motor Company in the USA, teaming up with the |
| The research further revealed that 42% of insurance | | | | industrial power manufacturer DeWalt, showed off its |
| claimants reported the theft of the insured van, with | | | | high security Radio Frequency Identification |
| a similar proportion reporting that the contents of | | | | Technology (RFID) at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. |
| their van had been stolen. | | | | The technology, which is operated by a small chip |
| If verifiable the figures indicate a possible cost to the | | | | and an antenna embedded into the vehicles, is able to |
| economy of £1 billion. | | | | track any construction tools and materials carried in |
| The problem of van and transit van theft also | | | | the van, so that they can be monitored at all times. |
| appears to vary from region to region, which | | | | Ford has also been using RFID in its manufacturing |
| accounts for the differing costs in van insurance | | | | plans and is working on patenting the technology. |
| premiums dependent on the area in which it is | | | | Although primarily designed as an inventory device to |
| purchased. | | | | keep track of tools and materials, the system |
| The report stated that 31% of commercial | | | | obviously has a use a deterrent against van and van |
| businesses in the West Midlands region had put in | | | | contents theft. |
| insurance claims, whereas in the London area the | | | | The company intend to introduce RFID during the |
| figure was down to only 25%. | | | | 2009 model years as optional for F-series pick ups |
| The survey also indicated that the construction | | | | and E-series vans, and also for the new line of |
| industry was the hardest hit, with 27% of the | | | | Transit Connect miniature cargo delivery vans. |
| insured van policy holders making claims. | | | | In the meantime, it is evident that if theft continues |
| The report also indicates that 16% of small | | | | on this scale, there is a real likelihood that premiums |
| commercial business van drivers left tools and | | | | may rise considerably. |
| equipment in vans overnight, and 21% apparently did | | | | Commercial and business van drivers are therefore |
| not ensure the contents of their vans at all. | | | | well advised to seek the advice and experience of |
| With statistics showing continued growth in the van | | | | established and reputable insurers when considering or |
| market sector - 322,000 vans are now effectively | | | | taking out new van and transit van insurance policies. |