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