If you have been faced with a particularly large quotation for insuring your vehicle, there are a number of factors to consider that could not only help cut your next premium, but also help reduce your vehicle insurance costs over the longer term.

Some factors, such as the driver’s age, may be beyond your control and younger drivers are likely to be asked for a higher insurance premium simply because of the greater statistical likelihood of them being involved in an accident on the road.  However, there are other factors that can more easily be taken into consideration.

The vehicle’s overnight parking place may play a part in the calculation of the insurance premium, because some insurance companies will require higher premiums for less secure parking places.  Parking your car in the street, overnight, is a higher risk than parking it in a private drive or parking area, for example, while keeping it in a locked garage would be a much safer option.  Similarly, taking other steps to reduce the likelihood of theft could also be reflected in the size of the insurance premium.  Having a car alarm or vehicle immobiliser installed will make it more difficult for thieves and therefore reduce your premium.

On top of all this, remember that your choice of vehicle will be a major factor in calculating the cost of insurance.  Checking which insurance group your existing vehicle or the one you are thinking of purchasing is in, is a simple matter.  Ask your local dealer or go online to either a motoring organisation or insurance company’s website, where the information is readily available.

When choosing to buy a van, you should carefully consider what you will use the van for.  Different types of van will carry different insurance costs.  You may be able to afford to buy a particular van, but the insurance for it may be too expensive so it makes sense to know what different van insurance groups exist.

Choose a van and an affordable insurance policy for it online or through a specialised insurance broker, and you will be driving in no time.

Van Insurance Ratings Groups
Van insurance companies typically use 20 ratings groups that help to define your insurance policy.  These ratings groups can be checked online on free van insurance comparison websites.  The ratings groups are standardised across the industry, so you do not need to compare different websites to verify any differences.

The ratings groups take into account the level of risk your van incurs and the anticipated costs for its repair following damage or an accident.

Types of Van
Generally speaking, insurance premiums rise in accordance with the size and weight of your van.  The larger and heavier it is, the more you are likely to have to pay towards its insurance.  A Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) can weigh up to 3.5 tonnes (fully loaded).  Vans that weigh more than this when fully loaded are classified as Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV).

Other factors deciding the likely insurance premiums are engine capacity, the price of the van, the cost of its maintenance and its security features.