Getting insurance for your van?

[chris clean]

I had to go through this with insurance company recently as having first tank put into new van. I called Aplan to find out what the score was as differing views from windies I know locally and the guys on here. The Aplan guy said straight off they are aware a lot of window cleaners only strap tanks down but also that there are a number of cases where insurance hasn't paid out either cos they didn't know tank was in back or it wasn't bolted in and in a suitable cage. He contacted Ageas for me who actually insure me and my premium was unchanged as its bolted in so they are happy that it won't effect handling of vehicle but it's now all listed under modifications on the policy.

The ultimate thing for me is I take my 3 year old to preschool most days before work and I would never do anything to increase the danger to her so it's a no brainier. Also for the cage and fitting less than £400. Couple of days takings for fully covered insurance and safer! Simples

 

[slippy]

I had to go through this with insurance company recently as having first tank put into new van. I called Aplan to find out what the score was as differing views from windies I know locally and the guys on here. The Aplan guy said straight off they are aware a lot of window cleaners only strap tanks down but also that there are a number of cases where insurance hasn't paid out either cos they didn't know tank was in back or it wasn't bolted in and in a suitable cage. He contacted Ageas for me who actually insure me and my premium was unchanged as its bolted in so they are happy that it won't effect handling of vehicle but it's now all listed under modifications on the policy.
The ultimate thing for me is I take my 3 year old to preschool most days before work and I would never do anything to increase the danger to her so it's a no brainier. Also for the cage and fitting less than £400. Couple of days takings for fully covered insurance and safer! Simples

A Plan didn't pay out because it was strapped in? Is it imperative that we tell the insurance companies a) we have a tank and b) whether it's bolted or strapped? I think a lot of windie's are taking the attitude if they don't ask I won't say. Is this invalidating their insurance?

Surely a 'flat' laying tank with lots of rachets is safe ? I have a 2 year old so need be 100% racheting is not safe. Are their any cases of smaller tanks racheted down coming through the bulk head? I am thinking 350 or 400 litres.

I don't think it's a no brainer to get a tank bolted in. The ability to take tank out and not pay a professional to do it is important. And a lot of windies strap theirs in. Maybe most.

 

[RyeCleanLiam]

My tank is a 400 ltr upright and it is strapped down to the floor and to the metal bulk head. In January I hit ice and lost control and hit an oncoming vehicle. It wasn't at a particularly fast speed but was enough to do damage. The tank didn't move an inch on impact or cause any damage. Obviously if you overturned it could be a different story. I took my insurance out with Lloyds Bank Group, I told them I was a Water Fed Pole Window Cleaner and left it at that. As far as I was concerned my van was legally allowed to carry 850 kilo and they knew that so as long as I wasn't over my payload limit then I would be insured. Like has been mentioned if the tank is bolted (which is obviously the safer option) then it is a mod and it would be wise to make them aware. But mine wasnt bolted so I didn't mention it specifically as I don't always carry my tank in the van I often remove. Anyway the insurance paid out with no issue, they were made aware I had a tank of water in the van at the time of the collision, and the guy who inspected for damage made them aware i had a tank system in as he said it would make them more likely to repair (my preferred option) rather than write off. They still footed the full bill for repair to my van and 3rd party. That is just my experience.

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[chris clean]

A Plan didn't pay out because it was strapped in? Is it imperative that we tell the insurance companies a) we have a tank and b) whether it's bolted or strapped? I think a lot of windie's are taking the attitude if they don't ask I won't say. Is this invalidating their insurance?
Surely a 'flat' laying tank with lots of rachets is safe ? I have a 2 year old so need be 100% racheting is not safe. Are their any cases of smaller tanks racheted down coming through the bulk head? I am thinking 350 or 400 litres.

I don't think it's a no brainer to get a tank bolted in. The ability to take tank out and not pay a professional to do it is important. And a lot of windies strap theirs in. Maybe most.

Hi ya Skippy, lots of questions you ask there!! Can only answer to best of my knowledge from what i was told and what others have advised me.

Regards safety i am no mechanic or road safety guru or expert in how tanks react in an accident and I was only on here trying to find out best way of puttiputting a tank in van recently.... but the general opinion of all I have asked is that there's a lot less chance of a tank bolted in coming crashing through a bulkhead or shifting in the event of an accident than strapped in. Many in on here refer to videos on YouTube of tanks not bolted in during accidents.

The insurance: this comes from my local A plan Office I spoke to that arrange my business insurance they are just the broker not the insurance company however they are one of the brokers that specialise in insuring window cleaners and those with systems in van and in my experience are very knowledgeable. And he told me that they have had clients that haven't declared they have systems which is a Modification and consequently insurance was invalidated. Also some companies that will cover you for carrying system will only cover bolted in. I don't know if all but again you must declare and check. For example a plan called ageas who actually insure me and they cover it with no extra premium when it's bolted in as they deem that it won't effect handling of vehicle so poses no extra risk.

I think it's the same as any insurance really they will do there best not to pay out and by not declaring exactly what you are carrying and how it's fitted you are making it easy for them to not pay out or at a lesser amount!

The no brainer comment..... well that's my opinion from what I know. I pay an extra 400 squid for frame and professional installation for something my insurance company are happy with and charge no extra and everyone I've asked says is much safer in event kf an accident. That's why to me it's a no brainer. Think of how much we earn a day from these systems! But each to there own as with everything mate

 

[Iron Giant]

Providing the insurance company with all the facts is always important.

Pretty sure off the top of my head you have a legally obligation otherwise your insurance could be null and void.

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[slippy]

My tank is a 400 ltr upright and it is strapped down to the floor and to the metal bulk head. In January I hit ice and lost control and hit an oncoming vehicle. It wasn't at a particularly fast speed but was enough to do damage. The tank didn't move an inch on impact or cause any damage. Obviously if you overturned it could be a different story. I took my insurance out with Lloyds Bank Group, I told them I was a Water Fed Pole Window Cleaner and left it at that. As far as I was concerned my van was legally allowed to carry 850 kilo and they knew that so as long as I wasn't over my payload limit then I would be insured. Like has been mentioned if the tank is bolted (which is obviously the safer option) then it is a mod and it would be wise to make them aware. But mine wasnt bolted so I didn't mention it specifically as I don't always carry my tank in the van I often remove. Anyway the insurance paid out with no issue, they were made aware I had a tank of water in the van at the time of the collision, and the guy who inspected for damage made them aware i had a tank system in as he said it would make them more likely to repair (my preferred option) rather than write off. They still footed the full bill for repair to my van and 3rd party. That is just my experience.

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How many rachet loops do you have and are they on all four sides of tank? You got any photos?

 

[RyeCleanLiam]

How many rachet loops do you have and are they on all four sides of tank? You got any photos?

I haven't got any photos at the moment mate, but I have 4 straps on. One over the top and 3 that loop round the bulk head and the front of the tank. My tank has never moved an inch. I agree with others it is safer to have the tank bolted in but it's not always possible.

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[slippy]

I haven't got any photos at the moment mate, but I have 4 straps on. One over the top and 3 that loop round the bulk head and the front of the tank. My tank has never moved an inch. I agree with others it is safer to have the tank bolted in but it's not always possible.

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you drilled holes in the bulk head and threaded the strap through behind the seats? I only have two loops.

 

[RyeCleanLiam]

you drilled holes in the bulk head and threaded the strap through behind the seats? I only have two loops.

I didn't drill any holes as my bulk head already had gaps I could use, but yes the straps are behind the seats and then looped round the tank, one strap top, one middle, one bottom. Mine is a Peugeot partner and it is the factory bulk head.

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[slippy]

I didn't drill any holes as my bulk head already had gaps I could use, but yes the straps are behind the seats and then looped round the tank, one strap top, one middle, one bottom. Mine is a Peugeot partner and it is the factory bulk head.

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How many attachment loops (things you hook the rachet to) do you have?

 

[RyeCleanLiam]

How many attachment loops (things you hook the rachet to) do you have?

I have 6 anchor points in my van if that's what you mean? I have used 2 anchor points one at either side of the tank. Then the rest is just looped round my bulkhead as previously stated.

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[Gavin]

@slippy i have merged this topic with your other one asking the same question. Please in future post just one topic rather than duplicating the question /emoticons/wink.png

 

[craig at pure]

I just got insurance on my new van today. Aplan. I told them about the tank. They never even asked how it was fixed to the van or if it had any baffles in it.

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[slippy]

I have 6 anchor points in my van if that's what you mean? I have used 2 anchor points one at either side of the tank. Then the rest is just looped round my bulkhead as previously stated.

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I got 4 anchor points in my van. 2 near bulk head so I guess use those 2 and wrap 3 straps around tank.

I could drill two holes (half the height of tank) through bulk head for one of straps.

Who would more anchor points If I needed them?

 

[A.K WINDOWS]

Gone with Aplan today only people who pick up the phone to talk and are actually English! ! Decent deal didn't ask about the tank been fixed just told them I had one job done

 

[craig at pure]

Gone with Aplan today only people who pick up the phone to talk and are actually English! ! Decent deal didn't ask about the tank been fixed just told them I had one job done

I went with them today. £850 with 0 no claims and tank in the back. All my no claims are on my car.

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[A.K WINDOWS]

I went with them today. £850 with 0 no claims and tank in the back. All my no claims are on my car.
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Got mine a bit less it's around 63 quid a month fully Comp with tank ..protected no claims 7yrs legal cover and if van gets whacked they supply me with a fitted out WFP van ready to work last lot wanted 90 a month for **** deal

 

[craig at pure]

Got mine a bit less it's around 63 quid a month fully Comp with tank ..protected no claims 7yrs legal cover and if van gets whacked they supply me with a fitted out WFP van ready to work last lot wanted 90 a month for **** deal

I got that deal too with a wfp van hire. It's a gripper max van I believe. They have 5 of them the guy said.

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[A.K WINDOWS]

I got that deal too with a wfp van hire. It's a gripper max van I believe. They have 5 of them the guy said.
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Worth it for extra 3 quid a month that way u can still clean .

Tell ya I spent over a hour on hold to different firms never got to speak to anyone complete joke.

Aplan so far do good

 

[slippy]

£800! I am paying £420 with Aviva fully comp. Covers my handyman work and window cleaning, but currently the tank isn't in there. I got 4 years no claims from my car though when transferred over. Well I guess call A Plan and get the quote. Or just stay with Aviva and take a chance on them not finding out my tank is strapped down. Not something I want to do though.

 

[richb77]

My insurance only wanted to know if my tank was baffled I did say to the young girl on the phone it didn't look confused [emoji23]

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Ha ha like it

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