Drivers Want Repairs Not Van Insurance Money New Survey Claims
Over 80% of self employed drivers would rather pay for minor repairs than claim on their van insurance, according a survey of 1,500 Swinton commercial vehicle insurance customers.
The survey found that 81% self employed van drivers had paid for a minor repair in the past twelve months rather than claim to maintain their no claims discount on their van insurance.
The poll, which looked in to the attitudes of van drivers, also found that 31% would leave minor bumps and scrapes unrepaired, if it means preserving their no claims.
The top reasons for not making claims were:
1. To preserve no claims discount
2. Not wanting to pay the excess
3. To avoid the paperwork
Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton, said: “We would advise van drivers to carry out all necessary repairs, even minor bumps and scrapes. If they don’t want to lose their no claims discount, or pay the excess, then paying up front is a good way to do this while ensuring that their vehicle remains road worthy.”
The company also found another danger in the form of “car-cramming”
The dangerous trend, known as ‘car-cramming’ was uncovered by an online poll of 1,000 Swinton car insurance customers. The survey revealed an alarming 30% of drivers aged between 17 and 25 regularly carry at least one more passenger than the law permits. A shocking 15% of drivers aged between 17 and 25 admitted they would squeeze in an extra two passengers and a further 9% confessed that when push came to shove they would fit in an extra three. The most common reason given for carrying extra passengers was to save money on petrol, taxis or public transport.
Only 7% of 26 – 39 year olds admitted to overcrowding cars on a regular basis and just 1% for those over 40.
If caught, drivers who overcrowd their cars can face a hefty fine and up to three penalty points on their licence. Swinton is urging young drivers to be sensible when it comes to carrying passengers and not to buckle under peer pressure to carry more people than they should.
