A new year and a new decade have arrived for the nation’s van insurance customers. As is typical, the new year and the new decade are a time of change, so if you rely on a van for your business, you better be aware of some of the driving laws and driving innovations that will serve to make this new decade different to the last.

New smartphone laws

We have known for some time, that driving while using your mobile can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. As such, in 2003 the government introduced rules to stop drivers from using their phones when behind the wheel.

However, the 2003 law had its limitations – it was drafted at a time when phones still had buttons and sophisticated touchscreens largely remained the stuff of sci-fi. In 2020, as a response to the acquittal of man who used his phone to film a crash, loopholes in the 2003 law have been closed, so from spring of this year, the law will also apply to the use of phones for purposes other than communication – i.e. to “browse the internet, film, take photos, or scroll through playlists”.

Those who break the law face a £200 fine and six penalty points.

Post-Brexit forays into Europe

With the UK now finally scheduled to leave the EU on 31 January, you should be aware that if you plan to drive on the continent, you may need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP).

An IDP costs £5.50 and can be applied for from the Post Office. Check whether you will need one for your intended destinations – for example, you will need an IDP for France but not for Belgium (if you are visiting for 185 days or less).

Importantly, remember that you will also need a van insurance green card from your commercial vehicle insurance company.

New MOT rules

Many people are unaware that the rules regarding MOTs recently changed. For example, there are now more stringent classifications, and if your van fails its MOT, you will not be able to drive it until it has been adequately repaired.

Also be aware of new tests for contaminated brake fluid and underinflated tyres.

Van insurance market evolution

The van insurance market is continuing to evolve and this is likely to continue apace in the new decade. Nowadays it is possible to search online for niche cover such as an any driver van insurance policy, young driver policy or fridge van policy. It is also increasingly easy to compare van insurance quotes by using a specialist company such as iVan – Happy New Year!