The RAC has launched the first ever specialist van breakdown cover after the number of vans on the UK’s roads increased by 500,000 to 4.5m in just four years.
Department for Transport statistics show there has been a 13 per cent growth in light goods vehicles since 2017 and a 25 per cent leap since 2014.
With so many different types of vans on the road, the RAC has revamped its breakdown packages to give both small businesses – from sole traders to companies with fleets – and private individuals cover that suits their needs.
While the nation’s 4.5m vans are predominantly used for commercial purposes 2.1m are privately registered.
Figures show that panel vans make up 59 per cent of the light goods vehicles on the road (2.66m), followed by pick-up vans (10 per cent) and motorhomes (6.5 per cent).
The RAC has created two new products – Van Lite and Van Total – both of which are intended for business and personal use.
Van Lite, priced at £120 a year for one vehicle, provides ‘rescue anywhere’ cover for three call-outs a year, with a 10-mile tow and a 20-mile taxi from the garage if the van can’t be fixed there and then.
Van Total, priced £160 a vehicle, offers the same business or personal ‘rescue anywhere’ cover but with unlimited call-outs as well as a tow from anywhere in the UK and a choice of replacement van or overnight accommodation while their vehicle is being repaired.
It also features advanced garage support to make the repair and garage liaison process as straight forward for the customer as possible.
Siobhan Duffy, head of RAC Van Breakdown cover, said: “With 4.5m vans on the road being relied on by both businesses and increasing number of private individuals, we decided there was a real need in the breakdown market for specialist van cover.
“The two products we’ve created are designed to meet two distinct levels of need, whether that’s business or personal.”
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