[dave0123]

I am thinking of buying a van, something like a combo or an astra van or along those lines what do you guys recomend van wise? : i am still trad window cleaner. Also would i need commerical insurace because i am driving a van? i will b using it for personal use as well?? 

Dave

[JM123]

all van insurance is commercial - the combo is a pretty good van but I'd go for a partner/berlingo/kangoo etc

[dave0123]

oh i see so would this be ok to be used as work? with the ladders on. i currently use tesco insurance for my car. why would you go for a partner/berlingo/kangoo what advantage do these have other the combo?

Sorry to b pain Dacve

[JM123]

yeah all van insurance is commercial, thats why it costs more.  Personally I'd go for the likes of a partner because parts etc are generally cheper nd I've never known for an to give bother, but thats just my thoughts.

[niceandclean]

Yes i would go with the partner, peugeot diesel engines all the way, they are superb. I had an old 406 and by the time i got rid of it it had done 290000 miles, i had it from 111000 miles. I had it serviced every 10000 miles, but i did have to have a new clutch at 250000 miles, but you would expect that.

[john tomkins]

I just swapped from a Renault Megane car to a Citroen Berlingo van, Car cost about £260 to insure, van costs £366 so quite an increase you'll have to think about.

[dave0123]

Thanks lads, thats great help. yes will phone my insuance company 2morro see waht sort of price it would b around lol.

Thanks again.

[Mike George]

The Astravan seems to be a common window cleaner's van around here and I've got one. It's big enough to carry everything you need for trad, and small enough to be as comfortable as a car for longer journeys. The Combo has a more upright driving position and is easier to get in and out of 20 times a day.

You have to be careful where you place the ladder because it's got a lifting tailgate, and the other vans that have been mentioned have got side opening doors. You might also get a Combo or similar with a sliding side door which saves a bit of bending.

If you need to change clothes while you are out it's a bit cramped in the back of an Astra.

[mlscontractcleaner]

I'd opt for a decent Escort van. Easy to get parts, reliable, no tailgate to bash against your ladders and not expensive to run. Sorted!!   

[Majestic]

I would go for a bigger van than the one you think that you need , its better to have too much room in the van than not enough .
I had the partner van , it was not big enough so I got the Expert. I now also do Power Washing and just about fit everything in my van. I should of gone for something even  bigger.
I got my quote from confused.com, they do online quotes and show about 10  different quotes

[AuRavelling79]

Yup go bigger - then when you go wfp you can put in a 650L tank instead of being restricted. Citroen Despatch/Fiat Scudo/Peugeot Expert is basically the same van with a Peugeot engine and you can get them with three seats if that's useful.

[JM123]

not quite, the scudo has a fiat engine - not nearly as good. 

[shammy davis jnr]

ford transit i think if the a team were still on the go they would use one there bomb proof ,and with a new model coming out they will get cheaper for say a 3 year old one
in due course  but dont try to take ba to the air port in one 

[dave0123]

Thanks lads ill have alook at a few other makes such as the partner/berlingo and so on. what i was thinking something like this the combo or something simlar rarther than an astra van so when i do invest into waterfed pole wether it a little system or trolly it could fit in the back.... hopefully.

Dave

[JM123]

just priced van insurance this morning - over a grand for a Peugeot Expert HDI (worth £3000)!!

Best part is I've got 7years no claims bonus, no accidents/convictions, nothing.  I got my YOUNGER sister (she's 21) to price it in her name (0 no-claims bonus), guess what - £958!!!   AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

How???

[Majestic]

I have a o5 Expert and fully comp I pay £301.00, and thats with free breakdown cover
Try
www.evaninsurance.co.uk
tele  01454 634 591

[Allways Cleaning]

hi ive just done a quote £280 hope this includes all me bits v good quote renewl £465! worth checking around thats much better going back to me old co and see what they say as i will cancell might give me a better quote haha
regards

[JM123]

Hi John Garnett - I just tried evaninsurance

They quoted me £1050.00 with £300excess - it just seems N.Ireland gets the short end of the insurance stick. 

Anyone else know of any other good insurance companies to try?

[Easyclean Windows]

A-plan insurance can insure you fully comp including contents and wfp etc excess is £100-200 for £360 a year

[JM123]

do A-Plan have a website or phone number?  Thanks