by Graham McKenzie

There's nothing wrong with looking for your own insurance, especially if you know what you're looking for. But no matter how much you look, you probably can't beat a broker at his own game, so you might want to consider hiring one to help out. Brokers have an insider know-how and connections that enable them to zoom in on the best deals for your needs in business van insurance. By paying a broker, you save time and stress, and can be sure that you'll get great insurance at affordable rates without having to do any of the work yourself. Just be certain to hire one with a history of treating customers fairly and proven expertise in the particular kind of insurance you need.

While it's a pain to fill out every little field on that paperwork with complete and total honesty, you really should do it. If you 'forget' even a few minor details, the negative impact on your insurance rates later on could be tremendous. Don't neglect even such trivial details as tiny dents from a parking lot bump. Your chosen business van insurance company will want to know absolutely everything about your van, and you should accomodate them.

Also be sure to get exactly the kind of coverage you need, and exactly the amount of coverage you need. Take the time to look through all the options and see how they compare with your risks, and get the coverage options that will render your risks a non-issue. Because the insurance industry is so sophisticated, the sheer amount of details might be overwhelming. But don't be scared to ask questions and get help from company representatives, that's what they're there for. Don't just skip all the complicated stuff and go with a simple, easy policy that you might regret later. Be certain to keep your vehicle in a secure area. For one thing, the vast majority of insurance companies will give you a discount for doing so.

Some insurance companies may not cover you at all if your vehicle isn't kept on secure premises! A garage is ideal, but even a simple fence will satisfy many companies. Figure out what the different companies you're looking at would require for a secure area and see if you can manage it. When you select a company, try to stick with it for all your insurance needs as much as possible. Besides being easier to handle on your end, as well as preventing conflicts between companies, this often allows you to save some extra money. Insurance companies like it when you go to them for everything, so they offer cash incentives for having multiple policies with them. It's really better for everyone, so find a company you'll be happy with and stick with it.

Finally, money matters, but the cheapest option isn't always the best one. There's a difference between finding a great deal and just settling for whoever spouts the lowest numbers. Paying very little for bad business van insurance is worse than paying a moderate amount for great insurance. Consider your insurance needs first, and then try to find the best deal that fits those requirements.