New AA insurance and van rescue aimed at ‘silent majority’ of craftsmen

British van drivers don’t enjoy the best reputation, which is why AA Insurance and AA Business Services have launched a new insurance and breakdown initiative called AA Van Rescue to reward the ‘silent majority’ of owner-drivers who want to be recognised for their craftsmanship rather than their ‘white van man’ image.

The AA has long argued that how van drivers treat their van is part of their business culture, using their vehicle as a ‘work horse,’ an asset to be sweated. This is why each year vans will suffer on average as much as 10 per cent more breakdowns than cars. While this may be little more than an inconvenience for larger firms, it is a major set back for smaller owner-driver businesses where the impact of vehicles being off the road will cost valuable business.

On the other hand, van owner-drivers – contrary to popular belief – make 7 per cent fewer insurance claims than car drivers, because many owners tend to work in a local ‘patch’ they know well and take care when driving and because they rely on their van for their livelihood.

Using its long experience in insurance and breakdown, AA Insurance and AA Business Services have developed a European van roadside assistance and insurance service, aimed at owner-drivers and fleets of up to four vans.

The rescue package is designed to be added to the AA’s new van insurance cover, keeping customers on the road in the UK and Europe. The tailored van rescue roadside assistance package includes home start, relay if the vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside as well as extensive European cover. As standard, the comprehensive insurance cover includes windscreen replacement, automatic cover for up to 90 days throughout Europe, replacement locks, medical expenses and personal accident cover.

Customers can also choose Motor Protection Plan, which provides legal protection and for a small additional premium, a guaranteed replacement vehicle in the event of breakdown, theft or accident taking their van off the road.

Roger Williams, head of major fleets and leasing at AA Business Services, comments: “With all commercial vehicle fleets, keeping them on the road is a priority but this becomes even more critical if it is an owner-driver or small business with no spare vehicles. A broken down van has a serious impact on the business.”

Kevin Sinclair, managing director of AA Insurance, adds: “Our research shows that van drivers need specific benefits which haven’t always been available with van insurance. After all, most drivers depend on their vehicle for their livelihood so they need all the cover they can get. We decided to use our experience in both the insurance and breakdown industry to develop a rescue package that uniquely recognises the needs of small businesses with four vans or less.”

Williams adds: “The European cover means if drivers are making regular or occasional trips to the continent, they have the added peace of mind that they are already covered, without having to pay extra. This means the business isn’t going to be affected by perhaps their only vehicle remaining stranded in another country.

“If the vehicle can’t be fixed in time for the driver to return home, the AA will recover the van back to the UK. If it needs a significant repair that will take over 8 hours, we will arrange alternative travel or emergency accommodation.”

AA Van Insurance and Van Rescue is available for fleets of four vans or less with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes. The most competitive quotation is drawn from a panel of insurance companies and Lloyds underwriters. AA Insurance can also arrange commercial vehicle cover for vehicles above 3.5 tonnes and up to 44 tonnes.