A forum for van conversions, van living and travel

The vanlife => Common Room => Topic started by: shinobidef on June 17, 2016, 12:47:14 AM

Title: Hello from Manchester
Post by: shinobidef on June 17, 2016, 12:47:14 AM
Hi all,

I came across this site a few months back and really enjoyed reading about the numerous van adventures...they tugged at my travelling nerves so I decided to buy the book and have a read through to the point where I'm now seriously considering buying a van this year. I've also had a mooch about the forums.

My partner's sister had zero conversion experience and converted a van last year which she uses for touring with her other half's band and has done a damn good job! I've always been a keen traveller and itching to get back out there again and would love to travel around Europe as I'd also like to build a cob house so a van would be useful for scouring locations.

The biggest thing holding me back right now is the insurance...wtf?! I don't drive so my partner would be the one behind the wheels but whenever I've used insurance comparison sites to get a rough idea to see if this is actually financially feasible, they're coming out at nearly £2K.

These quotes are generally for Ford Transit 2.4 MWB and LWBs that are between 10 and 14 years old. I'm gobsmacked. My partner is 28 and has had his license for about 10 years - I think he may still have points on there from 5 years ago and I'm not sure if he has any no claims bonus, but even when I put on a 6 years NCB and no points, it's still coming out at about £1,500 at absolute best. As I'd need to get my other half to drive and pick a van up, it seems a royal pain in the backside if we have to spent £1,500-2,000 just to keep it in the yard while I spend the best part of the year doing it up.

I read that Mike managed to get his insurance (for a LDV van - not camper van) for £350 when he wasn't old enough to get motorhome insurance...how come so cheap? As I don't drive, I'm not hugely clued up on these things so if anyone knows any tips to get the cost down, I'm all ears. I'm not particularly fixed on a Ford Transit but I only have a vehicle budget of £1,200.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Hello from Manchester
Post by: Roman on June 21, 2016, 03:21:25 PM
Try 'speaking' to  www.insurancechoice.co.uk, they may give temp cover to get a van home.
They are also good for self-build camper vans.
P.S.
If you have someone with an address outside Manchester!
I lived in 'northeast' Manchester for a time, but the van was registered at a friends in Scotland (small town).
Quote was a lot cheaper ;)
Title: Re: Hello from Manchester
Post by: Roman on June 21, 2016, 03:29:03 PM
P.S.
insurancechoice give a discount to members of sbmcc.co.uk which in your case will cover the cost of membership and the sbmcc has tons of info & help on hand.
Title: Re: Hello from Manchester
Post by: shinobidef on July 19, 2016, 08:53:41 AM
Thanks - my partner's parents live in a small village about an hour from Manchester so I might try registering it to that site.