July 2007

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Van drivers breakdown cover top ten savings ideas

British van drivers and their businesses are losing a staggering £150m1 every year in lost earnings by failing to carry out simple routine checks on their vehicles, according to figures released today by MORE TH>N BUSINESS.

Over 1.3 million vans and commercial vehicles require breakdown assistance per year, with each incident eating into valuable working hours. On average, each breakdown results in £114 of lost earnings alone, while the associated repairs can cost thousands more besides.

More encouraging was the discovery that half of the most common causes of commercial vehicle breakdown could be easily avoided – simply by businesses taking greater care of their vehicles, performing routine checks and understanding basic vehicle maintenance.

By far the most prolific causes of vans breaking down are problematic batteries, whilst thousands more are put out of action by punctured tyres and overheating engines. While many may consider these disruptions unavoidable, simple routine checks to the integrity of the tyres, levels of engine fluids and condition of the battery can all dramatically reduce the likelihood of failure.

The top ten causes of breakdown also includes an avoidable mix of driver errors. Leaving battery-draining lights switched on topped the poll, while motorists locking themselves out of their vehicles caused the third highest volume of calls. Drivers filling their vans with diesel rather than petrol or vice-versa ranked sixth.

Mike Bowman, Head of MORE TH>N BUSINESS, commented: “Commercial vehicles are the driving force behind many small businesses, so it is vitally important that work doesn’t grind to a halt through avoidable breakdowns.”

“A great deal of time and money could be saved by making simple, routine checks to the vehicle as well as ensuring that motorists are aware of basic vehicle maintenance, such as how to change a wheel or check coolant levels. But more importantly every small business should make certain they have reliable breakdown cover in place for those genuinely unavoidable situations.”

To keep British business on the move, MORE TH>N BUSINESS has launched a comprehensive van breakdown service costing from as little as £64.75. ‘Roadside Assistance & Recovery’ provides reliable cover anywhere in the UK, and the addition of ‘Doorstop’ increases the service to include home callout. Both options offer round-the-clock cover from a network of 2,000 patrol vehicles, with a response time of 40 minutes or less. MORE TH>N BUSINESS fix 65 per cent of vehicles on the roadside, but cover also includes free onward recovery, transport to a destination of your choice, £100 towards accommodation and £10,000 legal expenses for those instances when an instant fix is not possible.

For further information on MORE TH>N BUSINESS Breakdown, call 0800 197 5876 or log onto www.morethanbusiness.com
Top Ten Causes of Commercial Vehicle Breakdown Can be easily avoided?
1 Battery problems
2 Minor electrical faults
3 Driver locked out of vehicle
4 Vehicle wont start
5 Punctured tyre
6 Driver filled up with wrong fuel
7 Alarm / immobiliser problems
8 Starter motor issues
9 Engine cut out
10 Overheating

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