If you've ever tried to get a large piece of furniture into the back of a family car, you'll know how restrictive hatchbacks and even estate cars can be. Despite a myriad of design features that involve magically folding seats and complicated under-floor storage, the average car just doesn't have the capacity that even a small van has. With the motor industry going through one of the most difficult periods in its history, now is actually the right time to think about choosing a van rather than a new car.



In 2008, the commercial van industry had a year of ?two halves?, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Although the first half of the year was buoyant for van sales, the second half saw the recession really kick in hard. Consequently, all vehicle sales fell dramatically, including vans. However, this has actually put the buyer in a stronger position, as suppliers are now left with plenty of vans and are struggling to sell them. Prices are tumbling, making choosing a small or medium sized van a much cheaper option.

Vans don't just have a use as commercial vehicles. If your hobbies require you to move large equipment around then a van can be an ideal choice. Instead of precariously strapping your (expensive) surfboards to a roof-rack and exposing them to potential damage from flying debris or even running the risk of them detaching from the car half way to the beach, a van ensures that both you and your equipment arrive safely at your destination, ready to enjoy the surf. A visit to a DIY store can be much less stressful if those 8x4 sheets of plywood don't have to suffer the indignities of bungee cords and ratchet straps. A sofa that would probably end up as a potential driving hazard if shoe-horned into the average family car can slide easily into the back of even a small van. Although a van may not be the ideal choice for a family car if you have children, it can have plenty of other uses that will justify its place on your driveway.

Insurance is another aspect that you will need to consider when buying a van. Cheap van insurance for domestic use and commercial van insurance quotes can differ wildly, depending on the use you intend to put your van to. Commercial van insurance quotes can also cover the contents of the van (particularly if the vehicle is used to transport tools and equipment), but you may pay an excess for this. If you're planning to use your van purely for domestic and social use, the quote will probably be considerably less than for commercial and business use.

Van insurance can be a complicated issue, so once you've chosen the perfect van for your needs, take a little time to consider all the potential uses you will be putting it to and what kind of insurance you will need. Using an Internet site to compare quotes is now a popular way of choosing cheap van insurance, allowing you to see clearly what each policy offers and what additional excess charges you may be liable for.

With dealer's forecourts full of a wide range of vehicles to suit all tastes, and sellers ready and willing to haggle over prices to try and beat the vice-like grip of the recession, vans are cheap and plentiful. Insurance quotes are reasonable, even for younger drivers and as a result this is easily one of the best times to invest in a vehicle that will give you far more practical applications and uses than the average family car.