According to a recent ABI Industry report, says vanarama.co.uk, more than £5.8 million is paid each day by the British insurance industry on claims made against commercial vehicle insurance.

“A van is not just a means of getting from A to B, says Andy Alderson, managing director of vanarama.co.uk. “For many small-business owners it acts as an office on wheels, an advertising billboard, a well-equipped workshop and a stockroom, too. A theft from your van or damage to your load is not just an inconvenient pain, but it can have a knock-on effect on your business. If you arrive on site and find the tools to do the job have been stolen or broken you will not just lose time but, possibly, credibility and therefore customers, as well.”

Alderson adds that plenty can be done to a van to help prevent these losses and inconveniences, including:

Tracking device: to protect probably the most expensive tool in a business, it is worth fitting a tracker, which uses GPS to plot a vehicle’s location. As well as providing vital information if your van is stolen, many trackers now include the technology to monitor fuel consumption by journey, and altering journey patterns can mean fuel savings.

Alarms and immobilisers: although immobilisers have been a mandatory requirement on all new vans since 1998, if a choice is given, it is always worth upgrading to the most secure device possible.

Securing fuel and catalytic converters: rising fuel prices, combined with economic recession, has meant that fuel theft has risen by 55% in just five years, according to a recent Metropolitan Police report. Thieves are also increasingly targeting catalytic converters, it says, because of the value of the precious metals they contain. Specifying high-quality fuel-tank alarm systems and catalytic converter theft-deterrent systems will help to prevent becoming a target of this type of crime.

Ply-lining: a van is an asset. Protect its residual value from dents and damage by getting it ply-lined or using a ply-lining kit.

Roofbars and rails: it’s important to think about how these are going to be used. If most of the heavy materials are delivered to site directly from a supplier, then it may make sense to have a front and rear bar. If carrying a lot of materials, then a more sophisticated system is needed. Always remember, a van is another part of the business and health- and-safety rules apply here, too. Any accidents to the business owner or team could be costly.

Racking: the racking on a van needs to withstand the day-to-day abuse it receives. The right van racking doesn’t just help keep loads secure: having tools and equipment stored in an organised way avoids downtime, too.

Pipe carriers: available in different lengths, they help get the kit to site without it getting marked, or leaving unsightly scratches on the van.

“Most small businesses can’t afford the luxury of a mixed fleet of vehicles," continued Alderson. "Their van has to carry out a multitude of tasks and is often the single most-important asset of their business. By putting time into researching the accessories available for their van and getting the specification right when they take out their lease, it’s easy to ensure the smoothest ride possible over the lease period.”