Signwriting an MPV - any issues?

[clockworks]

I'm currently running 2 cars - Kia Picanto and Kia Sportage.

Both are insured for class 1 business use, and I have a separate small business policy that covers goods in transit, public liability, etc.

I tend to use the Picanto most of the time for private as well as business use, but sometimes I need a bigger vehicle - DIY and collecting/delivering longcase (grandfather) clocks, hence having the Sportage too. I've owned it for 5 months, done less than 1000 miles.

The prices being offered by WBAC and similar have gone a bit crazy for top-spec 2 litre diesel Sportages right now, and I could get close to a grand more than I paid for it from a main dealer.

I'm thinking of replacing it with a much cheaper small MPV (probably a Fiat Qubo with fold-flat front passenger seat) and getting it stickered up for the business.
Are there any issues that I need to be aware of, insurance-wise?

[Simpo Two]

I can't help on insurance, but would you gain £1K from the sale only to lose it in depreciation on the purchase? I'd want to look at it over the longer term rather than a quick money-grab.

[clockworks]

Simpo Two said:

I can't help on insurance, but would you gain £1K from the sale only to lose it in depreciation on the purchase? I'd want to look at it over the longer term rather than a quick money-grab.

The replacement car will be around the £3 to £4k mark, so not much to lose hopefully.

Just seems a bit pointless having a relatively expensive car sitting on the driveway, getting used once a fortnight.

[anonymous-user]

You need to tell your insurers it will be used for business use. When I used to do it cost next to nothing anyway.

[clockworks]

Dave_ST220 said:

You need to tell your insurers it will be used for business use. When I used to do it cost next to nothing anyway.

Both my current cars are insured for class 1 business use, so I'll just swap the policy to the new vehicle.

My question was more about whether having some vinyl signs added would count as a notifiable modification.

[Jamescrs]

clockworks said:

Both my current cars are insured for class 1 business use, so I'll just swap the policy to the new vehicle.

My question was more about whether having some vinyl signs added would count as a notifiable modification.

I believe it is a notifiable modification, you are changing the vehicle from the specificatioon at which it left the factory it likely won't make any significant difference to the policy quote but it is best to err on the side of caution and make sure you are covered.

[clockworks]

Jamescrs said:

I believe it is a notifiable modification, you are changing the vehicle from the specificatioon at which it left the factory it likely won't make any significant difference to the policy quote but it is best to err on the side of caution and make sure you are covered.

Thanks. I'll ask the question when I change vehicles, and before I actually pay to get the signs fitted

[GliderRider]

clockworks, have you considered magnetic signage, so on those occasions you don't want it signwritten you can just take them off?

[clockworks]

GliderRider said:

clockworks, have you considered magnetic signage, so on those occasions you don't want it signwritten you can just take them off?

Good idea. I'll look into that option.


I had considered just buying a small van, but they seem to sell for a fair bit more than the car version.
Since I'm not going to be carrying anything particularly bulky or heavy, using a van-based small MPV will work - as long as I can find one with a fold flat front passenger seat.

[PistonBroker]

Jamescrs said:

I believe it is a notifiable modification, you are changing the vehicle from the specificatioon at which it left the factory it likely won't make any significant difference to the policy quote but it is best to err on the side of caution and make sure you are covered.

WHS.

We have a MINI Cooper that's signwritten. It was handed down to Mrs PB by the M-i-L when she stopped driving. So Mrs PB won't consider registering it in anything other than her name.

It's on a private car policy, with business use, and the signwriting declared. No effect on cost, but has to be declared. It's a rather obvious mod if ever it was a total loss and an Engineer came to inspect it!

Plus, as the signwriting results in it having 'Business Insurance Brokers' writ large over various parts of the car, it's best it's right!

[anonymous-user]

clockworks said:

Dave_ST220 said:

You need to tell your insurers it will be used for business use. When I used to do it cost next to nothing anyway.

Both my current cars are insured for class 1 business use, so I'll just swap the policy to the new vehicle.

My question was more about whether having some vinyl signs added would count as a notifiable modification.

Sorry I missed that in your OP first thing this morning. Yep, declare it's sign written.

[VEX]

Interestingly my brokers always ask me if my work van is sign written and it is not because i dont want to draw attention to the tools or kit it could have in it.

I asked the broker if this was why they asked about sign writing and he said no. It is more that your less likely to do something silly if you are in an easily recognised vehicle.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I got a discount on insurance because my Ranger carried my logo with one insurer. Direct Line just noted it as a mod.

[clockworks]

That's interesting, and makes sense

[this is my username]

My van insurance specifically asks about whether the vehicle is sign written - I think it also asked about the cost of the graphics.

I guess one factor might be that the insurers want to know if you are going to be claiming to have a fancy £2k vehicle wrap replaced ....

[markcoznottz]

this is my username said:

My van insurance specifically asks about whether the vehicle is sign written - I think it also asked about the cost of the graphics.

I guess one factor might be that the insurers want to know if you are going to be claiming to have a fancy £2k vehicle wrap replaced ....

Plus the sign writing might make it more likely to be broken into ie plumbers van vs sandwich van.

[clockworks]

markcoznottz said:

Plus the sign writing might make it more likely to be broken into ie plumbers van vs sandwich van.

One of the reasons why I'd prefer to have an MPV, not a van - easy to look through the windows and see there's nothing left inside