Reader’s Question:

What do I need to know if I’m about to have my van insured? I find shopping for budget van insurance to be a rather tedious process. I’m self-employed, by the way, and I use my van primarily to make a living. Thanks.

John

Norman, OK

Before you go shopping, list the information you might need to give the insurer. Make notes on the engine size, make and model of your van. Also include when it was manufactured and whether or not you have made modifications and repairs to it. In short, John, prepare the vehicle history and the current mileage.

The Internet is a good place to start canvassing. Instead of going through the tiresome process of calling the many auto insurance agents of Oklahoma, what you can do is fill out an online form. Using the same information, you can compare price, cover and service of budget van insurance.

Please resist the temptation, though, to withhold information from the car insurance company as this may result in the cancellation of your application. For example, clicking “for private or domestic use” instead of “for business use” may lower your premium, but if caught, the insurer will certainly take this as an attempt at misrepresentation.

The areas where you take your van on a work day will also affect how much you have to pay for premium. Some areas have been found to pose greater risks. The bottom line is that it must be determined what dangers your van is exposed to and how well it can handle the wear and tear caused by ferrying you to your clients.