Specialist Courier Insurance Broker Says Van Drivers Have Turned a Corner

The appreciation of Britain’s delivery drivers and couriers has surged during lockdown, according to research commissioned by specialist courier and van insurance broker, McCarron Coates.

More than half of the general public (57%) say their attitude to delivery drivers and couriers has become more positive during lockdown, as opposed to just 5% who say it has become more negative.

47% say they believe couriers have been key workers during lockdown, with this rising to nearly six-in-ten of those interviewed who were aged over 55.

35% go so far as to say they do not know what they would have done without delivery people and a third (33%) say they really appreciate how much Britain’s delivery men and women have put their own health on the line during the pandemic.

17% even believe it would be right to refer to these workers as “lockdown heroes”.

Surprisingly, men responded more positive to delivery drivers than women.  The age group typically most appreciative was that comprising interviewees aged 55-64, rather than the over-65s, as might have been anticipated.

McCarron Coates sees the positivity as a real watershed in the relationship between courier companies and the general public and is urging Britain’s delivery van fleets and start-up businesses to act on the positives and build profitable and customer-focused businesses.  It is reminding them of the importance of minimising the number of insurance claims made each year, which will help keep their insurance premiums and business cost-base low.  That can be achieved through strong risk management and schemes like the Freight Transport Association’s ‘Van Excellence’ scheme.

The specialist broker is also advising newbie delivery drivers, who have taken to the roads during lockdown, that they can find flexible pay-as-you-go insurance cover that will give them protection according to the hours and days worked, rather than charging them for the time when the van is off the road.

“Britain’s van drivers have turned a corner in terms of public popularity and can now build on this, if they maintain good driving behaviours and are courteous and helpful to the customer,” says McCarron Coates director, Ian McCarron. “We don’t want to see any U-turns, now such progress has been made, so we would urge van drivers to capitalise on the opportunity the pandemic has provided, get the right risk advice in place as their fleets grow and build profitable van-based businesses, supported by public goodwill and gratitude.”

Help for van drivers wishing to do this is available on 0113 298 3489 or info@mccarroncoates.com