Dear All,
I'm attempting to renew the insurance on my van. I'm a self-employed 'one-man-band' operating in the North West. As I now have PA1/PA6 I am able to spray Herbicides/Moss Killers/Pesticides at my customers' premises. You might not think that 500ml of Glyphosate is a hazardous or dangerous substance, but it would appear that it is from the point of view of vehicle insurers.
On one 'price comparison' website (Go Compare) I indicated that I do carry 'hazardous substances' and was given several quotes. When I went to the cheapest provider's website and read the policy document it turns out they don't insure vans carrying 'hazardous substances' after all. Two insurers (Direct Line, Ageas) would not provide cover despite making me plough through pages of questions AFTER I'd indicated I carry them!!
This seems like a grey area to me. Even those who don't spray are likely driving around with petrol to power mowers etc. and petrol IS a dangerous substance according to HSE.
Can anyone share their views and experiences on this? I feel like I am banging my head against a brick wall.........
Andy.
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Replies
Speak to. Pace Ward insurance brokers, Stoke on Trent. We have not had an issue with hazardous substances. VERY GOOD SERVICE AND EXPERTISE. You are wasting your time on the internet in our experience
I doubt what you're carrying is really what "hazardous substances" is intended to cover and you're just creating problems for yourself. 25 litres of sulphuric acid, yes, but not 500ml gylyphosate or 5 litres of fuel.. I'm sure most of us just take out van insurance and don't consider we're carrying anything hazardous. If you're van was damaged or you're involved in an accident, do you honestly think the insurance company are going to come round and search the van?
For commercial van insurance, carried volume of fuel is typically limited and cans must be secured (we use moified ply shelves and straps).
If you carry any product with staturoary CHIP Hazchem symbols displayed on containers, they may need to be declared to an insurance company if asked, carried in a HSE approved, bunded transport cabinet with potentrially external Hazchem logos displayed in event of accident for emergency workers etc.
One of the reasons why it's good to only use latest iterations of pesticides that have no/minimal COSHH requirements (ie safer). Older types or cheap flebay pesticide versions carry more restrictions due to the stat labels.
Hi Gary, Thanks for that intelligent and knowledgable answer. I am aware of the legal requirement for the bunded, lockable store. In fact I bought one for the business earlier this year. What I'm finding though is that the insurers aren't saying "we provide cover if your hazardous chemicals are kept in a legally compliant store" - they're simply saying you're not covered if you're carying hazardous substances....regardless of how they're secured! I will make some phone calls (QuoteRack, NFU, Pace Ward) tomorrow and feed back what I find.
Andy.
Thanks also for the tip about using latest iterations of PPP products. I only got PA6 last year so my stock is pretty much up to date
Usually I give the insurers a call, most of them are happy that I am only carrying a small amount of fuel for machines, Nfu are usually very good with knowledgeable staff, although sometimes they can be a bit pricey.
I think that's good advice - talk to a good broker and make sure your needs are fully recorded on you policy via an 'Endorsement' clause.
Try NFU insurance (, national farmers union )
Try Aplan insurance brokers, they have never been beaten on quotes. Insurance is with Aviva.
I was asked how much fuel I carry, 2 x 5Lt as a rule (maybe more if just filked uo) & wouldn;t consider 5Lt od Glypho as a 'hazardous substance.either, not that I was asked. I keep fuel in a ply box built over the wheel hub to stop it moving around.
Let a commecial broker like Aplan do the leg work for you, these comparison sites have boxes that once ticked, you can't justify what your carrying.
You beat me to it Neil, I was gonna suggest a plan.
We have all our work insurance with them.
Always someone to talk to on the phone.
Glen makes a key point - it's great to talk to a real someone about this. We've been with NFU Reading branch for around 10 years, and I can call up the branch and talk to the same person each time. He gives real advice from a position of experience. Not the cheapest around but I think great value. We've had a couple of claims with them and each has been handled in a professional manner with no hassle; leaving me to get on with real work.