Using a car instead of a van

[FixitElectrical]

Hi,

This is my first post on here, so hello everyone! I've been reading thread on here for weeks now and thought I'd best join!

I'm starting out in the domestic electrician world shortly and wondered who else uses a normal saloon car to run their business. I have all the tools I need and can just fit them into boot, I have s Saab 9-3 which has a good sized boot. I'm just wondering who else doesn't use a van

Any thoughts?

 

[MDJ]

I use a van, 2 reasons, 1 you get the VAT back through the business and 2 IMO a sign written van turning up at a customers premises combined with a uniform and ID makes you look far more professional even if you are not than a guy in a car, that said I have worked with a lot of really good sparks who drive cars to site, but I am allowed a view too arn't I haha, no offence to anyone at all here :love:

 

[richy3333]

I'd never get all my stuff in a car, has to be a van. I don't understand the earlier comment about not paying VAT on a car because you surely reclaim any VAT paid on a van anyway - as MDJ says?

And as for not disclosing to an insurer that you use it for work just sounds nuts. Give them any excuse not to pay a claim and they certainly will.

 

[kingeri]

It often doesn't cost any more to add business use to your insurance, or at the least it costs very little. A mate of mine is a DJ, got pulled on his way home from pub, cos no business insurance they did him, £400 fine, 6 points, storage and recovery fees. For what it costs, don't risk not having it.

 

[Jimsparky]

I agree with mdj but its everyone personal opinion isn't it. I don't know what my customers would say if I sent my lads out in a car ? But we do commercial and industrial so would never for the stuff in a car

 

[kingeri]

I do 90% domestic, with the odd shop or office, I use my car, it's a Volvo V60 estate. I couldn't afford to run a van and a car, it's that simple, and wouldn't fancy taking the wife and kid everywhere in a van.

 

[Rappid]

Agree with MDJ. More professional looking when turning up in van, did get more work/enquiries as van is sign written.
I did use my car for a while, a Renault Laguna estate but found it was too small carrying around tools and spares even for domestic.
Definately get business use added to your insurance, it doesn't cost a lot more and will save you a lot of hassle.

 

[kingeri]

I totally agree. If I could afford a van, I'd have one in a flash. But I can't, so I don't

 

[plugsandsparks]

I use a BMW 530D Estate, carries all my stuff, has rails for the ladders on roof. I do mostly commercial and industrial. Have carried all sorts in it from the wholesalers but if i need a load of unistrut, conduit or trunking or a large drum of SWA, simply have it delivered.
I also do subby work for a automation company and an un-written estate car fits right it.
I claim 45ppm out of the business as expenses to run it. VAT is lost on tyres, servicing and bits and bobs but is more than covered by the 45ppm tax free expenses.
Considered a van but at present i dont need to advertise and do travel quite a bit so need something really comfy.
Recently tested the insurance when i reversed into a new plumbers van at clients premises, oops. Doesn;t cost much more to get full business insurance.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

i have to agree with mike here...
turning up in a van creates the appropriate vision..

you could always just turn up on a vision of course...

 

[kingeri]

i have to agree with mike here...
turning up in a van creates the appropriate vision..

you could always just turn up on a vision of course...

Just need a sidecar for your ladders.

 

[Robotstar5]

i have to agree with mike here...
turning up in a van creates the appropriate vision..

you could always just turn up on a vision of course...

Perfect, MFT on the front, toolbag on the back and your snap tin under the seat!

 

[i=p/u]

I just grab trailor if loads of stuff and I admit it is a balls changing stuff around for family use and work, then you go somewhere and you took it out the night before

 

[imago]

It really depends on what stage your business is at I think. If you have an existing client base they don't care what you turn up in. If you're just starting out there are other things which will soak up the cash.

My set up suits where I am I think, I use the van for doing the work, and the bike for nipping about quoting.

 

[Stroppy]

Trying to hoodwink your insurance would be madness: if you have as much as a screwdriver in the car and try to claim they will go "not insured for business, we're not paying, hahahaha! By the way now you're an uninsured driver, good luck with that!"

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Just need a sidecar for your ladders.

hmm....no!!
heres a better way...