Young drivers are increasingly choosing to drive vans over cars, according to research from an insurance specialist.
A study by the Green Insurer, which focuses on helping drivers reduce carbon emissions, concluded that one in four 25 to 34-year-olds are considering buying a van instead of a car when they get a new vehicle, vans now becoming more popular for general leisure use and not just for business.
According to the research more than a third (36%) of van owners say that they are using their vehicles solely for social, domestic and leisure purposes. Three in 10 (29%) say they use their vans for both work and leisure, and 35% say they use it only for their business.
While the figures are swayed towards younger drivers the research also showed increasing numbers of general motorists considering vans as alternatives to cars. Reasons given included the ability to carry large items such as surfboards or camping equipment, cited by 71% of respondents as one of their top three reasons for choosing a van over a car.
Further major considerations were a van’s versatility to be used for both work and family leisure activities (54%), the ability to carry more people (49%); and the flexibility afforded by a van to adapt the interior space in terms of seating or large object storage (41%).
According to The Green Insurer CEO Paul Baxter, the research confirms that the ‘van life’ movement continues to gain popularity, especially amongst younger generations seeking a versatile and functional vehicle that affords them the freedom to travel.
“Today, vans can be much more than work vehicles used for the transportation of goods or tools – the increased space they offer over cars can be customised to suit a variety of needs,” he said.
“It’s this adaptability that has broadened vans’ appeal beyond the traditional business domain to a wide range of personal uses, and is the reason why we ensured that our van policies cover all classes of van insurance so that eco-conscious motorists who want to buy genuinely green insurance and offset all carbon emissions can use their vans for both business and leisure purposes.”
