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Top 10 alternative van uses

3 Oct, 2013 10:58am Nathan Velayudhan Comments

Recent research suggests that vans are being used for more than just work

Recent research revealed by Direct Line for Business suggests that tradespeople are using their vans above and beyond work purposes.

The research reveals that Britain's builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople are living out of their vans, using them as mobile offices, bedrooms, entertainment centres and more. 31 per cent of tradespeople, according to the research, use their van as a mobile office to manage their business.

Meanwhile, 11 per cent of builders, plumbers, electricians and tradespeople have slept in their van, and a further 45 per cent use their vans as mobile dining rooms. Melissa Hunt, Business Manager at Direct Line for Business, said: "With tradespeople working long hours on the job, it is no wonder they often end up eating, managing paperwork and even sleeping in their vehicles."

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However, there are worries that customising vans with the latest gadgets and equipment may cause a significant safety risk. Hunt continues: "Thieves are no longer targeting the vans of builders and plumbers to steal tools; they are also after expensive laptops, tablets and smart phones. With so much high end technology being stored in tradespeople’s vans it is important owners have sufficient insurance cover to protect their belongings.”

Here's is a list of the top ten alternative uses of a van:

	Top 10 alternative van uses
1.	A tea break room (50 per cent)
2.	To listen to music (45 per cent)
3.	A dining room (45 per cent)
4.	An office (31 per cent)
5.	A reading room (30 per cent)
6.	For smoking (14 per cent)
7.	For sleeping (11 per cent)
8.	Playing computer games on a mobile phone (nine per cent)
9.	For sex (five per cent)
10.	For playing computer games on a handheld console (five per cent)