07 Jan Insurance and Sign Writing – 3 Things You Must Know
Insurance and Sign Writing for Your Vehicle – 3 things you must know!
If you are running a business, that requires local customers, one of the best marketing activities you can engage in is to sign write your vehicle. Not only will potential customers see you around and about, it is very much more powerful when you are parked up at a customer address and the neighbours see it. This confers trust and respectability. Neighbours like to know what is going on locally, and if they can see, for example, an electrician working at No 8, then they will know your business comes to the area and has been endorsed by the owners at No 8. Insurance and sign writing can both exist and many vehicle owners use this invaluable marketing tool at no extra cost.
One thing we need to clear up. Sign writing these days comes in many guises. The old painted on lettering is no longer used for vehicles. But self adhesive lettering, which gives basic details such as name, trade and contact as well as a simple design, is easy to order online and apply yourself.
More complicated and expensive is a vehicle wrap. This is where full colour images or blocks of colours are worked around full panels, changing the overall colour of a vehicle.
- Are you completely changing the colour of your vehicle? If so you must tell your insurance about the sign writing. It is a modification to the vehicle and therefore you should also tell the DVLA. For example, this Timpson’s van. It really is white. It is a full van wrap changing the colour to maroon. So if it was in an accident, it would be reported as a maroon van with sign writing on it. Failure to disclose could potentially invalidate your policy.
- Are you affecting your vision by having the vehicle sign written? While most laws prohibit window obstruction on the driver’s side and windscreen, rear window visibility can also be critical for reversing and spotting blind spots. Keep the sign writing away from critical visibility areas, such as the rearview mirror zone or any side mirrors. Avoid placing opaque materials over any window you frequently rely on while driving. Remember, you need rear visibility from EITHER a rearview mirror OR side mirrors, not necessarily both. Vinyl lettering on the rear window is not opaque and can be easily seen through.
- If in doubt, ring your insurance company BEFORE you order a design! Most insurers, such as Admiral, allow vehicle sign writing as they understand it is a mobile advertisement. Often this extra cover does come at a premium. Dependent on the original cost of your sign written design, you may decide to have it excluded in the case of a claim. For example, if you damage one rear door of your van, perhaps the original supplier can just install the new graphics on the replacement door, rather than sign write the entire van again. This is less easy with a wrap.
Conclusion: It is possible to have vehicle insurance and sign writing on your vehicle
Vehicle sign writing is an excellent way to promote your business or add a personal touch to your vehicle, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of safety or insurance. By carefully selecting materials, positioning designs thoughtfully, and adhering to legal requirements as well as informing your insurer, you can enjoy the benefits of vehicle sign writing without compromising insurance or driving experience.
If you want to know more about installing your own vehicle lettering, take a look at our shop here – it is very easy to do and cost effective.
Have concerns or questions about vehicle sign writing? Share them in the comments below or reach out for expert advice!