Vehicles for Electrical Repairs

What Size Van for the Business?

A van is ideal for an electrical repairs business. But you have to decide whether to have a small van or a transit sized vehicle. If your electrical repair business entails collecting large items such as washing machines or large screen televisions you may need a transit sized van. However, if you are carrying hand tools and small items of materials then a smaller van will suffice.

Advertising on the Business Vehicle

Use your business van to advertise your business. Have the vehicle either screen written or purchase some magnetic plates that show your business name, what your business does and a telephone number. This is free advertising which is something every business needs as it will advertise the fact that you repair items and are available for hire. Remember though that whoever drives the vehicle should be a considerate driver as it will reflect badly on the company if the van is driven badly and causes an accident. The vehicle should also be kept clean and in a good condition as a tatty dirty vehicle will show your electrical repair business in a bad light.

Electrical Business Startup Cost Calculator

Work out what it really costs to set up as an electrician: tools, van, test equipment, certification, insurance and registration, so you know how much you need to start.

Try our Electrical Business Startup Cost Calculator free, here on this site →

Choose the Right Insurance

Your van should be insured correctly and shown to belong to your business. If you are the named driver ensure that any other person driving the vehicle has their own insurance cover.

Your insurance policies should also cover the contents of the van as it could be expensive to replace tools, materials and customers property if there is a theft.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Safety and your Business Vehicle

Never keep equipment in the vehicle overnight as it can attract burglars. Ideally the vehicle should be kept in a garage or a secured yard. If there are windows in the back doors of the van have them covered so that when you park and leave the van it does not attract attention from petty thieves. Also cover the tools inside with a cloth so no one knows what is contained within. A strong locked box in the van for tools will make it hard for thieves if it is also attached to the vehicle. When booking a job with a customer ask about parking facilities so the vehicle is within view. If your van is stolen or damaged it could affect your repair business.

Lease or Buy a Business Vehicle

By leasing a van for your electrical repair business you will be able to have a replacement if the vehicle breaks down. This is ideal for a small business as it means you will be able to continue your business without upsetting a client. You will still be charged if the vehicle is damaged but by hiring from a fleet hire company you will be assured of a reliable service. If you just need a vehicle for delivering materials and it will be sitting on building sites it would be worth purchasing an older van that won’t cause a problem if it is knocked and scratched on site. Look in the local paper for a cheap run a round van and keep your car for more important clients.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Electrical Business Startup Cost Calculator lets you work out what it really costs to set up as an electrician: tools, van, test equipment, certification, insurance and registration, so you know how much you need to start. Try it now →