Amid ongoing pressure from rising fuel and operating costs[1], Tempcover’s temporary business van insurance experts surveyed 500 self-employed people across the UK who rely on vans for work, including van drivers, tradespeople and mobile service providers.
The research explores the realities of working independently on the road, including how workload demands, financial pressure and work-life balance are being affected, and where support gaps remain.
Costs and Financial Pressures Drive High Stress Among Van Users
Costs and Financial Pressures Drive High Stress Among Van Users
The majority (91%) of self-employed van users experience stress to some extent at work, including more than one in five (21%) who report high levels of stress. Many say the reality of working alone adds to this strain, with 59% feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing every aspect of their work themselves.
When asked specifically about what is driving this stress day-to-day, fuel and operating costs come out on top (26%), followed by general financial pressure (23%) and vehicle issues (17%).
|
Sources of Stress |
Respondents (%) |
|
Fuel and operating costs |
26% |
|
Financial pressure |
23% |
|
Vehicle issues or breakdowns |
17% |
|
Managing workload and deadlines |
11% |
|
Finding consistent work |
10% |
|
Customer expectations or demands |
9% |
|
Work-life balance |
4% |
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Delays, Cancellations and Breakdowns Increase Pressure
For self-employed van users, delays, cancellations and vehicle breakdowns can directly disrupt scheduled jobs, impact earnings, and create knock-on pressure for the rest of the day. When asked specifically about these types of disruptions, 71% say they significantly increase stress levels, highlighting the impact on day-to-day work.
Financial Pressure is Pushing Workloads Beyond Sustainable Levels
Managing day-to-day business finances is also a key concern for self-employed van users, with more than six in ten (62%) saying they are worried about covering basic expenses such as fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
This financial pressure is also influencing workload decisions, with nearly two in three (64%) saying they feel pressure to take on more work than is sustainable to cover costs. As a result, the strain extends beyond working hours, with 61% saying they find it difficult to switch off from work-related stress.
The Majority of Van Users Feel Overlooked by Existing Support Structures
While pressures are widespread, many respondents feel available support, such as financial advice, business guidance and wider industry assistance, does not adequately reflect the impact of working alone with less of a safety net. Consequently, two-thirds (66%) of users say they feel overlooked.
This is also reflected across specific areas, with around one in six saying financial (16%), mental health (15%) and operational support (14%) are not adequate.
Informal Networks are the Primary Source of Support
In the absence of formal support structures that often come with traditional employment, many self-employed van users rely on personal and peer networks. Friends and family are the most commonly relied-on source of support (40%), followed by online forums or driver communities (30%), highlighting the role of informal networks in filling this gap.
|
Support Source |
Respondents (%) |
|
Friends or family |
40% |
|
Online forums or driver communities |
30% |
|
Insurance providers (e.g., advice on cover) |
27% |
|
Trade associations or unions |
24% |
|
Accountants or financial advisors |
20% |
|
Mental health or wellbeing services |
14% |
|
I don’t rely on any types of support |
9% |
Practical Support and Financial Relief Top the List of Needs
With financial pressure and uncertainty shaping day-to-day working life, self-employed van users say practical support with vehicle running costs would make the biggest difference. Affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes rank top (40%), followed by fuel cost support or discounts (37%).
Other priorities reflect wider concerns around stability and resilience, including better access to consistent work (29%) and financial safety nets (28%), alongside mental health support (17%).
|
Support Opportunities |
Respondents (%) |
|
Affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes |
40% |
|
Fuel cost support or discounts |
37% |
|
Better access to consistent work |
29% |
|
Financial safety net or income protection |
28% |
|
Mental health or wellbeing support |
17% |
|
Replacement vehicle support during downtime |
10% |
|
Peer networks or driver communities |
8% |
|
Tax or financial guidance |
7% |
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary business van insurance expert at Tempcover, comments on the findings: “These results highlight the pressures many self-employed van users face as they balance rising operating costs, unpredictable workloads, and the responsibility of running their work independently.
“While many are managing day-to-day, the data suggests a clear gap between the support people feel they need and how that support is accessed in practice. For many, informal networks such as friends, family, or peer communities are acting as a makeshift safety net, but it’s crucial to look towards a broader package of support when dealing with ongoing financial pressure, workload demands, and unexpected disruption.
“Our research shows many self-employed van users feel their specific challenges are being missed, so we urge van users to check they’re getting the full support available. By ensuring they have access to practical guidance and resources available through trade bodies and industry networks, solo operators can ensure they have the best possible support structure in place when it is needed most.”