Learn the basics about insuring your van and see how you could save by comparing van insurance
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If you have a van or commercial vehicle that’s in use (i.e. not declared off the road), you’ll need to take out an adequate insurance policy. This is a legal requirement to protect other road users, and depending on the level of cover you can claim back costs in the case of an accident too.
What does van insurance cover?
Just like car insurance, van insurance comes in three different levels - third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive - and this cover level will determine what’s covered in your van insurance policy.
A third party policy is the minimum requirement for driving your van on the road. Third party van insurance will cover you for the cost of damage to third party property and injury in the case of an accident, but won’t cover any damage to your own van or property.
Third party, fire and theft policies are similar, but will also cover you in the case your van is damaged by fire or stolen.
Comprehensive cover includes all of the above, but can also cover the repair or replacement of your van. You can read more about the different levels of insurance in our guide.
Some van insurance policies will come with extras or you can add them for an additional fee. These can include windscreen cover, breakdown cover, replacement van cover and more. All policies and their add-ons will vary, so make sure you research your policy carefully or speak to the insurer before you commit to buy.
When is a van not a van?
The difference between a car and a van may seem clear, but that’s not always as simple as you’d think. Sometimes larger family vehicles such as MPVs may be classified as vans.
You might find that you haven’t been able to get a quote on a car insurance comparison tool. If that’s the case, it’s likely that your vehicle is actually classed as a van or another type of commercial vehicle, so you’ll need to search for van insurance.
If you are unsure whether you need to insure your vehicle as a car or a van, you can consult your V5C (log book). Vehicles in category M1 are classed as cars, while those in categories N1 and N2 are vans.
How much does van insurance cost?
Like car insurance, there is no set price for a van insurance policy. The cost of cover will depend on the type of van, its value, your driving history and how the van will be used.
However, you should bear in mind that many vans will be used much more frequently and cover much more mileage than the average family car and can also carry more high-value equipment. This may mean that your van insurance costs more than insurance for a small runaround car. Thankfully there are specialist van insurers that provide tailored cover for a reasonable price.
What is an excess?
Most types of insurance policy, including van insurance, will include an ‘excess’ figure. This is the amount that you will have to pay when you claim on your policy (or the amount that will be taken off any claim that is paid out).
Can I build a no claims discount?
Yes, just like on a standard car insurance policy you can build a no claims discount for every year you hold a policy without making a claim.
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