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Compare van insurance

Find out how to insure your van and how much you can save on van insurance by comparing quotes

Compare van insurance

Compare van insurance

Search for a range of van insurance quotes and deals with Uswitch and money.co.uk*

Get a quote

1. Why you need van insurance

If you have a van or commercial vehicle that is in use, you’ll need to take out van insurance. 

  • this is a legal requirement to protect other road users 

  • depending on the level of cover you can also claim back costs in the case of an accident 

2. How to find van insurance

Van insurance quotes can vary greatly, depending on how your use your van and how many miles you drive. To find cheap van insurance, especially if it is business van insurance, you will need to:

  • shop around and comparing options

  • compare the different level of cover as well as comparing the price

3. What van insurance covers

Just like car insurance, van insurance comes in three different levels:

  • third party only

  • third party fire and theft

  • comprehensive 

When deciding what level of van insurance cover, you need you will first need to decide what exactly you want to insure your van for.

  • using your van for work

  • or leisure only

  • or a mixture of business and leisure use

The quotes will differ depending which type of cover you choose, the type of work you do, and how much of your driving will be for work.

Third party van insurance cover

This 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

  • it will not cover any damage to your own van or property.

Third party, fire and theft van insurance cover

The policies are similar to third party but will also cover you in the case your van is damaged by fire or stolen.

Comprehensive van insurance cover

This includes all of the above but can also cover the repair or replacement of your van. 

Additional extras van insurance cover:

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

  • legal expenses 

Driving abroad in your van

Van insurance will provide third party cover if you travel to the EU, so you may want to add comprehensive cover.

EU cover may change after January 2021 when the UK leaves the EU so you will need to check what you are covered for after that.

4. Why you may need van insurance for your campervan

The difference between a car and a van may seem clear, but it's not always as simple as you’d think. 

Sometimes larger family vehicles such as multiple passenger vehicles – MPVs – may be classified as vans.

  • if you have a camper van or MPV, you may be unable to get a car insurance quote 

  • this is because your vehicle may actually be classed as a van or another type of commercial vehicle 

  • if you're unsure you can consult your V5C logbook

  • vehicles in category M1 are classed as cars, while those in categories N1 and N2 are vans

5. What does business van insurance cover?

Standard business van insurance covers you for:

  • Driving between different locations for work

  • Driving to see clients or customers

  • Travelling to the bank for work purposes

  • Driving other employees or business contacts

  • Attending company events

Standard business insurance comes in four categories:

  • Busines van insurance class 1: provides cover for driving between a number of different places of work or to visit clients and customers. You won’t be covered for door-to-door sales. This is typically the cheapest class of cover.

  • Busines van insurance class 2: provides the same cover as above but also allows you to add a named driver – most policies specify this must be a colleague. Again, door-to-door sales are not usually covered. 

  • Business van insurance class 3: provides cover for long-distance driving, which makes it the most suitable option if you make door-to-door sales. However, you will only be covered to deliver samples, so if you are delivering commercial merchandise, you will need commercial van insurance.

  • Commercial van insurance – you must tell your insurer the type of goods you will be carrying and for what type of business. You will only be insured for carrying the goods you have named for the purpose you have stated – you cannot do a second job, or help out a mate, transporting items, or for a purpose, you have not declared to your insurer.

6. Fleet cover van insurance 

If you work for a company that uses a number of vans in its fleet, you may need to find pickup insurance, fleet van insurance, courier van insurance, multi van insurance, any driver van insurance.

As with multi-car insurance you can also get multi-van insurance, this allows you to:

  • insure several vans under one policy 

  • you can have a single renewal date

  • save on having to take out multiple van insurance policies 

7. 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 run-around car

  • there are specialist van insurers that provide tailored cover for a reasonable price

  • you may also need to look for cheap van insurance for young drivers or cheap van insurance for over 25s. 

Paying 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).

8. Van insurance and your no claims discount 

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.

9. Finding cheap van insurance?

The best way to shop around for commercial van insurance is to compare quotes. 

You will need to have:

  • Your van details and registration number

  • Details of any claims or convictions

  • Your estimated annual mileage

  • Driving licence details for all drivers

You will also need

Some personal details, including your name, address and occupation

  • your policy requirements

  • your driving licence details

  • your driving history

  • details of your business

  • details of your van, including model, year of purchase, usage and any security devices that have been fitted

If you don't, your van insurance provider may refuse any claim you make on your policy.

10. How do I know what is covered on my van insurance policy 

Your insurer will send you a policy document, either online or by post. This provides full details of the cover you've paid for.

  • if you want to cancel your van insurance policy - you have a cooling-off period of 14 days

  • make sure you keep all your van insurance documentation safe, in case you need to make a claim at a later date

How to get cheaper van insurance

Shop around – use comparison tools to compare quotes 

Have a no claims discount – providers offer a discount based on the number of years you’ve been driving without making a claim. 

Pay a larger voluntary excess – the larger you pay up front then the cheaper your premiums but check you can afford the total amount. 

Safety features – an alarm, locks and immobilisers fitted to your van can reduce your premium but check with your insurer first.

Only insure what you need – additional extras you don’t need will increase the cost of cover. 

Drive fewer miles – being on the road less means you’re less of an insurance risk.

Pay up front – paying in monthly instalments means you end up paying interest on your insurance. Paying a lump sum annually can save a small amount from the overall cost of your van insurance.

Reduce the cost of van insurance when you don’t own a van

You don’t need to own a van to get van insurance. Unlike a full van insurance policy, you won’t build up a no claims bonus, but it does mean you can drive a van long as you have the owner’s permission. If you are only planning on renting or borrowing a van you can also compare quotes for short-term or temporary car insurance 

If you are need to insure several vans, you can search for multi-car insurance policies.

Compare van insurance

Search for a range of van insurance quotes and deals with Uswitch and money.co.uk*

Get a quote

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