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Vans are some of the most versatile vehicles on the road. Whether you need one to transport heavy tools or deliver parcels and goods, your van plays an essential role in your business.

 out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the most common van varieties on the market, and help you to decide which one might work better for you.

Panel vans are the most common type of van in the UK. They typically have a boxy shape with solid metal panels replacing rear windows. This provides protection against the weather and security for the things you’re carrying. Panel vans come in all sizes, from small and compact to large and roomy.

Small panel vans, like the Ford Transit Connect and Renault Kangoo, offer agile handling and a good amount of cargo space for making urban deliveries. Larger panel vans, including the long wheelbase Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, offer much more room for cargo, while still providing a comfortable drive. These jumbo vans can haul over 1,000 kg.

Panel vans usually have rear opening doors for easy loading access. Many feature sliding cargo doors to the side, too. Their customisable cargo areas allow shelving, racks and other storage solutions to be installed.

Popular with couriers, delivery drivers and self-employed contractors, panel vans offer versatile and secure transportation for you and your cargo.

For transporting people and equipment, crew and combi vans feature rear seating within a spacious cargo area. Combi vans have removable rear benches, allowing you to customise the space based on whether you’re carrying cargo or passengers. Crew vans have fixed rear seats, reducing load space. But both models offer enough capacity for transporting tools, materials and supplies.

Medium vans, like the Mercedes-Benz Vito Crew and Ford Transit Custom Double-Cab, are popular choices. These vans carry 3 to 7 passengers plus cargo. Their flexible seating and refined ride quality make them a good option for employee transportation or passenger shuttle services.

With an open cargo bed and enclosed cab, pickup trucks can easily haul equipment, materials and other work gear.

Compact trucks, like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, have modest cargo beds sized for routine loads. Full-size pickups, such as the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, offer larger 6-8 foot beds that can carry over 1 tonne.

Four-wheel drive is a common feature on pickup trucks. This allows off-road driving and improves traction, especially in bad weather conditions. Other useful features include towing packages and truck bed caps to protect cargo. Pickups are popular work trucks for contractors, agricultural workers and tradespeople who don’t need huge amounts of cargo space.

Also known as cube vans, box trucks have an enclosed cargo area and cab-over driver section. This maximises the load space while allowing a compact overall length for easy driving.

Box trucks come in different sizes, including 12, 14, 16, and 20+ foot lengths. Some larger models may require you to have a commercial driver's licence.

Box trucks offer roll-up rear doors for easy loading access, plus side doors on some larger models. Their fully enclosed design provides security while protecting goods and cargo from the weather. Box trucks are a good option for furniture moving companies and couriers delivering large loads.

Refrigerated vans, also called reefer vans, provide temperature-controlled transportation for fresh produce or frozen food. Internal refrigeration units keep the temperature inside the cargo space cold. Drivers can set the temperature to suit the goods they’re carrying, whether that’s chilled produce like vegetables, milk and cheese, or frozen goods like meat and fish.

Reefer vans come in different sizes, allowing the cargo area to be customised. They commonly feature electric standby systems that maintain cooling when the engine is off.

Service vans can be customised to create a versatile workshop on wheels. Plumbers, electricians and motorbike repair mechanics equip vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit with customised interiors. These mobile workshops combine efficient transportation with the ability to work anywhere.

Utility vans offer similar features but in a smaller package. Models like the Peugeot Partner cater to the needs of mobile contractors, installers and computer technicians. With enough cargo space for tools and materials, plus agile handling designed for busy urban streets, utility vans are a great option for all sorts of tradespeople and professionals.

Designed for moving multiple passengers, shuttle vans feature seating for 8 to 15 or more occupants.

Basic models like the Ford Transit provide flexible seating and cargo space, while higher-end options like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter feature plush seating and interiors, and amenities tailored for passenger transport.

Forward-facing, rear-facing, and combination seat layouts allow you to choose the most optimal fit for your operation. And wheelchair-accessible models feature lifts and ramps to cater for mobility impaired passengers.

From airport transfers to convention shuttles, these versatile vans move medium-sized groups efficiently.

What are the most common types of vans on UK roads?

are panel vans like the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Volkswagen Transporter. In fact, the Ford Transit is the best selling van in Britain. Other common types include crew vans, pickup trucks, minibuses and box vans.

Panel vans are the go-to choice for many businesses because they’re versatile, spacious, and cost-effective. Their enclosed design protects tools, materials and cargo from the weather, plus privacy and safety from potential thieves. Easy customisation for racks and storage makes panel vans adaptable work vehicles.

What's the difference between a crew van and a combi van?

Crew vans have fixed rear bench seating, while combi vans have removable rear seats. This allows combi vans to transform into additional cargo space when not shuttling passengers. But both models offer flexible transportation for people and goods.

The biggest large panel vans, like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit, can carry over 1,000 kg (or 1 tonne). Their long wheelbase and high roof space maximises cargo capacity for hauling large loads.

Tradespeople need vans with lots of space for tools and materials. They also need a vehicle that’s durable and robust, easy to drive, and inexpensive to run. Three of the most popular vans for tradespeople are the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes Sprinter. You can check out the full list in our guide to 

What insurance do you need as a van courier?

Couriers need commercial van insurance that covers them for delivering parcels and third party goods. It’s sometimes referred to as “carriage of goods for hire and reward”.

Whether you deliver parcels, packages or documents, 

 keeps you protected while you’re working.

How do running costs differ between vans and cars?

Things like fuel, heavy duty parts, maintenance and specialist insurance can make vans more expensive to run than cars. We’ve created a detailed guide that compares the 

Can you drive a van on a regular car insurance policy?

For personal use, some car insurance policies may allow you to drive a van. But commercial van use isn't covered by car insurance policies. This article explains 

when you can drive a van on car insurance

Couriers need vans that offer plenty of cargo space, are easy to drive and manoeuvre, and relatively cheap to run. Based on this, the Ford Transit, Renault Trafic and Mercedes Sprinter are popular choices. Check out our 

What are the most popular commercial vans?

The Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro are among the most popular large commercial vans in the UK. For small-to-mid size models, the Ford Transit Connect and Renault Kangoo are popular choices.

With so many types of vans out on the road, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your business. Let’s explore the main types available to you.

What are the main types of vans?

We all know that to drive a vehicle in the UK, you need the right type of insurance. But what happens if you’re planning to drive a car that you don’t own?

In this guide, we’ll explore the topic in detail, and tell you about the different types of insurance cover available to you.

First, let’s start with the short answer…

Yes, it is possible to insure a car that you don't actually own. To do this, you could be added as a named driver to the car owner’s existing policy, you could take out your own short-term or temporary cover, or you might be able to use a “driving other cars” extension for third-party cover (if your insurer allows it).

However, some insurance providers may restrict non-owner insurance to certain situations, like only allowing you to insure your partner's, spouse's or parent's car.

So, before you buy a policy or arrange insurance to drive a car you don’t own, it's important to check with the insurer to make sure you’re getting the right cover for your needs.

Let’s take a look at your options in more detail.

One of the easiest ways to get insured on a car you don't own is to become a named driver. To do this, first you’ll need to get permission from the vehicle owner to be added to their policy.

Being added as a named driver allows you to drive the car under the terms of that particular insurance policy. There’s usually a small administration fee to pay, but overall it’s a cost-effective and convenient way to get covered, especially if you’ll be driving the vehicle on a fairly regular basis.

That said, it's important to know that the main policyholder will probably see their insurance price go up, especially if you’re a young or inexperienced driver.

A few things to consider with named driver insurance

Be sure to declare (with full honesty) who the main driver is. “Fronting” (putting yourself as a named driver when you'll actually be the main driver) is illegal in the UK.

Your age, driving history and relationship to the policyholder will impact the price of their policy.

Being a named driver is often cheaper than temporary cover for regular, ongoing use of someone else's car.

But, if you only intend to drive the car once, or very occasionally, a short-term insurance policy may work out cheaper.

The owner's no claims bonus may be affected by any claims you make as a named driver.

So, being added as a named driver allows you to get insured on someone else's car relatively easily. Just be aware that it is likely to increase the owner's premiums, so balance this cost against how much you intend to use it.

Some insurers will allow you to take out a completely separate policy on a car you don't own, as long as you tell them you’re not the registered keeper or legal owner of the vehicle when you apply for the policy.

This type of policy allows you to drive the non-owned car as the main policyholder and primary driver. But, it's important that the actual owner still has their own underlying insurance policy on the car, as they’ll need this to comply with continuous insurance laws.

Insurers often charge a higher premium for policies where the main driver is not the registered keeper. That’s because you are likely to be seen as a higher risk compared to driving a car that’s yours.

As always, be sure to compare policies with a few different insurance companies to find the most competitive price for the cover you need.

If you only need to insure a car you're borrowing for a short period of time, a temporary or short-term policy could be a cost-effective option. Short-term car insurance usually provides cover from just 1 hour up to 28 days. This allows you to get insured on a non-owned car only when you need it, without paying for expensive ongoing policy costs.

So, if you’re planning to borrow a friend's or family member's car for just a day or a one-off trip, consider a temporary or short-term insurance policy.

Some fully comprehensive car insurance policies include a Driving Other Cars (DOC) extension. It provides third party cover for driving vehicles that you don’t own.

However, in recent years this benefit has become increasingly rare. And, even when it is included, it usually only applies to drivers over the age of 25 with a clean driving history.

If you’re looking for a policy that includes a DOC extension, be sure to check the terms and inclusions of your cover carefully to make sure you have the level of protection you need. In most cases, a DOC extension will only provide third party cover, not fully comprehensive.

There are a few options for insuring a car you don't personally own

Becoming a named driver on the owner's policy is often the simplest route

Or you can take out a separate policy for a non-owned car, if your insurer allows it

Short-term cover works well for temporary or one-off use of a car

Check if your comprehensive insurance has a 'driving other cars' extension

Premiums are usually higher than insuring a car you do own

Shop around to find an insurer willing to cover you as a non-owner

What information will I need to get insured?

Even if you don't own the car, you'll still need to provide details about both yourself and the vehicle when applying for insurance.

For your personal details, you'll need information like your full name, date of birth, address, driving licence number, occupation, and claims/conviction history.

For the car, you'll need the make, model, registration number, year of manufacture, engine size, estimated annual mileage, and details or where it’s parked overnight.

The owner of the vehicle will also need to give formal consent for you to take out insurance on their car. Some insurers may request proof of this. If you'll be driving the car regularly, also think about your usage needs — will you need comprehensive cover with extras like breakdown assistance? Or is third party cover enough? This will help determine the right policy for you.

Why does non-owner car insurance cost more?

Drivers who insure a car they don’t own are often perceived as higher risk than drivers who are insured on their own vehicle. That’s because there’s usually an assumption that you may take less care of a car that doesn't belong to you.

Statistics also show that younger drivers are more likely to need non-owner insurance, and they already pay higher premiums due to their inexperience.

Unfortunately, that means insurers will usually charge more to cover you to drive someone else's car. 

Can I get car insurance if I'm not the registered keeper?

Yes, you can take out insurance on a car you don't own in the UK, as long as you tell the insurer upfront that you’re not the registered keeper or legal owner. Options include becoming a named driver, taking out your own separate policy, or getting temporary cover. However, some insurers may restrict non-owner policies.

How can I insure a van I don't own in the UK?

To insure a van that you don’t own, you can become a named driver on the owner’s existing policy, take out your own policy (if the insurer allows it), or get temporary 

. Just be sure to let the insurer know that you're not the registered keeper when applying.

What's the difference between the registered keeper and owner of a car?

The registered keeper is responsible for the car, and will be named on the V5C logbook, while the owner is the person who actually bought the vehicle. They can be different people — you can register as the keeper without being the legal owner. And both usually need insurance.

To drive a car in the UK, you need the right insurance. But what happens if you want to drive a car that you don’t own? Here’s everything you need to know.

Can I insure a car I don't own?

If you’ve recently bought a new car, scooter or van for your delivery work, you’ll need to add it to your Zego insurance policy.

We’ve added new features in the Zego Delivery app to help you make updates with just a few taps. 

First, you’ll need to make sure you have 

the latest version of the Zego Delivery app

 on your phone. Simply head to your phone’s app store to check for updates.

Then, follow the steps below based on the type of policy you have.

4. Enter your new car registration number and tap 

 to enter your new vehicle details (e.g no. of seats, engine size and value). Please note, if the 

button is grey then we have all the information we need and you can move on to the next step.

6. Review the information on the page to make sure it’s up to date and tap 

7. Enter the amount of no claims discount (NCD) years you have and tap 

Please note, if the vehicle belongs to someone else, you’ll need to provide your relationship to that person and tap 

9. Enter the date the vehicle was purchased (DD/MM/YYYY) and tap 

10. Review the updated information and tap 

11. On the next page, you’ll see your new insurance price by the minute.

and your vehicle details will be successfully updated.

And that’s it. From there, you can check your policy details, and change them again any time you need to. Easy!

How to update your 30-day or annual policy (paid upfront)

These instructions are for customers who bought their policy through our app.

3. Select the policy you’d like to make changes to, for example 

5. Enter your new car registration number and tap 

 to enter any missing details (e.g. no. of seats, engine size and value).

7. Review the information on the page to make sure it’s up to date and tap 

8. Enter the amount of no claims discount (NCD) years you have and tap 

10. Choose an option for where you leave your vehicle overnight from the list on the screen e.g. a ‘Locked Building’ and tap 

11. Enter the date the vehicle was purchased (DD/MM/YYYY) and tap 

13. Review the updated information tap ‘

 any reductions in price will be refunded to the same card you made your most recent payment with.

If there is a price increase, you’ll be charged a one-off payment. You’ll be charged using the same card you made your initial payment with, unless you change your default card before changing your vehicle details.

And that’s it. From there, you can check your policy details, and change them again any time you need to.

How to update your annual policy (paid in instalments)

These instructions are for customers who bought their Scooter, Car or Van policy through our app. It doesn't include Scooter policies with Flex or Van policies with ancillary products.

 annual insurance price. Depending on your new vehicle, you’ll be prompted with the following steps:

 you’ll be shown your remaining balance to pay. This remaining balance will be deducted equally from your outstanding monthly insurance payment. Tap ‘

*If you’ve already settled your monthly payments and your premium has 

, you’ll need to make a one-off payment to cover your insurance for the remaining time of your policy agreement. When prompted you’ll need to accept the Zego terms of business tick box and tap

 you’ll be shown the amount we owe you. The remaining balance will be deducted from your outstanding balance. That means your new monthly payments will be adjusted. Tap ‘

, we’ll refund you a one-off payment to the most recent card you made payment with.

 when there is no change or refund applicable, all you need to do is tap ‘

Need to make other changes to your policy?

We’ve released lots of new features in the Delivery app, so you can update your policy whenever you need to. It’s all part of our mission to save you time on your insurance.

Check out our how-to video guides below to learn more:

Video guides for 30-day and annual customers

If you’ve recently bought a new car, scooter or van for your delivery work, you’ll need to add it to your Zego policy. Here’s how to do it.

Need to update your vehicle details on your delivery policy? Here’s how.

As a tradesperson, courier or delivery driver, your van is an important part of your business – it’s what keeps you, and your income, on the road to success.

But, with so many different brands and models to choose from, selecting the right van isn't always easy. You’ll need to consider things like fuel efficiency, engine power and cargo space, and don’t forget about the ongoing costs, especially van insurance.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most affordable vans to insure, helping you to make the right decision for your business.

What is the cheapest van insurance group?

When it comes to insuring a van, the insurance group it falls into will affect the amount you'll pay. Insurance groups are essentially risk categories assigned to vehicles based on various things, including repair costs, the price of parts, engine power, and security features.

In the UK, there are 2 sets of van insurance groups, depending on how old the van is:

: these groups apply to vans built before 1 January 2016

: these apply if the van was made after 1 January 2016

Insurance group 1 is the cheapest group for vans built before 2016, and group 20 is the most expensive. Insurance group 21 is the cheapest for vans built from 2016 onwards, with group 50 being the most expensive.

Insurance groups serve as a guideline to help insurers work out the potential risk and cost of insuring a particular vehicle. A van in a lower insurance group is typically cheaper to repair, has fewer high-tech components, and might be less powerful. And this lower insurance group usually means 

a lower price for your business van insurance

Which vans fall into the lowest insurance groups?

Here are a few vans that are known for their affordability in terms of insurance:

With its small engine size and lower weight load, the Citroen Berlingo can sometimes find itself in the very rare Group 1, making it one of the cheapest vans to insure.

Slightly larger than the Berlingo, the Nemo still boasts affordable insurance premiums, often placed in Groups 2 to 4.

 With its modest engine size and maximum payload, the Kangoo typically falls into Group 2, meaning affordable insurance rates for its owners.

Before purchasing a van, research its insurance group. This can give you a better idea of how much you’ll be likely to pay.

Installing additional security features like alarms, immobilisers and trackers can potentially lower your van's insurance group, and your insurance costs.

By driving carefully and building your no claims bonus over time, you can significantly reduce your insurance costs.

So, while the make and model of your van play an important role in determining your insurance costs, understanding your insurance groups can make all the difference to the amount you’ll pay over the long run.

Here are just some of the vans that are cheapest to insure in the UK:

The Mercedes Vito is a versatile van that combines luxury with functionality. Known for its robust build and reliability, it's a favourite among businesses that require a touch of class without compromising on performance.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons and licenced for reuse under cc-by-sa/4.0

 Offers a range of diesel engines, manual or automatic gearboxes, and an electric version.

Upmarket feel, with a reversing camera in all models.

Electric version (eVito) has a modest range and higher insurance premium.

Introduced in 2016, the Peugeot Expert quickly became a great option for businesses looking for a modern, efficient and reliable van. Its design caters to urban and long-distance drives alike.

 Diesel and electric models available, all including smartphone connectivity.

 Improved equipment, safety and styling. Efficient diesel engines.

 Older versions might not have the latest features.

The Renault Trafic, with its sporty design, is not just about looks. The 2019 update brought in engines that meet the latest emission standards, making it a green choice for businesses.

Looking for a new van for your business? Read our guide to find out which are the cheapest to insure, and some of the things that can affect the cost.

Advice to help you make sense of insurance

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Latest News

What are the main types of vans?

Can I insure a car I don't own?

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