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 van business.
What are the cheapest vans to insure in UK?
- Mercedes Vito
- Peugeot Expert
- Renault Trafic
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Ford Transit Custom
- Nissan NV300
1. Mercedes Vito
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. Read about mercedes van insurace groups.
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Features: Offers a range of diesel engines, manual or automatic gearboxes, and an electric version.
Pros: Upmarket feel, with a reversing camera in all models.
Cons: Electric version (eVito) has a modest range and higher insurance premium.
2. Peugeot Expert
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. Read about Peugeot van insurace groups here.
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Features: Diesel and electric models available, all including smartphone connectivity.
Pros: Improved equipment, safety and styling. Efficient diesel engines.
Cons: Older versions might not have the latest features.
3. Renault Trafic
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. Read about Renault van insurace groups here.
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Features: Sporty design, updated diesel engines from 2019.
Pros: Stylish look, compliant with the latest emissions legislation.
Cons: Older models might not be emission compliant.
4. Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter is a classic, reliable choice for tradespeople and small business owners. Its iconic design and high-quality build make it stand out in the crowd. Read about Volkswagen van insurance groups here.
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Features: Recognisable design, high build quality, modern cabins.
Pros: Strong resale value, upmarket look and feel.
Cons: Might be pricier than some competitors.
5. Vauxhall Vivaro
British-built and designed for the urban landscape, the Vauxhall Vivaro is a testament to modern van engineering. Its compact design doesn't compromise on cargo space, making it a top choice for city-based delivery drivers and businesses.
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Features: Built on the same robust platform as the Peugeot Expert.
Pros: British-built, easy to navigate in urban areas.
Cons: Older models might not have the latest features.
6. Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking of vans. Known for its excellent reliability and driving experience, it's a favourite among long-distance drivers. Read about Ford van insurance groups.
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Features: Choose from a range of reliable, diesel engine models.
Pros: Precise steering and handline, multiple length and height options.
Cons: Older models might lack the latest features.
7. Nissan NV300
Sharing design features with the Renault Trafic, the Nissan NV300 brings the reliability of Nissan engineering to the van market. Its long warranty period is a testament to its build quality. Read more about Nissan van insurance groups.
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Features: Based on the same platform as the much-loved Renault Trafic.
Pros: Long warranty of five years or 100,000 miles, with high fuel efficiency.
Cons: Older models might not be EU emissions compliant.
What is the cheapest van insurance group?
When it comes to insuring your vehicle the van 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:
- Groups 1–20: these groups apply to vans built before 1 January 2016
- Groups 21–50: 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:
Citroen Berlingo
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.
Citroen Nemo
Slightly larger than the Berlingo, the Nemo still boasts affordable insurance premiums, often placed in Groups 2 to 4.
Renault Kangoo
With its modest engine size and maximum payload, the Kangoo typically falls into Group 2, meaning affordable insurance rates for its owners.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of van insurance?
Several things can influence the cost of van insurance. These include the size and weight of your van, its insurance group, engine size, the cost of parts, and the security features it comes with. By choosing a more modestly priced van, with a smaller engine size and lower insurance risk, you can help to lower the cost of your van insurance, too.
Why is the Mercedes Vito considered a good choice for businesses?
The Mercedes Vito stands out due to its blend of luxury and functionality. Its robust build, range of diesel engines, and the availability of both manual and automatic gearboxes make it a versatile and reliable choice for all types of businesses.
How do insurance groups impact van insurance premiums?
Insurance groups serve as risk indicators for insurers. Vans in lower insurance groups are typically cheaper to insure, due to things like their lower repair costs and less powerful engines. On the other hand, vans in higher insurance groups, with more expensive parts and powerful engines, usually end up costing more to insure.
Are vans with good security features cheaper to insure?
Yes, in most cases vans that are equipped with advanced security features, such as alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices, are cheaper to insure. This is because insurance companies consider these vans as having a lower risk of theft, which usually means a lower insurance cost for you.
