BUSINESS VAN INSURANCE

The type of van insurance you need depends on the way you use your vehicle.

If you only use your van for personal journeys, like driving to the shops or trips to see friends, you'll probably only need social, domestic and pleasure van insurance (SD&P). If you also use your van for work, like delivering goods or carrying tools from one job to another, you'll need a commercial van insurance policy.

When it comes to commercial van insurance, there are three main types to choose from:

1. Carriage of own goods
Carriage of own goods will cover your vehicle while it's being used for work, plus any goods or belongings stored inside the van. If you're a self-employed tradesperson, this will cover your tools and the equipment used to do your job. If you also use your van to regularly commute to work, you'll need this type of cover. It’s sometimes also called carriage of tools cover, and as the name suggests it covers you to transport all the kit you need to do your job.

2. Carriage of goods for hire and reward
Carriage of goods for hire and reward is the type of cover you need if you use your van to make deliveries. It covers you for driving to multiple locations and transporting other people’s goods in return for payment. Takeaway food delivery drivers and self-employed van couriers need this type of cover.

3. Haulage
Haulage cover is used by van drivers who regularly make deliveries to a single destination a long way away (did you know that our van courier insurance includes this as standard?).

Different insurance providers will categorise deliveries and haulage in different ways. So it's always best to make sure you've got the right level of cover for the work you do.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce your business van insurance cost:
Secure Your Van: Take steps to enhance the security features of your van, such as installing alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices. This helps to lower the risk of theft, which can also help to lower the cost of your commercial van insurance. Ensuring your van is parked in a secure location overnight can also reduce premiums.
Check Your Named Drivers: Including only essential drivers on your policy can help to reduce costs. If a driver isn’t likely to use the van, it might be better to leave them off the policy. Also, adding inexperienced or high-risk drivers can increase the amount you pay. Ensuring all named drivers have a good driving history can further help reduce costs.
Build a No Claims Bonus: By driving safely and maintaining a good claims history, you can help to earn a discount each time you renew. A strong No Claims Bonus can significantly lower your van insurance premiums. This is one of the most effective ways to achieve cheaper van insurance.
Pay Annually: Paying for your policy annually, instead of monthly, can lead to significantly lower costs over the long run. While the upfront cost is higher, it can be more economical. Additionally, choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premiums, though this means you will pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.
Consider the Level of Cover: Assess whether you need comprehensive cover or if a less extensive policy might suffice for your needs. However, always ensure that the policy meets the minimum legal requirements and provides adequate protection for your business activities.

Enhance Security Features Installing additional security features such as dashcams and deadlocks can further reduce your premiums. Many insurers offer discounts for vans equipped with advanced security measures.

Use Telematics Some insurance companies offer policies that use telematics devices to monitor your driving. Safe driving habits can result in lower premiums over time.
By following these tips, you can effectively reduce your business van insurance cost while ensuring you have the necessary protection for your vehicle and its contents.

Yes, if you use a van for a business activity – whether that's making deliveries, commuting or carrying goods – you'll need a commercial van insurance policy. It's a legal requirement in the UK. Business van insurance provides financial protection in case of an accident, damage or theft, or anything else that may happen to you or your vehicle while you're working.

Business van insurance covers you if you're involved in an accident while working, or if you're the victim of theft. Along with cover for you and your van, plus other drivers and their property, our comprehensive van insurance policy also covers you for the loss or damage to your personal belongings, tools and equipment.

No. We will only insure you under your name.

No, in most cases your personal car insurance policy (known as social, domestic and pleasure) will not cover you while driving other vehicles for work. That's why it's essential to have separate, comprehensive cover for your business van or commercial vehicle.

Yes, with our fully comprehensive business van insurance, you get cover for any tools or equipment being transported in your vehicle.

You're also covered for items stored in your van while it's parked, except any tools and equipment that are:

• stolen when the tailgate, boot, sunroof or any door of the vehicle has been left unlocked
• left in the rear of a pickup or an open-backed vehicle, unless kept in a locked tools chest that's permanently fixed to the vehicle
• left in your vehicle overnight between 10pm—6am, unless your van was parked in an area secured by a locked gate, or in a locked garage.

Before choosing your insurance, it's important to review the details of your policy to make sure you have the right level of cover for your goods.

In the UK, there are several levels of van insurance cover available to meet different needs and requirements. Understanding these levels can help you choose the right van insurance policy for your circumstances.
Comprehensive Van Insurance
Comprehensive van insurance provides the most extensive cover available. It protects against accidental damage to your van, theft, fire, and third-party liability. Additionally, this policy covers any personal belongings and tools inside the van. For businesses, this can be crucial as it ensures that both the vehicle and the equipment necessary for daily operations are protected.
Third Party, Fire, and Theft
This level of cover includes third-party liability, which is the minimum legal requirement in the UK, plus additional protection against fire damage and theft of your van. This is a good middle-ground option for those who want more than the basic third party cover but do not need full comprehensive cover.
Third Party Only
This is the most basic level of van insurance cover available and meets the minimum legal requirement. It covers damage to other vehicles and property caused by your van but does not cover any damage to your own vehicle.

Several factors can influence the cost of your van insurance premiums . Understanding these factors can help you manage your insurance costs more effectively:

• Driving History: Your driving history plays a significant role in determining your premiums. A clean record with no accidents or claims can lower your costs, while a history of accidents or traffic violations can increase them.
• Vehicle Details: The make, model, and age of your van, along with any modifications, affect your premiums. Vans with advanced security features such as alarms and immobilisers may qualify for lower rates.
• Usage: How you use your van impacts your insurance costs. Vans used for business purposes, such as deliveries or transporting tools, typically have higher premiums than those used solely for personal trips.
• Location: Where you park your van overnight, whether on the street, in a driveway, or in a secure garage, can influence your premiums. Vans kept in safer locations usually cost less to insure.
• Coverage Level: The type and level of coverage you choose, such as comprehensive or third-party only, will also affect your premiums. Adding optional extras like breakdown cover or legal protection can increase your costs but provide more extensive protection.
• No Claims Bonus: A no claims bonus (NCB) can significantly reduce your premiums. Building a good claims history over time can lead to substantial discounts.

Finding the most affordable vans to insure can help reduce ongoing costs for tradespeople, couriers, and delivery drivers. Here are some of the cheapest vans to insure.

• Mercedes Vito Insurance
• Peugeot Expert Insurance
• Renault Trafic Insurance
• Volkswagen Transporter Insurance
• Citoren Berlingo Insurance
• Ford Transit Insurance
• Mercedes Spinter Insurance