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Need to know

• Can I drive a van without insurance?

  It’s a legal requirement in the UK to have at least third party cover to drive a van or car.

• How do you use your van?

  How you actually use your van will impact on the price of your policy and you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the correct cover so that you’re fully protected should you need to make a claim.

  • Social only

    If you don’t use your van for anything other than for personal use, you only need social cover.

  • Own goods

    If you use your van to carry your own goods and tools or anything other work related equipment you’ll want to look at commercial (also known as business) cover. You’ll also be able to use your van for personal use with this type of cover.

  • Haulage

    If you’re delivering goods or materials to someone, or you’re being paid to move cargo, then you’ll need a policy that covers you for haulage such as courier or goods in transit cover.

• What are the different types of van insurance?

  • Standard van insurance

    Basic van insurance policies can often have limitations on things such as mileage, what you can use the van for and the age of the driver. Standard van insurance should provide cover for contents, which are your own personal possessions within the van, however you may be required to take your tools out overnight as part of the policy terms and conditions.

  • Courier insurance

    If you use your van to deliver goods or parcels to various destinations you could choose courier van insurance so your vehicle and the goods inside the vehicle are covered should an accident happen, or the van is stolen or damaged.

  • Goods in transit cover

    If you use your van to transport cargo you will have to choose goods in transit cover. When choosing your policy, you will need to provide details of the types of items you’ll be transporting, highlighting any valuable or hazardous items.

  • Pickup truck insurance

    Pick up trucks are classed as vans due to the long wheelbase, so you’ll need to make sure you take out van insurance to be properly covered.

• What are the different levels of cover for van insurance?

  There are three main types of van insurance available and each offer you different levels of cover.

  • Comprehensive cover

    This is usually the most expensive type of insurance as it offers you the most cover. You’ll be covered for damage to the van, property and yourself even if the liability lies with you.

  • Third party cover

    Third party cover is usually the least expensive type of van insurance as it offers the most basic type of cover and is the minimum kind of insurance that is required by UK law.

  • Third party, fire and theft

    This type of cover is exactly the same as third party cover but you have the added protection in the case of a fire or your van is stolen.

• What information do I need to compare van insurance?

  If you’d like to compare van insurance quotes online with Quidco Compare you will need details of your van, your driving licence, the van’s current mileage and expected annual mileage, and details of where you park your van and what it’s used for.

• What will affect the cost of my van insurance?

  There are some factors that can affect the cost of your van insurance. Some of the most common ones are:

  • No claims discount

    Many van insurance providers will offer a discount on your policy that’s based on the number of years you’ve been driving without making a claim. No claims discounts are usually capped at 9 years, but it depends on the insurer.

  • Voluntary excess

    If you increase the amount of excess you are willing to pay, insurers will often lower the price of your policy. Excess is the amount you must pay in the event of a claim before the insurer will pay out.

  • Locks and immobilisers

    Any extra security features such as locks and immobilisers can sometimes help reduce van insurance premiums.

  • Curbing annual mileage

    If you can minimise the number of miles your van does it can bring the cost of van insurance down. The more miles you clock up, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident.

  • Park off road

    If you can park your van off road, preferably in a garage or locked yard, you’ll usually be offered cheaper premiums. This reduces the risk that the van will be stolen or damaged.

• What additional cover should I consider along with a standard van insurance policy?

  Additional cover can be added onto a standard van insurance policy to give you total peace of mind. Some of the most common additional cover includes:

  • Legal cover

    Should you get into an accident that is the fault of another driver, standard van insurance may not cover any loss. You’ll be able to claim for compensation from the third party for loss of or damage to your van, personal property and death or personal injury to yourself or any passengers.

  • Break down cover

    Buying breakdown cover could be worthwhile if you consider the impact it could have on your business if you rely on your vehicle for commercial transport needs. Cover options can vary so think about what you need before you take out breakdown cover.

  • Tool insurance

    Standard van insurance policies don’t usually cover any tools and equipment you carry inside your van. If it is offered with your chosen policy, many insurers will cap the value of the goods that they will cover.

• Should I let my policy automatically renew?

  Your existing provider will likely be more expensive if you let your policy automatically renew, so shop around to find a new deal.

Useful information

Please note: by clicking the "Get a quote" button, you consent to your details being used by the comparison partner and insurance quote providers. Don't worry they won't call or email though. Full details are in our privacy policy. Quidco is a trading style of Maple Syrup Media Ltd and you can see the details of our service in relation to insurance here

When using the Quidco Compare service, you must take reasonable care to answer insurers questions fully and accurately and if you volunteer other information, you must take reasonable care to ensure that the information is not misleading. If any information that you have provided changes before you take out your insurance, during the life of the policy or at renewal you must inform the insurer or broker of the change. If you deliberately or carelessly misrepresent any information in relation to this insurance, then your policy may not pay all, or part, of a claim and could in certain circumstances be avoided altogether.