Direct Line for Business van insurance review

Direct Line for Business van insurance comes in two cover levels. You can use its comprehensive policy for either private or business use, and it includes cover for tools, personal belongings, basic EU cover and up to nine years’ no claims discount.

Whether you use your van to transport tools or pursue your passion, Direct Line aims to keep you on the road when things go wrong. Take a look at our breakdown to see if Direct Line for Business can offer you a good deal.

What is Direct Line for Business?

Direct Line for Business was set up in 2007 and offers a range of insurance specifically designed for small businesses. As well as van insurance, it also offers shop, office, home business, hotel, hair and beauty, and landlord insurance as well as others.

Direct Line for Business is part of Direct Line Group, one of the UK’s leading car insurance providers that was founded in 1985.

You’ll need to go to the Direct Line for Business website for a van insurance quote as the insurance provider isn’t listed on any comparison websites.

• Who underwrites the van insurance from Direct Line for Business?

  Direct Line van insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

What are Direct Line’s levels of cover?

To be on UK roads, all drivers are legally required to have at least third party van insurance. Direct Line doesn’t offer third party, but it does offer two higher levels of cover.

• Third party, fire and theft (TPFT). If you are responsible for causing an accident, you’ll be protected for damage to other people’s vehicles or property. You’ll also have protection against any fire damage or theft of your van.
• Comprehensive. This is the highest level of cover on offer through Direct Line and will provide the same protection as TPFT as well as insuring your van against accidental damage and vandalism. It’s always worth checking the cost of comprehensive as it can be cheaper than third party or TPFT.

Optional extras

Direct Line offers a range of additional protection you can bolt onto your policy, including the following:

• UK breakdown cover. Direct Line offers multiple levels of Green Flag breakdown cover.
• EU Breakdown cover. Option for protection when driving in Europe.
• Replacement vehicle hire (comprehensive only). Guaranteed hire vehicle for up to 14 days or 21 days with replacement vehicle hire plus.
• Motor legal protection. Legal costs up to £100,000. There has to be a better than 50% chance that your claim will succeed.
• No-claims discount protection. Your No Claim Discount won’t be affected by one claim made during the current period of cover, or by two claims arising in the three preceding years of insurance. If you have at least 4 years’ No Claim Discount, you and all named drivers are at least 25, and all have no fault claims or convictions within the past three years, then you’ll be eligible to buy No Claim Discount Protection. You’ll no longer be eligible for this cover if claims exceed the above numbers. Your premium may still increase following a claim

What is my excess?

Your insurance excess is the amount of money you will need to pay towards a claim. Your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than this amount. A compulsory excess amount might vary depending on the age of your van and your driving experience.

You can also add a voluntary excess. You’ll have the option of adding or increasing the voluntary excess – which will affect your premium.

What is the claims process for Direct Line for Business?

You should call the Direct Line claims line on 0345 301 2882 to make a claim.
The claims line is open Mondays to Fridays 8am – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 5pm and Sundays 10am – 5pm.

You will need to provide the following information:

• Your personal details and policy number
• Details about the incident such as when, where and how it happened
• Details about any tools or equipment damaged or stolen, if applicable
• Names and contact details of anyone involved in the incident, including passengers, third parties and witnesses
• The makes, models and registration numbers of all vehicles involved
• Third party insurance details and policy numbers
• Crime reference number, if applicable
• Digital photographs, if available

It’s vital that you let your insurer know about an incident as soon as possible, even if it’s not your fault. Failure to do this could result in a rejected claim later on.

Direct Line for Business van insurance pros and cons

Written by

Liz Edwards

Editor-in-chief

Liz Edwards has been a consumer writer and editor for more than 20 years. She led award-winning teams at the campaigning publisher Which?, and has covered a range of consumer rights and personal finance topics including pensions, credit, banking and insurance. Liz has appeared frequently in national media such as The Sun, Metro, HuffPost and The Independent. She loves to cut through waffle to give consumers the real lowdown. And she loves puns. See full bio

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