{"id":85560,"date":"2018-01-26T12:27:24","date_gmt":"2018-01-26T12:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=85560"},"modified":"2026-01-29T06:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T06:00:19","slug":"van-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/van-insurance","title":{"rendered":"Compare van insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last decade, the number of van drivers on UK roads has increased by 30%. And while insurance premiums have risen over the last few years, there are a number of ways you can save whilst still getting the right policy for you.<\/p>

What is van insurance?<\/h3>

Van insurance is a separate type of cover specifically designed to protect your van. Third party cover is the minimum legal requirement for van insurance in the UK, and you will need to take out a different type of cover if you use your van for commercial purposes as opposed to recreation. <\/p>

How to compare van insurance<\/h3>
  1. Consider how you use your van.<\/strong> Start by thinking about what you use your van for. Do you use it for work purposes (including driving to business locations) or as courier? Perhaps your van is solely for shopping trips and visiting family.<\/li>
  2. For social use, compare regular policies.<\/strong> If you only use your van socially, for example, shopping or visiting family and friends you\u2019ll need private van insurance, which comes in three cover levels: third party, third party fire and theft and comprehensive.<\/li>
  3. For business use, compare commercial policies.<\/strong> commercial van insurance<\/a> comes in three levels: carriage of own goods, carriage of goods for hire or reward and haulage. Depending on how you use your van for work, research the level of cover that best suits you.<\/li>
  4. Shop around.<\/strong> Whatever your policy needs, research as many policies and providers as possible to find the best deals. According to Finder research, comprehensive policies can at times be cheaper than third party cover, so check the full range of policies to see if you can get a cheaper deal with a more extensive policy.<\/li>
  5. Weigh up cost versus cover needs.<\/strong> The trick to finding the right policy is to balance the overall cost against your specific cover needs.<\/li><\/ol>

    Do I need van insurance?<\/h3>

    Yes. If you use your van strictly for recreation or as a substitute for a car, you are legally required to have at least third party cover in the UK. If you use your van for business purposes, including commuting to work, you will need a form of commercial cover for your van.<\/p>

    How much does van insurance cost?<\/h3>

    Van insurance premiums have been rising in the last few years. Your premium will be affected by a number of personal and situational factors, but the average van insurance policy in the UK will set you back around \u00a31,116 in 2021, according to insurance data specialist Consumer Intelligence.<\/p>

    How can I save on my van insurance?<\/h3>
    1. Don\u2019t auto-renew.<\/strong> Make sure you compare quotes from other providers before allowing yours to renew each year. If you find a cheaper quote you might find that your current provider will match it or even offer a cheaper deal.<\/li>
    2. Pay a higher excess.<\/strong> An excess refers to the amount you\u2019ll contribute if you make a claim. As well as compulsory excess set by the insurance company there is voluntary excess. Increasing your voluntary excess signals to your insurer that your less likely to make a claim, helping to bring down your overall premium.<\/li>
    3. Try a black box.<\/strong> Fitting your car with a blackbox<\/a> or using a telematics app can significantly reduce your premium as long as you drive well. Poor and dangerous driving however will cause it to go up.<\/li>
    4. Limit usage.<\/strong> If you\u2019re able to do so, restricting certain high-risk drivers such as under 25s, seniors and learners from driving your van can lower your premium. Some insurers will also reduce your premiums if you cap the amount of time you\u2019ll be using your van \u2013 in theory, less time of the road, means less risk.<\/li>
    5. Add a named driver.<\/strong> Listing a more experienced driver can help to reduce your premium, particularly if they\u2019re listed as the main driver. It\u2019s important that you don\u2019t list them as the main driver if they are not.<\/li>
    6. Choose the right vehicle.<\/strong> The type of van you drive can significantly impact the cost of insurance. It\u2019s worth spending time shopping around and comparing which vans you can get the cheapest premiums with.<\/li>
    7. Build up a no claims bonus.<\/strong> Your driving record and no claims history are used to determine how likely you are to be involved in an accident. If you haven\u2019t made any claims in the last 4-5 years insurers may offer you a \u2018no claims bonus\u2019, granting you a discount on your premium.<\/li>
    8. Increase your van\u2019s security<\/strong> Reducing the risk of your van being damaged or stolen is a great way to reduce your premium. Installing anti-theft devices or parking in a garage instead of on a main road is a great way to secure cheaper insurance. <\/li>
    9. Compare, compare, compare.<\/strong> It pays to do your research. Shop around and compare quotes from different providers. If you find a better offer don\u2019t be afraid to switch. Make sure that when comparing that the policies are like for like. Cheaper premiums may just reflect less cover.<\/li>
    10. Take advantage of discounts<\/strong> Do your research and see if there are any deals on offer. Some providers might provide loyalty discounts or cheaper rates for new customers.<\/li><\/ol>

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      What types of van insurance are there?<\/h3>