There may be times when you need to borrow or hire a van \u2013 for example, if you’re moving home or planning a big IKEA trip. But while you might assume that you can drive a van on your car insurance, this isn’t always the case.<\/p>
Even if you need to drive a van for a short time, driving without the appropriate insurance is illegal. If you’re caught, you’ll get a \u00a3300 fine and 6 points on your licence (at a minimum). We explain how to make sure you have the cover you need.<\/p>
Maybe \u2013 it depends on your car insurance. If you want to drive a van on your car insurance policy, even if only temporarily, read the small print of your car insurance policy to make sure you’re covered.<\/p>
If you’re still not sure whether you can drive a van after reading your car insurance details, don’t assume it’ll be OK. If you go ahead and it turns out you’re not covered, you risk being convicted of driving without motor insurance. Get in touch with your insurer to check.<\/p>
Even if you are able to drive a van under your car insurance policy, you might not have the same level of cover as when driving your own car. Most policies will only cover you on a third-party basis<\/a>. This means that if you have an accident, your car insurance will only pay out for damage to any other vehicle involved.<\/p> If you have a fully comprehensive car insurance policy, you’re more likely to be covered to drive a van. Some fully comprehensive policies include an extension that allows the driver to use other vehicles, including vans. This is usually on a third-party basis.<\/p> The “drive other vehicles” (DOV) clause is an extension that your main car insurance policy may include as outlined in the terms and conditions. It indicates whether you are insured to drive cars or vans that you don’t own.<\/p> It will usually only give you third-party cover to drive other vehicles. This means that you won’t be covered for any damage to the van or other vehicle that you’re driving under the terms of this extension.<\/p> Importantly, it’s designed for temporary use only and is not suitable for regular use of another vehicle. If you plan to drive someone else’s van frequently, consider getting formally added to their insurance policy.<\/p> Check the criteria of the extension carefully as there may be exclusions. Common criteria include the following:<\/p> If your car insurance policy doesn’t cover you to drive a borrowed van or you want comprehensive cover, there are a few options to consider.<\/p> If your car insurance has a “drive other vehicles” extension, you will be covered (usually third-party) if you borrow a van for a short period. It’s not designed for extended use, though. If you want to borrow a van for a few days or more, look into alternative van insurance options.<\/p> Probably not; “drive other vehicles” clauses usually exclude hire vans. But this is unlikely to matter as hire packages usually include the van insurance cover you will need.<\/p> The same rules apply as driving a van under a car insurance policy. If your van insurance policy has a “drive other vehicles” clause, you will be insured to drive a car on your van insurance. This will typically be on a third-party basis and assumes you meet all of the criteria.<\/p> You can only use your motor insurance no claims discount (NCD)<\/a> on one vehicle at a time. This means you are only likely to want to transfer your NCD if you’re swapping your car for a van permanently.<\/p>What if my car insurance is fully comprehensive?<\/h3>
What is the “drive other vehicles” clause and how does it affect what I can drive?<\/h3>
What are my options if my car insurance doesn’t cover (or fully cover) me to drive a van?<\/h3>
Does my car insurance cover me if I borrow a van?<\/h3>
Does my car insurance cover me to hire a van?<\/h3>
Can I drive a car on my van insurance?<\/h3>
Can I transfer my no claims discount from a car to a van?<\/h3>