Is an incident keeping your van off the road? We'll give you a small courtesy van to use, such as a Ford Transit Connect, while we fix it with our comprehensive insurance. Or for up to 21 days in a row if it's written off or stolen.
Courtesy van for up to 21 days in a row if you use your own repairer. Excludes windscreen claims.
Introductory discount. Minimum premiums apply. Excludes optional extras.
Comprehensive cover only. You'll need to give us the other driver's registration number, make, and model to make a claim. Non-fault claims only.
Comprehensive coverage only. You can claim for damage caused by vandalism, i.e. a malicious and deliberate act not due to another vehicle. A crime reference number is required, and an excess applies.
Comprehensive claims only.
Commercial van insurance allows you to use your van or pickup for work. For example, if you need to drive goods, tools, or equipment to different locations as part of your job, you'll need cover for commercial use.
Our comprehensive van insurance isn't on comparison sites, so we've explained our cover levels and the benefits below. When comparing van insurance quotes, it's worth remembering that choosing the cheapest van insurance isn't always best for your business. While it may seem the most budget-friendly, it's always best to decide based on what you're covered for, as it could be more expensive if something unexpected happens. Whether it's comprehensive or third party, fire and theft that you need, we're on it.
If you need van insurance for personal use, find out more about our private van insurance here.
Our van insurance offers two levels of cover - comprehensive, and third party, fire and theft. Details of both options are included below.
A broad commercial van insurance policy that covers you for a range of eventualities. Direct Line comprehensive van insurance features include:
If your van can't be driven after an accident or loss covered by this insurance, we'll pay your hotel expenses for an overnight stay (up to £150 for the driver or £250 in total for all the people in your van).
If you're hit by an uninsured driver and it's not your fault, we'll cover your excess, and your No Claim Discount with us won't be affected. You'll need to give us the other driver's registration number, make, and model.
If you make a claim for damage to your van that's a result of vandalism - i.e. damage caused by a malicious and deliberate act not by another vehicle, you won't lose your No Claim Discount with us on your commercial van insurance. An excess applies. You'll need to give us a crime reference number.
If your van's being fixed by one of our approved repairers, we'll give you a small courtesy van, such as a Ford Transit Connect, to drive until yours is ready for the road. If you prefer to use your own repairer, or your van has been written off or stolen, you'll still get a small courtesy van for up to 21 days in a row. We'll also cover the travel costs if your van is stolen or you have an accident abroad - up to £15 a day for up to 21 days following your claim. Excludes windscreen claims.
This level of insurance provides cover if you injure other people or cause damage to their vehicles or property, as well as if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
For an additional price, you could also add the following to your van insurance policy.
Your No Claim Discount won't be affected by one claim made during the current policy period, or by two claims arising in the three preceding years of insurance.
To be eligible, you must have at least 4 years' No Claim Discount, you and all named drivers must be at least 25, and all have no fault claims within the past three years. You'll no longer be eligible if claims exceed the above numbers. Your premium may still increase following a claim.
If you're involved in a road traffic collision in your van where you aren't to blame, this covers the costs of bringing a claim for your uninsured losses against the person responsible, where we agree there's a better than 50% chance of your claim succeeding.
Examples of losses we cover include:
The standard limit is £100,000.
We know your van's your livelihood, so we'll keep you moving if it's damaged, written off, or stolen. Our comprehensive van insurance includes the offer of a small courtesy van as standard. However, if you need a larger courtesy van similar to your van size - such as a medium or large van - you'll need to add 'similar size' courtesy van to your policy:
This is available as an optional extra only with comprehensive van insurance. Excludes windscreen claims.
With Rescue Add on, you can choose breakdown cover for the UK, Europe or both. This can be added to both comprehensive and third party, fire and theft policies.
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Roadside assistance 24/7 help if you break down, over a quarter mile from home including a tow to a local garage if we can't repair your van by the road |
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Unlimited call outs You can call us out as many times as you need. You may be charged if you call us out for a repeat problem within 28 days |
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Cover at home We'll come to the rescue at your home in the UK |
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National recovery If your van can't be fixed locally that day, we can take you and your passengers to one destination of your choice in the UK |
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Onward travel We'll arrange a hire car or overnight accommodation or alternative transport if your van can't be fixed locally that day |
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European cover All of the benefits above when driving in Europe |
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We won't charge you admin fees if you want to make changes to your policy, but your premium may go up or down as a result of any changes you make.
If you don't tell us about any changes in your circumstances, or you give us incorrect or inaccurate information between the date you buy the policy and the policy start date, or after the policy start date, it could invalidate all or part of your policy. If this happens, we might turn down claims - or not pay them in full.
If you choose to automatically renew, you can switch to manual renewal at any time online via web chat, or by calling us. You'll still get a renewal invite before the policy end date, but cover will stop if other arrangements aren't made.
Whether you choose the convenience of automatic renewal or choose manual renewal, your renewal price won't be any higher than one given to a new customer with like-for-like details.
Our cancellation and complaints procedures are detailed in the policy.
If you cancel your policy
We'll calculate your premium using the information you give us. If you give us incorrect or inaccurate information, it could invalidate all or part of your policy, and we might turn down claims or not pay them in full.
You and we may choose which law will apply to this policy. Unless both parties agree otherwise, English law will apply. However, if you are resident in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney or the Isle of Man, the law of the island where you are resident will always apply to your policy and any dispute in relation to it will be within the jurisdiction of that island's relevant court. We'll supply this policy and other information to you in English and we'll continue to communicate with you in English.
We may ask for proof of your No Claim Discount (NCD). If we do, it must:
Here are several ways that could help save you money on your premium while still getting van insurance that suits your business needs.
We're not suggesting you downsize more than is practical, but smaller vans tend to have lower insurance premiums. If you're driving a long-wheelbase van but aren't using all the space inside, it might be worth thinking about something smaller. It could bring your price down, so you get a more affordable insurance deal.
Bigger engines mean vans have more speed, which increases the risk of them being involved in a traffic collision or road accident - which pushes premiums up. Opting for smaller engines can bring van insurance prices down.
Show you're a safe driver by declaring your No Claim Discount if you have one. Even if you've only been accident-free for one or two years, it can bring your costs down.
Thieves often target vans, especially unmarked ones, to steal what's inside or the van itself. Adding extra security features can help prevent your van from being stolen or broken into. Alarms and immobilisers are just the start. Fitting a tracking device, security-etching it with unique codes, or parking it securely in a garage overnight or off the road could also help. If you can't do that, empty your van every evening and consider adding a sticker to make it clear to potential thieves that there are no tools inside. By taking these security precautions, you may reduce the need to make a claim or the claim amount, helping to keep your costs down.
The more your van is on the road, the more likely it is to be involved in a traffic collision. That's why having a higher yearly mileage can increase your insurance costs. Try to keep your mileage in check as much as possible by only driving when necessary. Log your miles accurately, and give the correct number when it's time to renew. Rounding your mileage up might be less hassle, but it could also bump up your premium.
Having more drivers on an insurance policy may push up premiums. And if you have a young driver (under 25) or someone with a claims history, points, or convictions named on the policy, then be ready for costs to increase. Before adding more named drivers, think carefully about whether they really need to be able to drive the van.
Modified vans might look great and may even perform better - but they're usually more expensive to insure. Not only are the modified parts hard and costly to replace if damaged, but criminals are also more likely to steal modified vans.
When you get a quote, we'll send you a personalised policy document that shows the cover you've chosen.
These can also be found when you log into My Account.
Here are examples of our latest van insurance documents, showing the main covers we offer, plus exclusions.
Commercial van insurance is needed if you use your van or pickup for your business. For example, moving tools, equipment and your own goods to varying locations as part of your usual working day.
Private van insurance is for when you drive a van for personal use only - but it will also cover you if you use your van for commuting. For example, if you have a van to take your dogs down to the local park, but also use it to drive to and from a single permanent place of work, private van insurance is what you need.
Van insurance is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act if you own or drive a van or pickup, unless you declare the vehicle off-road (SORN) and keep it on private property. If you're pulled over by the police, they can issue you with a fine and points on your licence for driving without insurance. But the penalty for driving without insurance doesn't necessarily stop there. If the case goes to court, you could face an unlimited fine and even disqualification from driving, which means putting a halt to your business activities. The police also have the power to seize and destroy your vehicle if you've driven it without insurance.
Yes, you can have up to 5 drivers on a van insurance policy, inclusive of the policyholder.
If you are driving in any of the countries listed in the policy booklet, your policy is automatically extended to provide the same level of cover you have in the territorial limits for up to 90 days in every period of insurance. Your van will also be covered during journeys between those countries by a recognised carrier.
Please check general advice about driving your van in the EU after Brexit. For more information, find out how Brexit affects your van insurance.
No, you can only have one van on your van insurance policy. If you need to, you can get a quote for a new policy.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid full UK or EU driving licence, and must have lived in the UK for at least one year. Get a quote online.
If your job changes, please let us know. At the same time, review your annual mileage and check whether your new job needs you to use your van for business purposes or you only need it for personal use. These changes may affect your premium, but by keeping us updated we can make sure you have the right policy in place if you need to make a claim.
There are a few ways to reduce your premiums from ensuring your van is secure to proving you're a safe driver. Read our 7 tips to help lower your premiums.
Before you start your van insurance quote, you'll need to have a few details to hand. You'll need to tell us your name, date of birth, address, driving history, what type of licence you hold,and how long you've had your licence.
Van registration number and details - We'll need to know the value of the van, the number of seats, body type, annual mileage, modifications, the month, and year the van was purchased, and the address where it will be kept overnight.
Driver details - We'll need each driver's name, occupation and driving history, including any claims and motoring offences they've had.
Type of cover - You can choose between comprehensive cover, i.e. cover for repairs to your van because of accidental damage, vandalism or a traffic collision, or third party, fire & theft cover.
No, you cannot insure your van in your business's name. The insurance policy must be held by a private individual. However, your business can own the van, lease it, or be the registered keeper on the V5C document. As long as the insurance policy is in the name of a private individual, everything is fine.
No, you don't need to be the main driver on the policy. However, you must be the policyholder and a driver.
For you to be the policyholder, either you, your spouse, or a finance or lease company will need to be the registered owner or keeper of the van you're looking to insure.
You need to have held a full UK/EU licence for at least one year.
No, cover is only provided for the vehicle on your current certificate of motor insurance.
No, we don't offer cover for couriers.
Yes, we can cover tippers with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of under 3.5 tonnes.
We offer cover for single cab pickups.
We offer cover for double cab pick-ups.
Our comprehensive commercial van insurance covers tools for loss or damage caused by fire, theft, attempted theft or an accident, whilst they are in your van. Cover is up to a limit of £500 and subject to the terms and conditions contained in the policy booklet. Tools will not be covered when left in the rear of a pickup.
Insurance Premium Tax is a tax payable on insurance premiums and is set by the Government.
All documents outlining premiums, such as quotes, show how much insurance premium tax you're being charged. However, not all UK residents pay the tax, this applies to anyone who resides in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
No. Direct Line Motor Legal Expenses is an additional product which can be bought when you buy van insurance.
If you're involved in a road traffic collision in your van where you are not to blame, legal expenses covers the costs of bringing a claim against the person responsible where there is a better than 50% chance of success.
No, you won't be covered if you don't get their details. It's important that you get their details, including their registration number, make, and model if we're to recover your losses from them.
If you're involved in a road traffic collision which isn't your fault, we'll pay the legal costs - such as recovering compensation for any injuries sustained, and loss of earnings from the person at fault. This is as long as there is a greater than 50% chance of success.
No, you only pay the annual premium. All costs related to your legal claim are covered by the policy.
Cover will be provided for drivers named on your current certificate of motor insurance, and any passengers travelling in your vehicle.
Uninsured losses are costs for which you are responsible. Examples include the policy excess, or any medical expenses you may incur. However, if you have Direct Line Motor Legal Expenses cover we will pay any reasonable cost of legal proceedings against another person who is responsible for the collision, if it results in injury to you or uninsured losses being incurred.
The policy doesn't cover Goods in Transit. However, our comprehensive van insurance does cover tools whilst they're in your van for loss or damage caused by fire, theft, attempted theft or an accident. Cover is up to a limit of £500 and subject to the terms and conditions contained in the policy booklet. The policy doesn't cover tools when they're left in the rear of a pickup.
The finance company may be entitled to take the van. If you were not aware the van was subject to an outstanding credit agreement and bought it in good faith, you may be allowed to keep the van. You should consider getting legal advice to decide whether you can do this, and how to go about it.
We insure vans up to a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight).
Yes. With our comprehensive insurance, we offer a small courtesy van, such as a Ford Transit Connect, as standard while we repair yours. If you use your own repairer, or it's written off or stolen, you can have the courtesy van for up to 21 days in a row. Please note that the courtesy van may not be an exact replacement and might lack features like towing provisions or roof racks. Excludes windscreen claims.
If you add this to your policy, we'll provide a van of a similar size to yours - such as a medium or large van - to keep you on the road while we fix yours. If you use your own repairer or if it's written off or stolen, you can have a courtesy van for up to 21 days in a row. This may not be a like-for-like replacement and may not have features such as towing provisions or roof racks. Excludes windscreen claims.
Our virtual assistant is ready to answer your questions.
Start a WhatsApp chat and get the help you need wherever you are. You can make many policy changes directly on WhatsApp.
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