Is an incident keeping your van off the road? We'll give you a small courtesy van to use while we fix it - or for up to 21 days in a row if it's written off or stolen.
Comprehensive commercial van insurance only. 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, registration number, make and model of the other vehicle needed to make a claim. Non-fault claims only.
Comprehensive claims only.
Commercial van insurance allows you to use your van or pick-up 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 fully 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 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. Excludes windscreen claims. 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.
This type of commercial van insurance can be helpful if someone makes a claim against you, and if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
For an additional price, you can also add the following to your comprehensive van insurance policy or your third party, fire and theft 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 traffic collision in your van where you aren't to blame, this covers the costs of bringing a claim 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, but, for an additional price, you can add a 'similar size courtesy van' to your policy. This means we'll get you a van similar to yours, plus:
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 the best van insurance.
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 premium down, so you get the best van insurance deal available.
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.
There are two things you can do to show you're a safe driver. Firstly, declare 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. Secondly, consider taking up an insurer's offer to use telematics. These devices track how you drive and share that data with your insurer so they can see you're safe and responsible.
Thieves often target vans - especially unmarked ones. They might want what's inside or the van itself, so adding extra security features can help you get the best van insurance. Alarms and immobilisers are just the start. Fitting a tracking device or security-etching it with unique codes could also help. And parking it securely in a garage or off the road overnight will 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.
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.
These tips should help you save money on your insurance premiums, but there are other ways to keep costs down - whether your van is for private use or commercial.
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 pick-up 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 pick-up, 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 as 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 will affect 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.
If you're aged 21 or older, and you've held a full UK driving licence for at least one year, you're able to take out van insurance with us. Get a quote online.
When changing your occupation, we suggest that you review your annual mileage and class of use at the same time. This is to make sure that you have the appropriate policy based on accurate numbers - which may have changed if you change jobs. And if you do change your occupation, this could affect your premium.
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.
We do not offer van insurance quotes in the name of a business. The main driver must be the policyholder.
No, you're not required to be the main 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 pick-ups.
We offer cover for double cab pick-ups.
Tools are covered for loss or damage caused by fire, theft, attempted theft or an accident, whilst they are in your commercial 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 pick-up.
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 Protection 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 protection 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 Protection 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.
But it 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 pick-up.
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).
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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