25% of consumers could save up to £350 compared to going direct to other brands. Excludes optional extras. Research by Consumer Intelligence Ltd, conducted September 2021. www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk/proof.
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Van insurance allows you to use your van or pick-up for your business, e.g. to carry your goods, tools or equipment to different locations as part of your working day.
When you compare van quotes, choosing cheap van insurance isn't always the answer. Learn more about our commercial van insurance below or get some more information on our private van insurance.
Our van insurance offers two levels of cover, comprehensive and third-party fire and theft, details of both covers can be seen below.
A broad commercial van insurance policy that covers you for a range of eventualities. Our comprehensive van insurance includes:
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 your van has been stolen or written off, we'll replace it with a new one of the same make and model if it's less than a year old and you're the first and only registered owner.
If you're hit by an uninsured driver and it's not your fault, we'll cover your excess, and your No Claim Discount 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, ie damage caused by a malicious and deliberate act not by another vehicle, you won't lose your No Claim Discount. An excess applies. You'll need to give us a crime reference number.
This covers you if someone makes a claim against you, and if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
Whether you use your van to transport tools or pursue your passion, we'll keep you on the road when things go wrong.
If your van's written off due to an accident, vandalism, fire or flood you'll be given the following options:
For an additional premium, 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 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 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.
If you have an accident involving 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.
Whether you use your van for business or leisure, we know that your vehicle is your livelihood. So, if your van is damaged, written off or stolen we'll keep you moving with a Small or Similar sized courtesy van, plus:
Comes as an optional extra only with Comprehensive. Keep in mind, this doesn't include windscreen claims.
With Rescue Add on, you'll be covered if your Van has broken down and you can choose to be covered within the UK, Europe or both. This cover can be added to both Comprehensive and Third party, fire and theft polices.
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Roadside assistance 24/7 help if you breakdown, including a tow to a local garage if we can't repair your van by the road |
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Unlimited call outs As long as it's not for the same problem |
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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 Your van and your passengers can be taken to the UK destination of your choice |
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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 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, and we might turn down claims or not pay them in full.
We may set up your policy to renew automatically, saving you time and making sure you're always covered. You can change this at any time by calling us. We'll securely store your payment.
We'll send you a renewal invitation in good time before we take any payment. If at that time, you don't want us to automatically renew your policy, or you want to make changes to your policy before renewing, please call us.
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.
English law will apply to this policy, unless you and we agree otherwise.
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 and get 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, and that increases the risk of them being involved in an accident – which pushes premiums up. Opting for smaller, more eco-friendly engines can bring van insurance costs 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 an accident. That's why having a higher yearly mileage can increase your insurance costs. Try to keep your mileage in check as much as possible, only driving absolutely necessary journeys. 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.
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 expensive to replace if they get damaged, but criminals are 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 you can find examples of our latest van insurance documents which show the main covers we offer, plus exclusions.
To make sure you download the right document, please select the dates that cover the period you bought or renewed your policy and the latest version of the document will be displayed.
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 use a van as a personal vehicle 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 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 the 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 vehicle 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, or for more information about how Brexit will affect your van insurance click here.
No, you can only have 1 vehicle on your van insurance policy. Simply get a quote for a new policy by clicking here.
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. Just click here to get your online quote.
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 correct mileage and use, which may have changed due to your new job role.
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 for lowering your premium.
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 vehicle, the number of seats the vehicle has, body type, annual mileage, modifications, the month and year the vehicle was purchased and the address where the van 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 vehicle because of accidental damage, vandalism or an accident, or third-party fire & theft cover.
Our virtual assistant is here to answer your questions. And in cases where it doesn't have the answer, we'll put you in touch with someone who can help.
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