Specialist van insurance

A van used for business purposes won't be covered under a standard private policy, so you’ll need commercial van insurance.

If you have a modified or special-purpose van, such as a refrigerated van, you will usually find that standard policies don't provide the cover you need.

If you use a van temporarily then short-term insurance could be a more economical choice.

If you have a conviction, finding affordable insurance can be more difficult. However, certain insurers specialise in providing cover for convicted drivers.

A standard van insurance policy only covers you for driving your van for social, domestic, or pleasure reasons, such as using your van for your weekly shop or going on a staycation. So you’ll need extra cover if you plan on commuting or using your van for work. 

There are three main types of business van insurance: 

• Carriage of own goods (e.g. tools) 

• Hire and reward/courier (local deliveries)  

• Haulage (long distance deliveries)  

 Learn more about the different types of commercial van cover with our guide to business van insurance.  

There are vans out there that defy the norm, whether it's a special type of van or truck, such as a pick-up or tipper, or those that have been modified or are used to transport hazardous materials. These vehicles require specialist insurance to ensure they are fully protected. 

Refrigerated vans, which transport items such as food and medicines that need to stay at a cooler temperature, require specialist van insurance.   Businesses that use refrigerated vans include: 

• Mobile caterers    

• Pharmacies  

• Florists 

• Ice cream sellers  

• Supermarkets  

If you don’t own a van yourself, or you only use your van sporadically, you might benefit from short-term van insurance rather than a year-long policy. This type of insurance can last from a day to a few months, depending on your needs, and is often a more cost-effective solution for temporary van users.  

Young drivers, particularly those aged between 17 and 24, are typically faced with higher insurance premiums. This is due to the increased risk of accidents within this age group.

However, there are ways to reduce costs. Telematics devices, which track driving behaviour, can offer a way to prove responsible driving and potentially lower premiums.

You can learn more about reducing the cost of cover with our guide to van insurance for young drivers. 

Convicted drivers often bear the brunt of higher premiums and may encounter restrictions on their insurance use. But don't lose hope; there are steps you can take to help lower the cost of cover, such as improving your van’s security and taking driving courses.

Learn more with our guide to van insurance for convicted drivers.