Compare cheap van warranties
A van warranty is an extra layer of protection that can cover a number of costs should your van break down - but it isn’t the same as van insurance. Here’s how both can be of value.
Key takeaways
A van warranty can help you manage the cost of labour and parts for mechanical or electrical failures
You can get a manufacturer’s warranty, independent dealer warranty or an extended warranty
The cost will depend on factors like the your age, the size of your van and how often you use it
What is a van warranty?
A van warranty is a type of insurance policy that provides a certain level of cover for your van if it has a mechanical or electrical breakdown within the warranty period.
It can be a useful extra layer of protection, however it’s not the same as van insurance, which you will need to be road legal in the UK.
Do I have a van warranty?
If you bought your car brand new, it will normally come with a manufacturer’s warranty. These last between three and five years in most cases.
If you bought it from a garage or dealership, they might offer a warranty too but it’s likely to last a few months unless you pay for an extended warranty.
Do I need a van warranty?
Van warranties aren’t necessary to drive in the UK, unlike with van insurance, so it’s your decision entirely. They can offer useful extra cover, but be sure to compare your options and shop around to get the best price.
How does a van warranty work?
A van warranty is essentially a service agreement that covers the costs of labour and parts for repairs due to mechanical or electrical failures.
If your van breaks down, you can submit a claim to your warranty provider, who will pay out for the cost of repairs, either to you or directly to the mechanic. They may have a specific mechanic you must use.
What types of van warranty are there?
Manufacturer’s warranty
New vans typically come with a warranty that can last anywhere from two to seven years in the UK and is often renewable annually. If you're purchasing a used van from a manufacturer, it may also come with a warranty, though the terms will likely differ from those of a new van.
Independent dealer warranty
These warranties are offered by independent dealers or garages when you purchase a van. They are usually shorter than manufacturer warranties and may only cover a few months.
Extended warranty
This is a policy you can take out to extend the coverage of the original warranty once it expires. It's an optional purchase that can provide additional peace of mind.
How long does a van warranty last?
It will depend on the type of warranty, the provider and the terms of your contract, so be sure to check when you buy it. Van warranties can last from as little as a few months to over five years.
What does a van warranty cover?
Warranties typically cover repairs to parts that fail independently, such as:
The engine
Transmission
Gearbox
Suspension
Steering, electrics
Fuel system
Cooling system
Brakes
Clutch
Battery
However, the extent and conditions of your warranty’s protection depends on the policy and provider, so it's important to check the specifics when you take out cover.
What isn’t covered by a van warranty?
Generally speaking, most van warranties will exclude cover for things like:
Wear and tear, usually for things like exhausts, tyres and wheels, braking systems, catalytic converters and the clutch
Cosmetic damage, things that don’t affect the performance of the car
Consequential loss, where damage was caused by a part of your car that isn’t included in your warranty
Accidental damage and vandalism, though these might be included in your van insurance
Lack of maintenance, if this is what cause the damage
Repairs for replaceable parts, such as batteries, bulbs, wheels and tyres
What's the difference between a van warranty and van insurance?
Van warranties and van insurance are separate products, and they cover separate things. Your van warranty is designed to cover repairs for mechanical and electrical failure, applying specifically to certain parts of your van.
Van insurance, on the other hand, covers you against damage from road accidents, theft, fires and explosions. Van insurance is also a legal requirement for driving in the UK, while warranties are optional but recommended for extra peace of mind.
Can I claim on both my van insurance and van warranty?
Yes, in some instances you can claim on both your insurance and your warranty policy.
For example, if a mechanical or electrical fault in your car, such as a faulty brake, causes a road accident, your warranty will cover your brake repairs. You can then claim on your insurance for the damage caused by the accident.
What are the alternatives to van warranties?
Aside from van warranties, you can also protect your van on top of your insurance policy by taking out van breakdown cover.
This can help with the cost of recovering your van if it breaks down, as well as parts and labour for repairs - but this is usually just to get you home. It won’t provide extensive cover for your car and anything that goes wrong.
Compare van warranties with MoneySuperMarket
You can find and compare van warranty quotes with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us a little about yourself, your van and the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for deals that meet your requirements.
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Mehdi Punjwani
Insurance specialist
Mehdi is a financial writer and editor with over six years of experience in personal finance. He has written for organisations and publications including Equifax, The AA, and USAToday, covering a...
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Collette Shackleton
Content Writer
Collette Shackleton is a highly skilled Content Writer who has over nine years’ experience creating helpful and engaging personal finance content for consumers. Collette shares her experience as a...
