Third-party only
This is the minimum legal level of cover. It protects you if you damage another person’s vehicle or property, but it won’t cover your own van.
Why is van insurance more expensive for young drivers?
If you’re under 25, you’ll usually pay more for van insurance. That’s because younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident, which makes them a higher risk for insurers. Vans can also be heavier, more powerful and often carry valuable tools or equipment, which can push up the cost of cover.
Do I need van insurance as a young driver?
Yes – you must have at least third-party insurance to drive any van on UK roads.
If you use your van for personal reasons, such as carrying sports gear or moving bulky items, you’ll need a standard van insurance policy.
If you use your van for work, even just for commuting, you’ll need business van insurance. This includes using your van to carry tools, make deliveries or transport goods.
💡 Top tip: Comparing policies from different insurers is one of the best ways to find affordable cover, even as a young driver.
What are the different types of van insurance?
There are several types of van insurance, and the right one for you depends on how you use your van. Whether it’s for leisure, work, or deliveries, each policy is designed to suit different needs — helping you stay covered and save money where you can.
-
Standard van insurance
Standard van insurance covers you when you use your van for social, domestic or leisure purposes. Some policies may also include contents cover for personal belongings you keep inside the van.
-
Business van insurance
You’ll need business van insurance if you use your van for work, including commuting. It comes in three forms: carriage of own goods for carrying your own tools or equipment, courier cover for local deliveries, and haulage cover for long-distance trips.
-
Courier van insurance
Courier insurance is designed for drivers who carry and deliver other people’s goods. It usually reflects the extra time spent on the road but typically won’t cover the items being transported – you’ll need goods-in-transit cover for that.
-
Goods-in-transit insurance
Goods-in-transit insurance protects the goods or cargo you’re transporting. You can usually add it to a standard or business van insurance policy for extra peace of mind.
-
Pick-up insurance
Pick-up trucks aren’t covered by standard car insurance, but you can get dedicated van insurance with pick-up truck cover to protect your vehicle and how you use it.
What level of cover do I need?
Just like car insurance, there are three main levels of van insurance to choose from.
-
-
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT)
This offers the same protection as third-party only, but also covers your van if it’s damaged by fire, lightning, explosion, theft or attempted theft.
-
Comprehensive
This is the highest level of cover. It protects your van against accidental damage, theft and fire, as well as any damage you cause to other vehicles or property while driving.
What affects the cost of van insurance for young drivers?
The cost of van insurance for young drivers depends on several factors, including:
Age: Younger and less experienced drivers usually pay more because they’re seen as higher risk.
Address: Some postcodes are classed as higher risk, which can raise premiums.
Occupation: Jobs that involve more driving or carrying valuable goods may increase your insurance costs.
Claims history: Insurers look at your no-claims bonus and any past claims, including whether they were your fault.
Driving convictions: Any motoring offences in the last few years can push up your premium. Not declaring them could invalidate your policy.
How can I get cheap van insurance for young drivers?
There are a few simple ways to cut the cost of van insurance if you’re a young driver:
-
Compare van insurance quotes
Shopping around is one of the easiest ways to save money. Comparing quotes with MoneySuperMarket only takes a few minutes.
-
Choose a low insurance group van
If you have a choice of vans, pick one with a smaller engine or lower insurance group to help keep premiums down.
-
Lower mileage
The less time you spend on the road, the lower your risk of an accident – and the cheaper your insurance is likely to be.
-
Consider a telematics policy
Also known as black box insurance, this tracks your driving habits. If you drive safely, you could earn lower premiums over time.
-
Increase your voluntary excess
Agreeing to pay a higher excess can reduce your premium, but make sure you can afford the amount if you need to make a claim.
Compare cheap van insurance quotes from 46^ providers
Get van insurance quotes from the UK's top insurers, including:
What extras can you get with van insurance for young drivers?
You can often tailor your van insurance with a range of optional extras to suit how you use your van:
-
Breakdown cover
Pays for roadside help if your van breaks down. You can add it to your policy or buy separate breakdown cover.
-
Courtesy van insurance
Keeps you on the road with a replacement van if yours is being repaired after an accident.
-
Windscreen cover
Protects you against the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked or shattered windscreen.
-
Legal expenses cover
Covers the cost of taking legal action or defending yourself after an accident.
-
Personal belongings insurance
Protects valuable personal items, such as sports gear or a bike, against theft or damage.
-
Goods-in-transit insurance
Covers goods you carry for business purposes, either as a policy add-on or standalone cover.
-
International van insurance
Extends your policy so you can drive your van outside the UK.
-
Public liability insurance
Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while working.
-
Employers’ liability insurance
Required if you employ staff, this covers injuries to your employees while on the job.
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Our expert says…
Legally, if you hold a full driving licence, you can drive a van from the age of 17. However, some van insurers will only cover drivers aged 21 or over, or even impose a minimum age of 25. This means young drivers can face a limited choice of steeper premiums until they’ve built up more years behind the wheel and a no-claims bonus.
Sara Newell Motor & Home Insurance Expert
Who is considered a young driver?
Insurers usually class anyone aged between 17 and 24 as a young driver, whether you’re driving a car or a van.
Do all van insurance policies cover young drivers?
Not all insurers cover younger drivers. While you can get van insurance from age 17, many providers set a minimum age of 21. Because there are fewer insurers offering policies for under-21s, premiums are often higher.
Can I use my personal van for business purposes?
No. If you plan to use your van for work — including commuting — you’ll need business van insurance. Standard van insurance only covers social and leisure use, such as shopping or visiting friends and family.
What policy do I need if I want to rent a van?
Most van hire companies include insurance as part of the rental package.
However, it’s worth comparing this with the cost of short-term or temporary van insurance, which can cover you for anything from a single day to a month.
Always check that your policy includes the type of use you need — for example, if you’re delivering goods, you may need courier cover.
Can I use my car insurance to cover vans?
No. Car insurance won’t cover a vehicle classed as a van. You can check your vehicle type in your logbook — M1 means it’s a car, while N1 or N2 means it’s a van.
How does MoneySuperMarket make money?
We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.
Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is van insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy van insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £15, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
Free Days Out pass (worth £180), which gives free entry to a range of UK attractions
Cashback of up to 10% when you spend at brands including eBay, Just Eat and Argos
To earn SuperSaveClub rewards on purchases you must:
Sign up to SuperSaveClub (it's free)
Be signed in to your account when you make the purchase
More information can be found on our SuperSaveClub homepage.
Is van insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, van insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
give you a gift card worth up to £20
Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Accurate as of 12 December 2025.