Third-party only
Third-party only van insurance is the minimum level of cover you need. It covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property – but not to you or your van
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Young drivers – mainly the under 25s – generally pay more for van insurance because they are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident than an older motorist. And for insurers, this means young drivers are more likely to cost them money by making a claim. Vans are also heavier, often more powerful, and may be used to carry valuable items – all of which makes them more costly to insure.
You must have at least third-party motor insurance to drive any vehicle, including a van, on UK roads. If you want a van as your personal vehicle, perhaps because you do a sport that requires bulky equipment, you’ll need standard van insurance. If you plan to use your van to make money, whether that’s by transporting tools, making deliveries, or just commuting to work and back, you’ll need business van insurance.
There are lots of different types of van insurance. The best one for you will depend on how you plan to use your van:
Standard van insurance covers you to drive your van for social and leisure purposes and may also include contents cover for belongings you keep in the van
You need business van insurance if you to use your van for commercial or business purposes – including commuting to and from work. There are three main types: carriage of own goods (e.g. tools), courier (local deliveries), and haulage (long-distance deliveries)
Courier cover is for vans used to carry and deliver other peoples’ goods. The policy reflects the extended amount of time the van is on the road, but doesn’t usually cover the goods themselves
Goods-in-transit insurance covers the items or cargo you’re transporting and can often be bought alongside a standard or business van insurance policy
Pick-up trucks aren’t covered by car insurance, but they can come under van insurance if you choose pick-up truck cover
As with standard car insurance, there are three different levels of van insurance cover to choose from:
Third-party only van insurance is the minimum level of cover you need. It covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property – but not to you or your van
With third-party, fire and theft van insurance, you get the same protection as with third-party only cover, plus damage caused by fire, lightning, explosion, theft or attempted theft
Covers your vehicle if it’s accidentally damaged by you or another driver. It also covers theft and fire, as well as any damage you cause to other people or their vehicles while driving
The cost of van insurance depends on a range of factors, including:
Your age: The younger and less experienced you are behind the wheel, the more you’re likely to be quoted for van insurance
Your address: The insurer will consider where you live because some postcodes are considered higher risk
Your job: Similarly, certain occupations increase the risk of your making a claim – and therefore your premiums
Your claims history: Insurance companies will want to know how many years of no-claims bonus you have, plus information about any claims you’ve made and whether they were your fault or not
Driving convictions: Most insurers will ask for details of any convictions you may have in the last three-to-five years; failing to declare them could invalidate any future claims
Steps you can take to lower the cost of van insurance for young drivers include:
You can almost always save money by shopping around – and comparing quotes takes just a few minutes with MoneySuperMarket
If you’ve got a pick of vans, choosing one that falls into a lower insurance group can help to reduce your premiums
Reducing the time your van spends on the road can also help to lower your insurance costs, as it will mean you’re less likely to be involved in an accident
As with car insurance, agreeing to let your insurer monitor your driving can lower your premiums – as long as you drive safely
Choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess towards any claims can reduce the cost of van insurance for young drivers
Van insurance for young drivers can often be enhanced with add-ons, such as:
Adding this cover means your van insurance provider will pay for someone to help you if your van breaks down, although it’s also worth considering standalone breakdown cover
Sometimes offered alongside breakdown cover, this means you can continue driving and/or running your business if your van is damaged in an accident
If not included as standard, you can usually pay extra to add cover for cracked and shattered windscreen claims
Covers the cost of claiming damages from a third party – or defending yourself against a claim made by someone else
If you want to use your van to transport valuable personal items such as a mountain bike, this covers them against theft or accidental damage
Available as standalone cover or a policy add-on, this protects goods you transport for commercial or business purposes
A standard van insurance policy will only cover you to use your vehicle in the UK; if you want to drive overseas, you’ll need extra cover
Often offered alongside business van insurance, public liability insurance covers you if you injure someone or damage their belongings while on the job
Employers’ liability insurance covers you for injuries to your employees and is only necessary if you have your own business
"Unfortunately, young drivers will end up paying more for their van insurance premium, but it is possible to find a good deal if you shop around. Take the time to compare what each of the policies include and make sure you pick the one most suitable for your needs, not just the cheapest.
"
- Sara Newell, Motor and Van Insurance Lead
Insurers generally see anyone aged between 17 and 24 as a young driver, whether you want to drive a car or a van.
No. While you can find van insurance from the age of 17, many insurers impose a minimum age limit of 21 on van insurance policies. This can also push your premiums higher if you’re under 21, as there are fewer companies vying for your business.
No. You’ll need business van insurance if you plan to use your van for anything to do with work, including commuting to and from your workplace. Standard van insurance is only designed for leisure use, such as shopping and visiting friends and family.
Van hire companies often offer van insurance packages that cover you for the time you are renting the van. However, it’s always worth comparing these offers with the cost of short-term van insurance, also known as temporary van insurance, which can be taken out for a day, a week or a month, depending on your needs.
Either way, just remember to check the policy covers you for whatever you plan to do with the van. If, for example, you’re going to use it to deliver goods, you may need courier van insurance.
No. A car insurance policy can’t be used to cover a vehicle that is classed as a van, so it’s important to check this so you know what type of insurance you need.
You can do this by looking in your vehicle log book: M1 means it’s a car, N1 or N2 means it’s a van.
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