For many drivers, their van is a lot more than just a vehicle. For some, it’s the backbone of their business, while for others, a van is a handy way of transporting large items and helping family and friends.
Whatever you use your van for, you’ll need to make sure you’re legally insured to drive it. Without the correct van insurance policy, you could face fines and points on your license, so it’s important to get it right before hitting the road.
Is insurance more expensive for a van?
Yes, van insurance can be more expensive than car or bike policies. The cost of your insurance can depend on the type of van you have and what you intend to use it for, as well as the vehicle’s security and your neighbourhood crime rate.
Why is van insurance so expensive?
Vans are often used to transport large, valuable items and equipment from A to B. Because of this, they’re more likely to attract thieves than a smaller family car or bike. Van insurance can be relatively expensive because the provider needs to be able to cover you against break-ins.
Another reason that van insurance policies can be more costly than car or bike insurance is because of the larger size and shape of the vehicles. Vans’ solid sides and backs reduce visibility, which can increase the likelihood of an accident.
Van insurance and how you use your vehicle
One of the first things your van insurer will want to know is how often and for what purpose you’ll be using your vehicle. It’s important to be open and honest with your insurer at this stage. How you use your vehicle can impact how much you pay and what you’ll be covered for.
If your van is for personal use rather than business, make sure you tell your insurer. The value of your van’s contents is likely to be much lower if you’re transporting personal items rather than specialist tools and equipment, a fact that can reduce the cost of your insurance premium.
Most insurance providers will ask you to estimate the number of miles you’ll drive each year to get an idea of how much you intend to use your vehicle. Again, it’s important to be as accurate as possible when you make this estimate. If you shoot too high, your insurance premiums might be larger.
Saving money with temporary van insurance
If you don’t use your van all year or need to borrow one on a short-term basis, the best way to get cheap insurance is to choose a temporary cover that lets you pay for what you need.
Temporary van insurance gives you comprehensive cover for a period that suits you. This could be anywhere between 1 and 28 days.
This type of temporary cover is ideal for drivers who only use a van occasionally. Whether you’re moving to a new house or borrowing a van while your vehicle is off the road, temporary insurance is a great way to keep costs down.
Choosing temporary van insurance can also help you save money in the long term. This type of insurance will protect your No Claims Discount if you have an accident or need to make a claim. Temporary policies are separate to annual options, and therefore can have no impact on any insurance you have.
Temporary cover is a great way to achieve peace of mind behind the wheel while still getting the best possible value for money.
Saving on van insurance by reducing your risk factor
Because vans are often used to transport large cargo or store expensive tools, they can be a target for thieves looking for high-priced items. Because of this, van insurance policies can be costly.
Increasing the security of your van will not only help you keep your possessions safe, but can also benefit you when it comes to your insurance. Many providers take your van’s security into account and will offer a discounted premium depending on how secure it is.So, increasing the security of your van can help you save money on your premiums as well as reducing the likelihood of theft – win-win!
Making your van safer and more secure can be as easy as adding extra locks. Here are some of the best ways to improve your van’s security:
- Ensure you have the best locks available; look at installing deadlocks or slamlocks
- Make your vehicles locks as visible as possible to deter thieves
- Try to park off the road or, ideally, in a garage
- Install a CCTV camera over any regular driveways
- Install a dashcam
- Take valuables with you (or, at least, keep them out of sight)
- Darken your van’s windows
- Install steel grilles on the inside of your van’s back or side windows
- Install a GPS tracker, so you can find your van if it does get stolen
Many insurers will also give you a discount on your premium if you have a company logo or name printed on the side of your van. Branding your vehicle helps show your insurer that you care about it and can make it more identifiable if it is stolen.
Drive your van safely to keep premiums down
Being a safe and sensible driver can help reduce the cost of your van insurance, not to mention it helps keep the roads a little safer. Vans can be intimidating to other drivers, so make sure you keep your distance and adhere to speed limits to reduce your chances of having an accident.
The longer you drive without being involved in an accident, the greater your No Claims Discount will be. This can help reduce the cost of your van insurance over the years.
Choosing a smaller van
When you’re assessing how much you use your van, consider whether you’re driving the right size for your needs.
Your van’s make and model, size, and age can have a huge impact on the cost of your insurance. If you don’t need a large, powerful van, then you should consider trading it in for something cheaper and more economical.
If you’re looking for a temporary van insurance solution, consider getting a short term insurance quote. A short-term insurance policy provides you with the same level of comprehensive insurance as an annual policy, but for a period that works for you, so you can save money by only paying for what you need.
