A valid van insurance premium is necessary in the UK! Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is also key to protecting you on the road. Once you’ve sorted your affordable van finance through us, you’ll need to have insurance in place too! Van insurance is different from car insurance because there are several diverse ways in which a van can be used. For many drivers, having a van is a lifeline for their business, but it would be pointless without the right insurance in place! Read our guide below on the different types of van insurance and find out which is right for you.
What are the Different Types of Van Insurance?
In the UK, the four types of van insurance are:
- Social.
- Social and commuting.
- Business use.
- Haulage/carriage of goods.
Which Type of Van Insurance Do I Need?
The type of van insurance you need depends on how you use your van. Unless your van is declared as off the road (SORN), you’ll need a valid insurance premium in place for your van. It’s imperative that you get the right level of insurance cover, as it could end up costing you in the long run.
Social Only.
Social use simply means using your van for personal reasons, but not for commuting to work or any type of business. If you use your van for things like the school run, the big shop or visiting family and friends, then social van insurance is right for you.
Remember, you’ll not be able to use your van for anything to do with your business, including driving to and from a place of work.
Social and Commuting.
If social van insurance isn’t adequate enough, you may need social and commuting insurance. If you use your van for your personal life but also to commute to and from a regular workplace, you’ll be fully protected with social and commuting insurance.
Social and commuting insurance only covers a single, regular place of work or the equivalent, e.g. the same train station or car park. If you travel to multiple sites for work purposes, you’ll need a higher level of van insurance cover.
Business Use.
Business use and carriage of own goods is a type of van insurance which helps to protect you and your business tools or equipment. It’s the same as social and commuting insurance but with the added layer of cover for your belongings. It’s popular amongst tradesmen who travel to different locations and transport their own material.
If you do carry tools in your van, the tools won’t actually be covered if they were to be stolen or damaged, so you’ll have to get a higher level of insurance.
Haulage/Carrier of Goods.
This specific type of van insurance is suited to delivery drivers and couriers. It helps to protect those who are delivering goods belonging to other people. It insures drivers who are making multiple drop-offs with other people’s good for payment. This can include couriers and takeaway delivery drivers who use their own van for work purposes.
Haulage insurance is slightly different but still covers other’s goods. However, it is more suited to longer distances rather than multiple drop offs. This could be something like making a delivery from one depot to another, usually over a long distance.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Adequate Van Insurance?
In the UK, driving a van without appropriate insurance is against the law and carries significant penalties. Offenders may receive a £300 fine, six penalty points, and risk having their vehicle seized or destroyed. In more serious situations, cases can proceed to court, potentially resulting in unlimited fines or disqualification from driving. A conviction leads to an IN10 endorsement on your licence, which remains for four years and affects insurance eligibility for five years, often making future insurance more costly or difficult to secure.
For businesses, lacking adequate insurance might invalidate existing policies, disrupt operations, and impact reputation. Ensuring that the proper type of van insurance—whether for personal or business use—is obtained helps avoid legal, financial, and professional issues.
Can You Get Temporary Van Insurance?
Yes! Temporary van insurance offers short-term cover for hours, days, or weeks! It’s perfect for those who only need the use of a van for a short period. You can get temporary van insurance for travelling, working or moving home, and it can be easy to sort. You’ll need to let the insurer know what you need the cover for so they can provide you with the highest level of insurance. It can even cover you for borrowing a van from a friend or family member!
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