When it comes to insuring your van, whether for personal or business use, choosing the right provider is crucial.
With so many options available in the UK market, it can be challenging to determine which company offers the best coverage for your specific needs.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 van insurance providers, along with their key features and benefits.
Direct Line
Direct Line is a well-established insurance company that provides comprehensive van insurance for both private and commercial use. Their policies cover a wide range of vans up to 3.5 tonnes, including electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes. Direct Line’s cover includes accidental damage, fire, theft, and third-party liability, as well as a courtesy van while yours is being repaired at an approved garage.
One of Direct Line’s standout features is their “Guaranteed Hire Van” option, which ensures you’ll have a replacement van for up to 21 days if yours is stolen or written off. They also offer a “Van Rescue” service, providing roadside assistance and recovery if your van breaks down. Additionally, Direct Line provides a 10% discount for customers who purchase their policy online, as well as a no claims discount that can significantly reduce premiums over time. Their policies can be tailored with optional extras like legal assistance cover and breakdown cover, giving customers the flexibility to create a policy that suits their specific needs.
Admiral
Admiral is another major player in the UK van insurance market, offering a range of cover options for both personal and business use. Their comprehensive policies include cover for accidental damage, fire, theft, and third-party liability, as well as windscreen repair and replacement. Admiral also provides a courtesy van while yours is being repaired at an approved garage.
One of Admiral’s unique features is their “MultiVan” cover, which allows you to insure multiple vans on the same policy, potentially saving you time and money.
They also offer “Bonus Match” – meaning if you insure a second van with them, they’ll match your no claims bonus from your first van. Admiral’s “Platinum” level cover includes additional benefits such as increased personal accident cover, enhanced personal belongings cover, and cover for lost keys and replacement locks. Their policies can be customised with extras like protected no claims discount and breakdown cover, ensuring that customers can create a policy tailored to their individual requirements.
Zego
Zego is a leading insurtech company that offers flexible and comprehensive van insurance for both personal and commercial use. Their business van insurance, also known as “carriage of own goods” cover, is designed for tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and builders who use their vans to transport tools and equipment between jobs. Zego’s policies include accidental damage, fire, theft, and vandalism cover, as well as protection for personal belongings and tools.
One of Zego’s unique features is their “Sense” program, which rewards good driving habits with discounts on premiums. By using the Zego Sense app, drivers can earn money off their renewal price based on their driving score. The app measures factors such as acceleration, braking, and cornering to build a profile of the driver’s behavior, with safer drivers earning higher discounts. Additionally, Zego offers flexible payment options, allowing customers to pay for their insurance on a monthly basis with no hidden fees or charges. Optional extras such as no claims discount protection, breakdown cover, and public liability insurance can also be added to create a comprehensive policy that meets the customer’s specific needs.
AXA
AXA is a global insurance giant that offers comprehensive van insurance for both personal and commercial use. Their policies cover vans up to 3.5 tonnes and include accidental damage, fire, theft, and third-party liability. AXA also provides a guaranteed courtesy van while yours is being repaired at an approved garage.
One of AXA’s standout features is their “AXA Van Promise,” which includes a lifetime guarantee on all repairs carried out by their approved garages. This means that if any repair work fails, AXA will cover the cost of rectifying the issue, providing customers with added peace of mind. They also offer a 24/7 claims helpline, ensuring that customers can get assistance whenever they need it, and a 10% online discount for new customers. AXA’s policies can be tailored with optional extras such as breakdown cover, legal assistance, and European cover, allowing customers to create a policy that meets their specific requirements.
NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual is a leading rural insurer that offers specialist van insurance for businesses and tradespeople. Their “Light Goods Vehicle” policy is designed for vans and pick-ups used for commercial purposes, covering accidental damage, fire, theft, and third-party liability. NFU Mutual also provides new vehicle replacement if your van is less than 12 months old and is stolen or written off.
One of NFU Mutual’s unique features is their “Tools in Transit” cover, which protects tools and equipment stored in your van overnight, up to a value of £500. This is particularly valuable for tradespeople who rely on their tools to carry out their work. NFU Mutual also offers a “Mutual Bonus,” which rewards customers with a discount on their renewal premium for each year they remain claim-free. This can lead to significant savings over time for safe and careful drivers. Their policies can be customised with optional extras such as breakdown cover and legal expenses cover, ensuring that customers can create a policy that meets their individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing a van insurance provider?
When selecting a van insurance provider, it’s essential to consider factors such as the level of cover provided, the reputation of the insurer, and any additional features or benefits that may be relevant to your specific needs. It’s also worth considering the cost of the policy, as well as any potential discounts or savings that may be available.
Can I get a discount on my van insurance if I have a no claims bonus?
Yes, most van insurance providers offer discounts for customers who have a no claims bonus. The size of the discount will depend on the number of years you have been claim-free, with longer periods typically resulting in larger discounts.
Is it possible to add additional drivers to my van insurance policy?
Yes, most van insurance providers allow customers to add additional drivers to their policy. However, it’s important to note that adding younger or inexperienced drivers may result in higher premiums.
What should I do if I need to make a claim on my van insurance?
If you need to make a claim on your van insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. Most insurers have a 24/7 claims helpline that you can call to report the incident and start the claims process. You may need to provide evidence such as photographs of the damage and witness statements to support your claim.
Can I get van insurance if I use my van for business purposes?
Most van insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for commercial use. These policies typically provide cover for the transportation of goods and tools, as well as liability cover in case of accidents or damage to third-party property. It’s important to be honest about your van usage when applying for insurance to ensure that you have the right level of cover in place.
Written by Tom Mark at TMR Digital
