What is Business Van Insurance?
Business van insurance is a motor insurance policy for vans that are used for work, rather than only for personal journeys. Whichever type of van you drive, whether it is a small panel van, a transit, a crew cab, a tipper or a single or double cab pick up, you need insurance that reflects how you actually use it.
A van used for work faces risks that a car does not. It is on the road more often, it is regularly parked at customers’ properties and on busy streets, and it often carries tools, equipment and stock worth far more than the van itself. That is why insurers ask what you use your van for, what you carry in it and who drives it.
At Nova Insurance we can cover any van up to 3.5 tonnes for business and personal use, with options for just you driving, named drivers or any driver, so your policy fits the way your business works.
Who Needs Business Van Insurance?
If you use your van for anything connected to your work beyond commuting, you need business use cover. We arrange van insurance for:
- Builders, plasterers and general contractors
- Electricians, plumbers and heating engineers
- Carpenters, joiners and decorators
- Landscapers and gardeners
- Mobile mechanics and tyre fitters
- Cleaners and window cleaners
- Caterers and mobile food businesses
- Retailers and small businesses delivering their own goods
- Sole traders and self employed van drivers
We can also cover vans used only for social and commuting purposes. Please note that we do not currently provide cover for courier or parcel delivery work.
Why Choose Nova Insurance for Business Van Insurance?
Nova Insurance has more than 30 years of experience arranging van and commercial vehicle insurance for tradespeople and small businesses across the UK. Our UK based team is available six days a week to guide you through your van insurance quote and explain your options in plain English.
All calls are free on our 0800 numbers, or you can request a callback at a time that suits you. Calls are recorded and monitored for training and compliance purposes. Alternatively, you can contact us.
Specialist Van Insurance Experience
We understand how tradespeople and small businesses use their vans, from daily site visits to carrying expensive tools and materials, and we arrange cover around that.
Cover for Every Type of Van
From small panel vans and transits to tippers, crew cabs and single or double cab pick ups, we can cover vans up to 3.5 tonnes.
A Panel of UK Insurers
We compare quotes from a range of insurers, so you are not limited to a single provider’s terms or prices.
Fast Cover and Immediate Documents
We can provide instant cover when required, with policy documents sent directly to your email within minutes of confirmation.
Regulated and Here to Help
Nova Insurance and our panel of UK insurance providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our team is on hand for renewals, mid term changes and questions throughout the life of your policy.
What Does Business Van Insurance Cover?
The exact cover depends on the policy you choose, but business van insurance is usually built from the levels and options below.
Levels of Cover
Third Party Only
The legal minimum for any vehicle on a UK road. It covers injury to other people and damage to their property, but not damage to your own van.
Third Party, Fire and Theft
Everything in third party only, plus cover if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
Fully Comprehensive
Adds cover for damage to your own van, even when an accident is your fault. For most working vans this is the level that keeps the business running after an incident.
Optional Extras
Depending on the insurer, your policy can often be extended to include:
- Tools in transit cover for equipment kept in the van
- Goods in transit cover for stock and materials you carry
- Breakdown cover and recovery
- Windscreen and glass cover
- A courtesy van while yours is being repaired
- Legal expenses cover to help recover uninsured losses
- Cover for racking, ladders and other fixed equipment
Driver Options
You can choose a policy for just you, for named drivers such as employees or family members, or for any driver who meets the insurer’s age and licence criteria. If your business runs several vans, a fleet insurance policy may be more cost effective.
Van Insurance Use Classes Explained
Choosing the right class of use is one of the most important parts of your van insurance. If your van is used in a way your policy does not cover, a claim could be refused.
Social, Domestic and Pleasure
For personal use only, such as shopping, visiting friends and leisure trips. It does not cover any work related driving.
Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting
Adds driving to and from a single, regular place of work.
Business Use
Covers using your van as part of your work, such as travelling between jobs and customer sites and carrying your own tools, equipment and materials. This is the class most tradespeople and small businesses need.
Carrying Goods for Others
Delivering other people’s goods for payment, such as courier or haulage work, needs a separate type of cover. Nova Insurance does not currently provide cover for courier work.
Tell Us About Your Van
Signwriting, racking, ladders, tow bars and other modifications can affect your premium and your cover. Let us know about them when you get a quote so your policy reflects your van as it really is.
Common Business Van Risks Covered by Insurance
Running a van for work involves more than simply driving from job to job. Van owners also face risks from:
Tool and Equipment Theft
Vans carrying tools are a common target for thieves, especially when parked overnight. Tools in transit cover, secure storage and van locks help protect your livelihood.
Parking and Loading
Working vans are often parked on busy streets, driveways and building sites, and loaded and unloaded several times a day, which increases the chance of minor damage.
High Mileage
Travelling between jobs every day means more time on the road and a higher chance of an accident than a car used for occasional journeys.
Multiple Drivers
If employees or family members drive your van, the right driver option makes sure everyone who drives it is covered.
Time Off the Road
If your van is off the road after an accident, you may be unable to work. A courtesy van option can help keep your business moving.
Ready to protect your van? Get a van insurance quote or call us free on 0800 083 1566.
