Where can I find van insurance?

Introduction

If vans were taken away from Britain’s businesses, chances are that the country would grind to a halt. If you’re a small business owner with a van, then cutting your costs will be pretty high at the top of your agenda. Fuel bills and road tax are on the increase, so when it comes to renewing your van insurance policy, you will want a better deal. After all, it’s simply not an option to drive uninsured: you’re liable for a fine or a driving ban if you’re caught.

What should a policy provide?

The cheapest insurance option might look tempting, but you should always check that you’re getting the right cover. The policy might look great value, but if it doesn’t offer adequate protection should you need to call on it, then it could end up seeming like a complete waste of money.

Policies differ from insurer to insurer, so thoroughly investigate the terms and conditions of the packages which tickle your fancy for the exclusions, the circumstances in which you won’t be eligible for cover. Keep your excess in mind, too. This is the compulsory amount that you will have to pay in the event of making a claim.

You should also check whether or not the policy includes a no-claims bonus, and if so, what it’s worth. These reward safe drivers by giving discounts on insurance, sometimes as much as 60 per cent after five years without making a claim.

How do I save money?

Insurance companies base what they charge for your premium on several different factors. These include:
- Your driving history
- Where you are based
- Annual mileage
- The sort of van you drive

If you minimise the level of risk that you present to an insurer, then the lower your premiums will be.

There are a number of ways to do this.

Get a van which is fit for purpose: If you’re transporting smaller, lighter goods then there isn’t much point having a larger van. Smaller vans tend to cost less to insure.

Only pay for what you need: consider thoroughly the level of insurance that suits you. Keep the optional extras down, unless you really need them. Having a replacement van in the event of an accident, for instance, might be a feature you don’t need.

Bolster your security: decrease the likelihood of your van being attacked by thieves through improved security measures like alarms and immobilisers, and if possible, lock your van up at night. Also make sure that all goods or tools are removed every evening and add graphics to your van to ensure that potential thieves get the message that the van is empty.

Fit a tracker: on the subject of security, fitting a tracking device will mean that in the event of your vehicle being stolen, you will be able to trace it to its whereabouts.

Increase your excess: raising the voluntary excess on your policy will make your premium drop. But make sure it’s set at a level which you can afford in the case of the worst happening.

Agree to a mileage limit: Obviously this won’t be entirely practical in some cases where heavy mileage is essential to business, but agreeing to a mileage limit will decrease the risk of accidents and cut the cost of your premium.

Make a one-off payment: If it’s possible, pay for your van insurance annually. Spreading the cost usually incurs a charge.

Shop around: Using a comparison website will allow you to quickly and easily see what price many companies could offer you a policy for. Many insurers will also offer a discount for buying online as a result of this having lower overheads. But always make sure the policy you buy will cover you adequately: the cheapest really doesn’t mean the best!