- Choose a van you can afford to run. The larger the van and the higher the insurance group, the higher the premium
- Ensure that the van is fitted with up to date security systems
- Keep the van in a garage or parked on a driveway
- Be clear on who owns and drives the van
- Inform your insurer how the van is used
Drive the smallest van possible
The van’s value, type and engine size will all make a difference to your van insurance premium.
Most vans are given an insurance group ranking which is an analysis of the level of risk involved with each van type and group (often based on the likely repair costs). A high powered van with a large engine will be more expensive to insure than a smaller van as the larger van will be deemed a higher risk.
In addition, the more powerful a van is, the more likely it is to be involved in high speed accidents which cost more to repair than lower speed accidents.
Is the van an import?
Vehicles that have been privately imported always attract higher insurance costs, usually due to the cost of replacement parts. It’s always cheapest to insure a UK-spec vehicle, and one that hasn’t been modified in any way.
For instance, a standard panel van or pickup with seating for a maximum of three people will be relatively easy to find cheap insurance for. On the other hand, refrigerated or tipping vehicles normally need insurance from companies that specialise in these sorts of vehicles.
Enhance the security of your van
Enhanced security on your van will mean it is less likely to be stolen or broken into. Alarms, immobilisers and trackers will all enhance the security of your van, which is likely to result in a low cost quote from UK van insurance companies.
Alarms
Fitting an alarm to your van is a great way to qualify for low cost van insurance. Alarms are an effective criminal deterrent to protect your van and valuables such as tools and your stereo.
Immobilisers
An immobiliser is an electronic device which prevents a van from being started until it has been deactivated. Although this will not stop a van from being broken into, it may well stop the vehicle from being stolen.
Trackers
If your van is stolen, it stands a much better chance of being recovered if there is a tracker device fitted. If your van is in the UK, the police can recover it by following the tracker back to its source. Trackers are a great way to qualify for cheaper van insurance.
Keep your van parked in a garage or on a driveway
Where your van is kept overnight will also have an effect on your van insurance quote. Leaving your van parked in a driveway or garage is deemed to be much safer than leaving it on the roadside and this can also help in lowering your premiums.
Who owns and drives the van?
When shopping for cheap van insurance, quotes can be higher if the owner of the vehicle is not the same person as the registered keeper. This is particularly important when searching for a quote online as most internet quotations require the owner and registered to be the same (person or partners).
Younger drivers (particularly under 25) will attract higher insurance premiums due to their perceived lack of driving experience. It will also be more difficult to find low cost van insurance for any drivers who have been refused insurance in the past or who have any motoring claims or convictions.
Declare what the van is used for
If you are using your van for both private and business purposes you must inform your insurer. They will want to know details of any goods you transport, the drivers to be covered, the duration of use and various other details. You may be able to simply extend an existing policy to cover occasional business use.
If your van is used predominantly for business purposes, for transporting goods or is actually owned by a company you will probably need a specific commercial vehicle policy.
If you own more than five vehicles, a fleet policy may be arranged. The claims experience of your fleet will provide the main rating factor in assessing the cost of the policy.
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