Van drivers pay out more than £4,500 on conversion projects, new research finds

• Travelling on holiday (41%) and extra space (22%) top the list of reasons for converting a van
• More than half (52%) of van conversions were a DIY job, taking around 3 months, on average
• Even without conversions, van owners see major benefits to owning a larger vehicle, with 86% claiming it has improved their lifestyle

Van conversions offer more space and flexibility, but set drivers back £4,558, on average, new research finds.

Almost half (44%) of UK van owners have, or are in the process of converting their van, according to new research by Confused.com - the cheapest price comparison site for van insurance. A further 1 in 3 (33%) claim they would also consider it in the future.

Van conversions can range from a fully functional interior with sleeping and cooking amenities, to a more basic setup that simply provides extra room and storage. For 2 in 5 (41%) drivers who’ve converted, or plan to convert, their van, travelling for holidays was their biggest motivation. This is followed by the need for extra space, according to more than 1 in 5 (22%) van drivers.

Though, for some, it’s also a question of improving their livelihood, with almost 1 in 4 (23%) converting for work-related reasons. More than 1 in 3 (34%) also claimed they’ve chosen to convert their van as a cost-saving living arrangement.

While a van conversion comes with a hefty price tag, it may seem the investment may just outweigh the reward. Especially as 85% currently use, or plan to use, their converted van at least once a month.

It also seems there are other setbacks. While the average cost of conversions is around £4,558, more than 1 in 4 (25%) spent upwards of £5,000 on their project. Similarly, the average time spent on van conversions is around 3 months. But 1 in 3 (33%) spent between 4 and 11 months to complete the conversion.

And the conversions themselves offered a few challenges along the way. 93% of those who have or are in the process of converting their van have come across some issues. Sourcing materials (50%) and time constraints (48%) top the list of the biggest hurdles people face. Cost was also a challenging factor for almost half (46%) of conversions.

Although, it seems many van drivers are doing their own conversions. According to the research, only 41% used a professional service to complete the full conversion, with 52% trying some, or all of it themselves.

But, van conversions aren’t for everyone. In fact, 1 in 4 (24%) van drivers claim they wouldn’t even consider it. Still, the vans themselves have proven to be a huge benefit for many owners.

Almost all (86%) of van drivers surveyed said having a van has improved their lifestyle. Travelling for holidays (61%), extra space (50%) and work-related transport (48%) topped the main uses for people who drive vans. And for some, it has become their most used vehicle, with 26% claiming they rarely or never use their car.

Although, when it comes to insurance, only 66% of van drivers pay for their insurance annually, with 23% opting for pay-as-you-go or temporary insurance. Depending on how often drivers use their vans, annual insurance could work out to be the cheapest option, with the average annual social and commuting policy costing just £732 per year¹).

Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com comments: “Vans can be a more flexible option compared to cars, especially for those who travel, have a lot of sports equipment or larger families. And for some, converting them for a more on-the-go lifestyle is a proven popular choice. But even if they’re not being used everyday, ensuring you have the right insurance is key - and how much you pay depends on what you’re using it for.

“When looking for insurance, make sure you declare how often you use your van and what you use it for. This will help you get a policy that’s more accurate for your needs.If it’s been converted, then you may need to consider campervan insurance instead. But shopping around and working out what is best for you will ensure you’re getting the best price for what you need - and you won’t get a cheaper deal anywhere else than Confused.com!²

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Notes to editors