Black box van insurance, or telematics van insurance, could help you save money and become a better driver.
Telematics devices monitor your driving and could reduce your van insurance costs, if you consistently drive well.
But are they worth it? And do they really cut the cost of your van insurance? Let's take a look.
What is black box van insurance?
Black box insurance for vans could lower your insurance costs. With one of these policies a black box is installed into your van and it monitors how you drive.
Your driving, including your speed, mileage, and location, is then used to calculate how much you pay for your van insurance.
When you sign up to a black box policy, your insurance company usually sends you the actual box to attach to your van. Most insurers also have a mobile phone app that works alongside the box and sends data to your insurer.
If there’s already a black box on your van, or another type of telematics technology installed, your insurer might be able to use that instead of you fitting a new box.
Telematics van insurance not only monitors your driving, it might also be able to track your van, which can be useful if it’s stolen. Most policies include theft tracking as standard, which your insurer could use to try and find your van.
Who is black box van insurance suited for?
Anyone can buy black box van insurance, although it’s been traditionally targeted at younger, inexperienced drivers who face the highest insurance bills.
Young drivers are seen by many insurers to be the most at risk of having an accident and making a claim. This is why their insurance costs are usually so high.
But lots of different factors affect the price you pay for insurance. These include:
- Your driving experience
- The type of van you drive
- Where you live
- Your profession
With a black box policy, an insurer is better able to see exactly how you drive and charge you a policy that reflects this.
This is instead of you paying over-the-odds for a policy based on average claims statistics.
New drivers also don't have the benefit of a no-claims bonus to reduce their insurance costs. Black box technology could help bring them down.
As well as the cost, there are other benefits of black box van insurance.
If you drive a van for work, or use vans as part of a fleet, the technology in the black box could help you plan delivery routes and avoid traffic jams.
The technology also features first notification of loss (FNOL) data. This means if there’s an accident your insurer should be notified immediately.
This might speed up the time it takes to process and resolve your claim.
What are the different levels of black box insurance for van drivers?
Black box insurance for vans works in the same way as regular van insurance. You need to pick the policy based on how you use the van:
- Social only - useful for trips to the shops, school runs, hobbies
- Social and commuting - one for those who travel to a single place of work
- Carriage of own goods - this is for business purposes and where you're carrying your own tools
- Haulage - this one is for delivery drivers and couriers who transport other people's goods
Once you’ve found the policy for your van, there are then 3 different levels of cover to choose from to suit your circumstances and your budget.
Third-party only
This provides the lowest level of cover. Damage or injury to a third party is covered, but you have to front the cost of repairs to your own van.
Third party, fire, and theft
You get the same protection as third-party only policies, and you’re also be covered if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive
This is the top level of cover available because you, your van, any third party and their vehicle are all covered.
There might also be extras such as cover when you’re out of the country or a replacement van if you can’t drive yours.
It’s always worth taking the time to compare van insurance so you can find a policy that works for you. There are lots of insurers in the market, so don’t go for the first one you find and always read the small print.
You can buy black box insurance for most vans but there may be restrictions. For example, if your van is over a certain age, worth under a certain amount, or if you have a low annual mileage.
How do I get black box van insurance?
It couldn't be easier.
All you need to do is compare van insurance quotes as normal. When you see the list of prices, any black box van insurance policies are included by default. We'll mention in the summary of the quote if it's a black box van insurance policy.
It only takes a few minutes to compare van insurance quotes, but if you want to speed things up, have this information to hand:
- The make, model and reg of your van
- Your occupation
- Roughly how many miles you drive a year
- Details of any claims or motoring convictions
- How many years' no-claims bonus you have
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