Home
Van insurance
Modified van insurance

Modified van insurance

Insurance can be expensive for modified vans, but it's important to declare any changes you've made to your insurer. It's still possible to get a good deal on your insurance though, and that's where we can help.

If you change your van in any way from how it was supplied by the manufacturer, your insurance policy should reflect this. Otherwise you risk not being covered. This includes decals and spoilers all the way up to turbocharging your engine.

Read below to find out more about insuring a modified van, or select 'Get a quote' to start comparing prices.

Rhydian Jones - Confused.com Commercial Director

Reviewed by: Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert 5 min read | Updated on 21/04/2026

Ready to get a van insurance quote?

Get a quote

Rated Excellent - 4.5 out of 5

What is modified van insurance?

Modified van insurance is similar to standard van insurance, but covers any changes that you’ve made to the van.

When getting a van insurance quote it is important to declare any modifications - this is anything that changes how your van looks or drives.

Failing to do so might mean your insurance won’t pay out if you need to make a claim.

If you’ve made any modifications that include fitting a bed, kitchen or plumbing, you’ll need campervan insurance.

Some common modifications include:

Interior work: Van racks or shelves, swivel seats, or extra seating.
Exterior decoration: Tinted windows, specialist paint, business logos or stickers.
Engine work: Upgrades like sports/performance exhausts, air filters, or software changes for fuel efficiency.
Custom bodywork: Flared wings, side steps/bars, sunroofs, or skylights.
Wheels and tyres: Decorative alloys or larger high-grip tyres.
Safety and security features: Alarms, trackers, deadlocks, and dashcams can reduce theft risk.
Accessories: Roof racks, ladders, tow bars, or awnings.

Is modified van insurance more expensive?

This depends on what modifications your van has.

Some modifications can increase the cost of your van insurance, such as:

Upgrading the engine: A more powerful engine can cause more damage in an accident, increasing repair costs.
Changing the wheels: Expensive or eye-catching wheels can make your van a target for thieves, raising insurance costs.

On the other hand, certain modifications can help reduce your premium. Adding security devices and safety features makes your van less likely to be stolen or involved in an accident, which insurers can see as lower risk.

How can I get cheap van insurance?

There are a few ways to help reduce the cost of your van insurance:

Compare quotes: don’t just auto-renew - check prices from different providers to find the best deal.
Increase your voluntary excess: choosing a higher excess can reduce your premium.
Build up your no claims bonus: each year you go without making a claim adds to your no claims bonus, which can lower your premium. For example, customers with 1-5 years no claims bonus paid £573 on average, compared to £595 with 0 years no claims bonus*.
Consider a black box policy: this can help younger drivers who often face higher insurance costs.

^{*Confused.com data April - June 2026.}

What our van insurance expert says

"Modifications will be specific to your van, so it's worth speaking to potential insurers to make sure they fully understand any changes you've made. Most modified van insurance policies include a 'standard parts' clause. This means that if your van has any custom modifications, like a spoiler, they'll only be replaced with standard manufacturer parts. This is due to the cost and time it can take to replace custom parts. So, it's always worth checking your policy details."

Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert

What type of insurance can I get for my modified van?

Third-party

This is the minimum level of insurance required to drive in the UK. It can cover that you for damage you cause to someone else's property, but damage to you and your van won't be covered.

Average cost: £1,379*

Third-party, fire and theft

This level offers the same cover as third-party, meaning you'll be covered for any damage caused to a third party of their property. Plus you'll get cover for your van if it's stolen or damaged by fire.

Average cost: £652*

Comprehensive

This is the highest level of cover you can get. It provides everything included with third-party, fire and theft, and adds in cover for you and your van too. Although this level offers the most cover, it's often the cheapest too.

Average cost: £466*

*Based on Confused.com data April - June 2026.

Do I need modified van insurance for my work van?

You may have modified your van for work purposes. Businesses such as dog grooming, window cleaning and catering companies might need specialist equipment in their vans. This can include:

Catering equipment
Jet wash equipment
Hydraulic lifting equipment
Refrigeration
Tippers
Permanent dog grooming equipment

If you are a delivery driver, or drive to multiple sites as part of your job, you’ll need business van insurance.

Need more help?

Can I declare modifications mid-way through my policy?

Yes - it’s important to make your insurer aware of any changes. Contact your van insurance provider if you make any modifications to your van during your policy.

Do I need modified van insurance for my work van?

Yes - if you run a business such as dog grooming, window cleaning or catering, you may need specialist or modified van insurance. If your van is fitted with equipment like refrigerators, cooking appliances, tippers or hydraulic lifting gear, you’ll need to declare this to your insurer, as it can affect your cover and premium.

Can I declare modifications mid-way through my policy?

Yes - it’s important to make your insurer aware of any changes. Contact your van insurance provider if you make any modifications to your van during your policy.