Choosing the right van insurance is vital, especially if you use your vehicle for business. Our guide will help you pick the right policy.

What matters to you?

The secret to getting a good deal on van insurance is to think about what matters most to you and your business. For example, do you need a replacement van whenever your vehicle's off the road, or is it more important that you can drive abroad without paying extra?

What are your options?

1. Third party

   This is the cheapest and most basic insurance. It covers damage to someone else or their property, but not to your van.

2. Third party, fire and theft

   The same as third party cover, but also covers theft of your van or damage by fire.

3. Fully comprehensive

   This offers the best and widest cover, including the loss of or damage to your van. It usually includes extras such as personal injury and medical expenses.

4. The optional extras

   Depending on how you use your van, you might also want:

   • a replacement vehicle, or at the very least a policy that guarantees repairs get done quickly
   • breakdown cover - most vans are heavily used, so good breakdown cover could be important
   • European cover if you want to drive your van abroad

Avoid the pitfalls

Look out for these points in the small print:

• make sure you're covered for business use if you need it: it's not always standard
• check the exclusions - for example, your policy may not allow you to drive other vans
• tools and goods in the van - although some policies do cover this, you'll usually need to take out separate insurance against theft from your van

Cost-cutting tips

• Choose the smallest van you can - insurance gets cheaper as the weight class gets lower
• Some van insurers will match your car insurance's no claims bonus
• You may get a discount if you have experience of driving a van for someone else
• Fit an alarm and immobiliser

Next steps

Once you know what you're looking for, you're ready to get some quotes: compare van insurance now.