Modified van insurance

What is modified van insurance?

Modified van insurance is designed for vans that have been modified or customised from their original factory specifications.

Insuring a van takes into account the vehicle's value, performance and safety. Modifying your van in any way could impact these qualities and potentially change the level of cover you need.

A modified van insurance policy can tailor your cover to reflect the changes you've made to the vehicle.

Do I need modified van insurance?

Yes, if you’ve made modifications to your van, you’ll need modified van insurance. Van insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. But a standard policy may not cover the alterations you’ve made.

A modified van may need extra cover to account for the increase in its value, performance, or specialised parts installed.

If you’ve insured your van but since modified it, or failed to declare any modifications, your standard policy may no longer be valid.

To make sure that you’re covered, you’ll need to declare any modifications to your provider and change your policy to reflect them.

What counts as a modification?

Once it leaves the factory, any changes you make to your van may count as a modification. For example:

• If you own a food truck and you custom paint your van or add refrigeration equipment

• If you’re a plumber or a photographer and you kit out your van with specially designed storage

• If you love surfing or mountain biking and want to add racks for your gear.

Here are some of the most popular modifications people make to their vans. If you make any of these changes to your vehicle, be sure to tell your insurance provider:

• Adding shelves, storage or racks

• Removing or adding seats

• Adding power points

• Making accessibility modifications like a wheelchair ramp or lift

• Fitting extra tech, like sound systems

• Customised paintwork or upholstery

• Fitting alloy wheels

• Adding a dashboard camera or sat nav.

What does modified van insurance cover?

Modified van insurance will cover you for the same things as a regular van policy. However, it will also account for the additional modifications you’ve made. This will be reflected in the cost of your premium.

To be properly covered, you’ll need to make sure any modifications are legal. For example, by law, tinted front side windows must let in at least 70% of light. A tinted front windscreen must let in at least 75% of light.

You can also get the usual added extras to your policy. These include things like breakdown cover, courtesy van cover, lost keys and windscreen protection.

What kind of modified van insurance can I get?

As with all types of van cover, there are three main types of modified van insurance you can choose from:

Third-party

The most basic cover, and the minimum you need by law. It covers you for damage caused to another person or vehicle. But it won’t cover repairs to your own van, or if someone breaks into your van and steals your equipment.

Third-party, fire and theft

This gives you the same cover as third-party, as well as protection against fire or theft.

Comprehensive

This gives you all the cover of a third-party, fire and theft policy. Plus, it’ll cover the costs of repairing your own van if you have an accident. Most people assume that comprehensive is the most expensive, but that’s not always the case.

What modifications do I need to declare to my insurance provider?

You need to declare any modifications to your insurance provider, no matter how minor. Otherwise, you could invalidate your policy.

It’s also the law that any vehicle registered in the UK is classified correctly. You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you modify the structure of a van, like the chassis. This is because structural modifications may change its vehicle classification.

If you buy a higher-spec model, with features like a built-in sat nav, parking sensors, or alloy wheels, you don’t need to declare them. Factory-fitted extras aren’t considered modifications as they conform to the manufacturer’s original specifications.

Will every modification alter my insurance?

Some modifications may increase your premium, especially if they add value to your van, or make it more attractive to thieves. But other modifications will not affect your premium – and some could even make it cheaper, if they reduce your risk of having an accident.

Similarly, if you’ve made changes that improve your van’s security, like fitting internal racking or heavy-duty locks, an alarm or immobiliser, you might find that your insurance provider reduces your premium. Parking sensors could also lower your premium, as they mean you’re less likely to bump the back of your van, so you’re less likely to make a claim.

If you change the way your van drives, by altering the engine output or suspension, it’s likely to increase your premium. Cosmetic changes, like fitting spoilers or extra lights, could also make your insurance more expensive.

If you’ve only lightly modified your van, by changing the colour, tyres or sound system for example, it’s less likely to affect the price of your policy.

How do I insure a modified van?

If you’ve modified your van, contact your insurance provider to see if it'll extend your cover to include the modifications.

If your van has been heavily modified, your provider could increase your premium and might even decide not to offer you a renewal quote. If that happens, you’ll need to shop around for a specialist provider willing to give you a quote.

How do I insure a converted campervan?

If you’ve converting your van into a campervan, consider getting specialist campervan insurance.

You’ll also need to let the DVLA know once you’ve finished converting your van into a campervan. They’ll need a full description of the work that’s been done, along with photos and receipts.

You may also want to take out personal possessions insurance to cover your belongings kept in the campervan. But first check to see if they’re already covered by your home contents insurance.

What do I need to get a modified van insurance quote?

To compare quotes, you’ll need your vehicle details, recent insurance documents and details of any recent convictions.

Vehicle details – make sure you have the make and model of your vehicle to hand, as well as details of any modifications. If you’re unsure, your V5C document may have this information.

Recent insurance documents – again, these will contain the details you’ll need for a quote. You should also find up-to-date claims information, which may influence the price you’re quoted.

Driver's personal details – along with the usual name, address, age and so on, you’ll need to declare any past offences. For example, speeding penalties.

How can I get cheaper modified van insurance?

Some modifications could bump up the price of your premium. But there are ways to help you get cheaper modified van insurance:

• Pay annually – by paying up-front, you’ll avoid the additional interest added to monthly payments.

• Keep your van in a safe place overnight – on a private driveway or in a garage.

• Add a named driver – if you’re a young van driver, adding a more experienced driver to your policy could help bring down the cost of your premium. But if you drive the van the most, don't name this person as the main driver - this is known as fronting, which is illegal.

• Secure your van – modifications like an immobiliser or tracking device could help reduce the risk of theft.

Compare modified van insurance

Our van comparison service allows you to declare any changes up-front, so you know the price you’re offered will include any modification you’ve made.

Compare van insurance in minutes to see if you can save.