Specialist van insurance
If a standard van insurance policy doesn’t provide all the cover you require, you may need to buy a specialist contract. Let’s find out more…
If a standard van insurance policy doesn’t provide all the cover you require, you may need to buy a specialist contract. Let’s find out more…
What is specialist van insurance?
Specialist van insurance takes over when a standard policy can’t provide all the cover you require. You might need a specialist policy if you’re a young driver, have a criminal record or motoring convictions, or your van has been modified.
Who needs specialist insurance?
- Young drivers
Insurance is one area where being young isn’t always a blessing. Statistically, younger drivers (those aged under 25) are more likely to be involved in an accident, so insurance providers might see them as high risk and charge them higher premiums. Some van insurance providers impose an age limit for their van policies, meaning they won’t offer you a policy if you’re under, say, 21 or 25.
One option for young drivers might be to find a van insurance provider that offers telematics insurance to bring the price down. Telematics uses satellite technology to monitor how and when you drive your van. Your provider uses this information to determine how safe you are and adjusts your premium accordingly.
- Modified van
If a van is modified in any way so that it differs from the original factory specification, it may attract a higher insurance premium. If you buy a van that has been modified, you’ll need to give details when you apply for an insurance quotation, and you may be charged more than would otherwise be the case.
If you modify your van yourself, you need to tell your insurance provider straight away, otherwise you risk invalidating your policy, which means you wouldn’t be able to make a claim. If a van has been heavily modified – for example, if the engine has been adapted to improve performance – then some providers might decline to quote to insure it. However, it is highly likely that you would find providers willing to offer cover, even if at a higher price than for a non-modified model.
- Convicted drivers
If you have any previous convictions, finding an affordable van insurance quote may be difficult. Statistics show that drivers with a criminal conviction are more likely to be in an accident and thus need to make a claim. As a result, some insurance providers decline to offer a quotation or set their premium at a very high level.
You may be able to find a lower quote through a provider that specialises in provider cover for those with convictions.
What level of van insurance should I choose?
There are three levels of cover for van insurance owners:
Third party only: this is the minimum level of cover required by law. It covers you for damage you cause to other people and their vehicles.
Third party, fire and theft: this gives you cover for damage you cause to other people and their vehicles, as well as cover for your own van in the case of fire or theft.
Comprehensive: includes all the cover of a third party, fire and theft policy, along with cover for the repair of your own van in the event of an accident.
Compare van insurance with us
We make it easy to compare van insurance from a wide range of providers. Just let us know what you need and we’ll compare van insurance deals that ensure you get the right level of cover.
