Compare business van insurance quotes
The business van insurance comparison service compares quotes from a wide range of providers. There are around 60 companies on the panel including big names like Admiral, Churchill and Axa - but also plenty of smaller specialist van insurance companies.
By comparing quotes, you'll be able to see at a glance which provider is able to offer you the right level of business van insurance cover, at a price that's right for you.
The van comparison service is fast, completely impartial and free to use. Enter your commercial van and personal information just once to receive quotes from multiple FCA regulated van insurance providers. Simply choose the van insurance that's right for you and your business.
Although van insurance is sometimes available through car insurance brokers, the widest range of deals are likely to be found through specialist company van insurance brokers.
Don’t risk missing out. Get a company van insurance quote via Biker Insure today:
Business van insurance cover
As with car insurance, the level of insurance cover you can choose from comprises Third Party Van Insurance, Third Party Fire & Theft Van Insurance, and Fully Comprehensive Van Insurance.
Levels of business van insurance
Third Party Only: - The minimum level of cover required by law. Covers damage your van causes to other people, property or vehicles but there is no cover for your own van (TPO cover is not available with some providers).
Third Party Fire & Theft: - Same as TPO, but adds cover to your own van if it is stolen or damaged/destroyed by fire. Does not typically include theft of contents inside the van.
Fully Comprehensive: - Covers everything TPFT does, but also includes repair or replacement of your van in an accident, even if you are at fault.
It's worth noting that fully comprehensive business van insurance quotes aren't always the most expensive, and may even be the cheapest option for some people. Always run a comparison at different levels of cover to get the full picture.
In addition to the level of van cover required, you’ll also be asked to confirm what type of business van insurance fits your needs:
Types of business van insurance
Carriage of own goods
A carriage of own goods van policy covers your van, and allows you to carry items in your van in connection with your trade or type of work. It’s sometimes referred to as “carriage of tools” cover.
Be aware: It’s important to note that carriage of own goods policies typically allow you to carry work related items in relation to your trade, but do not usually insure the items themselves in case of damage or theft. You’re insured for driving the van carrying the goods, but not the goods themselves. Check with your insurer for specifics. Goods in transit can be added as a policy extra, or might be covered on your general business insurance - but check first.
Carriage of own goods policies are the primary choice for self employed tradespeople and business owners using their van in connection with their business - but not using the vehicle to deliver finished products.
Carriage of goods for hire or reward
This will be the cover to choose if you are a delivery driver or courier – or if you deliver your business's finished products. Carriage of goods van insurance covers you to carry other people’s goods, and to make deliveries at multiple destinations.
Haulage cover
This level of business van insurance cover is for delivery drivers who typically drive longer distances, often to the same destinations, and usually carry the same or similar load types for each drop.
Company or sole trader?
You can compare van insurance quotes whether the vehicle is owned by a private individual, or registered to a company.
- If you are a sole trader, it's often the case that the van will be registered in your name. There's no distinction between you as a person and your business.
- If you are the director of a limited company then the van may be registered to the company, which is a separate legal entity.
It's easy to compare quotes for both companies and sole traders, but you will need to make sure the information is entered accurately:
For the question titled "Are you (or will you be) the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle?", choose according to whether you or a company own the vehicle.
If you select "no" a further dropdown will appear where you can select "company" as the registered keeper and/or owner of the van.
A further section asks whether the business is a sole trader or limited company. Choose the appropriate answer.
You may need to confirm further details of your business (such as company name) with the broker before you buy. It's also important to carefully check over the details and policy documents to ensure that the level of cover adequately meets your business and personal cover needs.
Van insurance additional extras
In addition to the level and type of cover which forms the basis of your business insurance policy, you can choose to add optional extras. Some insurers may include one or more additional extras as standard on the policy.
Typical commerical van insurance extras might include:
- Legal Cover - In the case of a non-fault accident, this offers coverage for legal expenses to help recover uninsured losses, such as personal injury, excess costs, loss of earnings, and more.
- Breakdown Cover - Most plans include roadside assistance as a standard, while some may also offer vehicle recovery/towing and home start cover.
- Personal Accident Cover - Offers coverage for the policyholder in the event of an at-fault accident, typically for severe injury or death.
- Windscreen Protection - Provides cover for chips, cracks or replacement windscreens. Some policies also cover side windows and sunroofs.
- Courtesy Van - If your van is damaged in an accident and you use the insurance provider's approved repairer, you'll be provided with a courtesy van for an agreed period. Typically excludes claims where the vehicle is stolen or written off.
- Driving abroad - Provides cover for driving the van in countries outside of the UK (but typically in the EU) for a maximum number of days per year.
- Misfuelling Cover - If you mistakely use the wrong fuel type when filling up your van, misfuelling cover pays for the draining and flushing of the fuel tank.
The extent of cover offered with additional extras can vary, so always check policy details with the insurance provider.
How could I get cheaper business van insurance?
One of the most effective ways to find the cheapest quotes (based on your individual circumstances and the van) can be to compare. You’ll only have to input your van details, business and personal information once to access quotes from a panel of 60+ specialist business van insurance brokers - increasing your chances of finding the best van insurance broker for your specific needs.
There are also factors to take into account which could further reduce your van insurance quotes. Consider adding or amending any of these things before you compare brokers:
- Try to choose the smallest van for your business needs. Vans with bigger load capacities and larger engines cost more to insure because they are more likely to be involved in an accident, and can carry a higher load value.
- Get your van sign-written. Sign-written vans are easier to identify & track down, and represent considerably more hassle & risk for thieves.
- Consider your annual mileage carefully and don’t over-estimate this on the form.
- Fit extra security, alarms or tracking devices
- Resist the temptation to make modifications
- Third party policies aren’t always the cheapest – run a quote for all levels of cover.
- Think carefully about who needs to be added to the policy.
- It’s usually cheaper to pay for your van policy annually. Monthly payments often include an interest charge, which can make the total cost of your policy more expensive.
What types of van can I compare?
As long as your van isn’t over 3.5 tonnes, you shouldn't face any problems comparing insurance. Vans under this weight are classed as light commercial vehicles (LCV’s), which means they can be driven on a car licence.
Vans larger than 3.5 tonnes are classed as medium or heavy goods vehicles, and require additional licence categories. Because vans under 3.5 tonnes are far more common on UK roads, there is a huge selection of brokers looking for your business – and a big choice when it comes to comparing business van insurance.
If you use a van for private use only, and do not use your van to commute, check out our private use van insurance page.
Business van insurance FAQ's
Does business van insurance include tool and equipment cover?
Some commercial van policies will include tool coverage as standard, whereas with others it may be available as an extra.
There is often a limit on the amount of cover provided, which might not adequately cover the value of tools you typically carry around. Some policies may also exclude cover for loss or damage where there has been no forcible entry, or if you leave them in your van overnight.
Always check your documents very carefully to make sure you have the right level of tool cover for your particular business needs.
Can I drive other vans or cars on a business van insurance policy?
Most commerical van policies will not cover you for driving other cars or vans, however some policies do offer driving other cars (DOC) cover on fully comprehensive policies, and subject to certain age restrictions.
If available, you'll usually be insured on a third party only basis.
Always check your van policy for full details and exclusions.
Does a bad driver hotline make van insurance cheaper?
Some van insurance providers may provide a discount if a bad driver hotline sign is displayed.
Can I carry hazardous goods or visit hazardous sites?
If you carry toxic, explosive, corrosive or flammable goods, then insurance providers need to know.
You will also need to declare if you are visiting sites where dangerous substances such as explosives and corrosive chemicals are used and stored.
Can companies and sole traders compare quotes?
Companies and sole traders can both use the comparison system to compare quotes. There are appropriate fields to fill in for both circumstances.
Can I add additional drivers onto the quote?
Additional van drivers can be added in the cover section when comparing quotes. You'll need to fill in their personal information and driving history to get a quote.
Some providers may provide cheaper quotes for customers with additional drivers because they believe there to be less risk with a shared van.
Can I use a car or motorbike NCD on a van
A no claims discount can only be applied to one vehicle at a time.
You may be able to transfer a NCB from one vehicle to another, but this will be at the insurer's discretion so you will need to discuss it with them before buying.
When comparing, you'll be asked how many years of commercial vehicle no claims discount you have (each year you have held van insurance without making a claim). If your NCD was earned on a company van or abroad, or if it's more than 2 years since you last used it, check this will be valid with your chosen insurer before buying.
If you have a no-claims discount earned on another vehicle, you can fill this in when comparing. Some insurers may offer discounts for NCD's on other vehicles, but you may be required to provide evidence.
Can I compare multi van insurance?
If you have more than one van to insure, then multi van (or fleet van insurance) could be an option.
The comparison via Biker Insure is for single van, annual policy comparison only - however you can get a multi van insurance quote via our partner site, Quotezone:
Compare multi van insurance
Is there a weight limit for van insurance?
Commercial van insurance is for LCV's (light commercial vehicles) weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.
Vans or trucks that are heavier than this are classed as HGV's and need a different kind of insurance.
Is commercial van insurance more expensive?
Commercial van insurance will usually be more expensive than personal van insurance, because vans used in connection with a business or for delivery purposes typically cover significantly more miles than vans used in a personal capacity.
Commercial vans are often used to carry expensive goods, tools or equipment, making the risk to the insurer higher.
As with any kind of insurance, the quotes you receive will be based on your personal circumstances and the van you are insuring
*51% of consumers could save £668.40 on their Van Insurance. The saving was calculated by comparing the cheapest price found with the average of the next five cheapest prices quoted by insurance providers on Seopa Ltd’s insurance comparison website. This is based on representative cost savings from November 2024. The savings you could achieve are dependent on your individual circumstances.