For many businesses, having a van is an essential. You may use it to collect materials, deliver goods or do pick-ups from the cash and carry. Should anything happen to your van in the course of a day, the impact could vary from it being a minor inconvenience to being something that threatens to put you out of business. That’s why it’s crucial that you get the right level of insurance cover.
Counting the cost
There are certain things that you should never skimp on when it comes to running a business and vehicle insurance is one of them.
If your van is off the road through an accident and you were not suitably insured you would have to pay for repairs or in the case of a write-off a replacement. If you were responsible for an accident, you might have to pay to repair or replace the other vehicle involved as well.
Then, sadly, there is the possibility that your van might be vandalised, your windscreen might be smashed, or the van itself could even be stolen.
Flexible options available
You can choose from third party fire & theft or comprehensive cover :
- With third party fire & theft (TPFT) you are covered if other people claim against you for injury or damage to their vehicle or property, and if your van is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive van insurance obviously gives you much broader cover. Not only are you insured for the same parts as a TPFT policy, you are also covered for accidental damage to your van plus cover for personal belongings, windscreen repair, medical expenses and other personal accident cover (subject to the level of cover you take out). You can also opt for legal protection, which can help you claim back any uninsured losses.
Travelling abroad?
Be careful and check with your insurer you are also insured if you drive your van abroad as part of your business. Van insurance policyholders can also be insured when they are driving in Europe but it’s better to call your insurer before you leave to have more information on your cover for driving abroad.
More than one van?
If you insure more than one van, you may qualify for a multi-van discount as well as getting an extra discount off top two levels of breakdown cover.
Related information:
- Tradesman insurance – if you carry any tools or equipment in the back of your van, it won’t be covered under a van insurance policy – you’ll need to take out a tradesman insurance policy.
- Employers’ liability insurance – it’s a legal requirement for all UK employers to take out this type of business insurance.
- Public liability insurance – imagine you’re repairing a roof and something falls and hurts a passer by. It’s for accidents like this that you need to have public liability insurance.
