Van insurance is an insurance that provides coverage for vans against some risks, just like other cars. You can take van insurance whether you use your van for commercial or private purposes. Taking the right van car insurance is important so that you are adequately covered. Van insurance can be confusing with many extras to choose from that can push your insurance prices higher. You can take annual or monthly van insurance.
Commercial and Private Van Insurance
Commercial van insurance is for vans that are used for work or travelling. They are of two types; carriage of own goods and haulage. Carriage of own goods is tailored for those that carry goods for trade, while haulage is for goods that are for delivery.
Private van insurance is for those that use their van for pleasure or domestic purposes.
Levels of Van Insurance Coverage You Need
When taking van cover insurance, you need to consider the van’s use and the type of van it is. There are three types of van insurance coverage you can pick from.
- Third-party only. This insurance policy covers you against third party liability for damages to their properties due to an accident you caused. It does not cover damages to your car nor your medical expenses. It is the minimum cover in the UK.
- Third-party, fire and theft cover. It has the same coverage as a third party only, but it also includes coverage for your car against theft or damages caused by fire. The policy does not cover your van against damages caused by accident.
- Comprehensive cover. This is the best insurance cover. It covers your car and that of third parties against damages arising from an accident or fire. In addition, it protects you against fire. It also covers your medical expenses in case of injuries caused by accident.
Types of Van Insurance
Several van insurance covers are tailored to the needs of a van. They include the following.
- Standard cover. The standard cover provides general coverage for your van. Sometimes it can cover the contents inside your van. It is best to ask the insurer about the exact coverage.
- Pick-up cover. Car insurance does not cover pick-up vehicles. If you have a pick-up vehicle, you can insure it using the pick-up cover.
- Courier cover. If you are using your van for courier services, this is the best car insurance to get. It is used to cover vans that deliver people’s goods. However, the policy does not cover goods.
- Goods cover. The goods cover protects goods that are in transit. If you use your van to transport goods, you can cover them using this policy. You can only be compensated for the cargo that the insurer is covering. If you transport dangerous and valuable cargo, make sure it is covered.
How to Get Cheaper Van Insurance
There are few considerations that insurers make when determining premiums for a van. They include:
Size of the Van
The size of the van contributes to the premiums you will pay for your van insurance. Large vans are expensive and attract higher premiums. Also, large vans have higher fuel consumption. Therefore, make sure to buy a van that suits its use.
Increase Your Excesses
You need to increase your insurance excesses after you have its long term effect. Whenever you claim, you must pay the excesses to get compensated.
Install Security Features
You need to install your van with extra security features to bring down the cost of your insurance. For instance, you can install an immobilizer, alarm and tracker. If your van is stolen, it is easy to look for it.
Pay Annually
It is best to pay your premiums upfront every year. Monthly payments attract interest. It means paying annually would save on those interests.
Consider the Named Driver
You need to be aware that young drivers below 25 years get attract higher premiums. Adding a named driver below 25 years will push your premiums higher. Also, drivers with records of accidents get higher premiums.
Be Honest
Providing dishonest information while buying van insurance will make you fail to get compensated. Details like mileage and use of van should be correctly stated.
No Claims Discount
If you have had van insurance before, you can get a discount if you have not claimed before. If you haven’t insured a van before, you should start building your no claims discount early.