What is van insurance?

Van insurance allows the policy holder to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes on any UK or EU road.

Van insurance is also known as commercial vehicle insurance or commercial van insurance and is a legal requirement for driving a van.

Visit Auto Trader's van insurance centre

How can I get the cheapest van insurance?

Many van drivers’ perception of van insurance is that it’s a “grudge purchase” – a necessary evil.

At Auto Trader van insurance, whilst aiming to provide the cheapest van insurance possible, we are fully aware that quality van insurance is vital to the day to day running of most van drivers and their business.

How to get van insurance

Auto Trader van insurance provides van insurance quotes online and over the telephone.

• Online: visit www.autotradervaninsurance.co.uk
• Over the phone: Call 0800 907 8108 and one of our van insurance advisors will tailor a van insurance policy specific to your needs

Compare van insurance

Auto Trader van insurance is able to compare over 65 prices from different insurers, giving van drivers more choice when seeking a quote.

Drivers can compare van insurance rates, quality of cover and additional products, ensuring they get the best deal possible on their van insurance.

Overseas van insurance

Auto Trader van insurance only caters for van insurance requirements of van drivers residing within the UK.

If drivers require cover for using their van abroad on a temporary basis, then you must contact Auto Trader van insurance at least two weeks beforehand.

Small van insurance and other types

Many van drivers categorise their vans as small, medium or large and therefore go looking for small van insurance, medium van insurance or large van insurance.

Auto Trader van insurance understands this and has trained its staff to recognise vans in such a way. Here are the most popular van categories:

• Micro van – generally used to carry small loads or deliveries.
• Small van / light Van – the front end is similar to a car but its back is akin to a normal van, occasionally with a raised roof. Sometimes classed as a small box van.
• Medium van / panel van – A van with a large load or weight capacity, with rear and side doors.
• Large van – these have a similar shape to medium vans but with a larger carrying capacity. Some may have a double wheel base (two wheels side by side at the rear).
• Car-derived vans – much like a car with its back windows filled in, allowing the rear to be used as a loading area.
• Pickup / Double-Cab - A vehicle with an open back, where the load may be uncovered.

Types of van insurance cover

Van insurance comes in three different levels of cover –  comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party only.

Third party only cover – as the most basic van insurance, this covers your liability for death or bodily injury to a third party (including other occupants of your vehicle) and your liability for damage to third party property.

Third party fire and theft cover – this covers against third party risks plus fire and theft in connection with your vehicle (in accordance with relevant policy terms). Some insurers may also provide cover for the contents and the audio equipment of the vehicle.

Comprehensive cover – includes third party fire and theft cover as well as loss of or damage to your vehicle caused by accidental or malicious damage. Comprehensive cover usually includes cover for damage to windscreens and most insurers also cover theft for the contents of the van but only to a specified amount. Therefore if you require cover for tools that you carry in your van, speak to one of our advisors and they will happily provide you with a quote.

Why buy van insurance from Auto Trader?

Auto Trader van insurance is a trading name of Autonet Insurance Service Limited - one of the country's largest independently owned van insurance brokers.

Autonet has an ever-growing reputation for providing low cost, high quality van insurance throughout the UK and has formed excellent relationships with many leading van insurance companies.

Every policy is tailored to match the driver’s requirements at the lowest rate with the maximum possible cover. Autonet constantly checks prices using its advanced computer systems and range of quote- checking facilities so you always get the most competitive rates on the van insurance market.

There’s also a full money back guarantee if you take out an Auto Trader van insurance policy and find a cheaper quotation elsewhere, giving you the same level of cover. And if you can provide written proof within 48 hours of taking out the cover, you may cancel and receive a full refund.

Visit Auto Trader's van insurance centre

In the event of a claim

Call 0800 078 7350 and Auto Trader van insurance has a team of experts available to help you get your claim processed efficiently.

If you are involved in an accident, to help process your claim quickly it is important you get as much information as possible. 

Information to collect in the event of an accident

• The other drivers details (name, address, telephone number, registration number and their insurance company's details)
• Draw a sketch of the vehicles positioning
• Take a photo of the accident
• A description of the accident, including any relevant road markings, signals and obstructions
• Make a note of the location (road name and area)
• Time and date of the accident
• Identify the damage of each vehicle involved
• The weather, visibility and lighting conditions
• Whether the parties were using headlights and/or indicator lights
• Identify injuries to the persons involved
• Details of any independent witnesses (name, address, telephone number)

Important - it is an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver, following an accident, if there has been injury or property damage.

When you choose Auto Trader van insurance to insure your van, you really are in safe hands.

Visit Auto Trader's van insurance centre