The Basics of Van Insurance

08 Aug 2007 Tell a Friend

According to the Road Traffic Act, all vehicles must have at the least third-party liability insurance. Along with this, you must also carry proof of insurance in your vehicle when you drive on UK roads. This being said, most commercial van users desire more cover than just third-party liability to protect their livelihood.    

If you wish to upgrade your van insurance to include more than third-party only insurance, it is important to shop around for the right cover.  As you would expect, the type of van you own will affect your van insurance quote. In addition to the make, model and age of the van, different modifications that you have made to the vehicle can change the potential risk grouping for the insurer.  Potential risk to the vehicle is also a major factor in van insurance policy premiums.  By ensuring that you have an immobiliser fitted and by keeping the vehicle in a garage, you can reduce the likelihood of theft and therefore save money on your van insurance.

There are certain factors affecting the cost of your van insurance that you cannot change, including your occupation, gender and age.  Insurers will base their quotes on statistical evidence, and therefore if you happen to be in an occupation where your vehicle is more likely to be damaged, you will have to expect a greater expense on van insurance.  Also, evidence has shown that women are less likely to be involved in accidents, therefore there are several insurers established specifically to insure women.  Other insurers will also offer lower premiums to women.

While searching and comparing policies, it is important to check the extras that are included in a van insurance policy. One should make sure that personal property in the van is covered in case of an incident, as well as any materials related to your business.  It is also important to make sure personal injury is covered by the insurance policy. if you would like to save money on your van insurance and you have savings that could be used in the event of a claim, you could opt for a voluntary excess on your policy.  This would mean that you would agree to pay an amount, typically up to £500, towards the repair or replacement costs.