Builders Van Insurance

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Why is van insurance so important for a builder?

For a start, if you drive your van on the UK’s public roads you are required, by law, to have valid insurance in place that at a minimum provides cover to third parties.

But for most builders, a van isn’t just a vehicle that gets you from A to B: it can also store your tools & supplies and transport your staff to and from their place of work. It might also double up as a mobile advertisement for your business and, for many, it can serve as their private mode of transportation too.

So having good quality, but cheap builders van insurance in place is very important.

Types of van insurance for builders

Trade professionals can choose from two different usage types of builders van insurance:

Carriage of own goods

For most builders, a carriage of own goods cover will be right for them. Carriage of Own goods cover on a comprehensive policy means that you, your van and the goods inside it that you need to do your job are covered in the event of an accident.

Carriage of own goods for hire or reward

This is for those who transport goods for others and potentially earn a fee for the service. Delivery drivers and couriers, fast-food drivers etc. will all likely need insurance like this.

The levels of cover for builders van insurance

Builders face unique risks, and insurers offer different levels of cover to account for this.

Third-party Only

As the name suggests, this level of cover only provides insurance for damages sustained by other people and their property. It won't cover damage caused to your own van by an accident that you cause.

It's the minimum legally required level of cover you can buy, but don't assume it will be the cheapest.

Third-party, fire and theft

This cover protects you and your van in the event of fire or theft. It also covers injuries or damage to other people and their vehicle that is caused by you.

It's a step above the basic third-party cover, however, it still doesn't cover damages to your van in accidents where you're at fault.

Comprehensive

This is the highest level of cover available. It encompasses all the protections of third-party only and third party, fire and theft policies but also helps to cover damages to your van in accidents, even if you're at fault.

94% of reviewers would recommend The Van Insurer, based on independent reviews gathered by Reviews.co.uk. **

How to get cheaper builders van insurance

Insurance is an unavoidable cost of owning a van, but that doesn't mean you should pay more than you need to. There are ways of helping to keep your insurance costs lower.

Security features

Think about installing additional security measures like secure metal storage cases, additional door locks, or immobilisers to deter theft and break-ins.

Increase voluntary excess

The voluntary excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurance kicks in. By agreeing to pay a higher amount, you might be able to reduce your annual premium, but remember you must pay all excesses, voluntary and compulsory, before the insurance company will meet the cost of a claim.

Decrease mileage

The less you drive, the lower the likelihood of an accident. Consider a mileage limit on your policy, but be careful not to stray over it.

Pay annually

While monthly payments seem more manageable, there is often an interest or finance charge added. So paying for your insurance annually can often result in overall savings over the course of a policy lifetime.

Vans in a low insurance group

Vans in lower insurance groups are typically cheaper to insure. Particularly when starting out in business for the first time, don't buy more van than you need!

What do you need to get builders van insurance?

Insurers typically require specific details to provide an accurate quote and ensure the coverage meets your needs. Here's what you'll need to have on hand to get a cheap quote:

Driver information

You'll need to provide information about the primary driver, including your age, driving experience and any past claims or convictions.

Vehicle information

Insurers will want to know about the van you're insuring.

This includes its make, model, age, and any modifications made to it such as signwriting. Additionally, the value of the van, its engine size, and even its storage location can influence the premium.

Business details

The nature of your work can influence the coverage you need.

For instance, if you're involved in specialised construction requiring unique equipment or the carriage of hazardous materials, your insurance might differ from that of a general builder.

The frequency of trips, the type of sites you visit, and even the materials you transport can all play a role in determining your premium.

Additional drivers

If other people drive your van, insurers will also need their personal information. Think carefully about who really needs to be driving your van as if you have young employees, or some with driving convictions it could significantly affect your premium.

94% of reviewers would recommend The Van Insurer, based on independent reviews gathered by Reviews.co.uk. **

Why you should choose us for builders van insurance

At The Van Insurer, we compare quotes from some of the UK's leading van insurers and give you the cheapest deals we can find.

So, if saving money is your objective, The Van Insurer is here to help. However, cheaper isn't always best when insuring a work van.

That's why we show different levels of cover from the brokers on our panel, ranging from Comprehensive through to Third Party Only.

If your livelihood depends on it, it could be better to spend more on a policy that covers you, your tools and your van for any eventuality.

FAQs

Can I add multiple vans to the same builders van insurance policy?

Yes, many insurance providers offer options for small fleets.

A good insurer should be able to create a bespoke policy that covers multiple vans for you and your workforce. It's essential to discuss this with your insurance provider when taking out the policy to ensure all your vans are adequately covered.

What age can you get builders van insurance?

The minimum age for builders' van insurance typically starts at 21, though some insurers might have a requirement of 25.

Why is van insurance so important for a builder?

Types of van insurance for builders

Carriage of own goods

Carriage of own goods for hire or reward

See how much you can save

The levels of cover for builders van insurance

Third-party Only

Third-party, fire and theft

Comprehensive

How to get cheaper builders van insurance

Security features

Increase voluntary excess

Decrease mileage

Pay annually

Vans in a low insurance group

See how much you can save

What do you need to get builders van insurance?

Driver information

Vehicle information

Business details

Additional drivers

Why you should choose us for builders van insurance

See how much you can save

FAQs

Can I add multiple vans to the same builders van insurance policy?

What age can you get builders van insurance?