What is temporary van insurance?

Temporary van insurance is a type of standalone, short-term insurance that lets you buy van insurance for a limited time, instead of committing to a full year.

Exactly like temporary car insurance, think of it as insurance you can switch on when you need it, then switch off when you are done.

It’s a standalone motor insurance policy for the driver and the van during the agreed period, whether that is your own van or one you are borrowing. This makes it useful when life throws up a one-off job, a last-minute plan, or a short period where you need extra cover. With a temporary van policy you can get covered for as little as 1 hour, all the way up to 4 weeks.

What kinds of van are covered?

Our short-term van insurance solutions are for:

  • Commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
  • Minimum van value of £1
  • Maximum van value of £65,000
  • Have a valid MOT and is not declared SORN and has not been seized by the police.

You can see here all the different types of van we can help you insure.

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When would I need temporary van insurance?

Temporary or short-term van cover is ideal when you need the keys for a short while, not forever. It’s particularly useful if you’re:

  • Moving house, and need to pick up furniture, or shift bulky items
  • Sharing the driving on a longer trip where more than one person needs to be insured
  • Buying or selling a van, including test drives and driving it home before arranging annual cover
  • Covering a gap when your usual van is off the road and you need a temporary replacement
  • Doing one off jobs for trades or side projects where you only need a van for a short stint

If your van use is occasional rather than regular, temp van insurance can be a tidy and practical solution.

What does temporary van insurance cover?

All short-term van insurance policies provide a comprehensive level of insurance cover. This includes:

  • Third party cover for injury to other people or damage to their property
  • Cover for damaged caused to the van where you are at fault, or malicious damage caused to the van
  • Fire and theft protection should the worst happen

Comprehensive cover provides the highest level of insurance protection available, all from a quote that you can obtain in as little as two minutes!

How much is temporary van insurance?

The million-dollar question, but one which is better phrased as “how much does temporary van insurance cost for me?”, because everyone is different and insurers price according to the risk they are exposing themselves to.

So, there’s no one-size fits all price.

The best way to find out how much a short-term van insurance policy is for you is to spend about 2 minutes getting a quote, and then you’ll know for sure.

How can I get a quote?

Getting a temporary van insurance policy quote is quick and straightforward. Simply provide a few details about yourself, the van you want to drive and how long you need cover for, and you'll receive a quote tailored to your requirements. Policies can be arranged for periods ranging from one hour up to four weeks.

To get a quote, you'll typically need:

  • Your name, age and address
  • A full UK driving licence
  • The van registration number
  • The dates and times you need cover to start and end
  • Details of how you'll be using the van
  • Any recent motoring convictions or claims history

Once you've entered your details, you'll receive a quote and can arrange cover in minutes if eligible.

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Get a quote online today in 2 minutes

Comprehensive temporary van cover for van drivers aged 21 to 75.

Can I insure a van for one day?

Yes. Temporary van insurance can be arranged for as little as one hour, meaning one-day van insurance is often available when you only need short-term cover for a specific task or journey. This can be useful if you're moving house, transporting large items, borrowing a van from a friend or family member, collecting a newly purchased vehicle, or completing a one-off job.

Because temporary van insurance is a standalone policy, you only pay for the period you need rather than committing to a full annual policy. Depending on your requirements, cover can typically be arranged for a few hours, a single day, several days or up to four weeks.

Can I get temporary insurance on someone else's van?

In many cases, yes. Temporary van insurance can provide cover for a borrowed van without the need to be added as a named driver to the owner's annual policy.

The policy operates separately from any existing insurance that may already be in place on the vehicle. This can make it a convenient option if you're helping somebody move house, borrowing a van for DIY projects, sharing driving responsibilities on a longer journey, or using a family member's van for a short period. As with any insurance policy, eligibility criteria, vehicle details and intended use must be declared accurately when obtaining a quote.

Temporary van insurance for moving house

Moving house is one of the most common reasons people choose temporary van insurance. Hiring or borrowing a van can be far more practical than trying to move furniture and belongings using a standard car. Temporary cover allows you to insure the vehicle for the exact period you need, whether that's a few hours, a day or a weekend.

Rather than paying for an annual policy, temporary van insurance can offer a flexible solution for one-off moves, collecting furniture, transporting appliances or helping friends and family relocate. If you're borrowing a van specifically for moving day, short-term cover can provide reassurance that you're insured while using the vehicle.

Temporary van insurance for businesses – how does it work?

Temporary van insurance for businesses provides flexible van cover when work ramps up, staffing changes, or a short-term contract needs to be fulfilled. Not every business needs a van all year round. Some only need additional vehicles during busy periods or for specific jobs. In these situations, temporary insurance can be a practical way to stay insured without committing to long term costs. Business friendly examples include:

  • Sole traders who occasionally need a second van for a job
  • Small businesses covering deliveries or site work for a limited timeframe
  • Short term cover for staff changes where a new driver needs insurance quickly

One key point is that business use must always be declared correctly when taking out the policy or any claim you make may fail and your policy may be invalidated.

Go Shorty

The Van Insurer is proud to partner with GoShorty, one of the UK's leading short-term vehicle insurance providers helping thousands of motorists get temporary van insurance for periods from 1 hour to 4 weeks.*

Temporary van insurance available through The Van Insurer is provided in partnership with GoShorty. This is not a whole-of-market comparison service, but access to specialist short-term van insurance designed to provide flexible cover from 1 hour to 4 weeks.

Why use GoShorty?

GoShorty is focused on making the process of buying good quality temporary insurance quick, simple, and stress-free. Thousands of customers have used them because:

  • Comprehensive cover only
  • From 1 hour to 4 weeks of insurance
  • Cover for van drivers aged 21 to 75
  • Maximum van value at £65,000
  • 4.7/5 Rating on Trustpilot**
  • Quotes available online in 2 minutes
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Temporary Van Insurance FAQs

Who’s eligible for short term van insurance?

The insured person must be between 21 and 75 years of age, have a full and valid UK driving licence and have a permanent residential address (proof may be required).

If you’re applying with an EU driving licence, then you must have been resident in the UK for at least 12 months. You must never have had insurance refused, had a policy voided or cancelled.

Is the insurance cover comprehensive?

Yes, all short-term van insurance policies issued provide fully comprehensive coverage.

Can I get short-term cover for my campervan?

Yes, if your van is a genuine campervan built as such from new. If it’s a standard van that has been modified, then no. You can find out more about insuring campervans and motorhomes via The Motorhome Insurer.

Can I get temporary cover for, say, 6 months?

Not with a single policy. The maximum cover period is 4 weeks, or 28 days. You can purchase a new policy at the end of your current insurance policy, thereby ensuring continuity of cover, but this may not be the most cost-efficient way of getting the cover you need.

Other types of van policies we can provide quotes for: