Introduction
When your van goes off the road, your income can disappear just as fast.
But how bad does the disruption really get?
A new nationwide survey of over 500 self-employed tradespeople has exposed the true cost of van downtime.
And the numbers are brutal.
Whether it’s theft, breakdown, or mechanical faults, being vanless doesn’t just slow you down — it stops you in your tracks.
And the worst part?
Most tradespeople still don’t realise how easily it can all be avoided.
Van Trouble = Business Trouble
Let’s not sugar-coat it.
When your van’s out of action, your business isn’t just disrupted — it’s derailed.
According to the latest survey, over one-third of tradespeople have experienced a van breakdown in recent years.
And that’s not counting thefts, vandalism, or faults that leave the van parked in a garage for days.
Still think it’s just a minor inconvenience?
That’s half a day gone — or more.
Not to mention, 26% of tradespeople had to cancel or delay jobs completely because they simply couldn’t get to the site.
That means lost money.
Lost trust.
And lost opportunities.
And when that keeps happening?
It’s your reputation that takes the hit.
Find out if your current cover actually protects you during downtime:
Are you driving a car or a van? Check your insurance policy
Builders Bear The Brunt
Some trades are affected more than others.
And builders, it turns out, are bearing the brunt.
Over the years, more than 80% of builders have had their van stolen or broken down.
That’s an eye-watering figure.
But here’s where it gets worse:
Almost half had to borrow a van from a family member, friend, or colleague just to keep working.
That’s not sustainable.
It’s stressful.
It puts pressure on personal relationships — and it’s not a proper contingency plan.
For a profession that relies on punctuality, planning, and heavy equipment, being vanless can turn a good job into a logistical nightmare.
Needless to say, many are still uninsured or underinsured for these types of events.
Want to know why compliance is critical for keeping your van (and work) on track?
Why proper vehicle compliance is crucial for road safety
Lost Hours, Lost Money
Let’s talk numbers.
When tradespeople were asked how many hours of work they lost due to their most recent van issue, 44% said between 4–8 hours.
But some lost entire days, even weeks.
Now let’s convert that into pounds.
Over 25% spent between £751 and £1,000 just to get back on the road.
Another 16% spent up to £1,500.
That’s not including tool replacement, delayed projects, or missed income.
It’s a blow many small businesses and self-employed workers simply can’t afford.
Want to reduce your van insurance costs without compromising cover?
Navigating The Soaring Rise In van Insurance Costs
Van Theft: Hiding In Plain Sight
Think your job site’s safe?
Think again.
The survey reveals a shocking trend:
50% of van thefts happened while the van was parked at a job site.
Yes — in broad daylight, surrounded by people.
And 31% were broken into outside the tradesperson’s home.
With no alarm.
No deterrent.
And no cover?
You could be replacing tools, losing clients, and footing the repair bill all in one go.
While 31% of break-ins only resulted in damage, a further 8% suffered both damage and tool theft — a devastating combination for any sole trader.
Don’t think it’ll happen to you?
It happened to nearly a third of your peers.
If you haven’t already secured your tools, installed a dashcam, and upgraded your policy, now is the time.
Speed Limiters – Why have them?
Servicing Shortcuts That Cost More Than Time
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough:
Servicing habits.
Turns out, only 46% of tradespeople service their van regularly.
That means the other half either do it occasionally — or only when something goes wrong.
That’s risky.
Because a missed service today?
Could be a missed job tomorrow.
Even worse, 47% admitted they’ve forgotten about their MOT at some point.
5% even drove without knowing it had expired.
That’s not just illegal — it voids your insurance.
One wrong move, and you’re fully liable for every penny.
When Do You Need Specialist Van Insurance?
Temporary Van Insurance
The Lifeline Tradespeople Are Overlooking
For many, it’s not a question of if their van goes off the road — it’s when.
And when that happens?
The clock starts ticking.
Without a replacement, your income takes the hit.
So, what exactly is it?
In short, temporary van insurance is a short-term insurance solution that lets you drive someone else’s van — legally and affordably.
Whether your own van is in the shop, has been stolen, or is waiting for a part that’s “on backorder,” temporary insurance helps you stay in motion.
Rather than losing days of work, you can borrow a van and be back on-site within hours.
Still, many overlook it.
Why?
Because they assume it’s complicated, costly, or unnecessary — all of which couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, these flexible policies can last for just a day or even a few weeks, making them ideal for last-minute disruptions.
For those who rely on being on the road, it’s a simple but powerful safety net.
No Plan = Maximum Risk
If your van breaks down today, do you have a backup plan?
According to the survey, 34% of tradespeople borrow a van, while 27% resort to renting one.
But here’s the troubling part:
7% admitted they have no plan at all.
That’s nearly 1 in 10.
Even more concerning, many who do borrow a vehicle fail to insure it properly, leaving themselves exposed if something goes wrong.
Think about it.
Without valid cover, you could face legal issues, financial losses — or both.
This is precisely why planning ahead matters.
By incorporating cheap van insurance UK policies and exploring temporary cover options, you’re not just protecting your van — you’re safeguarding your livelihood.
Moreover, having a plan in place keeps stress levels low when the unexpected hits.
As the saying goes:
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
What You Should Be Doing Today
So, what actionable steps should you take right now?
While no plan is bulletproof, there are key habits that drastically reduce the risk of financial loss.
Start by reviewing your current van insurance. Ensure it includes breakdown assistance, theft protection, and — if possible — access to a replacement vehicle.
Next, look into temporary van insurance options before you need them.
This small step can save you days of lost income when something inevitably goes wrong.
You should also keep your MOT and service schedules tight. Don’t wait for the dashboard light — plan ahead.
After all, prevention is cheaper than the cure.
Security also plays a huge role. Install dashcams, locks, and even tracking systems to deter thieves and help speed up claims if the worst happens.
Lastly, have a go-to plan for van disruption — whether it’s a rental company you trust or a friend’s van with temporary insurance ready to go.
Conclusion
Let’s be clear.
Losing access to your van for even a day can lead to cancelled jobs, delayed payments, and lost clients.
The survey proves it: hours of lost work quickly become hundreds — even thousands — in lost income.
But there’s good news.
You can avoid the worst of it by planning ahead, reviewing your insurance, and knowing your options.
From cheap van insurance to flexible temporary cover, the tools are there — it’s just a matter of using them.
So, don’t wait until your van’s already sidelined.
Instead, protect your income now.
Because being stuck isn’t just inconvenient — it’s expensive.
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