Can I Drive A Van On Normal Car Insurance? (Here’s What You Need To Know First)

Introduction

Driving a van with normal car insurance might seem harmless…

But one wrong assumption could void your cover, land you in court, or cost you your livelihood.

Let’s clear this up fast.

You can’t just hop in a van and assume your existing insurance has you protected.

Because chances are — it doesn’t.

Still unsure?

Normal Car Insurance vs Van Insurance: Know The Difference

So what’s the deal?

Why can’t your normal car insurance just extend to your van?

Because insurance isn’t just about the driver — it’s about the vehicle’s class, usage, and risk profile.

And vans?

They come with their own rules, risks, and classifications.

Even small vans like the Citroën Berlingo or Ford Transit Connect are often classed differently from cars.

That’s where drivers get caught out.

It’s not about what the van looks like.

It’s about how it’s classified and how it’s used.

In fact, many people don’t even realise they’re driving a van — until something goes wrong.

Want to make sure you’re actually driving what you think you’re driving?

Check out this guide on van vs car classification.

What Happens If You Drive A Van With Normal Car Insurance?

Here’s where the problems begin.

If your insurer finds out your policy didn’t cover a van?

You’re not just looking at a void claim.

You could face:

  • Your policy being cancelled
  • A fine of up to £300
  • Six points on your licence
  • Your vehicle seized on the spot

And if you cause an accident?

You’re footing the bill.

That could mean tens of thousands in damages — or worse, legal costs.

Sounds dramatic? It happens more often than you think.

Like this case, where a single parking mistake wrecked someone’s insurance rates.

Can You Ever Use Normal Car Insurance For A Van?

There are exceptions.

But they’re few and far between.

Some small vans used only for private use — no goods, no business — might be covered under multi-vehicle or DOC (Driving Other Cars) extensions.

But here’s the twist.

DOC cover is third-party only, and almost never applies to vans.

Even if you’re insured for other vehicles, it doesn’t mean you’re insured to drive a van.

And insurers will look for any excuse to invalidate your claim if you get this wrong.

Thinking of using someone else’s van for a quick job?

Don’t risk it.

Get temporary van insurance instead.

It’s fast, cheap, and actually legal.

Why Your Name Must Be On The Van’s Policy

Borrowing a mate’s van?

Driving one for work?

You’ll still need your name on the policy — or to be listed as a named driver.

Otherwise?

You’re not covered.

DOC clauses, again, don’t count.

And business insurance?

That’s a whole different beast.

Your employer might say, “Yeah, you’re fine to use it.”

But if your name’s not on the paperwork, you’re exposed.

Pro tip: Always check who’s insured to drive — and how.

It could be the difference between a job well done…
…and a financial disaster.

Business vs Personal Van Use – Big Difference

Let’s get one thing straight.

If you’re using a van for business — deliveries, transporting tools, carrying goods — you need business van insurance.

Full stop.

Even if it’s just the occasional client visit or a side hustle gig?

Yep, still counts.

Personal insurance won’t cover you, and if you don’t declare the business use?

It’s classed as misrepresentation.

And that means your claim could be denied instantly.

Not only that…

You could be hit with fraud allegations or get blacklisted by insurers.

Want to know the upside?

Business van insurance might actually be cheaper than you think.

What Cover Do You Actually Need?

Now that you know normal car insurance won’t cut it, what do you actually need?

To begin with, you must choose from three main types of van insurance:

Third-party only – the legal minimum, but barely covers anything

Third-party, fire and theft – a middle-ground option with some added peace of mind

Comprehensive cover – the full package that protects you, your van, and others

However, that’s not the full story.

If you use your van for business — which most van drivers do — then you’ll also need more tailored protection.

For instance, you might require:

  • Carriage of own goods (for tools and equipment)
  • Haulage insurance (for delivering to third parties)
  • Goods-in-transit cover (to protect valuable cargo in motion)

More importantly, if you skip any of this, you may unknowingly drive around with invalid insurance.

Here’s why this matters:

Even one uninsured claim could wipe out your business overnight.

In fact, many van drivers saw their premiums spike drastically simply because they didn’t match their cover to their usage.

Avoid These Common Insurance Mistakes

So, you’ve got van cover.

But is it correct?

Here’s where thousands of drivers go wrong — and most don’t even realise it.

For example, if you:

  • Choose the wrong usage class
  • Register your home address instead of where your van sleeps
  • Forget to declare aftermarket modifications
  • Underestimate your annual mileage
  • Or list the wrong main driver

Then you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Even worse, insurers often use these technicalities to reject your claim.

On top of that, one mistake could follow you for years — affecting your premiums across all vehicles.

But here’s the good news:

You can avoid this entirely by reviewing your policy details before you purchase.

Still unsure what counts as a modification?

Then head over to this in-depth guide on van modifications to get clarity.

How To Get Cheap Van Insurance Today

Now let’s talk money.

If you’re serious about finding cheap van insurance UK-wide, you need a smart strategy — not guesswork.

So, what should you do?

First of all, compare quotes across multiple van insurance providers.

Secondly, increase your voluntary excess to reduce premiums.

Thirdly, if you’re comfortable with monitoring, install a telematics device — many insurers reward safe driving habits.

In addition, pay annually instead of monthly if you can afford it upfront.

This one change alone could knock off a sizeable chunk.

Even more importantly, park your van off the street or in a secure garage if possible.

Insurers see that as a lower risk — and charge you less.

In other words, small changes add up to serious savings.

Rather than gamble with random price comparisons, use cheapvaninsurance.co.uk to connect with insurers offering very cheap van insurance tailored to UK drivers.

For even more practical tips, take a look at these 10 proven hacks to slash your van insurance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, here’s the truth:

You can’t drive a van on normal car insurance — no matter how convenient it sounds.

Doing so could leave you uninsured, penalised, and out of pocket.

More importantly, if you rely on your van for work, this mistake could grind your income to a halt.

However, avoiding disaster doesn’t have to be difficult.

As long as you understand your usage, choose the right level of cover, and stay transparent with your insurer, you’ll protect your van — and your future.

Because of this, always double-check your policy.

Always read the fine print.

And always shop around for better deals.

You’re not just buying insurance — you’re safeguarding your livelihood.

Still have questions?

Here’s what to read next:

Temporary Van Insurance UK: Affordable, Flexible, And Instant Cover

Introduction

Temporary van insurance.

Let’s face it.

There are times when a full year of van insurance just isn’t what you need.

Maybe it’s just for a weekend.

Or a couple of days.

Or even just the afternoon.

In any case, paying for long-term cover makes no sense.

That’s exactly where temporary van insurance becomes your smartest option.

It’s affordable.

It’s flexible.

And best of all, it protects your No Claims Discount — no strings attached.

What Is Temporary Van Insurance?

To begin with, let’s break it down.

Temporary van insurance is short-term cover that gives you full protection for a limited time.

In other words, it’s van insurance that fits your schedule — not the other way around.

Rather than locking yourself into a 12-month contract, you simply choose the cover length you actually need.

This can be as brief as 1 hour, or as long as 28 days.

Because of that flexibility, it’s often the best option for people who:

  • Borrow someone else’s van
  • Need to move house
  • Are between vehicles
  • Or want to cover another driver temporarily

What’s more, it’s fast.

You can get covered in under two minutes.

How telematics devices can save you money on van insurance

When Might You Need Temporary Van Insurance?

Now that you understand what it is, let’s explore some common scenarios where it’s not just useful — it’s essential.

1. Borrowing a Van

Suppose you’re helping a friend move furniture.

They’ve got the van.

You’ve got the muscles.

But here’s the problem — you’re not insured to drive it.

2. Sharing Driving on a Long Journey

For instance, imagine you’re planning a long road trip across the UK.

Therefore, sharing the driving duties would make perfect sense to avoid exhaustion.

However, your main insurance probably doesn’t cover your friend or colleague.

Instead of making changes to your annual policy, you can add them temporarily, just for the duration of the trip.

That way, everyone stays protected — and nobody ends up doing all the driving.

3. Buying or Selling a Van

Let’s say you just bought a used van from a private seller.

Chances are, you’re not going to arrange a full insurance policy while standing in their driveway.

Instead, you can get instant temporary cover and drive it home legally.

Likewise, if you’re selling a van, temp insurance keeps you covered right up until handover.

Are you driving a car or a van? Check your insurance policy

Who Can Get Temporary Van Insurance?

So what are the rules?

Before you apply, it’s important to know whether you qualify.

Although most people do, there are a few key requirements to keep in mind.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be aged between 17 and 77
  • Hold a full UK or EU driving licence
  • Have no more than 7 penalty points in the last 3 years
  • Lived in the UK for at least 12 months, or be a British expat
  • Have no criminal convictions
  • Not have had a policy voided in the past

But that’s not all.

Your van must also:

  • Be worth between £1,500 and £65,000
  • Be taxed, roadworthy, and have a valid MOT
  • Have no modifications, unless they’re approved manufacturer extras or adaptations for disabilities
  • Be right-hand drive with no more than 5 seats
  • Weigh under 7.5 tonnes

If you tick all those boxes, you’re likely to be eligible.

However, every insurer is different — so always check the policy terms carefully.

What counts as a modification for van insurance?

What Does It Cover? (And What It Doesn’t)

What’s Covered

First of all, the good news.

Most temporary van insurance policies include fully comprehensive cover as standard.

This typically means:

  • Accidental damage to your van
  • Malicious damage (including vandalism)
  • Fire, theft, or attempted theft
  • Third-party damage and personal injury
  • Some cover for personal belongings
  • UK driving as standard
  • Limited EU cover in some cases

What’s Not Covered

Now for the exclusions — because they matter just as much.

Most policies will not include:

  • The agreed policy excess
  • Cover for vans released from impound, unless stated
  • Additional drivers — temp cover is for one named person only
  • Damage to vehicles being towed
  • Windscreen-only claims (these aren’t covered unless bundled into a full policy)

Blockquote
Policies differ slightly between insurers — so always check the fine print before you buy.

Why proper vehicle compliance is crucial for road safety

How Does Temporary Van Insurance Work?

So, how does temporary van insurance actually work?

Well, it’s simpler than you might think.

Let’s walk through it step by step.

To begin with, it’s fast

In most cases, you can get covered in under two minutes.

You just enter your details, choose when the cover starts, and confirm payment.

After that, you’ll receive your documents straight to your inbox.

It’s as easy as that.

Secondly, it’s flexible

Let’s face it — not everyone drives a van every day.

Sometimes it’s for work.

Other times it’s for a weekend trip.

Or maybe it’s just a last-minute move.

Either way, long-term policies can feel like overkill.

With temporary van insurance, however, you pay only for what you need, nothing more.

On top of that, it’s cost-effective

Rather than committing to a full policy that sits unused, you can insure your van only when you need to.

This means you could save a lot — especially if you’re:

  • Using someone else’s van temporarily
  • Covering a one-off trip
  • Avoiding changes to your existing policy

In many cases, this kind of short-term cover works out far cheaper.

10 simple hacks to instantly lower your van insurance and save big

Most importantly, it protects your No Claims Bonus

Here’s the part many drivers overlook.

Let’s say someone else drives your van.

They crash.

You lose your No Claims Discount.

With temporary van insurance, that doesn’t happen.

Because the temporary driver is covered under a separate policy, your NCD remains untouched — no matter what.

How to Get Temporary Van Insurance

Now that you know why it works, let’s look at how to actually get it.

Here’s the process, broken down:

1. First, check your eligibility

If you’ve got a full licence, you’re probably eligible.

But make sure you’ve also reviewed the van requirements.

If in doubt, don’t guess — double-check with the insurer.

2. Then, get a quote online

This step is fast and easy.

3. Next, review the policy details

Before confirming anything, read through the terms.

Even though most policies include comprehensive cover, details can vary.

So, be sure you know what you’re getting.

4. Finally, confirm and drive away

Once everything looks good, make payment and download your documents.

At that point, you’re covered — and legally ready to drive.

Temporary Van Insurance for Business Use

Let’s switch gears for a moment.

If you run a business, then you already know how critical your vans are.

That’s why temporary van insurance isn’t just useful — it can keep your business running.

For example, if one of your vans breaks down, you can quickly borrow or rent another and insure it for a few days.

Or, if you hire a new employee and they’re not yet added to your fleet policy, temp cover fills that gap instantly.

Additionally, if you’ve taken on a short-term contract and need an extra vehicle, there’s no need for a long-term policy.

Just get cover for the exact number of days required.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, temporary van insurance offers something rare in the world of motoring — true flexibility without compromise.

Whether you’re borrowing a mate’s van, covering a short business gap, or simply protecting your No Claims Bonus, this type of policy gives you the power to insure on your terms.

It’s quick to arrange.

Easy to manage.

And perfectly tailored to modern van drivers who value both freedom and protection.

So if you need cover for the day, week, or even just an hour — don’t wait around.

Get a quote now and hit the road with total peace of mind.

What Really Happens When Your Van’s Off the Road — And How to Avoid It

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.


Want to keep reading? Check out these related articles:

Why UK Tradespeople Are Travelling Further For Better Pay And More Work

Introduction

The world of van-driving tradespeople is changing fast.

New research reveals a clear shift across the UK.

More and more tradespeople are travelling further than ever before.

Why?

Because the rewards are too good to ignore.

Higher pay.

More jobs.

Bigger opportunities.

But with this shift comes a new challenge.

More miles means more risk — and that makes van insurance more important than ever.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Why tradespeople in the UK are driving further for work.
  • The biggest reasons for this dramatic shift.
  • How longer journeys impact van insurance costs.
  • The smart strategies every tradesperson should use.
  • Why cheap van insurance matters more than ever.

The Rise Of The Travelling Tradespeople

UK tradespeople are on the move.

According to a new survey, 63% of van-driving workers now travel over 30 miles more than when they started their current role.

That’s a massive increase.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The research, based on 500 tradespeople, shows that most are willing to travel an average of 31.7 additional miles for work.

Let that sink in.

This isn’t a small shift.

It’s a complete change in how tradespeople operate.

In fact, nearly 70% of those surveyed said they expect to widen their travel radius even further in the next five years.

Why is this happening?

Let’s take a closer look.

Why Are Tradespeople Willing To Travel Further?

The short answer?

Money.

Better pay was the number one reason given by 61% of respondents.

But that’s not all.

Many tradespeople also cited increased job opportunities (56%) and a desire to grow their client base (43%).

It makes sense.

As a result of higher competition in local areas, tradespeople are now forced to expand their reach.

After all, why stay local when the bigger jobs — and better pay — are further away?

It’s a clear trend.

And it’s only going to accelerate.

But it doesn’t come without challenges.

The Impact On Van Drivers

More miles mean more expenses.

It’s not just about fuel.

Longer journeys put extra strain on your van.

Tyres wear out faster.

Servicing costs rise.

And let’s not forget about van insurance.

The more you drive, the higher your risk.

That’s exactly why tradespeople need to stay one step ahead.

Flexible working brings flexible risks.

Your insurance should reflect that.

Want to check if your policy is still right for your driving habits?

A guide on checking your insurance policy is here.

Temporary Van Insurance Could Be The Answer

For tradespeople taking on occasional long-distance work, there’s a smart solution.

Temporary van insurance.

This type of policy offers flexible cover for short-term needs.

No need to commit to a full annual policy if you’re only taking on the odd far-away project.

It’s fast.

It’s cost-effective.

And it can save you serious money in the long run.

But that’s not all.

Temporary van insurance can also give peace of mind for unexpected jobs or one-off projects.

Want to know more about how temporary van insurance works?

Find out how new drivers can access van insurance options here.

How Tradespeople Can Prepare For Longer Journeys

Of course, travelling further isn’t just about jumping in your van and hitting the road.

Instead, it requires a smart plan.

After all, longer journeys can quickly drain your time, money, and energy.

That’s why tradespeople need to take action before those miles add up.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

  • First, use route-planning apps to avoid traffic and wasted fuel.
  • Secondly, group nearby jobs together to cut down on unnecessary driving.
  • Moreover, always factor travel time and fuel costs into your quotes.
  • Finally, schedule regular van maintenance to avoid breakdowns miles from home.

As a result, these small steps can save you money and protect your van from wear and tear.

Even better?

They help you stay competitive while taking on long-distance work.

Want to cut costs further? See the essential insight into soaring van costs.

Why Cheap Van Insurance Matters More Than Ever

Because tradespeople are travelling further, risks on the road increase too.

More miles mean more exposure to accidents, breakdowns, and theft.

Therefore, having the right van insurance has never been more important.

Without it, you could lose far more than just fuel money.

This is exactly why cheap van insurance UK policies are essential.

Not only do they protect your van, but they also protect your income and your reputation.

Even so, not all insurance deals are the same.

That’s why you should compare policies regularly to find cover that fits your changing needs.

Moreover, you may want to explore flexible options like temporary van insurance if your workload varies.

Want the best deals on very cheap van insurance?

Start comparing now at Cheap Van Insurance UK.

Conclusion

In summary, tradespeople across the UK are travelling further than ever before.

Why?

Because better pay and bigger job opportunities often lie beyond their local area.

However, longer journeys come with extra responsibilities.

More miles mean more risks.

Therefore, it’s essential to stay organised, plan smarter, and review your van insurance regularly.

After all, protecting your van is protecting your livelihood.

For even more ways to save money and stay safe on the road, check out these useful guides:

No License, Van Insurance or Permission = Friends No More

When your van goes missing you don’t expect the culprit to be…a work colleague. Forget those criminal gangs. Everybody is a suspect.

The potential thief who is going to take your pride and joy could very well be a neighbour, family member, or even someone you are sharing a B&B room with.

That is exactly what happened in Manchester, where two men were doing some work in the area. To save money, only 1 B&B room was booked, although while one of the owner of the van was sleeping the other man…

…Took the keys for the van and decided to go off on an adventure. What kind of adventure? The kind where you have no driving license and no insurance for the van, but, most importantly you have no PERMISSION.

Let’s face it, if a friend just took your keys and drove off into the night with your van without any kind of permission then wouldn’t you be a bit miffed? Of course you would.

To make matters even worse, the man who went off in the van had apparently drunk 6 pints down the local boozer.

So just to sum up…he had no license, no insurance, no permission, and was drunk. Something tells me this story is not going to end well.

And it didn’t. Our boys and girls in Blue did their job for once and pulled over the friendly joyrider.

“It’s my mates van,” he could have said.

“Do you have permission from your mate?” the Police officer might have asked.

“No,” would have been the honest reply.

As we all know, any time the Police pull you over and find that you have no licence or insurance then you can expect to find yourself in trouble. A night down the local nick could be in store and a star appearance at the court is definitely going to happen.

So the man with no permission had his day in court and immediately pleaded guilty from the dock.

This was all the judge needed to hear, and with the trusty hammer firmly in her grasp she slammed it down with such force that everybody in the courtroom jumped a bit.

Jail time was not on the cards in this particular case, but a 12 month community order and 120 hours of unpaid work was.

Not only that, but he was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

I think the moral of the story is…if you are thinking about going for a drive in a van that is not yours, then make sure you get permission.

Also, make sure you have a licence, and check to see if you are insured to drive the van.

Temporary van insurance can be compared right here of course, at CVI, The Nations Favourite.

Once you have permission then go directly to the top of the page and click on “get a quote.”

Pay-as-you-go Van Insurance set to Launch

Want to get van insurance on a vehicle that is driven infrequently? Well, you could soon have a very flexible pay-as-you-go option to save money.

That’s right. A car insurance broker named Cuuva are just about to launch a new type of insurance that is aimed at people who drive their cars on an infrequent basis.

Research shows that around 6 million cars in the UK only take to the road now and again, so as you can imagine, there is no doubt going to be a lot of demand for this type of policy.

This got me thinking though, surely there are also many van owners out there who only drive now and again? This is why I reckon pay-as-you-go van insurance could be something that we see launched by Cuuva or a different company pretty soon.

I guess it all depends how the pay-as-you-go car insurance performs, but if successful I’m sure we will be seeing a “van equivalent” as some point.

Of course, there is already similar types of insurance out there, with things like temporary van insurance being offered. However, many people have complained these kind of policies are way too expensive. Perhaps pay-as-you-go is the solution? It could just be.

Some experts have even commented that this type of insurance will revolutionise the sector, and could leave many customers saving up to 70% on what they are currently paying.

When you consider that the average van insurance policy is around £1500 and the average car insurance policy around £700, then there are many people around the country who are going to be interested in this news.

If you want to save money on van insurance the first thing I always recommend is to start with a comparison website. Never go directly to the insurance companies website for a quote because then you instantly lose your bargaining power.

Instead, get quotes from many different companies, and then you are in a better position to see what is out there, choose the cheapest price, and even haggle if you want to.

Some van insurance companies have no problem if you want to try and bargain with them, especially when you have a few different vans or commercial vehicles and want to get the best price possible.

It all begins with a comparison website though, but fortunately you only need to put in a few basic details. It should take around 3 minutes.

Back to pay-as-you-go insurance, and it seems that Cuuva also have an App available to download, which allows you to get a quick quote when you want to borrow a car from friends or family.

Will this work with van insurance? Yes it would in my opinion, especially when you consider the amount of times people need to quickly borrow a van but don’t want to become a named driver or take out complete van insurance.

Anyway, let’s wait to find out what happens with pay-as-you-go van insurance, although I’m sure we are going to be hearing more about it.

Step 1

Complete your quick and easy quote

Step 2

Reveal your van insurance policies

Step 3

Pick your favourite and get instant cover