Statistically, drivers under 25 are more likely to be involved in an accident than older, more experienced drivers. As a result, van drivers aged 17-24 may generally pay higher insurance premiums.
But don’t worry. If you’re a young driver, there are ways you may be able to reduce the price of your van insurance.
Do Young Drivers Need Van Insurance?
Yes, if you are driving a van then you need van insurance. It’s illegal to drive uninsured.
The absolute minimum level of insurance cover you can get is third party van insurance. If you’re involved in an accident, third party insurance will cover any damages to other peoples’ property. But you’ll be responsible for covering any damage to your own vehicle or property.
The next step up is third party with fire and theft. This offers the same level of cover as third party insurance, but it will also cover you for fire and theft. Finally, the highest level of insurance is comprehensive van insurance. If you’re involved in an accident, comprehensive van insurance can cover you for damage to third party vehicles and property, and damage to your own vehicle and property too.
So you need some level of insurance if you want to drive a van. Driving uninsured is simply not an option.
Van Insurance for Professionals
Do you drive a van as part of your job? If you work for a company and drive a company van – for example as a builder, carpenter, gardener, dog groomer – then talk to your employer about van insurance. Driving may be an essential part of your job, so your employer might be willing to help you with the cost of your van insurance or they may add you as a named driver to a company policy if a number of people share the same van.
But if you drive a van for personal reasons, or if you run your own business, then you’ll have to arrange for your own van insurance.
We have further guides about the type of cover you might need if you drive your van for business reasons. Head here to read our guide to the exact difference between car insurance and van insurance. And head here to read our guide to the different types of business insurance.
Affordable Van Insurance Under 25
Van insurance will always cost more if you’re a younger driver. However, there are a few things you can do to help bring the cost of your insurance down:
- Build up a no claims bonus. No, this won’t lower the price of your insurance today but the price of insurance can drop significantly if you build up a no claims bonus. The longer you go without making a claim, the less risk you’ll prove yourself to be to insurers.
- Choose a van from a lower insurance group. Bigger and more powerful vans tend to cost more to insure than smaller vans. So unless you need a large and powerful van for professional purposes, choose a smaller van and you may reduce the price of your premium.
- Secure your van. Thieves tend to target vans, on the chance that they may contain valuable goods. Insurers may lower the price of your premium if you take steps to keep it safe and secure. Parking it in a well-lit area is a good idea. But even better, park it in a secure garage with CCTV coverage.
But the best way to get cheaper van insurance is to choose an insurer that understands your unique needs as a young driver.
At Insure 2 Drive, we specialise in providing comprehensive van insurance for young drivers at an affordable price, with optional tool cover and breakdown cover. Head here for more information and to get a free quote.
