Compare Van Insurance for Sole Traders

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Tip: Think about the type of goods you will be taking. Some items may need special insurance.

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Sole traders across the UK depend on their vans to keep their businesses running. A van lets you travel to customers, transport tools, deliver goods, and store equipment safely between jobs. When a van breaks down, is stolen, or gets damaged, work can stop immediately — and income can disappear the same day.

Van insurance protects both the vehicle and the tools that sole traders rely on. With the right insurance policy, you get support after an accident, theft, fire, or property damage. It can also help with legal costs if a member of the public is involved in an incident while you’re working. Having the right level of cover lets sole traders stay on the road with peace of mind and protect their reputation.

Standard car insurance won’t protect you if you use a van for business activities. If you drive to job sites, carry tools or goods, or visit customers, you’ll need business van insurance or commercial van insurance. Many sole traders now compare van insurance to find a level of cover that suits their work and their budget, without paying more than they need to.

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What is van insurance for sole traders?

Van insurance for sole traders helps people who use a van for their work. It covers the van when you drive to see customers. You also get cover when you move tools and equipment, and when you work at more than one place. If there is an accident, theft, or if your van breaks down, van insurance helps you get back to work.

In the UK, you must have insurance if you drive on public roads. If you use your car for work and only have regular car insurance, your insurance company could cancel your policy and not pay for any claims. Business van insurance lets your provider know the vehicle is used for work.

Sole traders who get help from this type of insurance are:

If you use a van for paid work, it is important to get the right cover. This will help protect your income.

What types of van insurance cover are available for sole traders?

Sole traders can pick a base cover level and a business use type that fits the work they do.

1) Base level of cover

Level of Cover What It Includes Best For
Third party Covers damage to another vehicle or property Legal minimum requirement
Third party, fire and theft Third party plus fire or theft protection Sole traders who store tools in the van
Comprehensive insurance Covers your own van and others, including accidental damage Most sole traders who need strong protection

2) Business use for self-employed work

Type of Insurance What It Includes Best For
Business van insurance Cover for driving to customers, sites, and transporting tools Sole traders working across multiple locations
Commercial van insurance Cover for transporting goods for business purposes Trades or delivery services
Carriage of goods (own goods) Cover for materials and equipment moved between locations Tradespeople who carry their own tools and supplies
Courier insurance Cover for multi-drop parcel delivery Delivery drivers
Haulage insurance Long-distance delivery to one end destination Movers or regional drivers
Fleet insurance One policy for two or more vans Sole traders who employ staff and run more than one van

Choosing the right type of cover is important. If you pick the wrong type of cover, they may not accept your claim.

What optional extras help sole traders protect their income?

Optional extras help give more safety for your tools. They also protect your materials and other things you use every day for work.

Optional Extra What It Protects
Breakdown cover Help if the van stops working
Tools insurance Hand tools, power tools and equipment
Transit insurance Materials and goods inside the van
Courtesy vehicle A temporary van while repairs are finished
Windscreen cover Repairs and replacement
Public liability insurance Protection if a member of the public is injured
Legal expenses cover Legal costs after an accident or dispute
Personal accident insurance Pays out if the driver is seriously injured
What optional extras help sole traders protect their income

Protect your van, tools and income with the right policy

Do sole traders face higher risks than standard van drivers?

Yes. Sole traders can have times on the road where the risk is higher than what people get in usual driving.

Examples include:

  • Carrying important tools with you
  • Parking at areas where the job is or where a lot of people are working
  • Driving long distances to reach new customers
  • Working at times that are very late or very early
  • Meeting tight deadlines that come up
  • Going to new places every day

If the van or your tools go missing, the work can stop right away. Having insurance can cut downtime and help lower any money loss.

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How much does van insurance cost for sole traders?

Insurance costs change based on the kind of work you do. The things you keep in your van, where you live, how you drive, and how many miles you drive can also change the price. UK averages for the year 2024–2025 are below.

Type of Sole Trader Typical Annual Cost
Mobile cleaners £650 – £950
Gardeners £700 – £1,050
Painters and decorators £750 – £1,150
Plumbers and heating engineers £850 – £1,350
Electricians £850 – £1,400
Handymen £900 – £1,450
Carpenters and joiners £900 – £1,550
Couriers £950 – £1,650
Small trades with two vans £1,600 – £3,200 per van

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How can sole traders reduce van insurance premiums

How can sole traders reduce van insurance premiums?

Ways to lower insurance costs without losing cover include:

  • Make sure you keep the van safe when it is parked at night.
  • Put in alarms, immobilisers or tracking devices to help protect it.
  • Take out any expensive tools overnight if you can.
  • Pick a voluntary excess that you know you can pay.
  • Pay for your cover in one go each year instead of breaking it up into monthly instalments.
  • Try to keep your no-claims discount safe.
  • When it is time to renew, always compare quotes. Do not just auto-renew.

Looking at quotes from different sources is the best way to save money. You can quickly see what is out there. This helps you pick a good deal and cut costs.

Can van insurance protect tools and business equipment?

The usual van insurance policy takes care of the van itself. But, it does not cover the tools you keep inside. If you are a sole trader and carry costly gear, you should think about this.

  • Tools insurance
  • Transit insurance
  • Equipment cover

These choices help keep your tools safe from being stolen, damaged by fire, or hurt by other accidents. It all depends on what the policy says.

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Can sole traders use the same van for personal and business use?

Yes. Most insurers will let you use your van for personal reasons as part of a business van insurance policy. Make sure that the insurance policy papers say it covers both work and personal use. If the insurance policy does not include personal use, any claim for this could be turned down.

Does van insurance help if the van is off the road?

Work can come to a halt if the van breaks down or gets damaged. Insurance can help get things going again faster by:

  • Courtesy vehicle cover
  • Breakdown cover
  • Mobile repairs
  • Windscreen cover

These extra features help you keep working, even when repairs are still going on.

Keep your business moving with fast and reliable van insurance

FAQs About Van Insurance for Sole Traders

Most insurers ask for your driving licence details. They need your van registration number, proof that you use the van for work, and your claims discount information.

You can get a quote online. All you have to do is enter your van registration number, give driver details, say what kind of business you have, and put in your mileage. When you compare quotes, you will see which one gives the lowest price.

No, it does not do this by itself. You need to have tools insurance or transit insurance if you want to have the equipment inside the van covered.

It is not a legal requirement, but public liability insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you if a member of the public is injured or if property is damaged while you are working. Without public liability insurance, you would have to pay any compensation costs and legal fees yourself, which can be expensive for a sole trader.

Yes. You can add named drivers. The price will change if they are younger or if their driving record is bad.

Yes, you can get a courtesy vehicle if it is added to the policy.

Yes. There are different prices with different insurers. Many sole traders can save money if they compare van insurance. People often spend more if they just auto-renew.

You need to contact your insurer right after the incident happens. The insurer will often ask you for your van registration number. You will also need to give your policy details, photos of the damage, and sometimes a crime reference number if there was a theft. They might also ask for receipts for all tools or equipment. It will help them sort things out quicker if you give this good and clear information without waiting.

Yes. Comprehensive cover helps protect your own vehicle and other vehicles if there is an event of an accident. It may also give you theft insurance and cover accidental damage. You can even get windscreen repairs with it. This is very useful if you use your van every day for your own business.

Vans with alarms, immobilisers, trackers, or secure tool storage often get lower van insurance premiums. This is because insurers think they are less risky. When you lower the chance of theft or uninsured losses, it can bring down the cost of your van insurance.

Yes, most insurers will not pay for tools left in the van at night unless you have added tools insurance. Driving without business use, using the van for risky jobs not listed in your van insurance policy, or letting someone drive who is not on your insurance can also make your claim not work. It is important to read the exclusions part of your insurance policy. This will help you know what is covered and what is not covered.

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Page last updated on: 09/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Tim Bailey

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