The basics to van insurance

What documentation or paper work will I get?

Once you have taken out your van insurance policy, your insurance provider will send you:

• A certificate of insurance (or a cover note which is a temporary certificate)
• A schedule and/or policy document
• A policy booklet (or they will tell you where you can access one)

Your certificate is a very important document as it is evidence that you are legally insured and is one of the documents that police will ask to look at if you are stopped while driving.

A cover note may be supplied if the insurance company or broker needs time to complete the paperwork. This will give you the same protection as a insurance certificate but is only usually valid for 30 days.

Key things to remember!

• Always read all the documents sent to you to make sure all the details are correct and that you have the level of cover you need. If you have any concerns or queries contact your broker or insurance company.
• Ensure that you give the correct information to the insurance company or broker; otherwise your insurance may not be valid. If you do not, it could result in the insurance company not paying out if you were to make a claim.
• Tell your insurer or broker everything that relates to you as a driver or road user, such as driving history, claims and convictions.
• Keep all your policy documents in a safe place; you never know when you may need them!

What's included in my policy?

What your policy covers depends on what type of cover you have chosen and any additional cover you may have bought. The documentation you receive with you insurance policy should outline exactly what is covered.

What types of policy are there?

There are three main types of policy which each offer different levels of cover.

Third Party Only (TPO)

This van insurance is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK. It covers:

• Liability for injury to others (including passengers)
• Damage to property
• Liability whilst towing a caravan or trailer

Remember! This does not  cover you for accidental damage to your own vehicle; you will have to pay for that yourself.

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)

This covers everything that third party covers, plus:

• Fire damage
• The theft of your own vehicle
• Damage to your van caused during the theft

Comprehensive

Comprehensive is the most extensive van insurance cover and includes everything third party fire and theft does and usually the following:

• Loss or damage to your vehicle
• Windscreen cover
• Personal effects
• Accidental damage
• Medical expenses

Remember!  Some van insurance companies are now offering cheaper policies that offer less protection. These may be known as 'stripped down' policies, for example the insurance company may have removed windscreen cover. Always check your policy documents to make sure you get the right level of cover for your needs.

What is an excess?

An excess is what you are liable to pay towards any claim. It usually has to be paid to the garage that is fixing your van once the work has been completed and the van can be driven away.

For example if you damage your van by reversing it into a fence, this is known as accidental damage. So if your accidental damage excess is £150 and the cost of repairing your van is £400, you would pay £150 and the van insurance company would pay £250.

There are two main types of excesses:

Compulsory excess

• Is set by the insurance company
• Depends on the details you provided to them when you took out your policy
• Higher excesses are more likely on policies with young drivers or high value vehicles

Voluntary excess

• When you take out a policy, you choose to pay more towards the cost of a claim
• Generally reduces the price of what you pay for your insurance when you buy it
• Is paid as well as  any compulsory excess

Remember!  Excess will vary depending on which van insurance company you choose. Usually if you opt for a higher excess the van insurance quote will be cheaper.

What about no claims bonus?

No claims bonus is a reward for people who don't make a claim on their policy. Van insurance companies will usually give a discount for claim free driving. However even if it is not your fault but you claim on your van insurance policy, it will affect your no claims bonus, unless you can recover the costs from the other driver's insurance company.

No claims bonus basics

• For every fault claim you make, you lose 2 year's bonus.
• Most insurance companies have maximum no claims discount levels; these are commonly 4 or 5 years.
• You can usually protect your no claims bonus once you reach the maximum level.
• If you protect your no claims bonus and make a claim, you do not lose your bonus and you will still receive a maximum discount on your policy.

Mirrored bonus

Some van insurance companies will give no claims bonus discount to those getting new policies if they can prove they have a no claims discount on another vehicle or your company can vouch that you have no claims history whilst driving the company vehicle. So why don't you ask!

How do I make a change to my policy?

If you want to change anything on your policy, for example your address, you need to tell your insurance company so they can update their records. There is usually an admin charge for changes to van insurance policies. Also beware that your premium may change depending on what change has been made.

Remember!  You must tell your insurance company if your details have changed as they may not pay out on a claim if you don't.

What if I cancel my policy before it has ended?

You may be charged for the remainder or a percentage of your van insurance policy if you choose to cancel. You may also have to pay a cancellation fee; these fees may vary depending on the van insurance company. You can find out the amount that the cancellation fee could be in your van insurance policy booklet.

Remember!  You need to phone your insurer to cancel your policy.

How do I make a claim on my policy?

You need to tell your van insurance company as soon as you can when you have had an accident or if your van has been stolen, even if you are not going to claim.

If your van needs repairing once the insurance company has all the details of your claim they will inform you of the nearest approved repairers and arrange for your van to be repaired. An approved repairer is a garage that your van insurance company has a relationship with to do repair work on their behalf. If you do not go to an approved repairer then your insurance company may not pay for the repairs.

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