Classic van insurance

Compare cheaper van insurance quotes for classic vans and vintage pick-ups

Get quotes

What is classic van insurance?

Classic van insurance covers your vintage, collectable van.

The definition of a classic van varies between insurers, but it’s usually defined as being more than 20 years old.

You might want to consider a classic policy if your van is particularly old or rare - you could benefit from specialist features such as a guaranteed agreed value.

Agreed value van insurance

If you’ve increased the value of your van by renovating it, it might be worth more than the current market value. An agreed value policy will protect your investment if it's ever written off - otherwise the insurer would only pay out the market value.

You’ll be asked to show evidence of the van's condition and receipts for work done, either at the start of the policy or if you claim.

Agreed value policies often cost more than a standard policy.

What affects the price of classic van insurance?

Insurers consider more than just the age of the van when they calculate the cost of insurance:

  1. Type and level of cover

    A classic VW wedding van will cost more to insure than a renovated VW van because you need a business use policy rather than a social policy

  2. Your address

    The crime rate in your area tells the insurer how likely you are to make a claim

  3. Claims history

    If you’ve made claims in the past it can increase your premium

  4. No-claims bonus

    The more years of no-claims bonus you have, the cheaper your van insurance should be

  5. Your occupation

    Every job has a risk score allocated by the insurance which will cause the cost of insurance to rise and fall

  6. Where the van’s parked

    If you park in a locked garage your insurance will be cheaper than if you park on a street

  7. Security

    Old vans might benefit from some security upgrades, but that may outweigh any insurance savings you make

Types of classic van cover

There are three levels of cover to choose from:

Comprehensive

Comprehensive classic van insurance is the most extensive level of cover.

It covers you, your van and your passengers and third-party drivers, vehicles and passengers, if you’re in an accident caused by you or someone else.

It also covers you for fire and theft. And depending on your insurer, it may also cover things like a courtesy car or lost keys.

Third party fire and theft (TPFT)

You and your classic van are covered for fire and theft, but not any damage if you’re in an accident that’s your fault.

Your classic van may have rare or expensive parts that make it costly to repair, so think carefully about how you’d afford the repair bill if you take this level of cover.

Third party only (TPO)

TPO is the most basic level of cover required by law to legally drive on the road.

It’ll cover damage and losses to other people but won’t protect your classic van from fire, theft or damage.

Classic van usage

The way you use your classic van affects the cost of your insurance. You’ll be able to choose from:

Social only

For vans that are kept for fun and recreational purposes - not commuting though.

Not all providers will cover rallies, events and exhibitions as they’re regarded as too much of a risk - check with your insurer to see what it covers.

Carriage of own goods

If you use your van to transport business-related goods, tools or equipment or if you use your van for commuting.

Carriage of goods for hire or reward

This is what you need if you transport goods for payment to multiple destinations, such as fast food or catalogue couriers.

Haulage

You’ll need this cover if you drive long distances to make a single delivery.

Just check the insurer's definitions for each usage to make sure you’re getting the cover you need.

See regular and specialist policies for your classic van

Get quotes

How to keep classic van premiums low

Here are a few ways you can get the right classic van insurance for less:

  1. Don't estimate

    Don’t overestimate your mileage. Underestimating isn’t good either as you could invalidate your policy

  2. Improve security

    Increase security by getting a tracker or immobiliser and store the van safely overnight

  3. Be honest

    If your van has been modified your insurance will cost more - you’ll need to declare changes to the bodywork, suspension, brakes, engine and exhaust to your insurer

  4. Give all the details

    Having unique signage or distinctive paintwork on your van makes it easier to trace if it’s stolen - it’s worth letting your insurer know

Van insurance guides and tools

All guides and tools