Van insurance for a day
Compare cheap one-day van insurance quotes to find a great deal
Having access to a van for a day can be really useful, but you’ll still need to have the right cover in place.
If you’re renting a van, insurance will usually be included in the agreement but if you’re borrowing one, you’ll need to arrange your own van insurance policy.
What is one-day van insurance?
Even if you’re only borrowing a van for one day, you’re legally required to have insurance if you’re not a named driver on the existing policy.
Luckily, you can get van insurance that lasts just 24 hours to cover you, whether you need it for personal or business use.
As it’s a standalone policy, separate from the owner’s van insurance, their no-claims bonus won’t be affected if you need to make a claim.
Alternatively, you could be named as an additional driver to the van owner’s existing insurance policy, but this will likely be a longer process than taking out your own short-term cover.
When would I need one-day van insurance?
Only a van will do in certain circumstances, including:
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Moving home
If you’re relocating but don’t want to use a removal company - for instance, if you only have a small amount of furniture you can handle yourself. Just remember to get goods in transit cover for transporting your possessions
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Hiring a van for work
Perhaps you have equipment to take to an event, for example, if you have a stall at an exhibition
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Moving large goods
If you’re selling or disposing of large pieces of furniture, like a fridge or sofa, a van may be the only option
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Going on a day trip
Taking your surfboard down to the beach or packing up your camping gear is a lot easier with a van for your equipment
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Moving a family member to university
You’d be surprised how much you need to make your uni accommodation feel homely
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New employees
If you’re yet to add a new employee as an additional driver on your existing van insurance policy, this type of cover could be the right choice
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Occasional use
You might need to use a van every so often, but not enough to warrant taking out an annual policy or being added as an additional driver
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Your usual van is being repaired
Useful if your van is at the garage and you don’t have courtesy vehicle cover
What does one-day van insurance cover?
It will depend on the policy you purchase, but you’ll likely be covered for:
- Loss or damage caused by theft or attempted theft
- Damage to the van, whether accidental or malicious
- Theft of personal belongings from the vehicle
- Legal fees that arise due to you injuring someone else or their property while driving
- Depending on the policy, you may be covered for driving in Europe, as well as the UK
And what’s not covered?
It’s unlikely you’ll be covered for:
- Additional drivers – only the named driver on the policy will be insured
- Vans that weigh more than 7.5 tonnes
- Vehicles worth more than £30,000
- Any damage caused to a trailer or vehicle you’re towing with the van
- People or goods that you’re transporting in the van for hire or reward
- Moving hazardous cargo
Always make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before choosing a van insurance policy, so you know exactly what you will and won’t be covered for.
Can I get any add-ons with a one-day van insurance policy?
Yes, it’s possible to get optional extras for your one-day van insurance. Consider:
- Tool cover – If you’re a tradesperson, you’ll want to make sure your tools are covered when they’re in the van
- Breakdown cover – If the van conks out while you’re driving, you’ll get assistance on the side of the road
- Employers’ liability insurance – Cover if an employee is injured while working for you
- European cover – If it’s not already included, you can add this type of cover to drive in Europe
How does one-day van insurance work?
All you need to do is enter some details about yourself and the van you want to be insured for.
If the price is right and the policy has the cover you need, you can then purchase your one-day van insurance.
You’ll be covered for a 24-hour period on the start date you’ve requested (this usually begins and ends at midnight) after which you won’t be insured.
If you do need cover for longer, there are other short-term options available for up to a month. Alternatively, if a day is too long, it’s even possible to get a policy that lasts only an hour.
How much does one-day van insurance cost?
The cost of your one-day van insurance is dependent on the same information as annual cover, so chances are, if your annual policy is pricey, your one-day policy will be too. This could be because you’re a younger driver (under 25), live in a built-up area, or are intending to use the van to transport goods.
Ultimately, your policy will be calculated based on:
- Age
- Location
- Driving history – whether you have any previous driving convictions or claims
- Occupation
- Type of vehicle and its value
- Use of vehicle – do you need social only, social and commuting, or carriage of own goods cover?
Am I eligible for daily van insurance?
To be eligible for one-day van insurance, usually, you must:
- Be aged over 17 (although this can differ between insurers)
- Have a full UK or EU driving licence
- Not have been disqualified from driving within the last two years
- Not have had insurance that has been previously declared void by an insurer
- Have no criminal convictions
- Not have more than nine points on your driving licence
There will also be restrictions on the type of van you can cover, for instance only right-hand-drive vans with no modifications (excluding roof racks and accessibility changes for disabled drivers).
Each insurer will have their own set of eligibility criteria though, so it’s always best to check.