Can I drive a van on my car insurance?

Temp van cover offers great flexibility

Are you thinking of borrowing a friend’s van to move house or transport some large items? Temporary van insurance cover will offer great flexibility to help you get where you need to be.

In the past, a fully comprehensive car insurance policy would cover a driver on almost any vehicle. In recent years, insurers have been more reluctant to let drivers use other vehicles without unique insurance as they consider this high risk.

Although driving a van that doesn’t belong to you isn’t as simple as it used to be, the right temp van cover offers great flexibility.

Can I drive someone else’s van on my car insurance?

You might be able to drive a van on your car insurance but this depends on your specific insurance policy. You’ll need to check your policy documents (before setting off in the van) for the driving other vehicles clause. If you cannot find this, it’s best to get in touch with your annual insurance provider. Remember to always check the small print.

Can you drive a van if you’re fully comp on a car?

Some fully comprehensive insurance policies will include an extension which allows the driver to use another car or van under their existing policy. The cover you receive in this way will usually be third-party, so it shouldn’t be relied on for regular use.

It’s important to note that not all fully comprehensive insurance plans include this extension, so you’ll need to check with your insurer or look through your documents carefully to be sure.

The ‘driving other vehicles’ clause

If your car insurance policy has a ‘driving other cars’ or Driving Other Vehicles clause within its Terms and Conditions, you can drive a van that isn’t yours and still be covered by your insurer.

The D.O.V clause is an extension, most often on a fully comprehensive insurance policy, that provides you with cover while driving a vehicle that isn’t owned or registered by you.

This type of insurance is usually third-party only, which means if you’re in an accident, you’ll be covered for damages to the other car or personal injury claims made by the other person involved. The third-party D.O.V clause won’t cover the cost of any damages to the vehicle you’re driving.

The D.O.V clause is designed to be used in emergency situations only and shouldn’t be relied on as suitable insurance for regular use.

For the D.O.V extension to be valid, there are some criteria which need to be met:

• The car does not belong to the driver and has not been hired to them
• The driver has the permission of the owner
• The driver is aged 25 or over
• The driver’s personal policy includes the driving other vehicles extension
• The vehicle is insured
• The policyholder still has their vehicle and it has not been ‘written-off’
• The policyholder’s specific motor insurance certificate expressly stipulates they have the driving other cars extension
• The policyholder’s occupation is not connected with the motor trade or an occupation which requires them to regularly drive other vehicles

Unfortunately, many drivers believe that if they are over 25 and have fully comprehensive insurance, they are insured to drive any car or van. This is not the case, and the misconception has led to many people being convicted for driving without motor insurance.

Can I drive a car on my van insurance?

The same applies in reverse. If your insurance policy includes the driving other vehicles extension, and both you and the vehicle you want to drive meet all the criteria listed above, you’ll be able to drive a car on your van insurance.

Why choose short-term van insurance?

If you’re planning to drive somebody else’s van, you should consider getting short-term van insurance to ensure you’re covered against any eventuality.

If you’re planning to drive a van that doesn’t belong to you, whether you’re borrowing it to move house, to help shift heavy equipment, or just using it while your car’s off the road, the best way to stay secure is with temp van cover.

There are many situations that might call for one-day or two-day van insurance, and luckily for drivers, there are plenty of insurers offering this type of cover. Daily van insurance is an affordable and flexible choice that works for drivers who are looking to use a van on a short-term basis.

You’ll need to make sure you have the right type of temporary insurance for the type of van you’ll be driving. The make and model, size, age, and security of your temporary van can all have an impact on how much you’ll pay. Your age, location, and driving history can also affect the cost of your temporary van insurance.

You’ll be able to choose a temporary van insurance policy from Tempcover if you meet the following criteria:

• You’re aged between 17 and 77 years old
• You hold a full UK driving licence
• You’re looking to insure a van valued between £1,500 and £65,000
• You’re looking to insure a van of up to 7.5 tonnes

Driving a van for the first time

Most vans are bigger and clunkier than cars, making them a little harder to manoeuvre. If you’re driving a van for the first time, make sure you are comfortable behind the wheel of such a big vehicle. Take it easy and make sure you’re confident before attempting to overtake or tackle tight bends.

The differences between driving a van and a car make it even more important you choose the right van cover. Even if you’re just getting van insurance for one day, Tempcover’s policy (much like most of our temporary car insurance options) offers fully comprehensive coverage that can be tailored to your needs.

When might I need temporary van insurance?

• Borrowing a friend’s van to move house
• Transporting items too big to fit in the car
• Short-term business needs
• When test driving a new van
• Driving away a new van
• If you’re under 25 and only drive a van occasionally

Find out more and get a van insurance quote before you Tempcover it!