Many large families have trouble fitting everyone in the car. While a people carrier may be a good choice for some, if you have a particularly active family and children who play sports, and need enough boot space for pushchairs and the weekly shop then a van is becoming a popular choice for many.
Vans often seat at least eight people and although they can be quite expensive to buy, the money may be worth the comfort and convenience that all the extra space can give.
But do you need business insurance or personal insurance to drive a van?
The answer is very simple: if you use you van for any business activities at all (even dropping off the odd order), you need business van insurance.
The scenarios
If you only use the van for school runs, afterschool activities, family trips etc, then a personal van insurance policy is fine.
If you run a catering business (as a business or hobby), or pick up other children and get paid to do so, or use it for any other activity that involves payment or income, you’ll need business van insurance.
Car boot sales clause
Going to a one-off car boot sale won’t invalidate your insurance, but regularly sell at car boot sales you could be deemed a commercial trader and you would need to insure your van for business and commercial use.
Driving to your place of work
Unlike driving a car for work, you will need business van insurance if you drive your van to work. Even if you work as a medical receptionist who just happens to drive the van to work, it is seen as being used for business purposes.
Remember, however, that if in doubt, speak to your insurance company – and ask to see something in writing so that you are covered. Not being insured or having the correct insurance could cause you problems if the unthinkable happens. Insurance companies for vans are easy to come by these days on price comparison websites, but you could try Staveley Head.
