Van insurance guide and help

What is van insurance and why do I need it?

Since the Government brought in the Road Traffic Act (1930), van insurance has become a legal requirement for all drivers on the road. Therefore you are legally obliged as a driver to be insured against the possibility that you may injure another person or cause damage to another person's property. For example if you reverse your van into someone else's vehicle, your van insurance will pay for the repairs to the vehicle. Anyone who does not have van insurance could receive a fine or driving ban if they are caught.
How do insurers protect the victims of uninsured drivers?

In 1946 the Motor Insurers' Bureau was set up to provide a way of compensating the victims of uninsured or untraced motorists. All motor insurance companies must be members of the Motor Insurers' Bureau and contribute to its funding.
So if an uninsured or untraced driver injures you or damages your van, you should receive compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Van insurance - the basics
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.
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.