If you’re planning to buy a van for personal use, work, or deliveries, insurance is one of the most important ongoing costs to consider. Finding the cheapest van to insure can save you hundreds of pounds every year. In this guide, we’ll explore which vans are the most affordable to insure in the UK, what factors affect insurance costs, and tips to lower your premiums.
Why Van Insurance Matters
Van insurance is legally required in the UK. Whether you’re using your van for business, carrying tools, or simply for transportation, you must have a valid policy. However, unlike car insurance, van premiums can be higher due to factors like:
- Higher weight and size
- Commercial usage
- Higher risk of theft or damage
- More time spent on the road
That’s why choosing the right van can significantly reduce your insurance costs.
Cheapest Vans to Insure in 2025
Here’s a list of top vans known for their low insurance costs in the UK:
1. Ford Transit Connect
- Insurance Group: 1–8 (depending on model)
- Why It’s Cheap: Compact, reliable, and often used for light-duty.
- Ideal For: Small businesses, tradespeople.
2. Vauxhall Combo
- Insurance Group: 3–6
- Why It’s Cheap: Economical engine, basic trim levels available.
- Ideal For: Urban deliveries, small item transport.
3. Citroën Berlingo
- Insurance Group: 3–7
- Why It’s Cheap: Small engine, efficient design, low repair costs.
- Ideal For: Couriers, electricians, and handymen.
4. Peugeot Partner
- Insurance Group: 3–8
- Why It’s Cheap: Shares parts with Berlingo; compact and practical.
- Ideal For: Urban businesses and mobile services.
5. Renault Kangoo
- Insurance Group: 3–7
- Why It’s Cheap: Small size and low-cost maintenance.
- Ideal For: Mobile cleaning, repairs, and courier work.
6. Fiat Fiorino
- Insurance Group: 2–6
- Why It’s Cheap: One of the smallest vans; great MPG.
- Ideal For: Small deliveries, city driving.
7. Volkswagen Caddy
- Insurance Group: 3–10
- Why It’s Cheap: Known for reliability and safety.
- Ideal For: Light commercial use.
💡 Tip: Smaller vans usually fall in lower insurance groups. Bigger, high-powered vans cost more to insure.
What Affects Van Insurance Costs?
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for van insurance:
1. Insurance Group
Vans, like cars, are placed in insurance groups (1 to 50). Lower groups mean lower premiums. Vans in groups 1–10 are generally the cheapest to insure.
2. Age and Driving Experience
Younger or inexperienced drivers often face higher premiums.
3. Postcode
Living in areas with higher crime rates can increase your insurance.
4. Usage Type
Business use generally costs more than social-only usage.
5. Security Features
Vans with factory-fitted alarms, immobilisers, and secure locks get cheaper premiums.
6. Annual Mileage
The more you drive, the higher the risk, and the higher the premium.
7. Claims History
A clean driving record means cheaper insurance.
Types of Van Insurance
Before insuring your van, you’ll need to choose the right type of cover:
| Type of Cover | Description |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Only | Legal minimum; covers damage to others, not your own van. |
| Third-Party, Fire & Theft | Adds cover for fire damage and theft of your van. |
| Comprehensive | Covers damage to your van and others, regardless of fault. |
🛠 If you use your van for business, you’ll need a commercial van insurance policy instead of a personal one.
Tips to Lower Your Van Insurance Premium
Here are some practical ways to reduce your insurance costs:
1. Choose a Low-Insurance-Group Van
Stick to models like the Ford Transit Connect or Citroën Berlingo.
2. Increase Security
Install steering locks, GPS trackers, or CCTV near your parking spot.
3. Limit Mileage
Only use the van when needed. Lower mileage often equals lower premiums.
4. Park Securely
Keep your van in a garage or driveway overnight.
5. Pay Annually
Paying yearly can save you more than paying monthly.
6. Consider Telematics
Some insurers offer black box policies that monitor safe driving and lower costs.
7. Avoid Modifications
Modified vans are more expensive to insure. Stick to the factory model when possible.
Business vs. Personal Van Insurance
If you use your van for:
- Carrying tools
- Delivering goods
- Travelling to clients
Then you need business van insurance, also called commercial van insurance. Personal use only (like moving furniture or family trips) can qualify for social van insurance, which is often cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Finding the cheapest van to insure isn’t just about choosing a low-cost van; it’s about selecting the right model, understanding your usage, and finding a policy that suits your needs. Small vans like the Ford Transit Connect, Citroën Berlingo, and Vauxhall Combo regularly appear at the top of the list for affordable insurance.
Before buying, always:
- Compare quotes from multiple providers
- Check the insurance group
- Consider long-term costs, not just the van’s price