Weight is the first hurdle
Most standard policies cover vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, which includes almost all panel vans up to a long-wheelbase Transit or Sprinter. Above 3.5 tonnes, or for vans with a body longer than about 5.5 to 6 metres, you need commercial vehicle cover. The limit is gross weight, so a 3.5-tonne van is covered even when loaded, but check the length limit for high-roof and extended-body vans.
Business use
Private policies typically exclude vehicles used for hire and reward (couriers, delivery, taxis) and sometimes any commercial use. A tradesperson driving their own van to jobs is usually fine on a standard policy; a courier doing multi-drop is not. Business and fleet breakdown cover is sold separately by all the major providers and prices per vehicle fall as the fleet grows.
The load
Breakdown cover recovers the vehicle. It does not usually make any provision for the contents. If you carry tools, stock or perishables, consider whether onward travel (a hire van, not a hire car) is available on the policy; many standard onward-travel benefits provide a car, which is no use to a plumber.
What van owners should buy
- Sole trader, one van, local work: roadside, home start and recovery on a vehicle policy. Confirm business use is permitted.
- Long-distance or time-critical work: add onward travel with a like-for-like replacement vehicle if the provider offers it.
- Two or more vans: fleet cover; it is cheaper per vehicle and avoids the hire-and-reward exclusion.
- Camper conversions: covered as a private vehicle on most policies if under the weight limit; declare it if it has been reclassified as a motor caravan.