Van contents insurance

Why choose Howden for van contents insurance?

When it comes to getting you van contents insurance, we at Howden pride ourselves on doing the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. The fantastic relationships we have with our selected panel of specialist and standard van insurers allows us to do this, which then makes comparing multiple policies on your behalf simple and easy. What’s not to like?

We also provide a personalised service, because we know that each policy needs to be as individual as its owner. This is based on getting to know you and finding out exactly what you want from your van insurance.

But just know that, ultimately, whether you need to make a claim, purchase a new van policy, or renew an existing one, we’re here to help.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
• Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
• Speak with your local branch, within your community.
• We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.

Can I insure the contents of my van?

Yes, you certainly can insure the contents of your van. In fact, if you’re using your van to transport any goods that are valuable to you, you shouldn’t go without this type of insurance. But bear in mind that van contents insurance isn’t typically included with standard van insurance policies — it needs to be added as an optional extra.

Standard van insurance is designed to protect your van, whether you use it for personal or commercial purposes. Like other forms of car insurance, you can choose from third-party, third-party, fire and theft, or comprehensive insurance. The option you go for will depend on your appetite for risk and your specific coverage needs.

No matter which option you choose, however, most van insurance policies don’t include van contents insurance. They only cover the van itself. This means that, if your belongings, goods, or tools are damaged in a fire or accident, or they’re stolen, your insurance won’t cover the cost of replacing them.

Who is van contents insurance for?

Van contents insurance is for anyone who would like to protect the items they keep in their van — even if it's just personal sports equipment or hobby gear. It’s particularly important, however, for a wide range of business owners and professionals who rely on their vans to transport equipment, such as:

Tradespeople and contractors

• Plumbers with tools and spare parts
• Electricians carrying specialist testing equipment
• Carpenters with power tools and materials
• Builders with costly construction equipment

Mobile businesses

• Market traders transporting stock
• Florists delivering flowers and supplies
• Caterers with cooking equipment
• Mobile beauticians with professional supplies

Delivery services

• Courier companies
• Online retail delivery drivers
• Food delivery services
• Parcel delivery contractors

Self-employed professionals

• Musicians and sound engineers moving instruments and equipment
• Photographers with camera gear
• Artists transporting supplies and finished works
• Event planners travelling with decorations

If you regularly transport any expensive equipment that you would rather not have to replace yourself, van contents insurance is a wise investment.

What does van contents insurance cover?

Van contents insurance typically covers equipment, stock, and personal belongings kept inside your van against theft, fire, accidental damage, and loss.

Note that while some van contents insurance covers tools, other insurance polices require you to get dedicated tools insurance or tools-in-transit insurance. If you’re transporting tools, be sure to speak to your insurer about whether this is included in your policy.

How much you’re covered for will depend on the value of your contents. Many tradespeople will opt for between £2,000 to £5,000 worth of cover, but insurers will certainly offer higher limits if you’re transporting especially valuable cargo.

It’s also important to read the fine print. Your insurer will likely have fairly strict criteria that you need to meet in order to be properly protected. For example, they will probably require that all your items are locked and stored securely. Most policies will void if your belongings are stolen because you accidentally left a door or window open or unlocked.

Some policies also exclude items like mobile phones, money, or credit or debit cards. Again, speak to your insurer if you are concerned about any other exclusions that might be in place.

Do I need to remove tools from my van overnight for insurance?

Most insurers will likely require you to remove valuable tools and equipment from your van overnight, and with good reason. Tool theft from vans has become increasingly common across the UK, with millions of pounds worth of equipment stolen each year.

As a result, your insurance policy will probably include a clause stating that your tools must be removed when your van is left unattended between certain hours (usually between 6pm and 6am). This might not be necessary if your vehicle is parked in a locked garage or secure compound.

That said, policies vary significantly between providers. Some insurers might accept tools being left in the van if you install additional security measures like enhanced locks or alarm systems, while others may offer overnight cover as an optional extra. Check your policy’s terms and conditions carefully — failing to comply could invalidate your claim if you are a victim of theft.

What is the average cost of contents insurance?

The average cost of van contents insurance varies considerably, but typical premiums range from £80 to £300 per year. However, it's important to note that this is just a rough guide. There are several key factors that are likely to influence the price your insurer charges, including:

• The value of your contents
• The type of business/contents being insured
• Your claims history
• The age and experience of the driver or drivers
• Your location (higher crime areas mean higher premiums)
• The security measures you have installed (alarms, immobilisers, van safes)
• Where the van is parked overnight

As with other types of insurance, it’s usually cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly. And being a member of certain trade organisations and associations can give you discounts on your insurance. Finally, always compare quotes from multiple providers — prices can vary significantly between insurers for the same level of cover.

Is van contents insurance worth it?

For many van owners, particularly those using their vehicle for business, van contents insurance is absolutely worth the investment. Let’s take a moment to consider the risks:

• The average value of tools in a tradesperson's van can exceed £4,000
• Tool theft from vans has risen sharply in recent years
• Replacing stolen tools can take weeks, meaning lost income
• One break-in could cost more than years of insurance premiums

As a result, having van contents insurance in place makes sense when:

• You carry valuable tools or equipment
• Your business depends on your tools
• You transport stock or merchandise
• You can't afford immediate replacements
• Your work involves expensive specialist equipment

However, it’s important to think about the unique way you use your van. Van contents insurance might not be worthwhile if your van is often empty or if you only carry low-value items. If you already have other forms of insurance in place, such as certain types of business insurance, tools insurance, or tools-in-transit insurance, you might be covered already. If you’re unsure, chat through your situation with your insurer or broker — they’ll be able to advise you.

It might be helpful to think of this van contents insurance as a form of business continuity insurance. It's not just about the cost of replacing items, but protecting your ability to work. For most business owners, the premium you’re charged every year is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and financial security van contents insurance affords.

Still looking for some support? Chat to the team at Howden. We’ll take the time to understand your specific needs and find the right insurance solution for you. Contact us today.

Related articles:

• Van insurance groups list explained [full guide]
• The UK’s most stolen work van!
• The trade is being caught out by underinsurance!