Compare online
Van insurance for business
A van used for work needs a policy written for work. Private car cover often excludes business use, and a van carrying tools, stock or parcels is at risk in ways a family car isn’t. Here is what commercial van insurance covers, what it doesn’t, and how to compare quotes online.
- Cover for business use, not just private
- Tools, stock and parcels need their own cover
- No phone number needed to request quotes
What commercial van insurance covers
A commercial motor policy covers your van for accidental damage, theft, fire and storm, and your liability for damage to other people’s vehicles and property, while it’s used for business. Moneysmart’s guidance on choosing car insurance applies here too: comprehensive cover is the broadest, third party property covers only the damage you cause to others, and CTP, which comes with registration, covers injury to people only.
The contents are separate. Tools in a tradie’s van are covered by tools insurance, parcels by goods in transit, and stock by a business pack.
Which vans and which policies
| Van | Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One van used by a sole trader | Commercial motor, single vehicle | Can be compared online; the quote form asks for the main driver and ABN |
| Courier or delivery van | Commercial motor plus goods in transit | Platforms and freight contracts set the cover they expect |
| Fitted-out van (mobile grooming, coffee, workshop) | Commercial motor plus a business pack for the fit-out | The fit-out is usually insured separately from the vehicle |
| Two or more vans | Fleet policy, arranged by a broker | One policy and one renewal for the lot |
| Van over 4.5 tonnes | Heavy vehicle policy | The Heavy Vehicle National Law applies above 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass |
What’s usually covered, and what isn’t
Usually covered
- Damage to your van from a crash, fire, storm or theft, under comprehensive cover.
- Damage you cause to other vehicles and property.
- Signwriting and fitted racks, if listed on the policy.
- Towing and storage after an insured event.
Usually not covered
- Tools, stock and parcels inside the van. That’s tools, business pack or goods in transit cover.
- Wear, tear and mechanical breakdown.
- Injury to people. That’s CTP.
- Unlisted drivers or drivers outside the policy’s age limits, in some policies.
How to compare van insurance
Van insurance questions
Can I insure my work van on a private policy?
Some private policies allow limited business use, but many exclude it or restrict claims. A commercial motor policy is written for business use. Check your PDS.
Does van insurance cover the tools inside?
Usually not. Tools are insured under a tools policy, which covers them in the van and on site.
Is courier van insurance different?
The vehicle cover is the same; the difference is the goods in transit cover for the parcels, and the contract conditions platforms set.
What do I need to get a quote?
The van’s details, the main driver’s name and date of birth, your ABN, how the van is used and your claims history.
Can I compare van insurance online?
Yes, for one van. Fleets of two or more are arranged by a broker.
Keep reading
More guides
Sources
Vans