Running a business, jobs around the house and looking after the family means a lot of life admin can get left to the last minute. So if you have van insurance coming up for renewal, what do you need to bear in mind to get the job done quickly and affordably? With bills rising, it’s worth taking time to do your research to get the best value for money policy that has all the extras you need.

1. When is the right time to start looking?

The best time to renew your van insurance is three to four weeks before the existing policy expires. That gives you time to compare insurance companies and shop around, which encourages them to compete on price. It’s natural to put things off but if you don’t give yourself time to shop around, you can’t be sure of getting the best deal.

2. How much coverage do you need?

It’s important to consider your needs and all your options to find the coverage that is best suited to you. There are three main types of van insurance available, and choosing the wrong type might not cover you in certain situations and may even cost you more.

• Third party only – If you’re involved in an accident, a third party cover means that only the other parties involved in the accident are covered. You, on the other hand, may not make any claim for damage to your van.
• Third party, fire and theft – This is similar to Third Party Only option, but this also covers you in case of attempted theft, theft or any damage occurring to your vehicle from fire.
• Comprehensive – This option covers you for all the above situations while also covering for any damages that might have happened to your van.

3. How can you get the best coverage at the best price?

If you thought buying insurance directly from insurance companies guarantees you the best price, think again! An insurance agent works for one company so they will only offer you that business’ policies, which might not be the best option for your needs. It is also time consuming, calling around a number of insurance companies directly for quotes. This means it can be tempting to give up before you have got in touch with all the providers, so you may not have researched all the options available.

This is where using an insurance broker makes sense. They are not tied to one van insurance company so can analyse and compare all the policies and prices available. Their computer systems can clearly identify the benefits of one policy versus another, plus they have the professional experience to identify what options are right for you. Prices are compared versus the cover offered and benefits included. At Britton Insurance, we compare a broad range of the van insurance available on the insurance market in Ireland by reviewing quotes from up to 15 insurance companies, which allows us to get you the best deal on offer at any given time.

Key differences between van and car insurance

• Vans need different cover to cars as they are typically used for jobs that other vehicles can’t perform, plus they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Another factor that determines if your vehicle is eligible for van insurance is the number of seats it has and if it has been modified. A commercial vehicle cannot be covered by a van policy if there are seats in the back (with the exception of crew cab) or if it has been extensively modified.
• It’s more likely that a van will need to tow a trailer. Ask your broker to look at insurers who offer third-party trailer cover, so you can add a trailer to your commercial vehicle and know you are protected.