Vans
Can I drive a van on my car insurance?
What to do when you need to borrow a van
Graham Cutbill-White
Last updated: 06/10/2025
Graham Cutbill-White
Last updated: 06/10/2025
Are you thinking of borrowing a friend’s van to move house or transport some large items? Temporary van insurance cover will offer great flexibility to help you get where you need to be.
In the past, a fully comprehensive car insurance policy would cover a driver on almost any vehicle. In recent years, insurers have been more reluctant to let drivers use other vehicles without unique insurance as they consider this high risk.
Although driving a van that doesn’t belong to you isn’t as simple as it used to be, the right temp van cover offers great flexibility.
You might be able to drive a van on your car insurance but this depends on your specific insurance policy. You’ll need to check your policy documents (before setting off in the van) for the driving other vehicles clause. If you cannot find this, it’s best to get in touch with your annual insurance provider. Remember to always check the small print.
Some fully comprehensive insurance policies will include an extension which allows the driver to use another car or van under their existing policy. The cover you receive in this way will usually be third-party, so it shouldn’t be relied on for regular use.
It’s important to note that not all fully comprehensive insurance plans include this extension, so you’ll need to check with your insurer or look through your documents carefully to be sure.
The ‘driving other vehicles’ clause
If your car insurance policy has a ‘driving other cars’ or Driving Other Vehicles clause within its Terms and Conditions, you can drive a van that isn’t yours and still be covered by your insurer.
The D.O.V clause is an extension, most often on a fully comprehensive insurance policy, that provides you with cover while driving a vehicle that isn’t owned or registered by you.
This type of insurance is usually third-party only, which means if you’re in an accident, you’ll be covered for damages to the other car or personal injury claims made by the other person involved. The third-party D.O.V clause won’t cover the cost of any damages to the vehicle you’re driving.
The D.O.V clause is designed to be used in emergency situations only and shouldn’t be relied on as suitable insurance for regular use.
For the D.O.V extension to be valid, there are some criteria which need to be met:
Unfortunately, many drivers believe that if they are over 25 and have fully comprehensive insurance, they are insured to drive any car or van. This is not the case, and the misconception has led to many people being convicted for driving without motor insurance.
The same applies in reverse. If your insurance policy includes the driving other vehicles extension, and both you and the vehicle you want to drive meet all the criteria listed above, you’ll be able to drive a car on your van insurance.
If you’re planning to drive somebody else’s van, you should consider getting short-term van insurance to ensure you’re covered against any eventuality.
If you’re planning to drive a van that doesn’t belong to you, whether you’re borrowing it to move house, to help shift heavy equipment, or just using it while your car’s off the road, the best way to stay secure is with temp van cover.
There are many situations that might call for one-day or two-day van insurance, and luckily for drivers, there are plenty of insurers offering this type of cover. Daily van insurance is an affordable and flexible choice that works for drivers who are looking to use a van on a short-term basis.
You’ll need to make sure you have the right type of temporary insurance for the type of van you’ll be driving. The make and model, size, age, and security of your temporary van can all have an impact on how much you’ll pay. Your age, location, and driving history can also affect the cost of your temporary van insurance.
You’ll be able to choose a temporary van insurance policy from Tempcover if you meet the following criteria:
Most vans are bigger and clunkier than cars, making them a little harder to manoeuvre. If you’re driving a van for the first time, make sure you are comfortable behind the wheel of such a big vehicle. Take it easy and make sure you’re confident before attempting to overtake or tackle tight bends.
The differences between driving a van and a car make it even more important you choose the right van cover. Even if you’re just getting van insurance for one day, Tempcover’s policy (much like most of our temporary car insurance options) offers fully comprehensive coverage that can be tailored to your needs.
Find out more and get a van insurance quote before you Tempcover it!
This depends on your insurance policy. Please check your documents to confirm. If you are not covered, check out our temporary van insurance page and get a quote in under 2 minutes.
Some policies might cover you to drive a van, but it is unlikely as insurance companies have started to redact the Driving Other Vehicles clause from their policies. It is more likely you will have to purchase a commercial van insurance policy. If you’re borrowing a van for a short period, temporary van insurance can cover you for the time you need – from 1 hour to 28 days.
Van insurance can be more expensive than car insurance, but there are ways to reduce your premiums. Check out our how to save money on your van insurance blog post to find out more.
This will depend on your policy but it is unlikely to be the case. You can get a quote for temporary motorhome insurance from Tempcover in under 2 minutes.
Typically, car insurance doesn't include van coverage. Specific van insurance is required, whether for a temporary hire, borrowed or owned vehicle. The type of insurance, personal or commercial, depends on your van usage.
Standard car insurance doesn't cover campervans due to their dual role as a vehicle and living space, and their larger size and weight. A dedicated campervan insurance policy, covering the van's contents and living quarters, is required. Depending on the campervan's weight, a Category C1 licence may be necessary. Always review your insurance policy's details to understand its limitations.
With a full Category B car driving licence, you can legally drive any commercial van up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) in gross vehicle weight. This includes a wide range of vans, from compact models like a Citroen Berlingo to larger panel vans such as some Mercedes Sprinter versions.
Comprehensive car insurance typically doesn't cover van driving. Some policies may include Driving Other Cars (DOC) cover, but it's usually limited to cars and provides third-party cover only. To drive a van, specific van insurance is needed, or you could be added to the van owner's policy. Temporary van insurance is another option for short-term use. Always verify your coverage with your insurer before driving a van.
In insurance, a van is distinct from a car, impacting the insurance type required and tax payable. Van insurance differs from car insurance; you can't insure a van with car insurance or vice versa. It's crucial to obtain appropriate cover for your specific vehicle.
Van insurance is generally costlier than car insurance due to factors such as the van's larger size, increased power, and frequent work usage, which heighten accident risk. Repairing or replacing parts for larger vehicles, theft risk, and the driver's profile also influence premiums. The van's type, age, usage, your driving history, and location can also affect the cost.
Each vehicle needs its own insurance policy. Although van insurance may offer Driving Other Cars (DOC) coverage, allowing you to drive another car, it doesn't grant universal driving rights. Comprehensive car insurance provides the widest cover. Always review your policy specifics before driving a different vehicle.
Temporary van insurance offers short-term cover, allowing you to drive a van for a limited period without an annual policy. Ideal for borrowing a van with the owner's consent, Tempcover’s policies range from an hour to 28 days, offering flexibility to suit your needs.
Yes, you can tax a van with temporary insurance as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recognises it as valid. This can be done online, via phone, or at your local Post Office. It's a simple and practical solution for short-term vehicle taxation.
Holding a standard UK Category B car licence permits you to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg, including most small and large vans. Zero-emission electric or hydrogen vans can weigh up to 4,250kg. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, your licence may include Category C1, allowing vehicles up to 7,500kg. Check your categories on your licence or at GOV.UK. Trailers should not exceed 750kg.
Choosing between third-party and comprehensive car insurance depends on your needs. Third-party insurance, the minimum UK legal requirement, covers damage you cause to others but not your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance, offering greater protection, covers your car's damages even if you're at fault. Consider your circumstances, car's value, and desired cover level when deciding.
For work-related van usage, such as business operations or commuting, a commercial van insurance policy is essential. This cover, designed specifically for professional van use, provides necessary protection for your vehicle and livelihood. It's not just about securing your van, but also ensuring business continuity and peace of mind.
First-party in insurance refers to the policyholder, while second-party denotes the insurance provider. In the event of a car accident, third-party is anyone else who may claim against you for damages. This terminology aids in understanding the intricate language of insurance.
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