Does business use cover my family driving the van?

Only if those drivers are named on the policy. Personal use by you is usually included, but any additional drivers must be declared.

Is personal use ever excluded from business cover?

Occasionally. Some policies cover work driving only, so check the class of use printed on your certificate.

Do I pay extra to add social use to a business policy?

It is often already included. If not, adding social and domestic use is usually a small change your broker can arrange.

Van

Can I use my van for personal use on a business policy?

Business van insurance usually includes social and commuting use too, so personal trips are normally covered. Here is how it works and what to check.

In most cases, yes. Business van insurance normally includes social, domestic and commuting use as well, so you can usually drive the van for personal trips as standard. It is still worth checking your own policy, because the wording on your certificate is what decides what you are covered for.

How business policies usually work

Classes of use are layered, with higher levels including the ones below them. A business use policy typically covers more than just work driving.

Business use (carriage of own goods): work journeys and carrying your own tools or stock.
Plus commuting: travel to your regular place of work.
Plus social, domestic and pleasure: shopping, family and leisure trips.

This means most tradespeople can use their work van for the school run or weekend trips without a separate policy.

Carrying other people's goods for a fee is different. That is hire and reward, and it needs its own cover. If you do any paid delivery work, see our courier insurance page.

Always check your certificate

While business use commonly includes personal driving, the exact wording on your certificate of motor insurance is what counts. Read the class of use stated there, and if social or domestic use is not listed, ask your broker to confirm it or add it. Don't assume.

It is also worth checking:

Who is insured to drive: personal use by you does not mean your partner or children can drive the van. They need to be named.
Any restrictions on passengers or towing, if you use the van for family trips or hobbies.
Whether tools left in the van are covered, since tools cover is often an optional extra.

Going through these points before you buy means the policy covers both your work and your personal driving.

Getting van insurance quotes

With Kompare you fill in a short form about you, your van and how you use it. A specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel then contacts you about quotes, and can check that the class of use fits both your work and personal driving. Read how we work, or start on our van insurance page.