Does commuting cover more than one workplace?

Standard commuting cover usually applies to travel to a single, regular place of work. If you work across several sites, ask your broker about business use instead.

Is carriage of own goods the same as business use?

Carriage of own goods is the van equivalent of business use. It covers you to carry your own tools, stock and equipment for work.

Can I change my class of use mid-policy?

Usually yes. Contact your broker to change your class of use during the policy term. An adjustment to your premium may apply.

Van

Van insurance classes of use explained

Van insurance classes of use explained: social, commuting, carriage of own goods and hire and reward. Choose the right class so your cover stays valid.

Your class of use tells the insurer how you use your van. The main classes are social, domestic and pleasure; commuting; carriage of own goods; and hire and reward. Choosing the wrong one can invalidate your cover.

The four main classes of use

The class of use you choose sets the limits of when and why you are insured to drive. Picking the level that matches how you really use the van is essential.

Social, domestic and pleasure (SDP): personal trips such as shopping, visiting family or DIY runs.
Commuting: SDP plus driving to and from one regular place of work.
Carriage of own goods: using the van for your own business, carrying your own tools, stock or equipment.
Hire and reward: being paid to transport other people's goods, such as courier or delivery work.

Each class usually includes the ones before it, so carriage of own goods normally includes social and commuting use as well. Check your certificate of insurance to see exactly what your policy allows.

Why getting it right matters

If you claim while driving outside your stated class, the insurer can refuse to pay and may cancel the policy. Declare the highest level of use you genuinely need. A tradesperson carrying tools to jobs on a social-only policy, for example, may find a claim refused.

If your work changes during the year, such as starting delivery work, tell your broker so the class can be updated.

Which page is right for you

Tradespeople carrying their own tools and materials: tradesman insurance and van insurance
Couriers and delivery drivers paid to carry other people's goods: courier insurance
Businesses running several vans: fleet insurance

Getting a quote

Fill in a short form on our van insurance page and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel will contact you about quotes for the class of use you need. You can read more about how we work.