Do I need special insurance for a car-derived van?
Yes. A car-derived van (CDV) is classed as a commercial vehicle, so it needs van insurance with the correct class of use, not a standard car policy.
What a car-derived van is
A car-derived van looks like a small car but is built and registered as a light commercial vehicle, usually with no rear seats or windows and a load area instead. Because it is a commercial vehicle, it must be insured as a van.
- Registered as a van on the V5C, not as a car.
- Needs van insurance with the right class of use for how you drive it.
- Class of use still applies, from social to carriage of own goods or hire and reward.
Getting the right policy
Trying to insure a car-derived van on a car policy can leave you uninsured, because the vehicle category does not match. Choose a van policy and declare how you use it, just as you would with a larger van. If you only drive it socially you can still pick social use, but it must be a van policy. Comparing van quotes ensures you get cover that matches the vehicle and your usage.
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How do I know if my vehicle is a car-derived van?
Check the V5C logbook. If it is listed as a light goods vehicle or N1 category, it is a van and needs van insurance.
Can I insure a car-derived van for social use only?
Yes. You can choose social use, but it must still be a van insurance policy, not a car policy.
Is van insurance more expensive for a small CDV?
Not necessarily. Smaller car-derived vans are often cheaper to insure than large panel vans, so it is worth comparing quotes.