Home > Insurance > Van Insurance > Frequently asked questions

Insurance

Van insurance

Frequently asked questions

Please read our FAQ section to find answers to the most common van insurance and motor insurance related questions.

Our answers

What is a van?

A vehicle designed to carry goods (and less than four passengers - although we may arrange cover for Crewcab and Doublecab models please call 0800 404 7641 for more information). The vehicle must weigh less than 3.5 tonnes.
Example van types:

  • Micro van - Very small van used for small loads or one off deliveries.
  • Car-derived vans - Van derivative of car, looks like the van equivalent with the back windows filled in.
  • Small vans/Light van - Slightly larger than car-derived van, sometimes with a raised roof. Front end is similar to a car, but with a van back.
  • Medium van/Panel van - Much larger van in height, width, capacity, and load weight capacity.
  • Large van - Similar shape to the Medium vans with a larger carrying capacity, designed for carrying larger, heavier loads.
  • Pick-up - Cab with an open back, where the load is not under cover. They can vary in size and shape dependent upon the model and the use.
  • Double cab - This is similar to a pick-up with a second row of seats within the cab.
  • Crew cab - This can be any of the above vehicles but when it was purchased, the buyer would have requested a "Tipper back" - this is an open-back, which can be tipped in order to unload. All other specifications would be the same

Back to top

What is an excess?

An excess is a contributory amount you pay, when making a claim; however if the claim is deemed not to be your fault, it may be possible to recover your excess from the party deemed to be at fault.

Back to top

If I've been named on another policy, am I entitled to any no-claim discount?

RAC Direct Insurance like most insurers, will only reward the actual policy holder with no-claim discount. However, if you have been claim free we may be able to give some type of introductory discount.

To find out more please contact our team on 0800 404 7641.

Back to top

What happens if I have an accident?

Depending on your cover, we will arrange for your van to be recovered to our nearest approved repairer. You don't need to worry about estimates as we will authorise any work and settle payments direct with the repairer, and all repairs are guaranteed for three years (If you use our approved repairer).

Back to top

What if I am making a claim?

If you need to make a claim with RAC Direct Insurance simply call one of the following numbers

  • If you are an Insurance Member call 0800 404 6342
  • If you are a Membership Plus Member call 0800 404 8777

There are no forms to fill in, and the incident manager will confirm: whether your insurance covers you for the incident; what you will have to pay; and all the steps involved in your claim being settled.

Back to top

How do I get about whilst my van is being repaired?

If you have opted for this cover, a replacement van is provided for a period up to 14 days.

Back to top

Are my tools covered under my van insurance?

If you have a comprehensive policy your tools are covered up to a value of £500 for any one claim. If you have Third Party, Fire & Theft Cover or you require tool cover over £500 you should arrange separate cover for any equipment you store in your van.

Back to top

What is legal cover?

Our legal cover provides legal advice via a 24 hour, 365 days a year helpline. Legal cover provides assistance to recover uninsured losses (such as excess), medical losses or loss of earnings. We will provide up to £50,000 for Insurance Only Members and up to £100,000 for Membership Plus Members for legal costs to pursue a case after a motoring accident, and up to £10,000 worth of cover to defend against any motoring prosecutions (excluding drink/drug-related offences).

Back to top

Can I drive abroad on my insurance?

Your insurance will automatically cover you to drive in any countries which are members of the European Union, to the minimum level of insurance required (usually third party only).

If you require a higher level of cover we can offer you Driving Abroad additional cover.

Back to top

What is protected no-claim discount?

With RAC Direct Insurance van cover, clients can protect their no-claim discount for up to two at fault claims in any 5-year period. This means that if your van is stolen, or you have no other party to claim against, you won't have to lose your no-claim discount as well. Clients must be a private individual or a sole trader over 25 years old, have at least 5 years no-claim discount and no 'at fault' claims in the past 5 years in order to be eligible.

Back to top

Which kind of business use do I need ?

If you travel to and from work and transport business related goods such as your own tools you require "Carriage of Own Goods. "This would be suitable for professions such as a plumber, decorator, window cleaner or florist (there is no cover for loss of, or damage to your tools though.) "Carriage of Goods for Hire & Reward" extends this cover to include the transport of goods for payment and would be suitable for a fast food or catalogue goods delivery driver. Again, no cover exists for loss of, or damage to the goods being carried.

Back to top

Can I get instant cover with RAC Direct Insurance?

If you pay by either a credit or debit card, RAC Direct Insurance can provide you with instant cover.

Back to top

What are the payment options with RAC Direct Insurance?

You can pay for your insurance annually using a credit /debit card or annual direct debit. Alternatively you can pay by 2 six monthly premiums. The first payment is taken via debit/credit card and the second payment, taken 6 months later, is taken via direct debit. At renewal both payments are taken via direct debit.

Back to top

What type of changes do I need to tell you about?

You must tell us of changes to all material facts. By material facts we mean things like change in your name, change in your mileage, modifications to your van, any driving convictions you have received. If you are in doubt about a change to your details, please let us know.

Back to top

I have heard that if I leave my keys in the van that I am not covered on my van insurance. Is this true?

Yes, that is correct. If you leave your keys in your van even if it is only to pop out and pay for your petrol or drop off a letter and your van is stolen, your van will not be covered. So remember always to take your keys with you or make sure someone stays with the van or it could prove an expensive couple of minutes!

Back to top

If I have a maximum no-claim discount and I buy a second van can I add my no-claim bonus to both vans?

The short answer is no. You must earn another no-claim bonus for a second vehicle. If you have already used one on your vehicle, you must earn a second no-claim bonus on your second van. However, we can give our customers an introductory discount equivalent to the no-claim bonus they currently hold subject to terms and conditions.

Back to top

How can I insure my van for driving abroad?

If you pay an extra premium, your insurance can be extended to provide the same level of cover in the European Union and some other European countries as you have in the Territorial Limits. If you want to extend your insurance, you must contact us at least two weeks beforehand and we will provide the necessary documents.

Back to top

I am taking my van off the road for a period of time - do I still have to pay my insurance premium?

If your van will be out of use for a continuous period of more than 28 days or more, and this is not as a result of any loss or damage covered by this insurance, we may suspend your cover and refund part of your premium for the laid-up period. We will pay this refund when you ask for the cover to start again. If you want us to suspend your cover, please call us on 0800 404 7641 and return your RAC Direct Insurance Certificate of Motor Insurance immediately.

During the period when cover is suspended, we will continue to provide cover for loss or damage caused by fire or theft while your van is in a locked private garage.

Back to top

I have been involved in an incident but am unsure of my legal position - what help can you provide?

If you have taken the Legal Services option which will be shown on your insurance schedule, we will give you confidential advice over the telephone on any personal legal matter in relation to the use of your van.

We will tell you what your legal rights are, what course of action is available to you and whether these can be best implemented by you or whether you need to consult with a lawyer.

There are no consultation fees and lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Back to top

Calls may be recorded/monitored.