There are a surprising number of people driving out on the roads completely unaware that their insurance is in fact void. This could mean their provider is completely unwilling and unobligated to pay out in the event of a claim, potentially costing them thousands in damages. Why? Because they’ve got a normal personal insurance policy for their van rather than a specialised business one.
Figuring It Out
The simple fact is that personal policies are not designed for any kind of business use, because business use is considered to be inherently more risky. Generally, business use is when you’re actually using the van as part of your work, such as transporting equipment and employees. Simply commuting to a place of work does not usually constitute business use, although it sometimes can if you have multiple places that you might be working. The easiest way to work out whether you need this kind of insurance is to think about whether or not you could go about your daily job without the van. If you could simply get a train, bus or walk to work, then you probably don’t need business insurance, but it’s a good idea to check with your employer if you have one.
This type of insurance does of course have its benefits. In addition to covering you for accidents while you’re out and about at work, you can also usually insure all of the work equipment or items that are inside the van. It’s there to protect both you and your employer or business. However, if you’re transporting goods for hire, then you might actually also need courier insurance. It can get quite complex.
Get Some Advice
Ultimately, if you’re not absolutely sure what kind of insurance you need, then it’s imperative you talk to a specialist like Autoline. You’ll be able to tell them exactly what you need your van for, and they’ll then be able to find you the right cover. While full business insurance might work out a little more expensive than your normal car insurance policy, it’s well worth having the right cover, so that you know you’re protected in the event of an accident. Never skimp by using a domestic policy when you’re actually out on business – this will leave you in serious trouble in the event of an accident, and in many countries such as the UK, it is illegal to drive without proper insurance.
