Prices start from £23.04 for 1 hour and £26.47 for 1 day. Prices depend on your driver profile, van details, and duration of cover. Indicative prices based on lowest sold policies October 2024 to March 2025. Your final premium will be confirmed at the point of quote.
At a Glance
Comprehensive cover as standard on every policy
Cover from 1 hour up to 28 days
Drivers aged 21 to 75 covered
Vans valued from £1 to £65,000
Commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
Business Class 1 use included in every policy
No impact on your No Claims Discount (NCD)
Instant policy documents sent directly to your inbox
Motor Insurance Database (MID) updated four times daily
Business van cover, Carriage of Own Goods, and Hire and Reward policies also available
What Is Temporary Van Insurance?
Temporary van insurance, sometimes called short-term van insurance or day van insurance, is a standalone, flexible policy that gives you fully comprehensive cover to drive a van for a set period of time. Rather than committing to a 12-month annual policy, you choose exactly the duration you need — from a single hour to a maximum of 28 days.
Because it is a standalone policy, it sits entirely separately from any other insurance you or the van owner already hold. This means that if a claim is made during the temporary policy period, it will not affect the No Claims Discount (NCD) on any existing annual van or car insurance policy. For the van owner, lending their vehicle need not carry any risk to the no-claims bonus they have worked hard to build.
Every temporary van insurance policy arranged through Performance Direct is comprehensive as standard — the highest level of motor insurance protection available in the UK — covering accidental damage, fire, theft, and third-party liability for the full duration of your chosen cover period.
How Long Can I Get Temporary Van Cover For?
Temporary van cover is available from as little as one hour up to a maximum of 28 days per policy. If you need cover for longer, you can take out a new policy when your current one expires. Available durations include:
Hourly van insurance (from 1 hour)
Daily van insurance (1, 2, 3, or 4 days)
Weekly van insurance (1 or 2 weeks)
Longer-term short-term cover (up to 28 days)
How Much Does Temporary Van Insurance Cost?
The cost of your policy is calculated individually based on your driving history, the van you are insuring, the duration you need, and your intended use. The table below provides indicative starting prices based on the lowest prices sold between October 2024 and March 2025.
Policy duration | Starting price | Typical use |
1 hour | From £23.04 | Quick trip, collection, or test drive |
2 hours | From £22.27 | Short journey or local delivery |
3 hours | From £22.76 | Half-day use |
4 hours | From £23.51 | Extended morning or afternoon use |
1 day | From £26.47 | Moving house, full-day job |
2 days | From £32.71 | Weekend project |
3 days | From £36.41 | Short-term contract |
4 days | From £45.84 | Extended project |
1 week | From £56.73 | Week-long job or holiday trip |
2 weeks | From £96.91 | Extended contract or assignment |
Prices shown are indicative only, based on the lowest sold prices October 2024 to March 2025. Your final premium will be confirmed at quotation and is subject to your driver profile, vehicle details, and declared usage. All policies are subject to eligibility and underwriter acceptance.
Indicative Prices for Popular Van Models
If you know the make and model of the van you will be driving, the table below gives you an idea of starting prices for the most commonly insured vans. All prices are indicative and subject to eligibility.
Van model | 1 hour from | 1 day from | 1 week from |
Ford Transit | £19.22 | £26.20 | £58.88 |
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | £34.05 | £28.40 | £74.67 |
Vauxhall Vivaro | £18.03 | £26.70 | £70.81 |
Citroen Berlingo | £17.64 | £24.45 | £62.43 |
Renault Trafic | £17.64 | £29.67 | £63.34 |
Volkswagen Transporter | £19.60 | £28.74 | £69.66 |
Volkswagen Caddy | £17.64 | £26.34 | £73.90 |
Peugeot Partner | £17.64 | £24.66 | £71.01 |
Volkswagen Crafter | £21.38 | £35.91 | £102.23 |
Mercedes-Benz Vito | £19.64 | £27.83 | £75.52 |
Indicative starting prices based on lowest sold policies October 2024 to March 2025. Actual premiums depend on individual driver and vehicle details. All quotes are subject to eligibility and underwriter acceptance.
When Might You Need Short-Term Van Insurance?
Life does not always follow a plan, and sometimes you need the convenience of a van at short notice. Short-term van cover is a practical, cost-effective solution for a wide range of situations. Here are the most common reasons our customers take out a temporary van policy:
Moving House or Transporting Large Items
Hiring a removal firm can be expensive and booking one at short notice can be difficult. Borrowing a van from a friend or family member and covering yourself with a temporary policy for the day is frequently the most straightforward and affordable option. It also makes it easy to collect bulky furniture, appliances, or items purchased from online marketplaces that simply would not fit in a car.
Driveaway Cover When Buying a New Van
When you purchase a van from a private seller or a dealership, you may need insurance to drive it home before your annual policy is arranged or transferred. A temporary van insurance policy provides legal cover from the moment you collect the vehicle, giving you time to sort longer-term arrangements without feeling rushed into a decision.
Borrowing a Van from a Friend or Family Member
If someone is happy to lend you their van, a temporary policy means you are properly covered in your own name. Should anything happen during the period of cover, any claim is made against your standalone temporary policy and does not affect the van owner's existing insurance or their No Claims Discount in any way.
Seasonal, Contract, or Occasional Business Work
If you are taking on extra shifts, fulfilling a short-term contract, or running a one-off delivery job, a temporary van policy can be arranged quickly to cover the exact period of work. Business Class 1 use is included as standard on every policy. If you need Carriage of Own Goods or Hire and Reward cover for courier or delivery work, those options are also available.
Shared Driving on a Long Trip
If you are using a borrowed van for a festival, a road trip, or a holiday, it is often simpler to take out a temporary policy for yourself as a named driver rather than attempting to be added to the owner's annual policy. This protects the owner's NCD and gives you comprehensive cover for the duration of your trip.
Covering a Gap Between Annual Policies
If your annual van insurance has lapsed and you need to use a van while arranging a new policy, a short-term policy ensures you remain legally insured on the road without any gap in cover.
Am I Eligible for Temporary Van Insurance?
Most UK drivers will be able to get short-term van cover, provided the driver and the vehicle meet the criteria set by the underwriting panel. The table below summarises the key eligibility requirements.
Criteria | Eligible | Not Eligible |
Driver age | 21 to 75 years old | Under 21 or over 75 |
Licence type | Full, valid UK driving licence | Provisional licence |
EU licence holders | UK resident for 12 months or more | UK resident for less than 12 months |
Insurance history | Standard history accepted | Policy previously cancelled, voided, or refused |
Criminal record | No criminal convictions | Any criminal conviction or pending prosecution |
Van weight | Up to 3.5 tonnes GVW | Over 3.5 tonnes |
Van value | £1 to £65,000 | Market value over £65,000 |
MOT | Valid MOT in place | No MOT (except driving to pre-booked MOT) |
SORN / Seized | Taxed and roadworthy | SORN declared or seized by police |
All cover is subject to underwriting acceptance. Eligibility criteria are set by the insurer panel and may vary by insurer. Full details will be confirmed at the point of quote.
What Does Temporary Van Insurance Cover?
Every temporary van insurance policy arranged through Performance Direct is comprehensive as standard. Your policy includes:
Accidental damage: covers damage to the van you are driving, whether caused by a collision, an accident, or by malicious acts
Fire and theft: covers you if the van is stolen or damaged as a result of fire
Third-party liability: covers your legal liability if you cause injury to another person, damage to another vehicle, or damage to someone else's property
Windscreen and glass: cover for broken or damaged glass, including the windscreen, is included
What Is Not Covered?
In the interests of transparency, the following are not included under a standard temporary van policy:
Tools, equipment, or goods carried in the van (the policy insures the vehicle, not its contents)
Mechanical breakdown or general wear and tear
More than one driver per policy (a temporary van policy covers the named driver only)
Vans that have been converted into campervans
Motor racing, pace-making, or track day use
Motor trade use
Carrying hazardous goods or use in hazardous locations
Hired or rented vehicles
Taxi or private hire use
Vehicles seized by the police (a specialist impound release policy is required)
Important note on tool cover
Many tradespeople carry tools and equipment worth thousands of pounds. Your temporary van insurance policy covers the vehicle itself but does not automatically include cover for tools or goods inside it. If you regularly carry high-value tools or equipment, you may wish to consider a separate tools in transit policy. Please ask our team for further information.
Types of Temporary Van Insurance Available
We understand that no two drivers have identical needs. That is why we offer several types of temporary van cover to match your specific circumstances:
Standard Temporary Van Insurance
Comprehensive cover for social, domestic, pleasure, and commuting use. Business Class 1 use is included as standard on every policy. Ideal for moving house, borrowing a van, driveaway cover, or personal trips.
Temporary Business Van Insurance
If you need to use a van for business purposes beyond commuting, including visiting clients, attending meetings, or collecting materials for a job, business van cover ensures you are properly insured for the work you carry out.
Temporary Carriage of Own Goods Insurance
If you are using a van to transport tools, equipment, or materials belonging to you in connection with your trade or business, a Carriage of Own Goods policy provides the appropriate cover. This is the correct policy for sole traders and contractors who need to move their own goods between job sites.
Temporary Hire and Reward Van Insurance
If you are carrying goods belonging to other people in exchange for payment, for example as a courier or parcel delivery driver, you require a specific Hire and Reward policy. Standard van insurance does not cover this type of use. Hire and Reward temporary cover can be arranged quickly to cover individual shifts, contracts, or short-term assignments.
How to Get Your Temporary Van Insurance Quote
Getting covered is straightforward and takes less than two minutes from start to finish. Have the following to hand before you start:
Vehicle registration number of the van you intend to drive
Your name, address, and date of birth
Your driving licence number
The duration of cover you need and when you want it to start
Your intended usage — social, business, carriage of goods, or hire and reward
The Quote and Purchase Process
Enter your van registration and personal details into the secure online quote form
Receive your quote and review the cover options available to you
Choose your policy and pay securely online — your policy is live immediately
Receive your insurance certificate and documents by email instantly
Your policy appears on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), updated four times a day, every day
Ready to get covered? It takes under 2 minutes.
Comprehensive temporary van insurance from 1 hour to 28 days. No impact on your No Claims Discount.
Get My Instant Quote
Why Choose Performance Direct for Temporary Van Insurance?
Performance Direct was established in 1995 and is part of the Grove and Dean Group, which has been operating as an independent insurance intermediary since 1974. Grove and Dean holds Chartered Insurance Broker status, awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) — a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of insurance broking firms in the UK. This credential reflects a commitment to professional standards, ongoing development, and the delivery of genuinely good outcomes for clients.
We have been members of the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) since 2007, the UK's leading trade body for insurance intermediaries, representing the interests of brokers and their clients alike. Here is what being a Performance Direct customer means in practice:
Expertise You Can Rely On
With over 30 years as Performance Direct and more than 50 years of Group experience, our team understands insurance. We do not just process applications. We work to ensure the cover you take out genuinely matches your needs, backed by qualified, experienced insurance professionals.
True Independence
We are not tied to any single insurer or product. Our panel of leading UK underwriters — including Eridge, Granite, Allianz, Haven, and Somerset Bridge — gives us access to a breadth of competitive options. This independence means we can always work to find the right cover at the right price for your specific situation.
A Record of Customer Trust
With more than 14,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot, rated Excellent, our reputation speaks for itself. We take the trust our customers place in us seriously, and it is something we work to deserve every single day.
Modern Technology, Personal Service
Our online systems are fast, intuitive, and available around the clock. You can get a quote, purchase a policy, access your documents, and manage your insurance through your online account or our app at any time that suits you. Our office team is also available six days a week for those who prefer to speak to someone.
FCA Authorised and Regulated
Performance Direct is a trading name of Grove and Dean Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), registration number 307002. Grove and Dean Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 1167043. Registered address: 7 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6JL.
What Our Insurance Experts Say
"Temporary van insurance is genuinely one of the most practical products we offer. The situations where people need a van for a matter of hours or days are far more common than most people realise, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are fully and properly covered, with no risk to your existing no-claims bonus, makes it an obvious choice. At Performance Direct, our job is to make that cover as easy to access as possible while ensuring every customer gets the right policy for their situation."
[Name], [Qualification] — Insurance Adviser, Performance Direct
Temporary Van Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions
What is temporary van insurance?
Temporary van insurance is a short-term, standalone policy that gives you comprehensive cover to drive a van for a specific period, from as little as one hour up to 28 days. Unlike an annual policy, you only pay for the time you actually need. Because it is a separate policy, it does not affect the No Claims Discount on any existing annual insurance policy you or the van owner hold.
How long can I insure a van on a temporary basis?
Policies are available from one hour up to a maximum of 28 days per policy. If you need cover for longer, you can purchase a new policy when your current one ends. Duration options include hourly, daily, weekly, and up to four weeks.
Will a claim on a temporary van policy affect my No Claims Discount?
No. Because the temporary van insurance policy is entirely standalone and separate from any annual policy, making a claim on it will not affect any No Claims Discount you have built up on your own car or van insurance, nor will it affect the van owner's NCD. However, any claim you make must still be declared when you next apply for insurance, as all insurers ask about claims history regardless of which policy the claim was made on.
What level of cover does a temporary van insurance policy include?
All temporary van insurance policies arranged through Performance Direct are comprehensive as standard — the highest level of cover available. This includes accidental damage, malicious damage, fire, theft, third-party liability, and glass cover during the insured period.
Can I get temporary van insurance for business use?
Yes. Business Class 1 use, covering travel between your normal place of work and other business locations, is included as standard on every policy. If you need to carry your own tools and equipment for work (Carriage of Own Goods) or carry goods for other people in exchange for payment (Hire and Reward), dedicated cover options are available for both.
Who is eligible for temporary van insurance?
To be eligible you must be between 21 and 75 years old, hold a full, valid UK driving licence, have no criminal convictions, have never had an insurance policy cancelled or voided, and have a current permanent UK address. EU licence holders must have been UK residents for at least 12 months. The van must be a commercial vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, with a value between £1 and £65,000, and must have a valid MOT (unless the policy is being taken out to drive the van to a pre-booked MOT appointment).
Can I insure a van I do not own?
Yes. You can take out temporary van insurance in your own name to drive a van owned by someone else, provided you have the owner's permission. The policy provides comprehensive protection for the agreed duration and does not affect the owner's existing annual insurance or No Claims Discount in any way.
Does temporary van insurance cover tools and equipment in the van?
No. A standard temporary van insurance policy covers the vehicle itself but does not include cover for tools, equipment, or goods carried inside it. If you carry high-value tools as part of your work, you may wish to consider a separate tools in transit policy.
How quickly can I get covered?
The entire quote and purchase process takes less than two minutes. Once you have made a secure online payment, your insurance certificate and policy documents are sent to your email inbox immediately. Cover begins at the start time you select, and your policy will appear on the Motor Insurance Database, which is updated four times every day.
What vans cannot be covered on a temporary policy?
Standard temporary van policies cannot be used for vans converted into campervans, vehicles used for motor racing or track days, motor trade use, carrying hazardous goods, taxi or private hire use, or hired or rented vehicles. If a vehicle has been seized by the police, a specialist impound release policy is required.
Is temporary van insurance available for European driving?
Cover may be available for driving in the European Union during your policy period, providing the journey begins and ends in the UK. European cover provides the minimum level of insurance required by law in the countries you are visiting. You should confirm which countries are covered before travelling. Full details will be provided at the point of quote.
Get Your Temporary Van Insurance Quote Today
Whether you need van cover for an hour, a day, or the better part of a month, Performance Direct is here to help you get the right policy quickly and with complete confidence. You are in the hands of a team with over 30 years of experience, backed by the Group heritage of more than 50 years as independent insurance intermediaries. We are Chartered, we are FCA regulated, and we are trusted by more than 14,000 customers who have given us an Excellent rating on Trustpilot.
Do not leave yourself uninsured or rely on assumptions about existing cover. Get a proper, fully comprehensive temporary van insurance policy in place in under two minutes, at a price that reflects only the time you actually need.
Get Covered in Under 2 Minutes
Comprehensive temporary van insurance from 1 hour to 28 days.
No impact on your No Claims Discount. Instant documents. FCA regulated.
Get My Temporary Van Insurance Quote
This page was last reviewed by [Name, Qualification] in [Month Year] and is reviewed every six months to ensure accuracy. All information is provided for guidance purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Cover is subject to eligibility, underwriter acceptance, and the terms and conditions of the applicable policy. Prices shown are indicative starting prices based on the lowest sold policies between October 2024 and March 2025; your actual premium will be confirmed at the point of quote. Performance Direct is a trading name of Grove and Dean Ltd. Grove and Dean Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), registration number 307002. Registered in England and Wales, company number 1167043. Registered address: 7 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6JL.
