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Temporary Van Insurance

Short-term van cover from 1 hour to 4 weeks

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Need to use a van but don’t want the hassle or long-term commitment of being added as a named driver? Whether you’re borrowing a mate’s van for a house move, picking up a bulky purchase, or need a vehicle for a quick business job, we’ve got you covered. With GoShorty, you can get flexible, comprehensive short-term van insurance in minutes. You only pay for the time you actually need – whether that’s a day of cover, a week, or longer.

Get a quote in under 2 minutes. Cover from 1 hour to 28 days.

What is Temporary Van Insurance?


Temporary van insurance is a flexible, standalone short-term policy that covers you to drive a van for a specific period. Unlike a standard annual policy, you aren’t tied into a restrictive 12-month contract. You can choose exactly how long you need to be covered for – from a single hour up to 28 days – with our options of daily van insurance, hourly van insurance, weekly van insurance, or even 28 days of van cover.

Whether you need daily van insurance for a quick weekend DIY run, or weekly van insurance for a longer project, we make it simple. It’s the ultimate hassle-free way to get on the road.

The best part? Because it’s a separate, standalone policy, if you have an accident, it won’t affect the No Claims Discount (NCD) on any annual van insurance you might already have – or the van owner’s NCD if you’re borrowing their vehicle. It’s a smart, low-risk way to lend your van to someone, or borrow one yourself. It’s a comprehensive insurance policy that you can secure in under two minutes, allowing you to borrow a van without any of the usual faff.

  • Comprehensive cover as standard
  • Flexible cover from 1 hour to 28 days
  • Drivers aged 21 to 75
  • Maximum van value of £65,000
  • Complete protection for the van owner’s No Claims Discount
  • Business Class 1 cover included on every policy
  • Temporary Hire & Reward Van Cover and Carriage of Own Goods Cover also available

What You Need To Get a Van Insurance Quote

Getting a quote is simple. It takes just a couple of minutes on our website or a few quick taps in our app. To get your policy sorted, simply have the following information ready:

  1. Vehicle registration: The number plate of the van you want to drive.
  2. Personal details: Your name, address, date of birth, and occupation.
  3. Licence info: Your driving licence number.
  4. Usage requirements: Your required duration, type of policy, and reason for cover.

Don’t worry about endless, complicated forms – our process is streamlined, so it only takes two minutes to get your van insurance sorted, whether you need a week or a day of cover.


How To Get Your Van Insurance Sorted

  1. Enter your details: Fill out our quick online quote form
  2. Get a Quote: View your price and choose your flexible cover options.
  3. Pay and go: Pay online with our secure payment system and be on the road in minutes.
  4. Check your email: Your documents will be in your inbox instantly. You’re ready to drive!

Once you’ve paid and received your insurance documents, you’re ready to get behind the wheel. There’s no need to wait for your van insurance to show up on Navigate (the national database that replaced the MID) before driving. For your peace of mind, we update Navigate four times a day, every day, so your policy details will find their way onto the database quickly.


Our Temporary Van Insurance Panel

Our insurance panel comprises top-tier insurers that provide comprehensive temporary van insurance for our customers, all FCA-regulated like ourselves. We’ll provide you with the most competitive quotes from our panel based on your driving history, van, duration, and usage requirements. Our van insurers include Eridge, Granite, Allianz, Haven, and Somerset Bridge. You can read all our panels’ eligibility criteria for more details.


Am I Eligible For Temporary Van Insurance?

Thanks to our broad insurance panel, most UK drivers will find it easy to get temporary van cover with us. According to the latest Department for Transport figures, van traffic in Great Britain increased by 2.9% to nearly 60 billion vehicle miles over the last year, while car traffic remained flat, showing just how vital these vehicles are to our daily lives and businesses. If you find yourself needing to drive one on a short-term policy, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

Van Driver Criteria:

  • Be between 21 and 75 years old.
  • Hold a full, valid UK driving licence.
  • EU licence holders must have been UK residents for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Have a current permanent address as stated throughout this application (please note you may be asked to provide proof of residence in the event of a claim).
  • Have never been refused insurance, had a policy cancelled, or had a policy voided.
  • Have no convictions for any criminal offence or any possible prosecution pending.

Van Criteria:

  • Commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
  • Minimum van value: £1.
  • Maximum van value: £65,000.
  • Has a valid MOT (unless driving to a pre-booked MOT), is not declared as SORN (off-road) with the DVLA, and has not been seized by the police.

Read our full eligibility criteria for all the details on who we can cover.


How Much Does Temporary Van Insurance Cost?

Because we know you’re looking for cheap temporary van insurance, we work with a panel of leading insurers to find you a competitive price.

The cost of your policy is calculated based on a few key factors:

  • The van itself: Larger vans like a Luton might cost more to insure than a small panel van. The van’s value and engine size will also affect your insurance costs.
  • Your age and experience: Generally, more experienced drivers find the most competitive rates. Your driving history (including any accidents, claims, or points) will also be considered by our panel.
  • Where you’re driving: Some areas are considered higher risk than others by insurers.
  • How long you need it: An hourly van policy is a great, cost-effective option for quick trips, while daily and weekly van insurance options offer excellent value per day if you need the vehicle for longer projects. Choosing pay as you go van insurance means you only pay for the exact duration you require.

To find out exactly how much temporary van insurance will cost, get a quote now. For an idea of where average prices start from, check out the table below:

Temporary Van Insurance For:
Policy DurationStarting Price
1 hourFrom £21.44
2 hoursFrom £20.67
3 hoursFrom £18.69
4 hoursFrom £22.80
1 dayFrom £15.36
2 daysFrom £31.81
3 daysFrom £34.11
4 daysFrom £38.65
1 weekFrom £51.82
2 weeksFrom £62.64

Prices shown are based on the lowest sold prices over the period 12/25 to 05/26

If you know the type of van you’ll be insuring, you can also view average starting prices for the most popular van models we insure. We also insure other van models up to 3.5 tonnes and with a current market value of £65,000.

Van Model1 Hour1 Day1 Week
Ford TransitFrom £21.48From £28.29From £66.30
Mercedes-Benz SprinterFrom £26.45From £28.52From £73.96
Vauxhall VivaroFrom £23.22From £28.52From £75.06
Citroen BerlingoFrom £21.75From £27.07From £64.92
Ford RangerFrom £27.33From £28.52From £79.48
Renault MasterFrom £24.72From £28.52From £80.97
Volkswagen CrafterFrom £23.79From £28.52From £77.40
Peugeot PartnerFrom £23.22From £26.68From £68.35
Pergeot BoxerFrom £25.99From £29.70From £85.28
Iveco DailyFrom £25.82From £29.99From £72.72

Prices shown are based on the lowest sold prices over the period 10/25 to 12/25


When Might you Need Short-Term Van Cover?

Life moves fast, and sometimes you need a bigger set of wheels than your usual car (if it is a car you need to borrow, we have temporary car insurance for that).

Temporary van insurance is perfect for borrowing a van from a mate. Say someone is letting you use their Transit for a weekend DIY project – a temporary policy lets you drive around with the peace of mind that you have comprehensive cover, without affecting the owner’s policy in any way. There are plenty of times when you might need to use a van on a short-term basis:


Moving house or transporting large items

Borrowing a van to move your furniture is much cheaper than hiring a removal firm and much less time-consuming than multiple trips in a car. Our flexible daily van insurance is the ideal solution for a quick weekend move or picking up a Facebook Marketplace bargain. If you need a bit more time to pack up a whole flat, choosing weekly van insurance gives you the breathing room to complete the move at your own pace without any rush.


Buying a new van

Use a daily van insurance policy as drive-away cover to get your new purchase home safely while you sort out long-term plans. It’s also great for private test driving before you complete the purchase.


Seasonal or business work

 If you’re taking on extra shifts, tackling a quick contract, or need an extra vehicle for your business, we have you covered. Since all our van policies include Business Class 1 cover as standard, you can drive to different work sites with complete peace of mind. For ongoing work, weekly van insurance keeps you covered for the exact duration of your contract.


Going on a Trip

On a long trip, whether you’re going on holiday or driving to a festival, you might want to share the driving duties. It’s often easier and cheaper to get weekly van insurance or daily policy for a second driver than it is to add them to a main annual policy. Plus, a car boot can really limit how much you can pack. If you can borrow a van, temporary van insurance gives you the freedom to pack everything you need for your break.

We help all sorts of drivers get on the road. From private individuals tackling a big tip run to small business owners needing a temporary vehicle for a new employee, our cover is designed to be inclusive.

If you’re a delivery driver, you’ll need specific hire and reward insurance. Likewise, if you’re a tradesperson or business owner using the van to transport your own tools, trade stock, or equipment for work, you’ll need temporary carriage of own goods insurance. Choosing the right classification of cover ensures your insurance stays valid and you’re protected for the job at hand.


The Benefits Of Choosing GoShorty for Van Cover

We know you want to get moving, not sit around filling out forms. This is why thousands of van drivers trust us:

  • Comprehensive cover: Every policy we provide is comprehensive as standard, giving you the highest level of protection.
  • Doesn’t Affect NCD: Because our policies are standalone, the owner of the van doesn’t have to worry about their No Claims Discount if you need to make a claim. The policy sits completely separate from any other cover on the vehicle.
  • Total flexibility: Choose from hourly van insurance for quick trips, daily options for weekend moves, or weekly van insurance policies for longer projects. It’s the ultimate pay-as-you-go van insurance solution.
  • Instant documents: No waiting around. Your insurance certificates are delivered straight to your inbox the second you’ve paid.
  • Frequent Navigate updates: We update Navigate (which replaced the old MID) four times a day, every day – a lot more than many other temporary insurers. This means your policy is more likely to show up on it quickly.
  • Van Insurance for Different Uses: We don’t just provide cover for social, domestic, pleasure, and commuting use. Every single temporary van policy we offer also includes Business Class 1 cover as standard. We also offer options for carriage of own goods, as well as carriage of own goods for hire and reward.
  • UK-based customer support: Our friendly support team is based right here in Stockport. If you ever have any queries or need a hand setting up your policy, we’re ready to help.

What Does a Temporary Van Policy Include?

When you take out a policy with us, you’re getting more than just a piece of paper. You’re getting peace of mind. A comprehensive temporary van insurance policy includes:

  • Accidental and malicious damage: Protection for the van if something goes wrong.
  • Third-party cover: Legal protection if you cause damage to someone else, their property, or another vehicle.
  • Fire and theft: Peace of mind if the van is stolen or damaged by fire.

What Isn’t Covered?

There are a few things we can’t cover:

  • General wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns, though we do offer optional breakdown cover.
  • Releasing a vehicle from a compound (you’ll need specialised van impound release insurance for that).
  • More than one driver per temporary policy. A temporary policy is just for one person – if anyone else wants to drive the van, they’ll need their own policy.
  • Anything carried inside the van.

A note on tool cover: Many van drivers carry expensive equipment, especially when using carriage of own goods policies. While the van itself is covered, your tools often aren’t included in a standard policy. We recommend checking if you need additional tool cover if you’re leaving high-value items in the vehicle.


What Temporary Van Insurance Can’t Be Used For

While we’re flexible, there are a few situations where standard temporary cover won’t work. If your van has been seized by the police, you’ll need our specialised van impound release insurance.

Every temporary van policy we write comes with Business Class 1 cover as standard. This is perfect if you need to commute to work or drive to business meetings. However, if you intend to use the van for other business use, such as carrying tools and equipment for work, or doing delivery hire-and-reward work, you’ll need a specific hire and reward or carriage of own goods policy. When completing your quote form, simply select your intended usage and your quotes will specify the exact permitted uses.

There are some uses and van types for which our temporary van policies can’t be used:

  • Vans that have been converted into campervans. You’ll need specific campervan insurance
  • Motor racing, pacemaking, and track days.
  • Motor trade usage.
  • Carrying hazardous goods.
  • Using in hazardous locations.
  • Hired vehicles.
  • Taxi use.

What do our Experts Say?

Phil Evans – Managing Director

“Vans are made for practicality, and we believe insurance should be just as flexible. That’s why we offer temporary van insurance, giving you the cover you need for just a few hours, days, or even a month – without the commitment of an annual policy. Whether you’re moving house, borrowing a van for work, or picking up something too big for your car, our policies make sure you’re covered quickly and easily.”


Get A Quote For Cheap Temporary Van Insurance Today

If you need to borrow a van, don’t waste time or money by being added as a named driver or by taking out a full annual policy for a one-off trip.

Get a quote today to save yourself the hassle. You’ll give the van owner peace of mind that their NCD won’t be affected by your driving, and you’ll get the protection you need in minutes. Whether you buy a policy online or through the GoShorty app, you can be on the road with comprehensive cover for up to 28 days in just two minutes.


Temporary Van Insurance FAQs

Is temporary van insurance comprehensive?

Yes, every temporary van insurance policy you obtain through GoShorty is comprehensive, apart from impound cover, which is third party only. This means your van insurance protects you from:

  • Accidental damage to the van you have insured or to another vehicle.
  • Personal injury to you or anyone else involved in an accident.
  • Damage to other people’s property as a result of an accident.

Does short-term van insurance cover campervans and motorhomes?

If you’re looking to hit the road in a campervan or a motorhome, we now offer dedicated temporary campervan and motorhome insurance!

Our specialist short-term motorhome cover is available for drivers aged 25 to 70 and covers vehicles valued up to £40,000 for 1 to 28 days. It’s the perfect, hassle-free way to borrow a relative’s motorhome or share the driving on a road trip, with absolute peace of mind that the owner’s No Claims Discount is fully protected.

What work can I use temporary van insurance for?

We make using a van for work simple. Every standard policy includes Business Class 1 cover, which is perfect for driving to different work sites or attending off-site meetings.

If you are a tradesperson carrying tools and equipment for your livelihood, you can opt for temporary carriage of own goods insurance. For delivery drivers or couriers hauling parcels or food for payment, our specialised temporary hire and reward van cover ensures you have the right legal protection for commercial delivery shifts.

Can I get pay-as-you-go van insurance?

Yes, you can. Our temporary van policies are designed on a flexible, pay as you go basis. Instead of being locked into a rigid 12-month contract, you can secure comprehensive protection only for the specific days, weeks, or even hours you actually need. It’s a great, cost-effective way to manage your driving plans without paying for cover that sits unused on a driveway.

Can I insure a van for just a day or a week?

Yes, you can choose exactly how long you insure a van for. We offer tailored short-term durations to fit whatever job you’re tackling. Our daily van insurance is the go-to choice for quick tip runs, weekend furniture pickups, or moving house over a Saturday and Sunday. If you need a vehicle for a longer project or a business contract, choosing weekly van insurance gives you up to seven days of complete driving freedom without any long-term strings attached.

What types of vans do we cover?

We cover almost every type of van, whether you’re looking for a classic panel van to get work done in, or something larger for a weekend trip away. As long as the van meets our eligibility criteria, you can get covered. We have a policy to suit everyone, no matter their plans.

How long does temporary van insurance last?

Our temporary van insurance policies last for as little as 1 hour up to 28 days. You choose the exact duration you need, and only pay for that time. If you need it for longer, starting a new policy when your old one ends is quick and easy.

Are my tools or cargo covered under standard temporary van insurance?

No, standard temporary policies cover the van itself, but they don’t provide “goods in transit” protection for any items, tools, or cargo you carry inside. If you’re transporting high-value equipment or expensive trade tools, we always recommend checking if you need to arrange additional standalone tool cover to keep your business gear fully protected against theft or damage.

Will my temporary van insurance policy appear on Navigate?

While your temporary policy will eventually show on Navigate, it won’t appear instantly. If you are buying a short-term van insurance policy to use immediately, it’s unlikely to show up when you first start driving. However, we do update Navigate four times a day, every day, so your policy is likely to show up soon. To get on the road, all you need is your insurance certificate that we email directly to you – there’s no need to wait for the database to update.

For more information on how long insurance takes to show on Navigate, check our guide.

Reviewed by Chris Penfold, Director of Underwriting – June 2026

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