Van insurance should cover most driving related and legal eventualities and good cheap van insurance may also carry additional features such as recovery following an accident, full breakdown cover, home start, some European cover and a like for like vehicle in the event of an accident and the need for a repair. When it comes to protecting your van against theft then some basic security measures are required to validate most insurance policies and some additional measures that you can take will bring the cost of premiums down.

Some security features are easy and cheap to add to your van; some are more costly. Your considerations will depend in part on: the value of your van, whether you need to keep expensive tools or other equipment in it unattended at times, and whether the additional security features are a prerequisite of your van insurance policy or optional extras that will reduce your premium.

Some basic door security is obviously required but there are other more sophisticated mechanisms on the market that you could consider. Deadbolts can be fitted to the rear and side doors of your van and are tamper proof once installed. They can be operated either by a mechanical key or from a remote key fob. Slam locks automatically lock and secure a door when closed. These are especially useful for delivery drivers who have to leave their vehicle and its cargo unattended while making deliveries, leaving van and cargo vulnerable to theft. A slam lock would protect against this problem and allow you to quickly and safely go about your business. An armaplate lock cover is another extra that completely encases your van door lock and handle as well as adding a steel plate inside the door.

Interior van security is also important for safety as well as anti-theft reasons. Van boxes can be used for storage and secured to the van interior whilst being removable should you need to carry tools or other equipment with you. Van bulkheads are a steel or perspex screen that is fitted behind the driver and passenger seat which prevents thieves climbing over the seats, and protects driver and passenger from shifting loads during sudden braking. It is also possible to fit steel grilles on the back windows which prevent thieves entering that way but still retain visibility for the driver. Ignition locks should come as standard on most modern vehicles, whilst alarms and GPS immobilisers are other extras that you could consider.

Some other measures you can consider to bring down the cost of your insurance could include keeping your van in a garage or on a drive if available to you, taking an additional driving course, driving well and keeping a good driving record, keeping your no claims bonus by paying for any small accident-related repairs and having a higher voluntary excess on your van insurance policy. It also helps if you can pay for your van insurance all in one go, rather than the more expensive option of monthly direct debits.

If you can implement all or most of these ideas, then the chances are you won’t encounter any problems anyway. In addition, the effort required to act on these ideas will be repaid by making it much easier for you to obtain comprehensive cheap van insurance which will give you peace of mind and ensure you are covered if anything did happen.

Julia Niven

About the Author
Julia Niven – One Van Insurance search is part of a panel of the UK’s leading van insurers who will find you a great deal on your van insurance.
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