Test Driving a Van? Ensure You’re Covered Before You Drive

Susan Difford - Clean Green Compare Personal Lines Insurance Expert
Written by Susan Difford
Updated 9 April 2025
2 min read

Vans are expensive vehicles, so it makes sense that many van drivers will want to test drive any van they’re considering before purchasing. Depending on where you’re buying from, it may be necessary for you to arrange your own insurance in order to test driver it. Temporary van insurance is ideal in this case since it allows you to get cover for as little as one hour. Keep reading for more information on temporary van insurance.

Key points

What Can Temporary Van Insurance Cover Me For?

  • Accidents: You can cover a van for damage occurring from collisions by getting a fully comprehensive policy.
  • Fire and theft: You can also get cover for fire and theft.
  • Breakdowns: Breakdown assistance is another type of additional cover you can have included in a temporary policy.

Note: Policies vary depending on the level of cover you take out, so not all of the above may be covered. Always check the details of your policy to be sure.

man next to van

How much does temporary van insurance cost?

The cost will depend on the following:

  • The length of the policy
  • Who you get cover from
  • The value of the van
  • The level of cover you take out
  • Your age

How long does temporary cover last?

You can choose how long you want to be covered for, from just one hour up to 28 days.

Is it necessary to get temporary van insurance when test driving a van?

This will depend on where you’re buying from. If you’re buying new from a garage, then it may be the case that you can test it on their insurance, provided somebody is in the van with you. If you want to test the van over a period of a few days on your own however, you’ll need to arrange your own cover. This is where temporary van insurance is ideal. It’s worth noting however that you cannot get temporary cover for hire vans.

In Summary

  • Temporary van insurance can cover you for as little as one hour or as much as 28 days
  • The cost will depend on factors such as your age, the value of the van and the level of cover you take out
  • You cannot get temp cover for hire vans

Compare Temporary Van Insurance Quotes!

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