How to find cheap van insurance in Ireland
If you rely on a van for work, the right van insurance can protect you in an accident and get you back on the road faster. This guide explains the cover you need, how to avoid costly mistakes and find the best value.
What is van insurance?
Van insurance protects you financially if your van is stolen, damaged, or involved in an accident. It’s legally required if you drive your van on Irish roads and is similar to car insurance, but there are important differences, especially around how the vehicle is used.
In Ireland, vans are typically classified as vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and can include:
Because vans can be used in very different ways - from personal weekend trips to commercial use like transporting tools, equipment or goods for work - insurers treat van insurance differently from car insurance.
Choosing the wrong type of cover can affect your premium and may even invalidate a claim.
Private vs commercial van insurance
Vans in Ireland are insured based on their primary use. Getting this right is crucial - insurers look closely at how and why you use the vehicle.
For hobbyists, campers, those who need space
Private van insurance
Private van insurance is for people using a van for social, domestic and pleasure purposes only, such as:
- Weekend DIY projects
- Transporting personal items
- Using a small van instead of a car for everyday driving
- It never covers even occasional business or work-related use
Carrying equipment, business mileage, goods in transit.
Commercial van insurance
Commercial van insurance is for work use, including:
- Tradespeople (plumbers, electricians etc)
- Couriers and delivery drivers
- Gardeners, landscapers, and construction workers
- Sole traders or companies transporting tools & equipment
Why the distinction matters
Using the wrong class of use can:
- Invalidate a claim
- Increase your risk profile
- Lead to the insurer declining future cover
- Cause issues if stopped by Gardaí
If you have private van insurance but carry tools for paid work, your insurer can class it as misrepresentation. you’re unsure which class you need, choose commercial - it’s safer and more flexible.
Who needs commercial van insurance?
You must have commercial van insurance if you use your van or light commercial vehicle for any type of business activity. This includes:
- Tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and builders
- Couriers and delivery drivers
- Farmers and agricultural workers
- Sole traders transporting tools, equipment or goods
- Employees driving a company van as part of their job
If you only use a van for personal reasons - such as weekend trips, hobbies or general domestic use - or you simply commute to and from work, a private van insurance policy is usually sufficient.
Using a van insured for private use to carry tools or goods for paid work can invalidate your policy.
What types of vehicles are classed as vans?
Usually classified:
Vehicles considered:
Can you insure more than one van?
Yes, but if you have more than one van to cover, you may need a multi-van or fleet policy. The good news is, you usually get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles.
Fleet insurance usually covers five or more vehicles, but some insurers offer it on two or more vehicles.
The cover that’s included with fleet insurance may differ to what’s covered with a van insurance policy, so check the policy wording document.
Who offers commercial van insurance in Ireland?
There are a number of brokers offering van insurance that could help you compare multiple quotes. These are the main insurers you can buy van insurance from and they’re all regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland:
*Previously Liberty Insurance
Types of van insurance cover
Van insurance works in a similar way to car insurance, with three main levels of cover available in Ireland.
The type of policy you choose affects both the protection you get and the price you pay.
Third-party only (TPO)
This is the minimum legal level of cover.
Third-party, fire & theft (TPFT)
The same third-party protection as TPO.
Comprehensive cover
The highest level of cover.
Although a comprehensive policy offers much more protection, it can sometimes be cheaper, so always shop around. Here’s more about the types of insurance you can get.
What does van insurance cover?
As well as protecting you financially from accidental damage, fire, and theft to your van (under a comprehensive policy), you’re covered for other things too.
Each insurer has a list of things included as standard and another list of add-ons that you’ll pay extra for.
What’s covered as standard?
If you opt for fully comprehensive insurance, you’ll likely get more benefits included as standard. It pays to shop around and compare quotes to find the benefits you need at the right price.
What usually costs extra?
Under-25 van insurance
Van insurance is generally more expensive for van drivers under 25 because insurers see young drivers as higher risk. Under-25s pay more because of;
- Less driving experience
- Higher likelihood of claims
- Vans are often larger or more powerful than cars
- Commercial use increases mileage and exposure to accidents
Building driving experience, choosing a smaller van, keeping mileage lower, improving security, avoiding medications and adding an experienced named driver can help bring premiums down for younger drivers.
Temporary, short-term van insurance
Short-term van insurance is common in the UK, but it’s far less available in Ireland, and many insurers don’t offer true ‘day insurance’ or temporary cover for private drivers.
However, there are some workable alternatives, depending on your situation.
Van hire with insurance included
Rental companies (e.g., Enterprise, Irish Car Rentals) often include insurance in the rental price. This is the simplest option if you only need a van for a few days.
Add a driver temporarily to an existing policy
Some insurers allow you to add a named driver for a short period (e.g., a few days or a week), for a fee. This is more common for commercial policies.
Temporary extensions on commercial policies
Businesses may be able to add drivers temporarily, add a temporary van to a motor-fleet policy or extend cover during peak work periods.
Short-term cover through brokers
A small number of brokers may offer short-term van insurance in limited situations; usually business-related, not for private use.
One-day, or weekend cover
There are very few options for true one-day van insurance in Ireland. If you find any third-party providers claiming to offer it, check carefully that they are authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
When temporary cover is not available, you usually can’t get short-term cover if:
- You’re under 25
- You’re using the van for courier/delivery work
- The van is modified or high value
- You’re looking for private-use weekend insurance
- Best alternative if you only need a van briefly
- Renting a van with insurance included is the simplest, legal, and most cost-effective option in Ireland.
Crew cab and pickup insurance
Crew cabs and pickups are popular in Ireland among tradespeople, farmers and drivers who need passenger space as well as a cargo bed. However, they can be more complex to insure because insurers may classify them differently depending on their layout.
What’s covered as standard?
A crew cab may be considered a van when:
- It is designed mainly to transport goods
- It has a load area behind the passenger seats
- It meets Revenue guidelines for commercial classification
- It is taxed as a commercial vehicle
- If it has rear seating and is primarily used for passengers, it may be classed more like a private vehicle — which can affect both tax and insurance.
What affects insurance?
Insurers typically look at:
- Engine size: Many pickups have larger engines
- Vehicle value: Higher-value models can cost more to repair
- Commercial use: Carrying tools or equipment increases risk
- Passenger capacity: More seats = potentially more liability
- Modifications: Raised suspension, tow bars and accessories can increase premiums
Popular categories insured as vans
Vehicles that are typically insured includE:
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Mitsubishi L200
- Nissan Navara
- Volkswagen Amarok
Tips for cheaper crew cab insurance
- Keep modifications to a minimum
- Install security features or trackers
- Clarify whether you need private or commercial use
Van insurance types, compared
Choosing the right type of van insurance can be confusing, so here’s a quick overview of the main policy types, who they suit, and how they typically compare.
| Van insurance type / category | Best for | Usage type | Typical cost level | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private van insurance | Drivers using a van for personal, social or domestic reasons | Private use only | Low - Moderate | No business use allowed. Cheapest option for hobby users or small vans. | |
| Commercial van insurance | Tradespeople, couriers, delivery drivers, farmers | Business / work use | Moderate- High | Covers tools, goods and work-related driving. Required if using the van for paid work. | |
| Under-25 van insurance | Young drivers aged 17 - 24 | Private or commercial | High | Higher risk profile leads to higher premiums. Smaller vans and security help reduce costs. | |
| Crew cab / pickup insurance | Drivers needing passenger space & loading area | Mostly commercial | Moderate - High | Classification varies. Larger engines & passenger capacity can increase premiums. | |
| Fleet / multi-van insurance | Businesses with 2+ vans | Commercial | Moderate (per van) | One policy, one renewal, potential discounts for multiple vehicles. | |
| Temporary / short-term van cover | Drivers needing a van for a few days | Private or commercial (limited) | N/A | Not widely available in Ireland; van rental with insurance is the usual workaround. |
How much does van insurance cost?
Van insurance costs vary depending on your age, driving experience, the type of van you drive and how you use it.
As a general guide, here’s what you can expect to pay in Ireland right now:
- Private-use vans (social use only): Approximately €400 - €500 per year.
- Tradespeople (Carriage of own goods): Approximately €458 - €1,000+ per year
- Couriers & multi-stop delivery: €1,000-€1,400+
- Young drivers (under 25): Based on recent young car insurance figures; €1,700- €1,900+
- Crew cabs/pick-ups: usually more expensive due to mixed vehicle classification
What affects the cost?
Van insurance prices vary depending on your profile, your van and how you use it. Here are the main factors insurers consider:
- Your age: Younger drivers, especially under 25, are seen as higher risk and usually pay more.
- Driving history: A clean licence and no recent claims help reduce your premium.
- How you use the van: Commercial drivers, couriers and tradespeople generally pay more due to higher mileage and work-related risks.
- Your van type: Larger vans, powerful engines or modified vehicles typically cost more to insure. Smaller car-derived vans are usually cheaper.
- Where you live and park: Urban areas or vans parked on-street overnight often attract higher premiums.
- Security features: Alarms, immobilisers, deadlocks or secure storage can help lower costs.
- What you carry: High-value tools or equipment may increase your premium unless you add the right cover.
How to find the cheapest van insurance
There are several ways to reduce your van insurance premium without cutting essential cover:
- Use an existing provider: Bundling van, home or car insurance with the same provider may unlock discounts.
- Use a broker to compare quotes: Brokers can save time, but may not cover the full market. Consider using more than one.
- Increase your excess: A higher voluntary excess can lower your premium - just ensure you can afford it.
- Search for discounts: Some insurers offer big savings if you have several years’ no claims bonus.
- Pay in one go: Paying monthly often includes interest or admin charges, making your policy more expensive overall.
- Add named drivers carefully: Adding experienced drivers can sometimes reduce costs, but young or inexperienced drivers may increase them.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons: Only choose extras like breakdown cover or tools cover if you genuinely need them.
- Choose a smaller or lower-powered van: If you’re considering changing vans, smaller models are usually cheaper to insure.
- Improve security: Secure parking, alarms and immobilisers can lower your premium.
- Reduce mileage where possible: Lower mileage can reduce your premium if it reflects your real usage.
- Shop around every year: Renewal quotes aren’t always the cheapest; comparing providers annually is one of the quickest ways to save money.
Looking to save on your overall insurance costs?
If you use a car as well as a van, comparing your car insurance could help cut your total yearly spend.
Save money on car insurance
Find affordable car insurance cover today
How to get van insurance quotes
You can go direct to an insurance provider or use a broker who can get you quotes from a panel of insurers.
You’ll need to complete an online quote form or give information over the phone about:
If any of your details change, you must inform your insurer immediately, or your insurance may be invalidated in a claim.
How to compare van insurance
Comparing van insurance is the best way to find the right cover at a fair price.
When you’re checking policies, focus on the features that matter most to how you use your van; not just the cheapest premium.
What to look for when comparing policies:
- Level of cover: Decide whether Third-Party, TPFT or Comprehensive provides the protection you need.
- Private vs commercial use: Make sure the policy matches how you actually use your van — using the wrong type can invalidate your cover.
- What’s included as standard: Some insurers include windscreen cover, breakdown assistance or a replacement van, while others charge extra.
- Optional add-ons: Tools cover, goods in transit, open drive and NCB protection can vary widely between insurers.
- Excess amount: A low premium may come with a high excess — check what you’d pay if you made a claim.
- Driver restrictions: Age limits, named drivers and “open drive” rules differ across insurers.
- Mileage limits: Some policies may have mileage assumptions that could affect pricing or claims.
- Claims process: Look for insurers with clear, easy claims support and 24/7 assistance if you rely on your van for work.
Looking to save on your overall insurance costs?
If you use a car as well as a van, comparing your car insurance could help cut your total yearly spend.
Save money on car insurance
Find affordable car insurance cover today
Van insurance FAQs
Are my tools covered on my van insurance policy?
Not usually, no. A broker may be able to help you find an insurance provider that offers some cover, or you could buy a separate goods in transit policy.
This could protect your tools against loss, damage and theft while being transported from one place to another.
Can I transfer my no claims bonus discount from my car to my van?
Yes, you can transfer it, but you can only use your no claims bonus on one vehicle.
Do you need van insurance in Ireland?
Yes, it’s a legal requirement to have insurance if you drive a van, in the same way that you need car insurance to drive a car.
Standard Van insurance usually covers vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes so check the weight of your vehicle to make sure you buy the right insurance for it. Some places offer non-standard van policies, which cover vans up to 7.5 tonnes.
What is the BIK for a commercial van?
If you supply your employee with a company van for private use, they will have to pay tax known as Benefit in Kind (BIK).
The BIK rate is 8% of the original market value (OMV) - or list price - of the vehicle.
For BIK purposes, the Revenue has confirmed a commercial van as a vehicle which:
- is made solely or mainly for the transport of goods
- has a roofed area behind the driver’s seat
- has no side windows or seating fitted in the roofed area.
There are exemptions, meaning they won’t have to pay BIK if:
- they have to bring the van home afterwards
- if they only use it to travel to and from work
- if they spend at least 80% of their working day away from work premises
- if the van is used as part of a van-pool; i.e. used by more than one employee
What is open drive?
Open drive covers other drivers to use your van who have a full driving licence and meets any other terms shown in the policy wording booklet.
This may include being a certain age and having a clean driving licence.
It can provide lots of flexibility if you have a big team of workers, however, you’ll pay more for this benefit.
Can you insure a van privately in Ireland?
Yes, you can insure a van solely for private use in Ireland.
Some personal policies also offer limited coverage for business use, but if you frequently use your van for work, commercial insurance will give you full protection.
Always consult with a broker or insurer to find the right policy to suit your needs.
Should you insure a van in your name or your business’ name?
It depends on what’s shown on the Vehicle Licencing Certificate (VLC) or logbook.
This confirms whether the van is registered in your name or to your business.
The logbook should match the name on the van insurance policy.