Short-term insurance when borrowing a van for a house move

Unlike personal cars, vans come with their own set of considerations, from driving differences to load weight limits. Then, of course, there’s the just about vital matter of insurance. If you’re planning to get behind the wheel, short-term insurance could be a useful way to ensure you’re covered without unnecessary complications.

Can You Legally Drive a Borrowed Van?

Before heading off with your newly acquired set of van keys, it’s fundamental to make sure you meet all the legal requirements. The first thing to check is whether your driving licence allows you to drive the van in question. Most standard UK licences permit driving vans up to 3,500kg GVW (gross vehicle weight), which covers many standard hire or borrowed vans.

If the van is larger than this, you may need additional entitlement on your licence. It’s always a good idea to check the van’s weight and specifications before making any plans.

Why Short-Term Insurance May Be Necessary

Whilst borrowing a van may seem simple, ensuring you have the correct insurance is just as important as knowing where you put the kettle in the moving boxes. Many people assume they can drive a borrowed van without additional cover, but that’s not always the case. If the van owner’s insurance doesn’t extend to other drivers, you’ll need your own policy to drive it legally.

Short-term insurance could be an ideal solution in situations such as:

• Moving house and needing a van for a day or two.
• Transporting furniture or bulky items from one location to another.
• Helping a friend or relative move to a new home.
• Taking items to storage or disposing of unwanted goods.

By arranging temporary cover, you can make sure you’re legally protected without needing to commit to a long-term policy.

What to Consider Before Driving a Van

Vans handle differently from cars, so if you’re not used to driving one, it’s worth taking a few precautions before setting off. A van’s size, weight, and visibility all require adjustments to your usual driving habits.

• Height and Width: Some vans are taller than you may be used to, which means watching out for height restrictions on car parks and low bridges.
• Rear Visibility: Most vans don’t have a rear-view mirror, relying instead on side mirrors, so extra care is needed when reversing or changing lanes.
• Braking Distance: A fully loaded van may take longer to stop, so allow extra space when braking.
• Weight Distribution: If you’re transporting heavy furniture, ensure the load is evenly spread to avoid affecting vehicle stability.
• Parking: Larger vans may require more space to manoeuvre and park. Check in advance that you’ll have a suitable place to stop at both ends of your journey.

Does Short-Term Insurance Cover Moving House?

Short-term insurance for a borrowed van typically covers social, domestic, and pleasure use, which includes house moves for personal purposes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cover may not include commercial removals or business-related transportation.
• Policies often exclude carrying goods for hire or reward.
• Some insurers may set restrictions on the types of vans they cover.

If you're borrowing a van for personal use - such as moving house or helping a friend relocate - temporary insurance could be a suitable option. However, it's always best to check the terms to ensure you're covered for your specific needs.

What happens if you drive a car with no insurance?

Driving a borrowed van without proper insurance is not only illegal but could also result in serious consequences. If caught, you may face:

• A fine of up to £300 and six penalty points on your licence.
• The van being seized, with additional costs to recover it.
• Higher insurance premiums in the future owing to an offence being recorded.

Sorting out short-term cover before driving away is a simple step that could prevent a costly mistake.

Other Things to Plan Before Moving Day

Aside from arranging insurance and checking your van-driving skills, a little extra planning can make a house move much smoother.

• Pack Smart: Use sturdy boxes and label everything to make unpacking easier.
• Check Parking: If you're moving into a city or restricted area, make sure there’s enough space to park the van.
• Secure Fragile Items: Avoid breakages by cushioning delicate belongings properly.
• Bring Essentials: Keep important documents, chargers, and a spare set of clothes easily accessible.

Thoughts to Leave With:

Borrowing a van for a house move is a practical and cost-effective solution, but making sure you're properly prepared makes all the difference. Short-term insurance provides a flexible way to stay covered whilst getting the job done without unnecessary stress. Whether you're moving across town or helping a friend shift furniture, ensuring you’re legally insured is just as important as packing up the kettle for that first cuppa in your new home.

Need Temporary Cover for a Van?

If you’re borrowing a van for a house move, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Click below for details and a quick quote..