About our van insurance
Who underwrites AA Van Insurance?
We set up and administer your policy from the insurers on our van insurance panel. The name of the underwriter will be shown on your van insurance quote.
What ages do you provide insurance for?
We provide cover for drivers aged between 18 and 99, depending upon other factors such as their address, driving experience and the type of vehicle.
Can non-UK residents buy AA van Insurance?
No, we don't cover drivers who live outside the UK. The policyholder and any other person insured under the van insurance policy must hold a current valid UK, EU or foreign driving licence and be a resident of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
When is my van insurance due?
You can find your renewal date on the current certificate of insurance.
It will also be on your last insurance renewal invitation.
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Buying your cover and payment options
When does my insurance start?
You can buy your insurance up to 30 days before the policy start date.
So when you pay using a debit or credit card, whether online or by phone, you'll be insured from the chosen start date of the policy.
If you get a van insurance quote online, you can use the reference to retrieve the quote for 28 days, as long as your details are the same.
Will van modifications increase my quote?
A vehicle modification is a change to its original specification. This excludes added optional features when the vehicle was purchased from the manufacturer.
Tow bars and parking sensors are not modifications.
If your van has been modified we can give you an online quote for a maximum of 3 modifications from the following list:
- Additional windows
- Alloy wheels
- Decals or stickers
- Interior changes
- Roof rack
Modifications can increase the quote premium, as they present a higher risk than original components.
Accordingly, if your van has more than 3 modifications, or the modification isn't listed, we won't be able to give you a quote.
Will a higher mileage increase my quote?
Mileage is one of the factors used by insurers to calculate your van insurance quote.
Typically, if you drive a lot of miles in a year then your quote premium will be more expensive. A long commute will rack up the miles.
It's worth calculating your usual mileage as an underestimation could result in your policy being invalidated.
If you're not sure, the MOT test certificate records the mileage history of a vehicle or you could use a van service invoice.
How secure is my online payment?
We keep your personal details and your credit or debit card information private and secure when you buy online.
We do this by using secure server software that encrypts any information you give us. It takes the characters you enter and converts them into a secret code, which is then securely sent to us.
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Policy documents
Where can I find the policy documents?
After you've purchased your van insurance, the policy documents will be available in your online account.
It's easy to create an account, and you'll see all your AA policies in one handy place.
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Using the van
Am I covered for towing caravans or trailers?
When towing a caravan or trailer, you're covered for costs you're liable to pay if you cause damage to property, or injury or death to someone.
Depending on your insurer, a single-axle trailer attached to your van may also be covered for damage. Check the policy booklet when you get a quote. The trailer must be in a safe and roadworthy condition.
When do I need to declare business use?
When you get a quote, we ask what the van be used for. You can select from the following options:
- Social, commuting
This covers personal use, shopping, visiting friends and family, plus driving to and from your permanent place of work.
- Carriage of own goods
This covers SC above, the carriage of your own goods, plus driving for work between more than one location, such as appointments within working hours.
- Haulage
This covers SC above, plus the haulage of goods for a third party.
If your van is used for business, you can select either carriage of own goods or haulage.
If I do voluntary work, do I select business use?
No. When you get a quote, select 'Social, domestic and pleasure' if you use your van for voluntary work.
Our panel of insurers operates under the statement issued by the Association of British Insurers:
'The insurers will insure their policyholders to carry out voluntary driving, that is, the use of a vehicle they own in connection with, or for the
benefit of, charities, voluntary organisations, clubs or societies … where payment does not exceed the HMRC
mileage rates in force at that time. This does not cover use for hire or reward or vehicles owned by, hired to or lent to the voluntary organisation.'
But if you transport goods or people as part of your voluntary work, then please call 0330 053 0228 for a quote.
If you call us about an existing policy to say you now do voluntary work, we won't charge an administration fee to update it.
Can anyone else drive my van?
Yes, the policyholder can add up to 4 named drivers to the policy.
They may also be referred to as additional driver or second drivers, and are often a spouse or partner.
Just like yourself, you have to include all of their personal and driver details, including claims and motoring convictions.
But do remember, the main driver named on the policy is the one who drives the van most.
Am I covered to drive other vehicles?
No, this benefit is not available with our van insurance.
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Driving abroad
Can I drive abroad with my van insurance?
Our van insurance allows you to drive anywhere in the EU and in several other European countries.
Check the policy booklet when you get a quote to confirm the number of days you can go abroad during the policy year, and the level of cover you'll have.
Remember, as a tourist or for other reasons you can stay within the EU for 90 days in any 180-day period. You may need a visa for a stay longer than 90 days.
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The policy excess
What is a policy excess?
This is how much you must pay towards the cost of a claim.
It's a combination of a compulsory and a voluntary excess, and the total amount is shown on your quote.
Compulsory excess – this is the amount the insurer says you'll have to pay towards each claim.
Voluntary excess – this is how much you select to pay on top of the compulsory excess, usually up to £500.
Also, there can be additional compulsory excesses for the driver's age and the type of vehicle, so always check that you're comfortable with the policy excess before you buy van insurance.
Can I pay a voluntary excess?
Yes, you can pay a voluntary excess towards the cost of a claim, usually up to £500.
Typically, you pay less for your van insurance if you select a higher voluntary excess when you get a quote.
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No claims discount
What is a no claims discount?
A no claims discount is a reward for not making a claim on your van insurance in the past policy year.
The number of years no claims discount will be shown on your renewal invitation.
If you do make a claim, your discount will normally be less at the next renewal if your insurer can't get their money back from the person responsible.
Where can I find proof of my no claims discount?
New customers
When you get a van insurance quote, we ask for the number of years no claims discount (or no claims bonus) you already have. This information is on the cancellation notice or last renewal invitation from your previous insurer.
To validate your policy after purchase, we may ask for proof of the discount you've earned.
This will be a copy of the cancellation notice or last renewal invitation, or a letter on headed paper from your previous insurer.
The document should show:
- Your name and address
- The previous insurance policy number and expiry date
- The vehicle registration number
- Number of years no claims discount
The document must be dated within the past 2 years and can't be used for another vehicle. You'll also need to tell us about any gap of more than 30 days between your previous and the new AA policy, including claims or convictions.
You can upload the document to your account.
Or send it to us by email or post:
- Email to: [email protected]
- Post to: AA Insurance Services, Q3 Quorum Business Park, Benton Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EX
When we receive it we'll acknowledge the proof of your no claims discount. If we need more information, we'll make sure you have enough time to provide it. In the meantime, your AA van insurance policy will remain active.
Existing customers
If you already have van insurance with us, the number of years no claims discount is on your renewal policy documents. You'll have received them either by post or in your account.
If you need replacement policy documents, log in to your account to print a copy.
If you cancelled your policy before the renewal date, the number of years no claims discount will be on your cancellation letter. Otherwise we can't send proof of your no claims discount until your policy has ended.
Can I protect my no claims discount?
Yes, you can pay an additional premium to protect your no claims discount.
No claims discount protection allows you to make one or more claims before your number of no claims discount years falls.
A claim for windscreen repair or replacement won't affect your no claims discount.
No claims discount protection doesn't protect the renewal price of your insurance policy. The premium may increase following an accident, even if you weren't at fault.
What is an Uninsured Driver Promise?
If you make a claim following an accident that is not your fault, and the driver of the other vehicle is not insured, you won't lose your no claims discount or have to pay any excess.
We just ask you to tell us the other vehicle's make, model and valid registration number, so that we can identify the driver of the other vehicle.
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Security devices
What is a Thatcham certified security device?
Thatcham Research, based in Thatcham, Berkshire, certifies motor security products. Most insurers like these products and could give you a discount if you have them in your vehicle.
What is a tracking device?
A GPS tracker hidden in a van can help the police find it if its stolen. You can pay up to 10% less for your insurance if your car has a GPS tracker.
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