Flatbed Van Insurance - Money Expert

Flatbed vans, sometimes known as dropside vans or dropside lorries, are vans with open, roofless backs, and typically sides which drop down to open. They’re not as ubiquitous as the white panel vans used by tradespeople but are of particular use in the building industry as they can be used to transport oversized or unusually shaped equipment and materials from site to site.

These vehicles requirevan insurance policies tailored to their unique build and to include the risk of theft of equipment and materials carried in them. Here’s what to look for when insuring a flatbed van.

Types of insurance for flatbed vans

Nearly all flatbed vans will be used for business purposes and will require commercial use insurance policies. These policies are different from private use policies, which cover vans used exclusively for recreational purposes.

There are a few types of commercialvan insurance. The following are the most appropriate for flatbed vans:

There are other kinds ofvan insurance, includingcourier insurance, but these are probably less appropriate for the ways flatbed vans are usually used.

You’ll also need to decide on the level of cover for your flatbed van: either third party liability; third party, fire and theft; or fully comprehensive.

How to find insurance for your flatbed van

When you start to look for insurance quotes for your flatbed van, you’ll need to specify the make and model of the van. Because more expensive, heavier, and more high-powered vehicles are more risky and costly to insure, insurers use this information as part of the calculation of your premiums.

You usually won’t have to seek out specialised ‘flatbed van insurance.’ Most van insurers will cover these vehicles. However, flatbed vans can be more expensive than other vans to insure. They’re very versatile but because of their open loads, can be very difficult to drive and can be targeted by thieves.

When searching for a policy, you’ll also need to supply information about who will be driving the flatbed van, including their age and occupation. You’ll have to disclose any modifications you’ve made the van, how the van will be used, and what it will be carrying.

How to save money on insurance for your flatbed van

Here’s how to trim costs on your flatbedvan insurance: