10 smart tips to reduce your van insurance bill

1. No claims bonus – use it or lose it!

When you start a policy with a new insurer, always transfer your no claims bonus (NCB) from your previous policy. Many mistakenly believe you can combine NCBs from multiple policies, but that’s not the case — only your most recent one counts.

If you’ve sold or scrapped a vehicle, check whether the NCB can be transferred. And remember: most insurers only accept an NCB that’s less than two years old. Always clarify acceptance terms during the quotation to avoid surprises later.

2. Compare cover and prices

It may seem obvious, but getting multiple quotes is key. Our insurance partners can do the legwork, presenting you with the most suitable product from their panel. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value — it’s about balancing price with cover. Paying less now may cost you more later if a claim isn’t fully covered.

3. Consider telematics

More insurers are rewarding businesses that invest in vehicle tracking. Fitting approved telematics devices can lead to reduced premiums, as they give insurers confidence in the way vehicles are driven and monitored.

At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we take this further with Fleetloc8, our real-time telematics and vehicle tracking platform. Fleetloc8 helps businesses improve driver behaviour, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance road safety — all factors that insurers recognise as lowering risk.

Fleetloc8 also provides features such as driver scorecards, geofencing, instant alerts, and journey history. Not only does this help your fleet run more efficiently, but it also demonstrates to insurers that you’re proactive in managing risk. With lower accident rates, improved security, and fewer claims, your insurance premiums are much more likely to stabilise.

4. Choose drivers wisely

Who you put behind the wheel directly impacts your premium. Younger drivers face much higher costs due to limited experience, while older, more seasoned drivers are considered lower risk.

Policies vary — some allow you to name drivers individually, while others (like fleet insurance) use restrictions such as “any driver over 25.” Always run a DVLA licence check before hiring or insuring a driver. Hidden convictions can invalidate your cover or increase costs if not declared.

5. Help to prevent claims

The fewer claims you make, the more appealing you are to insurers. Practical measures include:

• Keeping vehicles secure overnight.

• Removing tools and valuables to deter theft.

• Providing thorough driver inductions and training.

• Encouraging safe driving habits (distance keeping, avoiding distractions, controlled speeds). Driver behaviour is another major factor in avoiding accidents and claims. With our Fleetloc8 telematics software, you can monitor habits such as harsh braking, sharp acceleration, speeding, and idling. By coaching drivers with real data, you can reduce risky behaviour, cut fuel costs, and strengthen your safety record — all of which help keep insurance premiums under control.

• Ensure all your vehicles are in good working order. It’s also important to ensure your drivers check that their vehicles are in good order before setting off. A daily walk-round check can identify small issues before they turn into costly problems. With the Fleetmaxx mobile app, you can easily record and track that these checks are being completed, giving you evidence of compliance and proactive risk management.

The better your claims record, the better your insurance deal will be.

6. Manage claims carefully

If an accident does occur, report it quickly and in full. Evidence such as dashcam footage, photos, and diagrams can make a huge difference. Delays increase costs, so deal with queries promptly.

If a claim is settled as non-fault, update your insurer — this can positively impact your renewal premium.

To make the process even smoother, our Fleetmaxx Vehicle Claims App is the easy way to manage motor insurance claims. We know how stressful dealing with damage can be, which is why the app is designed to make the process seamless and stress-free. In less than three minutes, you can submit all the specifics of an accident or incident straight from your phone.

As a bonus, when using the Fleetmaxx Claims App, customers also receive £100 towards their insurance excess — helping to reduce costs at a difficult time. It’s just one more way Fleetmaxx Solutions makes life easier for businesses on the road.

7. Get the vehicle use right

Your insurance price is affected by how your vans are used. Be honest and accurate. For example, van owners using vehicles for social and domestic purposes have seen premium increases of 26.5%, compared to 24.1% for tradespeople. Misreporting your usage could leave you underinsured.

8. Consider upping your excess

If your business rarely makes claims, increasing your voluntary excess could bring premiums down. It reduces the insurer’s risk, which is reflected in your annual cost. Just make sure you can cover the excess if you ever do claim.

9. Switch off automatic renewals

It’s tempting to let your policy roll over — you’re busy, after all. But automatic renewals rarely deliver the best deal. By shopping around each year (or working with our insurance partners), you’re more likely to find savings.

10. Do you really need the extras?

Insurance add-ons can be valuable, but only if they’re relevant to your business. Breakdown cover, legal expenses, or tool insurance might be essential for one business but unnecessary for another. Always ask your broker to break down the costs and tailor cover to your needs.