At a time when people are feeling financially vulnerable, motorists across the UK have had to tighten their wallets as they are hit with massive increases in the cost of van insurance.

In recent months, motor insurance premiums have gone up, reaching a wallet-busting average of more than 30% during 2010. But its not all doom and gloom, here are some Autonet top tips to help you save money and find cheaper van insurance.

Compare levels of cover

Believe it or not, in many cases, Third Party Only has been more expensive than Third Party Fire and Theft and sometimes even Comprehensive. So when running through van insurance quotes online, try different levels of cover, this could save you quite a lot of money on your van insurance quotes.

Only buy the protection cover you need

Van insurance can be split into 3 categories, dependent on the use of the van. It is important to get this right as there can be massive differences in terms of price. In addition it is important you select the correct use as failure to do so may invalidate your policy and means that claims may not be paid out. Below is a brief explanation of each:

• Carriage of own goods. This type of van insurance cover is for people who use their van for transporting goods belonging to their business such as their own tools. This level of use is ideal for builders, window cleaners and plumbers.

• Haulage (Hire and Reward). This type of van insurance cover is suited to people who use the van to transport other people’s goods for payment. Ideal for occupations such as delivery drivers. 

• Social Domestic and Pleasure only. This type of van insurance cover is most suitable for home-based drivers who use a van for everyday needs such as taking rubbish to the skip and transporting friends and family around.

Shop around for the cheapest van insurance quotes

As a broker, we search our market for the cheapest van insurance quotes for our customers’ needs.  Our aim is to help our customers reduce the cost of their van insurance whilst ensuring they have the van insurance cover they need.  By having access to a range of van insurers, this enables us to shop around for our best van insurance quote.

The van

If you're looking to cut down on van insurance costs bear in mind that the make of van, the engine size, its age and value are all used in calculating van insurance quotes.

Mileage

A higher annual mileage increases the risk that you pose to the insurer. It’s important when running through a van insurance quote that you provide the correct annual mileage to your insurance company because all insurers upon making a claim will check previous MOT’s to ensure the mileage you have given is correct.  

Consider your vehicle’s security

Installing an approved alarm and immobiliser can lower the van insurance premium. Try and consider installing approved van security systems which are recognised by van insurers.  Always get a fitment certificate as your insurers may ask for a copy if you make a van insurance claim.

Be careful where you park

Insurers recognise that parking your van in a garage is safer than on a driveway or parked on the road as it is less likely to be vandalised or stolen. Many insurers offer van insurance discounts to van owners who park in a secure location.

Consider your voluntary excess

The excess is the amount you need to pay towards an insurance claim. The more you are willing to pay will lead to  lower van insurance quotes.