Are my tools covered if the van is broken into?

Only if the policy says so and up to the amount it states. Tools and goods in the van are a separate question from cover for the van itself, so ask for the figure and any conditions before you rely on it.

How much is van insurance in Ireland?

There is no standard price. Citizens Information lists the factors insurers consider: experience, claims history, where you live, age, the vehicle’s value, age and engine size, what it is used for, the cover level and the excess. A quote with your own details is the only real answer.

Can I add another driver to my van policy?

We will ask who drives the van, and the driver number from each driver’s licence or learner permit must be given. Each insurer decides how an additional driver affects the price.

Does my car no-claims bonus transfer to a van?

The CCPC says a no-claims bonus can be transferred between vehicles, and that a separate bonus is needed for each vehicle you own. Whether a van insurer accepts a bonus earned on a car is that insurer’s decision; bring the letter and declare it.

Do I need to declare racking or signwriting?

Yes. They are changes to the vehicle, and Citizens Information’s advice is to disclose anything that may be relevant and let the insurer decide. Keep receipts.

What do I need to get a quote?

For the Quick Quote: the van’s registration and value, your area, name, date of birth, licence type, no-claims years, mobile number, email, cover start date and Eircode. We will also ask what the van is used for, who drives it, and about any fittings or signwriting.

Compare cheap van insurance quotes

Van insurance in Ireland works on the same three levels as car insurance, third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive, with one question you must answer exactly: what the van is used for. GMIB.ie compares van insurance quotes from a wide panel of insurers, and where the form cannot give a price straight away, one of our agents reviews your details and calls you back with the options. Enter the registration and your details below to get a quote in under 60 seconds.

GMIB.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and rated 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

Van insurance cover levels and what you must declare

Cover levels. There are three levels of motor insurance. Third party is the legal minimum and pays only for other people and their property if you cause an accident. Third party, fire and theft adds the van itself if it is stolen or burnt. Comprehensive adds accidental damage to the van whoever is at fault, and Citizens Information notes it is in most cases the most expensive of the three.

Use. We will ask what the van is used for, whether carrying your own goods and tools for your trade, carrying goods for other people, or private use, and who drives it. Answer it exactly: Citizens Information notes that a standard motor policy covers social, domestic and pleasure use only, not the carriage of goods, and that business use carries a loading, with a higher loading for commercial use. The Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019 requires answers that are honest and given with reasonable care; the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (CCPC) warning is that undisclosed details can lead to the policy being cancelled and make later cover hard to find.

Driver number and disc. You must give the driver number, found in section 4(d) of an Irish licence or learner permit, for every driver on the policy, and display a current insurance disc on the vehicle whenever it is driven.

Tools, goods, drivers, and getting quotes

Tools and goods. A van policy insures the van. Whether tools, stock or goods inside it are covered, and up to what amount, is a separate question; the CCPC notes for cars that personal belongings cover is not standard, and the same check applies here. Ask for the figure and any conditions.

Signwriting and fittings. Racking, a tow bar, a bulkhead or signwriting are changes to the vehicle that we will ask about. Citizens Information’s advice on disclosure is to give all relevant information and, if unsure whether something is relevant, to disclose it and let the insurer decide.

Comparing quotes. Compare the same level of cover, the same declared use, the same drivers and the same excess on every quote; a lower price for a narrower use is a different policy. How to compare quotes properly is on our van insurance comparison page, and the quote process on van insurance quotes. Several vans or a mix of vehicles? See commercial insurance. To talk it through, call 0818 92 92 42, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.

Sources: Citizens Information – motor insurance; CCPC – car insurance; Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019. Last reviewed September 2026.

Van Insurance FAQ: Everything You Need To Know

Do I need commercial van insurance if I only use the van privately?
Declare the use truthfully. Citizens Information notes that a standard motor policy covers social, domestic and pleasure use only, not the carriage of goods, and that business use carries a loading. The Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019 requires honest answers given with reasonable care.
Are my tools covered if the van is broken into?
Only if the policy says so and up to the amount it states. Tools and goods in the van are a separate question from cover for the van itself, so ask for the figure and any conditions before you rely on it.
How much is van insurance in Ireland?
There is no standard price. Citizens Information lists the factors insurers consider: experience, claims history, where you live, age, the vehicle’s value, age and engine size, what it is used for, the cover level and the excess. A quote with your own details is the only real answer.
Can I add another driver to my van policy?
We will ask who drives the van, and the driver number from each driver’s licence or learner permit must be given. Each insurer decides how an additional driver affects the price.
Does my car no-claims bonus transfer to a van?
The CCPC says a no-claims bonus can be transferred between vehicles, and that a separate bonus is needed for each vehicle you own. Whether a van insurer accepts a bonus earned on a car is that insurer’s decision; bring the letter and declare it.
Do I need to declare racking or signwriting?
Yes. They are changes to the vehicle, and Citizens Information’s advice is to disclose anything that may be relevant and let the insurer decide. Keep receipts.
What do I need to get a quote?
For the Quick Quote: the van’s registration and value, your area, name, date of birth, licence type, no-claims years, mobile number, email, cover start date and Eircode. We will also ask what the van is used for, who drives it, and about any fittings or signwriting.