Hiring a van for a move, delivery, or a little weekend DIY job? You might think the van hire company’s insurance fully has your back...but not so fast. While basic protection like third-party liability and a form of Collision Damage Waiver is usually baked into the rental price, it often comes with some sneaky exclusions. Think: sky-high excess fees, damage to windscreens or tyres, and zero cover for any personal goods you’re hauling. Suddenly, that ‘all-inclusive' deal doesn’t feel quite so inclusive.
So, do you really need additional insurance when renting a van? If you’d rather not be caught out by the fine print or pay out of pocket for a scratched bumper, keep reading. We’re breaking down what’s actually covered, what’s not, and when it makes sense to add on a little extra protection. Having a policy that you can rely on is super useful, but you need to know what it covers or you could be in for an (unhappy) surprise.
What the Hire Company Insures as Standard
Most UK van hire companies include a few core types of insurance in the hire price:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This reduces your financial responsibility if the van is damaged or stolen. But it doesn’t remove it completely, so you’ll still have to pay an excess (which can be £1,000+).
- Third-party liability insurance: Covers injuries or property damage to other people caused by your driving. This is a legal requirement and usually included.
Sounds decent, right? Until you read the fine print…
Gaps That Could Cost You (excess, windscreens, tyres)
Here’s where things get tricky. Even with CDW/LDW included, you’ll still face a large excess (sometimes £1,000 to £2,500) if anything goes wrong. Plus, the standard cover often excludes common problem areas like:
- Windscreens
- Tyres
- Roof and undercarriage
Which is unfortunate, because those are the exact parts most likely to get damaged during a house move or when navigating narrow streets in a boxy van.
This is where van hire excess insurance comes in. It’s a separate, affordable policy you can buy before your hire, which reimburses you for the excess you’d have to pay if something goes wrong.
When Goods-in-Transit Cover Matters
Doing a tip run? Moving your belongings? Delivering stock for your small business? Then you might want to consider goods-in-transit insurance.
This covers the stuff inside the van, whether it’s your DIY tools, your prized vinyl collection (no judgement here), or a load of merchandise. The hire company’s insurance typically won’t touch any personal or business items you’re carrying.
Goods-in-transit cover is particularly useful for:
- Self-employed tradespeople
- Small business owners delivering orders
- Anyone moving fragile or high-value items
Without it, you could be left out of pocket if your belongings are damaged or stolen en route. This is a very tricky financial situation to find yourself in.
Personal Accident & Passenger Injury Cover
Another blind spot? Injuries to you or your passengers.
While third-party cover does protect other people on the road, it won’t cover you, your mate who’s helping with the move, or your partner riding shotgun. Not ideal.
Some hire companies sell personal accident insurance as an add-on, but it’s usually on the pricey side. If you want peace of mind, look for travel insurance or van hire excess policies that offer some limited personal accident cover, especially if you’re driving long distances or unfamiliar roads!
How Much Does Extra Van Insurance Actually Cost?
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you might pay:
1. Van Hire Excess Insurance
- At the Hire Desk (per day): £15–£30
- Gigasure/Standalone (per day): From £2.99
2. Goods in Transit Cover
- At the Hire Desk (per day): £10–£20
- Gigasure/Standalone (per day): From £3-£5
3. Personal Accident Cover
- At the Hire Desk (per day): £5–£10
- Gigasure/Standalone (per day): Often included or optional
Buying your extras in advance usually saves you money and gives you more choice and flexibility in cover. Plus, as a bonus, you’ll avoid being upsold at the desk when you’re tired and just want to drive.
Gigasure Van Hire Excess – Why Buy Before Getting to the Desk?
Here’s where Gigasure’s Van Hire Excess Insurance stands out:
- Up to £6,000 excess protection
- Single-trip policies valid in the UK and across Europe
- Covers tyres, roof, undercarriage, windscreen and bodywork
- Protection from fire, theft, vandalism, and misfuelling
- Add up to 3 named drivers listed on the rental agreement
- Choose to reduce your voluntary excess to £150 or £250
- Covers vans and trucks under 3.5 tonnes
- Manage your policy easily with the Gigasure app
Whether you’re shifting your life into a new home, dropping your kid at uni, or running deliveries for your side hustle, Gigasure gives you proper protection without rental desk markups. You’re welcome.
Pro tip:
If you’re booking a van rental soon, get a Gigasure quote before you confirm at the counter. It’s quick, flexible, and often cheaper than what the rental company offers on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance is included with van hire?
Usually, van hire includes Collision Damage Waiver (which reduces, but doesn’t completely remove, your financial responsibility if the van is damaged or stolen) and third-party liability insurance (which covers injuries or damage you might cause to other people or their property). But even with those in place, you’re still exposed to some big gaps like a hefty excess of £1,000 or more, and no cover for common damage-prone parts like the tyres, windscreen, roof, or undercarriage.
Do I need CDW for a rental van?
Most UK rentals include CDW, but it comes with a big excess (think £1,000+) that would leave you with a big out-of-pocket expense. If it’s not included, you’d want it, or a standalone van hire excess policy to avoid a financial sting. It’s easy to think you won’t need it but a lot of the issues you could find yourself in, are not down to bad driving or bad planning; they are things that can happen regardless.
Is van hire excess insurance worth it?
If you’d rather not risk paying £1,000+ out of pocket in case of damage, then yes: it absolutely is. This is especially true when you can get Gigasure Van Hire Excess Insurance for just a few pounds a day. It covers parts that standard hire policies usually leave out, like windscreens, tyres, and undercarriage, giving you extra peace of mind without the rental desk markup.
