Hiring a van can be a practical solution, whether you're moving home or using it for business purposes. However, it comes with its risks, especially when it comes to unexpected damages or accidents. This is where van hire excess insurance steps in to offer financial protection. In this guide, we will explore why van hire excess insurance is essential, what it covers, and why Gigasure is your go-to provider for cover.
What is Van Hire Excess Insurance?
When you hire a van, the rental company typically provides basic van hire insurance. However, this insurance usually includes a high excess amount – the sum you are liable for if the van is damaged or stolen. Van hire excess insurance is a separate policy that covers these unexpected losses, saving you from having to pay potentially large sums out of your own pocket.
For example, if you hire a van and it incurs £1,500 worth of damage, the rental company may ask you to pay the excess amount, which can be hundreds of pounds. With van hire excess insurance, this cost is reimbursed (provided that you meet the eligibility factors of the insurance policy), ensuring that you're not financially burdened.
What Falls Under the Classification of a Van?
Before you hire a vehicle, it’s crucial to understand what counts as a 'van' in the context of van hire insurance. Generally, vans are divided into several categories, including small vans, medium-sized vans, and larger commercial vehicles. These are often hired for personal use, such as moving house, or for business needs, such as transporting goods or equipment.
Understanding what classifies as a van ensures that you get the correct policy for your rental. This is important because van hire excess insurance is designed specifically for these types of vehicles, and you need to ensure that the vehicle you’re hiring falls within this scope. A great way to confirm which types of vehicles are accepted is to review the General Exclusions section of our Van Hire Excess policy.
Do You Need Van Hire Excess Insurance?
If you're hiring a van, you may be asking yourself, "Do I really need van hire excess insurance?" Let’s see if we can assist you in determining the answer.
If you're hiring a van or small truck, van hire excess insurance is essential for protecting against unexpected expenses that may arise from damages, theft, or accidents involving the rental vehicle. Whether you're moving house, helping your child relocate to university, or going on a staycation with lots of baggage, the need for protection is clear.
Additionally, if you're managing events such as weddings, birthday parties, or gigs that require transporting large amounts of equipment or decorations, having excess insurance for van hire becomes crucial for secure and efficient transport.
Even businesses, whether large corporations or small enterprises, often rely on van hires for various purposes, including corporate events, meetings, or relocations. With so many scenarios where van hire excess insurance can save you from unexpected costs, investing in this cover is worth considering.
What is Covered by Gigasure’s Van Hire Excess Insurance?
Gigasure's Van Hire Excess Insurance covers the excess charges you may face in the event of damage, theft, or loss of a rental van, helping to minimise out-of-pocket expenses. Gigasure offers coverage to help keep you protected for the full duration of your van hire. Single-trip policies are available, providing cover for van hire across the UK and Europe. Here's what’s included in our Van Hire Excess Insurance:
- Excess Protection: Gigasure covers up to £6,000 of the excess amount you're liable for if the van is damaged, stolen, or lost, minimising out-of-pocket expenses.
- Misfuelling Costs: If you accidentally fill the van with the wrong fuel, Gigasure covers up to £500 for any related costs.
- Wide Compatibility: This policy works with any van hire company across the UK and Europe, making it easy to integrate with your chosen provider.
- Additional Drivers: Cover extends to up to 3 additional drivers listed on the hire agreement, giving more flexibility if others are driving the van.
- Continuous Protection: You’re covered for up to 21 consecutive days, ideal for longer hire.
- Comprehensive Damage Cover: Gigasure protects you against fire, theft, and vandalism, and covers repairs for the van’s bodywork, tyres, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage.
- Key Replacement: Standard cover includes vehicle key replacement, with protection up to £1,000 safeguarding you from costly locksmith fees.
What is Not Covered Under Van Hire Excess Insurance?
While Gigasure’s van hire excess insurance provides broad cover, it’s important to understand what isn’t included:
- Voluntary Excess: A Van Hire Insurance policy is not a nil excess policy. It will always remain with an excess referred to as a “Voluntary Excess”. In the event of a claim higher than the Voluntary Excess amount, the insurer will deduct it (£150 or £250, depending on your selection at purchase) from your claim reimbursement.
- Mechanical Breakdown: The cover doesn’t extend to mechanical failures due to wear and tear or malfunction of the vehicle.
- Third-Party Liability: Gigasure does not cover any third-party liability claims arising from the use of the hired van.
- Fines and Infractions: Charges for any driving fines, parking tickets, or other infractions are not included.
- Non-Van Rentals: Cover only applies to vans. Any hired vehicle that is not classified as a van is excluded.
- Policy Inception: Van hires that begin before the policy starts are not covered.
- Interior Damage: Any loss or damage to the interior of the van, unless caused by a collision, is excluded.
- Heavy Goods Vehicles: Vans or trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes are not eligible for this cover.
Benefits of Buying Van Hire Excess Insurance
When hiring van in the UK, considering van hire excess insurance is essential. This type of insurance provides vital financial protection against hefty excess charges imposed by rental companies in the event of damage or theft. Here are the key benefits of purchasing van hire excess insurance.
- Financial Protection: Covers the excess amount, typically between £500 and £1,500, ensuring you won’t incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses when returning the van.
- Cost Reduction: Often cheaper than hire companies' premiums, specialist providers like Gigasure offer van hire insurance starting from approximately £4.86 per day, saving you money.
- Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance during your hire period, allowing you to focus on tasks like moving or transporting goods without worrying about unexpected costs from minor accidents.
- Comprehensive Cover: Includes protection for damage types often excluded by standard hire agreements, such as tyres, windscreens, and undercarriage damage.
- Flexibility: Offers tailored policies for various vehicles, accommodating personal and business hire needs for vans up to 3.5 tonnes.
- Convenience: Easy online purchase process with instant email confirmation, making it simple to manage your van hire insurance without delays or complicated paperwork.
How Much Does Van Hire Excess Insurance Cost?
The cost of van hire excess insurance varies based on factors like the hire period and the type of van you’re hiring. With Gigasure, you can get Van Hire Excess Insurance at affordable rates, starting from £40.27 for a 3-day UK policy with a £250 voluntary excess included. Single-day cover begins at just £13.42 with the same voluntary excess. Importantly, these prices apply to both UK and European policies—unlike many insurers, Gigasure offers coverage across Europe.
Gigasure’s ability to cover European van hire, along with a host of other benefits, makes it the ideal provider for this type of insurance. Drive with confidence, knowing Gigasure has you covered against unexpected costs.
Upgrade Your Van Hire Excess Insurance Experience with Gigasure
At Gigasure, we understand that Van Hire Excess Insurance is a vital addition to your van hire experience, providing you with financial protection and peace of mind. Our Van Hire Insurance policy covers everything from tyre damage to misfuelling, ensuring you're protected against the unexpected.
What sets Gigasure apart is our extensive range of cover options, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. When you choose us, you’re selecting a policy tailored to your specific needs, guaranteeing that you’re fully protected throughout your van hire journey.
In addition to Van Hire Excess Insurance, Gigasure also offers Car Hire Excess Insurance, providing equally great cover for car hire. If you're frequently renting vehicles, Gigasure has you covered for both van and car hire.
And if you’re travelling, don’t forget to check out Gigasure’s Travel Insurance options, offering complete protection during your trip.
For added convenience, don’t forget to download the Gigasure app to manage your insurance easily on the go. The Gigasure app is your trusted travel companion ready to help and guide with all things insurance.
With Gigasure, you'll enjoy peace of mind knowing you're fully covered, whether you're hiring a van for a day or a week.
