Van Owners Face Insurance Challenges
Transit van owners are being cautioned about the potential consequences of failing to inform their insurers about modifications to their vehicles. According to a recent piece in The Guardian, a motorist’s experience highlights the critical importance of fully disclosing any changes made to a van, no matter how seemingly minor.
One driver expressed their frustration in a letter to the newspaper: “I have been driving for 38 years, I have never had an accident, but I can no longer get insurance.” This individual’s case serves as a stark warning to others.
The article detailed the unfortunate experience of a volunteer driver who had their Transit van stolen while working in a refugee camp. The driver stated, “In March 2023, my Transit van was stolen along with a number of possessions while I was working in a refugee camp.”
Compounding the stress of the theft, their insurance claim was rejected due to the van’s use as a camper van on weekends. The insurer cited the driver’s failure to disclose modifications. This led to the cancellation of the policy. The driver explained, “As far as I’m concerned it was naive to throw a mattress and some camping gear in the back, not malicious.”
The repercussions continued into October 2024 when the motorist’s motorcycle insurance was cancelled shortly after automatic renewal also linked to the van issue. The driver reported contacting multiple insurers only to be denied coverage. The driver further stated, “I have been driving for 38 years. I have never had an accident and have no convictions. How can a man who used his van to sleep in on occasional weekends and put a few things in the back to make it more comfortable be left in a position where he can no longer get insurance?”
Graeme Trudgill, the chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), offered advice for those in similar situations. “Anyone who has had a policy cancelled may find it more challenging to find insurance from standard online routes, but specialist brokers often have access to niche markets that may be able to help,” he said.
