The 10 cheapest vans to insure in 2025

There's a lot of things to consider when buying a van. Engine size, running costs, storage space and fuel type all come to mind. However, whether you're a tradesperson, courier, or simply a van enthusiast, insurance costs are often a top priority.

At Howden, we’ve done some digging to help you find the cheapest vans to insure in the UK. As a broker, we have access to real market data, so we’ve analysed Howden's commercial vehicle van quotes in 2025. Using this data, we've compiled a list of the vans with lowest average quoted premium to help you make an informed decision and choose the right van for your needs.

Note: The average premium figures in this guide are based on Howden’s own commercial vehicle insurance quotes from 2025. We’ve included only van models with over 100 quotes to ensure a fair representation. These figures reflect the average quoted premium at the time and are intended for general guidance only. Actual premiums may vary depending on factors such as driver details, usage, and cover options.

What makes a van cheap to insure?

Vans are cheaper to insure when they're smaller, have less powerful engines, and fall into lower insurance groups. The rule is simple: the lower the group number, the cheaper the van is to insure. Why? Because vans in lower groups are usually smaller, less powerful, and typically cheaper to repair.

Insurers use these groups to assess risk, alongside other factors like your age, driving history, address, and occupation, which all influence van insurance costs.

Also read: How to save money on your van insurance: 20 practical tips

How do van insurance groups work?

In the UK, insurance groups help insurers calculate risk and set premiums. Here’s how the system has evolved:

Before 2016: Groups 1–20

Originally, vans were placed in groups from 1 (cheapest) to 20 (most expensive). This simple scale looked mainly at engine size, repair costs, and performance.

After 2016: Groups 21–50

To reflect modern vehicle complexity, the scale expanded to 21–50. More groups allowed finer distinctions between van models, factoring in advanced safety tech, repair times, and parts pricing.

2026 Onwards: Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR)

In 2026, Thatcham Research (the UK’s automotive risk intelligence organisation) will introduce the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR)* system to replace the former 1-50 Group Rating system. Every van in the UK will be placed into a group under the Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) system, which runs from 1 to 99. The VRR system assesses vehicles based on five key areas:

• Performance – Speed, power, and retail price.

• Damageability – How easily the van is damaged in a crash.

• Repairability – Cost and ease of repairs, plus parts availability.

• Safety – Features that help prevent accidents or reduce injury.

• Security – Anti-theft systems and extra security measures.

Also read: Van insurance groups explained

Note that the new VRR system will only apply to new van models registered in 2026. You'll find that most comparison sites, insurance providers, and online guides still use the traditional group system (1–20 or 21–50).

For the purpose of this guide, we’re using the traditional insurance group system as it remains the easiest way to compare van insurance costs, particularly for used vans.

Note: figures for insurance group and engine size for each van can vary depending on the specific model and trim level.

1. Vauxhall Astravan

Average quoted premium: £379

It's no surprise that one of the cheapest vans to insure is also one of the smallest. Blurring the line between car and van, the Vauxhall Astravan may not be the most practical choice for businesses that need serious cargo space. Yet as one of the most affordable vans to insure, it's a reliable choice for young or new drivers.

If you only need a little extra boot space and prefer car-like comfort, the Astravan could be a sensible option. It’s well-suited to drivers who spend more time on long journeys than making constant multi-drop deliveries. For urban start-ups looking to keep distribution costs low, a used Astravan can still make plenty of sense.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 2-3

  • Registered after 2016: 16-31

• Engine size: 1.3 to 1.9-litre diesel

• Best suited for: Young drivers or businesses needing a small, agile van for light deliveries and tight spaces.

2. Nissan Primastar

Average quoted premium: £475

The Nissan Primastar, also known as the NV300, is a versatile mid-sized van built for practicality and efficiency. With advanced safety features and a robust design that’s made to last, it’s a reliable choice for everyday work.

Powered by a 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine, the Primastar offers four power outputs, so you can pick the performance that suits your needs. Fuel economy is strong too, with up to 47mpg helping to keep costs down. Inside, the layout is simple and durable, with plenty of storage space for tools and gear. One of its biggest bonuses is the long warranty, which covers five years or 100,000 miles, giving extra peace of mind.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 4-7

  • Registered after 2016: 30-35

• Engine size: 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine

• Best suited for: Service professionals who need a mid-sized van with solid performance and a good fuel economy.

3. Renault Kangoo

Average quoted premium: £484

Roomy and versatile, the Renault Kangoo is a medium-sized van that’s easy on the insurance. Of course, there are larger vans on the market but the Kangoo offers a comfortable amount of space for both passengers and cargo for its medium-sized class.

Thanks to its modest engine size and maximum payload, it’s classed in Group 2, meaning attractive insurance premiums. If you’re after a greener option, the Kangoo is also available as a fully electric model.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 2-6

  • Registered after 2016: 22-35

• Engine size: 1.5-litre diesel or 1.3-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Delivery drivers and light trades who want a versatile van with good cargo space and low running costs.

4. Toyota Hiace

Average quoted premium: £485

The Toyota Hiace isn’t the most stylish van on the road, but it’s built for reliability and practicality. Known for its toughness, it offers a powerful 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and plenty of space for tools and business essentials. Inside, you’ll find all the standard features you’d expect, along with easy-to-use barn doors for quick loading.

However, this van was discontinued in 2012, so any Hiace you buy will be second-hand and may be showing its age. Still, if you’re after a spacious, dependable van that can handle daily demands without fuss, the Hiace remains a solid choice.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 6-7

• Engine size: 2.8-litre diesel or 2.0-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Businesses needing a tough, spacious van for tools and equipment, with reliability as the top priority.

5. Vauxhall Corsa Van

Average quoted premium: £519

The Vauxhall Corsavan takes its roots from the beloved Corsa car, offering a compact, fuel-efficient design that falls into van insurance group 1, keeping costs low. Its small size makes it agile and perfect for city driving, though storage space is naturally limited.

Despite its dimensions, the Corsavan includes modern tech features and offers a respectable payload, making it a practical choice for those needing a bit more room than a car. This van is also only available used, and was discontinued in 2018.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 2-4

  • Registered after 2016: 21-24

• Engine size: 1.3-litre diesel or 1.2-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Drivers needing a small, car-like van for lightweight cargo and city driving.

6. Peugeot Bipper

Average quoted premium: £533

The Peugeot Bipper is a city van that’s light on running costs and insurance premiums. It offers a surprisingly roomy cargo area for its compact size, making it ideal for tradespeople who stick to town. However, businesses handling heavy loads or covering long distances may want to look at something bigger. If you're looking to buy, you'll have to go used as the Bipper was discontinued in 2017.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 3-10

  • Registered after 2016: 26–27

• Engine size: 1.4-litre diesel or 1.4-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Couriers and local trades who need a compact, fuel-efficient van for city deliveries and tight spaces.

7. Volkswagen Transporter

Average quoted premium: £539

Known for its solid build and premium feel, the Volkswagen Transporter remains a top choice among van buyers. It’s powered by a dependable 2.0-litre diesel engine, delivering fuel economy of around 35–40mpg, which makes it efficient for both work and leisure.

Thanks to its strong safety credentials and robust engineering, it often falls into lower insurance groups, helping keep running costs manageable. Add in its reliability, excellent resale value, and generous space, and you’ve got a van that blends practicality with comfort.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 1-20

  • Registered after 2016: 20-47

• Engine size: 2.0-litre diesel

• Best suited for: Professionals wanting a versatile, reliable van. Perfect for client-facing work and longer journeys. Also popular for camper conversions and family trips.

8. Nissan NV200

Average quoted premium: £562

Many van drivers will be well-acquainted with the Nissan NV200. Praised for its reliability, this compact van packs some serious cargo space for its size and offers excellent manoeuvrability. It's a practical choice for those who need to move a lot of equipment around without moving up to a full-size van.

Its diesel engines are efficient, and the electric e-NV200 shines in urban driving. It may not be the best choice for longer distances though, and rides can feel bouncy and less stable on motorways compared to some rivals. Just be aware it’s only available used, unless you opt for the electric version.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 5-9

  • Registered after 2016: 26-32

• Engine size: 1.5-litre diesel or 1.6-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Trades and delivery drivers needing a compact van with generous cargo space and strong reliability.

9. Citroen Nemo

Average quoted premium: £567

Compact and nimble, the Citroen Nemo is perfect for city driving and squeezing into tight spaces. It’s one of the cheapest vans to insure, though you’ll need to look for a used model, as it's been discontinued. If your work doesn’t demand loads of cargo space, the Nemo is a wallet-friendly choice for urban businesses.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 3-7

  • Registered after 2016: 22-34

• Engine size: 1.3-litre diesel or 1.4-litre petrol

• Best suited for: Urban couriers and small trades who want a compact, easy-to-park van for city routes and light loads.

10. Citroen Berlingo

Average quoted premium: £602

If you’re after an efficient van that keeps insurance costs low, the Citroen Berlingo is a smart pick. Models registered before 2016 feature a small engine size and payload, and typically fall into insurance groups 1-4, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

While bigger payloads can bump up the insurance group, most drivers will find the Berlingo strikes a great balance between efficiency and practicality.

• Insurance group:

  • Registered before 2016: 1-4

  • Registered after 2016: 21-33

• Engine size: 1.5-litre diesel or 1.2-litre petrol 

• Best suited for: Tradespeople and delivery drivers who need a practical, fuel-efficient van for everyday jobs without high insurance costs.

Cheapest vans to insure in 2025: Comparison table

Sources:

• *Vehicle Risk Rating - Thatcham Research

This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is intended for general guidance only and is accurate at time of publication. Specifications, features, and availability may change, so always confirm details with manufacturers or dealers before making a decision.

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