The Government has also launched an online business support finder tool, to help businesses and self-employed workers find out what financial support is currently available. For a detailed guide to the government support on offer, take a look at our Business Guardian Angel article.
Van insurance FAQs
Here are the questions we’ve received on van insurance in relation to coronavirus.
The financial impact of coronavirus is affecting individuals and businesses up and down the country – we understand how worrying this time may be for you. The government is offering a range of support packages to help people through this difficult period, details of which can be found on the government website.
However, if you’re struggling to keep up with your monthly payments, please call us. Our phone lines are extremely busy at the moment, so getting through may take longer than usual – but bear with us, we want to help.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.
I need to make a claim
Yes. Our main priority is to make sure our customers continue to have their claims handled and paid during these challenging times. Given the disruptions to international transport and manufacturing, please be aware it may take longer than usual to get the necessary parts to repair your van.
No. You are only covered if the person driving your van is a named driver on your policy. The easiest way to add a named driver is in your online account.
If we have to make a pay-out which wouldn’t usually be covered under this policy, we may recover payment from you or from the person whom the claim was made against.
No, unfortunately we won’t be able to provide cover if you use your van for any other part-time, temporary paid employment. We can, however, provide cover if you’re taking part in an NHS volunteer scheme – you just need to let us know.
Yes. If your work is critical to the national response to coronavirus – and you need to use your own van to travel to different locations for work purposes – your cover will not be affected. However, please contact us so we can make a note on your policy.
Yes. All AXA van insurance policies cover journeys to a single place of work, as standard.
Yes. If you are part of an NHS volunteer scheme, we will provide cover for the delivery of goods and medication, and the transport of patients. There is no need to update your cover or contact us.
Yes. As long as there is no element of profit involved and you aren’t using your van in connection with a food delivery business, your AXA Van Insurance will cover you. You do not need to tell us or change your cover.
Anyone who drives your van needs to be named on your certificate of motor insurance, or they won’t be insured. This applies even if they have a ‘Driving Other Cars’ section on their personal car insurance, as your van is a different type of vehicle.
The easiest way to add a named driver to your policy is in your online account.
I’ve recently sold or bought a new van
If there is a short delay in picking up your new van, please contact us – we can keep your policy running until you collect it.
Please contact us. If you still have your current van, we may be able to change the policy back until you’re able to complete the exchange.
I’m having other issues due to coronavirus
If your MOT was due by the 29th March 2020 and has expired
The government has outlined what you need to do if your MOT was due by the 29th March 2020 – details can be found on the government website.
If you are not self-isolating or vulnerable to coronavirus, you should book your MOT test at any open test centre – these remain open and you still need an MOT to continue driving on the road. If you or someone you live with has symptoms of coronavirus, please book an MOT test once your period of self-isolation is over.
If you are extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, do not take your van for its MOT. The Department of Transport is working with the police and insurers to make you won’t be penalised.
If your MOT is due on or after the 30th March 2020
The government has announced a 6-month extension for all MOTs due on or after the 30th March 2020 – more details can be found on the government website.
However, you must still keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition. Drivers can be prosecuted if they drive an unsafe vehicle.
If you can’t access the internet to tax your vehicle, we would advise asking a friend or relative to help you do this. You will need to provide them with the V11 reminder document or V5C log book to do this.
Yes, you will still be covered. If you can’t return to the UK because of coronavirus, we will extend your cover until you’re able to return home. Please just let us know so we can make a note on your policy.
You don’t need to change your address, but please get in touch so we can make a note of the temporary address on your policy.
Please speak to your GP and check if you can continue to drive. Please do not drive if your GP advises against it – instead, contact us.
No, this will not affect your policy or renewal. We do not record speed awareness courses on your policy, and they are not treated in the same way as a motoring conviction.
More help for your business
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What does the easing of COVID-19 restrictions mean for van drivers? AXA’s guide explains more.
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