Van premiums fall in last 3 months

Van premiums fell 3.5% in the three months to January, but were still on average 20.3% higher than a year earlier, according to research from Consumer Intelligence.

Nearly half the quarterly fall came during January, the research organisation said.

Pressure on premiums was eased by the government’s U-turn on the Ogden rate, where it has promised to review the cut in the rate announced last February.

However, rates are still being driven by fraud and a rise in the size of claims due to higher repair costs as the technology in vans improves.

Over-50s van drivers saw the biggest annual rises at 26.7% to an average £561 while premiums for under-25s rose the least by 13.5%. However, they pay the highest premiums at £3,561.

There is now virtually no price difference for drivers choosing Carriage of Own Goods cover – suitable for those relying on their vans for work – and those choosing Social, Domestic and Pleasure cover suitable for those using vehicles as car substitutes.

Average annual Carriage of Own Goods Cover rose by 20.2% in the year to £1,203 while Social, Domestic and Pleasure increased by 19.5% to £1,198.

John Blevins, Consumer Intelligence pricing expert said: “The market is returning to normal now the Ogden effect is wearing off and it is possible we could see more cuts once the new rate is decided.

“But the other market fundamentals remain the same with the weak pound increasing the cost of repairs when parts have to be brought in from overseas, and more advanced technology in vans driving up the cost of claims.

“The rise in Carriage of Own Goods premiums shows there are rising claim costs from customers using vans for their business, which may suggest some signs of a rise in fraudulent claims.”

Average premiums for vans are more expensive than for cars because vans are generally more technologically advanced, and claims payouts are higher as insurance may have to cover lost business because of owners not being able to work.

The price difference between “social, domestic and pleasure” and “carriage of own goods” has historically been driven by insurers rating customers who use vans for work as a better risk, as they are more likely to be careful with their vehicle.

Carriage of own goods cover can also include social, domestic and personal use. Drivers opting for social, domestic and pleasure use generally have past-times or hobbies that suit having a van as either their sole vehicle or as a second vehicle.