At a glance
- Temporary van insurance can give you short-term cover for a DIY house move, from 1 hour to 30 days.
- Dayinsure can cover eligible drivers using their own eligible van or an eligible borrowed van.
- We don’t cover hired or rental vans.
- Temporary van insurance covers the van and insured use. It doesn’t automatically cover furniture, boxes or belongings while they’re being moved.
- Personal belongings are covered up to £150 for any one incident, subject to policy terms.
- You’ll need the van owner’s permission if you’re borrowing a van.
- Check driver eligibility requirements and ensure the borrowed van does not exceed the standard 3.5-tonne weight limit.
Moving house and need van insurance? If you’re using your own van or borrowing one from a family member for a DIY move, van insurance for moving house can give you the cover you need before you get on the road.
At Dayinsure, you can get comprehensive temporary cover for your own eligible van or an eligible borrowed van in minutes. We don’t cover commercial rental vans, but if you’re arranging the move yourself, we’ll help you figure out your insurance options and what to think about before moving day.
What is moving house van insurance?
Temporary van insurance for moving house is short-term cover for a van you’re using as part of a DIY move.
With Dayinsure, you can choose cover from 1 hour up to 30 days, with comprehensive road risk cover for the insured van while you move your belongings to your new home.
This can be useful if you only need a van for a short time and don’t want to arrange annual van insurance for one move.
It can help if you’re:
- Moving out of a rented property.
- Moving into your first home.
- Helping a family member move.
- Borrowing a van for moving day.
- Moving furniture to storage.
- Spreading a move across a few days.
Before you drive, make sure the policy is in place, the van details are correct and your cover has started.
Can you insure a van for one day to move house?
Yes. Many DIY house moves can be completed in a single day. If that’s your plan, van insurance for a day may give you the cover you need without paying for a week or month of cover.
Our flexible one day van insurance can help if you only need the van for moving day.
If you only have a few items to transport, you might ask, can you insure a van for just a few hours? Yes, you can. That may work well for a quick morning or afternoon move.
If your move is larger, weekend cover may be more suitable. This can help if you’re moving in stages, collecting keys on one day and moving furniture the next.
The main thing is to choose a cover period that gives you enough time. Think about loading, travel, unloading, delays and returning the van if you’re borrowing it.
Can I insure a borrowed van to move house?
Yes, if you have the owner’s permission and both you and the van meet our criteria.
Borrowing a van from a friend or family member can be a practical option for a DIY move. If that’s your plan, borrowed van insurance for moving house can give you temporary cover to drive their eligible van for the time you need.
You’ll need the owner’s permission before setting up cover. Once you have that, you can arrange temporary van insurance in your own name.
Our temporary van insurance borrowed van guide explains what to check before borrowing a van.
How borrowing a van works for a house move
When borrowing a van for a house move, make sure you have the basics sorted before you apply.
You’ll need to check that:
- The owner has given you permission to drive their van.
- The van is eligible for Dayinsure temporary van insurance.
- The van is taxed, roadworthy and has a valid MOT if one is required.
- You hold a valid driving licence that allows you to drive that type and weight of van.
- Your cover starts before you drive and lasts until after the move is complete.
- The registration number and your driver details are correct on the policy.
Don’t drive until your cover has started. Your policy documents will show the date and time your cover begins and ends.
What is the difference between a borrowed van and a rental van?
When preparing for a DIY move, it’s important to understand the difference between borrowing a van and renting one.
Dayinsure temporary van insurance can cover eligible borrowed vans, subject to our criteria. We don’t cover rental or hired vans.
If you rent a van from a commercial hire company, you’ll need to check the insurance arrangements with the rental company before driving.
We also can’t cover paid removal, courier or delivery work under our temporary van policies.
| Borrowed van | Rental van | |
| Ownership | Belongs to you, a friend or a family member | Owned by a commercial vehicle rental company |
| Dayinsure cover | We may be able to cover it if you and the van meet our criteria | We don’t cover hired or rental vans |
| Permission | You need the owner’s permission before driving | You’ll need to follow the rental company’s agreement |
| Intended use | Suitable for eligible personal DIY house moves | Rental company terms apply |
| Insurance | Temporary cover can be arranged with Dayinsure if eligible | Insurance should be checked with the rental company |
Does temporary van insurance cover your belongings?
If you’re looking for van insurance for moving furniture, it’s important to understand what the policy actually covers.
Dayinsure temporary van insurance covers the van and insured use shown on your policy. It does not automatically cover your furniture, boxes or other belongings while they’re being moved.
Personal belongings in the vehicle are covered up to £150 for any one incident if they’re lost, damaged or stolen because of an accident, fire or theft, subject to policy terms.
This is not the same as removals insurance, contents insurance or goods-in-transit cover.
If you’re moving valuable items such as furniture, laptops, TVs, monitors, jewellery, specialist equipment or sentimental items, check whether you need separate protection before moving day.
It’s also worth checking your home contents insurance. Some policies may include cover for moving home, but others may only apply if you use a professional removal firm. Check your documents before you rely on it.
Your moving day legal and practical checklist
To make sure your big day runs as smoothly and safely as possible, we’ve put together this essential legal and practical checklist.
- Check driver and van eligibility
Before applying for cover, make sure you and the van meet our requirements.
For Dayinsure temporary van insurance, you must:
- Be aged between 18 and 75.
- Hold a full GB driving licence.
- Have held your full licence for at least 6 months, or 3 months if you’re over 25.
- Live at a permanent UK address.
- Have permission from the van owner if you’re borrowing it.
The van must also meet our criteria.
- Confirm vehicle weight limits
A standard UK Category B car licence allows you to drive a van with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes.
Maximum authorised mass means the maximum permitted weight of the van when fully loaded. This includes the van, passengers, fuel and anything you’re carrying.
Always check the weight of the van before you drive, especially if you’re borrowing one that’s larger than you’re used to.
- Arrange your cover in advance
Don’t leave insurance until the last minute if you can avoid it.
You can arrange Dayinsure temporary van insurance online. Once your policy is arranged, check your documents carefully and make sure the cover starts before you drive.
If you’re moving during colder months, our guide to temporary van insurance for winter house moves can help you plan ahead.
- Leave enough time for loading and delays
Moving day often takes longer than expected.
You may need extra time for:
- Collecting keys
- Loading heavy furniture
- Traffic
- Waiting for access
- Unloading
- Returning a borrowed van
Choose a cover period that gives you enough time for the full move. Don’t continue driving after your policy ends.
If you’re still planning the details of your move, our guide to moving house and whether you need a van can help you decide what works best for you.
Get ready for a stress-free move
Moving house yourself can be a practical way to keep costs down, but you still need the right cover before you drive.
With Dayinsure, you can get flexible temporary van insurance from 1 hour to 30 days for your own eligible van or an eligible borrowed van. That means you can choose cover for the time you need, whether you’re moving a few items across town or spreading the move over a weekend.
Before you set off, check the van, your licence, your policy documents and whether you need separate cover for your belongings.
Get on the road with peace of mind
Ready to get your DIY house move underway?
Get a quote for temporary van insurance through the Dayinsure website or the Dayinsure app before moving day.
FAQs about moving house van insurance
Can I drive a borrowed van on my regular car insurance policy?
Don’t assume you can. Your car insurance may not cover you to drive a van, even if it includes driving other cars. Before borrowing a van, check your own policy carefully. If you’re not covered, Dayinsure temporary van insurance may be an option if you and the van meet our criteria.
Does temporary van insurance cover my furniture and boxes?
No, not fully. Dayinsure temporary van insurance covers the van and insured use. It does not automatically cover furniture, boxes or belongings while they’re being moved. Personal belongings are covered up to £150 for any one incident, subject to policy terms.
Can I get one day van insurance for moving house?
Yes, if you and the van meet our criteria. Dayinsure offers temporary van insurance from 1 hour to 30 days, so one day van insurance can be useful if you only need a van for moving day.
Can I insure a borrowed van for moving house?
Yes, if you have the owner’s permission and meet our criteria. Dayinsure temporary van insurance can help you get short-term cover for an eligible borrowed van, whether you’re moving house, taking items to storage or helping with a family move.
Can Dayinsure cover a hired or rental van?
No. Dayinsure temporary van insurance does not cover hired or rental vans. If you’re hiring a van from a rental company, check the insurance arrangements with the rental company before you drive.
What weight of van can I drive on a standard UK Category B licence?
A standard UK Category B licence lets you drive a van with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500kg. This includes the van, passengers and load. Always check the van’s weight before driving, especially if you’re borrowing a larger vehicle.
Do I need business van insurance to move my own house?
No, not if you’re moving your own personal belongings as part of a DIY house move. You’ll need cover that matches the vehicle and your journey, but you don’t need business van insurance unless the van is being used for work or paid services.
Can I use Dayinsure temporary van insurance for paid removals?
No. Dayinsure temporary van insurance does not cover paid removal work, courier work, delivery driving or carrying goods for payment or reward. It can be suitable for eligible personal DIY house moves where you’re moving your own belongings.
What address should I use if I’m moving house?
Use the address that’s accurate for you when you arrange your cover.
If you’ve already moved, use your new address. If you haven’t moved yet, use your current address. If you’re moving out of student accommodation, use the address where you permanently live.
Make sure the address you enter is correct before you buy, especially if you’re borrowing a van because your home address is changing. Don’t use an old address if it’s no longer accurate for you.
