What is van substitute vehicle cover?

If you're not sure whether you need van substitute vehicle cover, here's a quick guide to all you need to know:

If you're involved in an accident that's not your fault, your insurer may provide you with a courtesy vehicle while your van is being repaired. But if the accident's your fault, you could be left without a vehicle altogether.

This is more than just an inconvenience if you're a business owner who depends on their van to transport goods, tools and equipment. Without a set of wheels, you may have to put business on hold, which could cost you customers and leave you out of pocket. And what about any staff who are reliant on the van too? It's not only you who could lose out.

This is when van substitute vehicle cover comes in handy. It aims to get you back on the road as quickly as possible by providing you with a courtesy van following an accident that's your fault, or if your van is taken off the road due to a fire, attempted theft or vandalism.

There's also another benefit: under courtesy car cover, if you need a replacement vehicle it's likely to be a small car which isn't practical for carrying equipment from A to B. But van substitute vehicle insurance guarantees you full use of a van, with plenty of space for all your bits and bobs.

Van substitute vehicle cover from Hastings Direct

Substitute vehicle cover is one of the many optional extras you can add to your Hastings Direct van insurance policy. No two van drivers are the same, which is why we allow our customers to tailor their policies to suit their individual needs.

If your van has been stolen or damaged beyond repair, we'll arrange for the supply of a courtesy van for up to 28 days. We'll cover all hire costs, so long as the hire has been arranged through us.

• The van will be delivered to you free of charge and within one working day of you reporting the incident to us.
• You can request for the substitute van to be delivered to you at any convenient location, provided it's within the territorial limits set out in your terms and conditions.
• A maximum of 2 claims can be made during the period of insurance.
• In the event of theft, you must report the incident to the police and obtain a crime reference number.
• If you have any queries, you can call our 24-hour claims helpline service.

What's not covered:

• Any costs incurred for vehicle hire before our acceptance of your claim.
• Where the loss of your van is due to a deliberate or criminal act or an omission other than vehicle theft.
• Where the van is used for racing, competitions, self-drive hire, off-road or track days.
• Where the van is used for hire and reward, self-drive hire, or by a motor trader as part of their occupation.
• The cost of fuel, fares, fines or fees relating to the substitute van while in your possession.

During the hire period, you must keep your insurer informed of all matters relating to the incident, particularly if your van is repaired or replaced, if you receive settlement for the value of your van, or if your van is recovered following an incident of theft.

How to claim

If you already have van vehicle substitute cover and need to make a claim, call the helpline number listed in your policy documentation or our claims number 0333 321 9800. Lines are open 24-hours a day and you'll need your:

• Policy reference number
• Name and address.