Can your partner drive your work van? They can only drive it if the policy covers them and the journey falls within the permitted use. Being married to the policyholder, having fully comprehensive car insurance or receiving your permission does not automatically provide suitable van cover.
Named-driver cover
The straightforward option is often to add your partner as a named driver. The insurer will usually ask about age, occupation, licence, convictions, claims history and expected use. The price can rise or fall after those details are considered.
Driving-other-vehicles extensions
Some motor policies include a limited driving-other-cars extension, but it is commonly restricted, third-party only and may not apply to vans. Never use the wording on a car policy as proof until the insurer confirms the exact van and journey are covered.
Business journeys need particular care
If your partner helps with the business, delivers goods or travels to customers, tell the insurer. Social use and emergency use are not interchangeable with business use.
Company-owned vans
Where a limited company owns the van, both company permission and policy cover are needed. An employee-only driving clause may exclude a director’s partner who has no role in the business.
Useful official guidance: vehicle insurance, SORN, MOTs and driving abroad.