Can you use one van for work and private journeys? Often you can, provided the policy includes both uses. “Business use” does not always include every private trip, and “social, domestic and pleasure” will not normally cover travelling between jobs or carrying goods for work.
Describe an ordinary week
Tell the insurer where you drive, what you carry and who pays you. Visiting customers, driving to several sites, carrying your own tools and making paid deliveries can fall into different use classes. A clear description is safer than choosing the nearest label.
Commuting can be narrower than it sounds
Some policies treat commuting as travel to one permanent workplace. A tradesperson who leaves home for a different site each morning may need broader business use. Read the definition used by the insurer rather than assuming all commuting is alike.
Private journeys and family drivers
Shopping, holidays and visiting family may be included only if private use appears on the schedule. A partner or employee also needs to be named or covered by an authorised-driver description; permission alone is not enough.
When the van’s use changes
Tell the insurer before starting deliveries, adding a side business or allowing another driver to use the van regularly. The insurer can then confirm whether it can change the cover or needs a different policy.
Useful official guidance: vehicle insurance, SORN, MOTs and driving abroad.