Pick-up insurance

Some of the insurance companies we work with

What’s classed as a pickup truck?

Broadly speaking, pickups are vehicles with a single or double cab at the front and an open cargo area at the back that can carry tools and other equipment. Pickups offer versatile storage space which make them ideal for busy families or businesses.

Larger pickups with a payload capacity of 1,000kg or more (or 1,040kg+ for pickups with a hard top over their cargo area) are classed as vans and pay less tax as a result. If you’re not sure about payload capacity, check your pickup’s V5C logbook. If it’s listed as N1 or N2 under vehicle category then it’s considered a van.

Call us on 0330 022 8791 for a quote over the phone

What levels of cover are there?

Like other types of vehicle insurance there are three levels of cover to choose from:

Third party only – the UK’s minimum legal requirement of insurance you must hold for your vehicle. It only covers you for damage or injury to another person or their property if you cause an accident. However, you and your own vehicle will not be covered, and you will not be able to claim with your insurance. Damaged cause by theft or fire is also not covered by a Third party only policy.
Third party, fire and theft– in addition to third party only cover, insurers will indemnify you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive – provides everything included under third party, fire and theft and will also indemnify you if your car is damaged or destroyed in an accident.

Insurers may also offer optional extras that you can add on for a fee, for example:

Breakdown cover
Windscreen and glass cover
Misfuelling cover
Legal expenses

Does pickup insurance cover business use?

If you use your pickup for work, including commuting (either to an office or train station) then you may need commercial van insurance. If you only use your pickup for domestic and leisure activities (like going to the shops and visiting friends and family) then private van insurance could give you the cover you need.

If your pickup insurance doesn’t cover the way you use it (its class of use), then you risk invalidating whatever policy you do have. As far as the law is concerned, this is the same as driving uninsured which can lead to a fine and penalty points. If your case is heard in court, you could even be disqualified from driving.

How much is pickup truck insurance?

Cost varies depending on a number of factors, including what you use your pickup for, for example, commercial van insurance typically costs more than private van insurance. This is because insurers work out premiums based on risk, and commercial vehicles are potentially at greater risk of being damaged, vandalised or stolen.

However, that’s not all insurers consider, and your premium can also be affected by:

Your age – the younger you are, the more you can generally expect to pay as drivers under 25 are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident,
Where you live – areas with higher-than-average crime rates often cost more to insure as there’s a greater risk of your van being stolen or vandalised.
Your job – as far as insurers are concerned, some jobs are associated with riskier behaviours which in turn can push up your premium.
The type of pickup you have – typically the more expensive and powerful your pickup is, the more you can expect to pay for insurance as it usually costs more to repair or replace.
How you pay for your premium – paying annually can save you money compared to monthly instalments which will include added interest.

Compare pickup insurance quotes

Comparing pickup truck insurance is a quick way of helping you find a policy that gives you everything you need without breaking the bank.

At mustard.co.uk, you can compare quotes online right now or speak to an expert on 0330 022 8791.

Pickup insurance FAQs

What is pickup truck insurance?

Pickup truck insurance should cover your van according to the way you use it. For instance, if you use your pickup for work, you may wish to consider business or commercial van insurance. Private van insurance might only suitable if you use your pickup purely for hobbies and leisure, like going camping.

Is an LCV the same as a pickup truck?

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) include pickup trucks, but classifications vary based on weight. Generally, to be classed as an LCV, the vehicle will need to weigh 3,500kg or less.

Can I buy pickup insurance for an imported van?

Insurers should be able to tailor your policy to cover your needs but the more niche those needs are, the more limited your choice is likely to be. That said, there are insurers who specialise in vehicles including modified pickups and grey imports (vehicles from outside Europe, typically from the USA and Japan). To get a quote over the phone, call 0330 022 8812 and you’ll be able to talk through your options with an experienced team member.

Does pickup insurance automatically cover the items in my van?

In most cases, no, your insurance won’t cover the items you keep in your pickup. If you have private van insurance, your policy will usually cover the personal items you travel with (much like a car insurance policy would). However, if you use your pickup for work and have commercial van insurance, you’ll need to arrange additional cover for the items you carry:

Carriage of own goods – covers work tools and equipment that belong to you.
Goods in transit – covers items that don’t belong to you but that you transport, for example if you’re a courier.

It’s worth knowing that most policies will not usually compensate you for damage or theft if you leave your van unattended or doors unlocked and windows down.

Are pickup trucks cheaper to insure than cars?

The cost of your pickup truck insurance will depend on your own circumstances and a range of factors (like your age, address and the type of van you drive). In general, van insurance tends to be more expensive than car insurance (although van tax can cost less than car tax depending on your car’s value and CO2 emissions).

You’ll likely pay higher premiums if you need commercial van cover instead of private van insurance as the potential risk of a claim is greater.

To help make sure you get the best value for money, you can compare pickup insurance quotes from a wide range of leading UK providers. You can start comparing deals online or speak to an expert and get a quote over the phone.