Does Van Insurance Provide Lock Replacement?
Caeva O'Callaghan | October 9th, 2023
It’s a nightmare when your van is broken into. But will your van insurance cover damage to the locks?
If you have comprehensive cover on your van, then yes. If you have third party, fire and theft cover then your lock will only be covered if it was damaged during an attempted theft.
If you have third party only, your van lock will never be covered unless you buy a more comprehensive policy.
In this article, we’ll cover the following questions.
- Will my van insurance cover repairs from a theft?
- Does van insurance cover tools left inside?
- What should I do if my van is broken into?
If your van is broken into and some parts are damaged, your insurance provider should be able to help you if you have a level of cover that is higher than third party only.
Will my van insurance cover repairs from a theft?
Yes. If your van is damaged in the process of being stolen or broken into, your van insurance provider will pay for repairs, as long as the vehicle is present (i.e. it has been recovered).
If your van is missing, you should always report it stolen to the Gardai as soon as possible. They can then start an investigation with the goal of recovering your van safe and sound. However, during the process of being stolen, it’s likely your van suffered some damage.
It may be that the thieves used invasive methods to gain entry to your van – for example, by smashing the window or interfering with the locks. They may have used your van as a getaway or for other illegal activities, smashing it up in the process. They may have gutted it for parts. And often, vehicle thieves try to dispose of incriminating evidence by setting it on fire or otherwise destroying it.
If your van is recovered and in a repairable state, your insurance may have a preferred garage or repair shop they approve of. If you agree to send it there, there will be no excess charged for the repairs of your vehicle.
Not only will they repair your van, but it will be fully cleaned and valeted at no extra cost.
Does van insurance cover tools left inside?
No, not unless you have more comprehensive cover than third party only. As third party van insurance is the minimum insurance cover you need to get on the road, it might not cover everything you need, including loss or damage of tools and materials left inside and damage to your vehicle.
The good news is that you can protect your tools, materials, and anything else left in your van with either an add-on to your van insurance or included in a separate policy. This will protect you not only if they’re stolen, but also if they’re damaged in a vehicle collision. Get in touch with us to arrange extra cover – no two policies are the same, and you’ll want one that fits your needs.
For example, most policies won’t cover your tools if they’re left in the van overnight. You may find it’s not practical to unload and lock up your tools every night, in which case you’ll want to pay extra for overnight cover. That way you’ll be covered not just if your tools are left in the van overnight, but also if you park your van out in the open.
What should I do if my van is broken into?
Phone the Gardai immediately. Obtain a crime number, and assist with the investigation as much as possible. Their goal will always be to recover what’s been stolen, if anything – such as your tools or other contents of the van, or the van itself – and find out who perpetrated the crime.
Next, tell your insurance. No need to wait for the outcome – keeping them in the loop of what’s happening is a good idea while the situation is ongoing. Don’t worry about costs or claims for now: and rest assured, your no claims bonus will not be affected or reduced if you have a theft claim.
No matter if your van is recovered safe and sound, or it’s not quite like new, your insurance should always be kept informed about its condition. You may be asked to take it to an approved garage for repairs or be offered a replacement if you have a new for old policy.
Need to know more about van insurance? Get a quote online today or give us a call between 8.30am and 5.30pm on 0818 224433 or 042 9359051 and our experts will be on hand to help.