Figures from Quotezone show that while the average van insurance cost in the North West stands at £641, tradesmen in urban hubs like Manchester typically face higher prices due to commercial use, high mileage, and risk of theft. Those in higher-risk occupations, such as mechanics, or driving electric vans, often pay £800–£1,000 annually.
“Van insurance has become a hidden cost of doing business — and for many tradesmen in Manchester, it’s creeping into unsustainable territory,” said Sten Saar, CEO of Zego, a commercial insurance provider. “Drivers aren’t just being judged on what they drive, but where they work and how often they stop. In cities like Manchester, that risk profile unfairly penalises hard-working people.”
Average Premiums Higher Than National Figures
While still cheaper than London — where tradesmen can pay £1,140 per year — Manchester's costs remain above the UK average of £575, reflecting the region’s urban traffic density and moderate crime rates.
Drivers aged 17–24 face the highest premiums, averaging £1,860, but even experienced tradesmen using standard vans like the Ford Transit Custom see base quotes between £700 and £1,000, depending on their trade and vehicle type.
Electric Vans Still Expensive to Insure
A 2024 study by Vanarama, referenced by London Business News, found that electric vans cost around 38% more to insure than diesel models:
| Van TypeAverage Cost (UK) | |
| Electric | £1,040.56 |
| Diesel | £753.39 |
This is due to higher repair costs, limited specialist garages, and longer repair times.
Mechanics remain the hardest hit, with premiums often reaching £1,159 for electric vans. Lower-risk trades — like builders, plumbers, and electricians — pay closer to £723 for diesel models, although regional figures in Manchester suggest slightly lower costs of around £650–£750.
Why Are Manchester Tradesmen Paying More?
Multiple factors drive up premiums in Manchester:
- Urban driving risks: Stop-start traffic and high accident rates inflate claims likelihood.
- Commercial van use: More mileage, peak-time driving and regular stops all raise the risk profile.
- Tool theft: Vans carrying expensive gear overnight are more likely to be targeted.
- Young drivers: Premiums are significantly higher for tradesmen under 25.
- Vehicle type: Electric vans cost more to insure due to parts, diagnostics and repair costs.
The 5 Best Van Insurance Providers for Tradesmen in 2025
These providers offer the best mix of competitive pricing, clear commercial cover, and digital-first features.
1. Direct Line for Business
Best for established tradespeople
Well-suited to experienced sole traders who need tailored cover and good customer support. Not listed on comparison sites.
Strengths:
- Strong claims service
- Optional new van replacement
- Multi-van policies available
2. Admiral Van
Best for multi-vehicle and young drivers
Offers black box policies (LittleBox) for safer driving and savings over time — especially helpful for younger tradesmen.
Strengths:
- Telematics option
- Fast online quotes
- Competitive for mixed-use cover
3. Zego
Best for self-employed tradesmen
Zego’s annual van insurance is built for commercial or business use, with no fluff, and real savings for safe drivers.
Strengths:
- Transparent, upfront pricing
- Built for tradesmen using vans for tools/materials
- Zego Sense app rewards good driving with lower renewal quotes
“We built Zego to give tradespeople control — not just cover,” said CEO Sten Saar. “In cities like Manchester, where risk is high by default, we want to reward real-world safe drivers with fairer premiums.”
4. AXA Van Insurance
Best for tool and cargo protection
Offers wide-ranging optional extras, ideal for those carrying high-value equipment.
Strengths:
- Tool cover available
- Legal cover and roadside assistance add-ons
- UK-based claims support
5. Churchill Van Insurance
Best for low-cost basic cover
Reliable, no-nonsense cover at competitive prices, especially for drivers with clean records.
Strengths:
- Fast claims process
- Affordable policies for lower-risk trades
- Good customer service reputation
How to Lower Your Van Insurance in Manchester
Even with rising premiums, tradesmen can cut costs using several proven strategies:
Compare quotes
Using sites like MoneySuperMarket, Quotezone, or Comparethemarket can reveal major price differences — some drivers save up to £590 per year.
Choose telematics (black box) insurance
Policies that track driving behaviour (like Zego Sense or Admiral LittleBox) offer real savings over time.
Park securely overnight
Garages or locked compounds significantly reduce the risk of theft.
Pay annually
Avoid interest fees by paying in full — this can save up to 20%.
Increase your voluntary excess
If you rarely claim, a higher excess reduces your base premium.
Build your no-claims discount
A clean driving history can cut your premium by as much as 60% over time.
Final Word
Manchester tradesmen are facing van insurance costs that are quietly climbing past £1,000 for some. While still lower than London, the city’s combination of commercial traffic, theft risk and rising EV adoption is putting pressure on working drivers.
Providers like Zego and Admiral are helping shift the model — rewarding safe, smart drivers rather than punishing postcode and job title alone. But for many, the challenge is still the same: find cover that works, without it costing more than the van itself.