Home | Blog | Why more drivers are choosing vans over cars

By Paul Baxter, 28th February 2025

Category: Van insurance

Van ownership in the UK is surging, with more drivers than ever opting for the space and practicality of a van over a traditional car. According to our latest research, over half of van owners have purchased their vehicle in the past two years, and nearly one in three 25 to 34 year-olds now own a van. With the increasing appeal of vans for both work and leisure, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

The days of vans being solely for tradespeople are long gone. More people, including women and younger drivers, are switching to vans for their versatility, storage capacity, and comfort. Industry data shows that there were 4.6 million vans on UK roads last year, double the number from 1998.

Our findings indicate that 15% of UK drivers own a van, with ownership rising to 19% among men and 11% among women. Younger drivers are leading the shift, with 37% of 25- to 34-year-olds preferring vans over cars. This growing demand is expected to continue, as 19% of non-owners say they are considering buying a van in the future.

While vans remain a practical option for work, many buyers are choosing them for their multi-purpose use. Our study highlights the key reason behind this shift is the additional “storage and space”, with 71% of van owners saying the ability to carry large items like camping gear and surfboards is one of their top reasons for choosing a van. Other owners value the flexibility of the vehicle for both work and family activities (56%); 41% say they appreciate the interior adaptability to accommodate seating or storage, and 37% say their preference for vans is because they can carry more people.

Interestingly, only one in five owners say they bought a van specifically for their job, showing that the appeal extends well beyond professional needs.

Recognising this shift, last year we introduced the UK’s first van insurance policies that offset all driving emissions and reward green driving habits. Whether drivers use their van for work, leisure, or both, they now have an insurance option that aligns with their lifestyle while helping the environment.

Our van policies cover social and commuting, business use and haulage (for couriers and delivery drivers) - ensuring that no matter how you wish to use your van, you’ll be covered.