Looking for VW T5 Van Insurance?
The fifth generation of Volkswagen’s Transporter series, the VW T5 has a huge enthusiast following. Renown for good handling, reliability and driving performance, the VW T5 Transporter van is hugely popular in the UK, both for commercial and private use.
However, with so many factory and aftermarket configuration options, ranging from the addition of rear seats, body kits and performance parts right through to full camper conversions, finding suitable VW T5 insurance can prove a minefield.
VW T5 Insurance Groups
The VW T5 Transporter van was originally available from the factory in over 100 combinations, offering remarkable versatility. This vast range means that there are many factors at play when determining VW T5 insurance groups. T5 van configurations include:
- Panel Vans
- Minibuses
- Single-cab Vans
- Double-cab Vans
- Drop side Vans
- Chassis Trucks
There are numerous VW T5 people-mover configurations as well, available in 6 to 11 seat configurations such as:
- T5 Shuttle
- T5 Kombi
- T5 Caravelle
- T5 Multivan
There’s also the VW T5 Camper van available in many different variations and built to a wide variety of specifications, comprising a range of low, medium and high-rooflines.
The impressive diversity means that there is no ‘one size fits all’ VW T5 insurance group, so it’s difficult to compare VW T5 insurance groups between specific models of T5 van (for example, there is no definitive VW Transporter Shuttle insurance group, Volkswagen Caravelle Conversion insurance group, Transporter Sportline insurance group or Volkswagen Campervan insurance group, because the models, configurations and options lists are so vast). If you’re looking to insure your VW T5 van, as a general guide the ABI insurance group can usually reside anywhere between Groups 5 to 40.
Modified VW T5 Insurance
A significant number of VW T5 Transporters are modified in some way, often to improve the van’s appearance or versatility. The exceptional opportunity to modify and convert a VW T5 van is very much part of the attraction. When looking to insure a modified VW T5 Transporter always make sure that you give insurers every little detail. Although some T5 modifications have little effect on the cost of your insurance premium, failure to mention them could result in your policy being voided for non-disclosure in the event of a claim.
Whilst some insurance companies refuse to insure VW T5 vans that are not factory standard, there are quite a few ‘standard’ insurers who will insure ‘non-performance’ modifications such as alloy wheels and body kits without an increase in premium.
Some security modifications to your VW T5 could lead to a reduction in premiums, particularly the addition of insurer recognised modifications such as immobilisers, alarms or tracking devices.
The exception is performance modifications which can significantly raise insurance costs.
VW T5 vans rarely remain factory-standard. Popular modifications include:
- Larger alloy wheels
- Aggressive-looking Sportline Bodykit and rear spoiler
- Lowered suspension
- Engine remapping (most variants can be remapped to around 180bhp for a better driving experience and better fuel economy)
- Leisure batteries
- Pop-top bed conversion
- Camper conversion (sink, gas hob, bed)
- Audio
VW T5 Insurance Useful FAQs
Yes absolutely.
Short term van insurance is available for any period from 1 hour with some insurers, to up to 28 days or 3 months depending on what you need; 1 day, 3 days, 1 week – whether you are test driving, borrowing or drive sharing, driving a VW T5 Transporter in the UK or in Europe, temporary insurance can be a great solution, with no risk to the owner’s no claims.
If your T5 has 5 or more seats, chances are you’ll need to talk to insurers direct to insure your van, rather than using price comparison sites.
VW T5 campervan insurance can be cheaper than insuring a T5 commercial van because it’s for social and domestic use only. However the cost to replace a campervan including fixtures and fittings is going to be more than replacing a standard commercial van, so this can push up insurance premiums when comparing like for like.
Yes
The Continuous Insurance Enforcement rule means it’s a legal requirement to insure your vehicle at all times, even if you are only using it for holidays and it spends the rest of the year on your own private driveway.
If you don’t want to insure your T5 for most of the year and just use temporary insurance for when you go way, you will legally have to declare your van as ‘off-road’ and apply for a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
You can be fined and prosecuted, and your T5 clamped or impounded, for failing to tax and insure any vehicle not covered by a valid SORN certificate, regardless of whether you are driving it or not – simply owning an uninsured vehicle is enough.