Best vans for sole traders

If you run your own courier business and are registered as self-employed, then you’re a sole trader. This means that you’re personally responsible for managing each aspect of your courier company, from issuing invoices and paying suppliers, to keeping accurate and up-to-date records of sales and spending.
 
Another task that falls within your remit is sourcing and buying the right delivery van for your courier business.

Whether you’ve only just set up your company or are looking to replace a vehicle that’s reached the end of the road, you want your new van to be both practical and reliable.

Savvy sole traders will also want to keep running costs as low as possible, meaning you want to look for a model with decent fuel economy.
 
Whatever make and model ends up being your business van, we can help to get you on the road with our courier van insurance.

Here at the Insurance Factory, we understand that your customers expect their parcels and packages to be delivered safely and on time, regardless of the weather or the time of day.

That’s why we’re dedicated to providing courier insurance that’s as robust as your business and the service you provide.
 

Which vans should you consider?

There are so many van makes and models on the market, it can be difficult pinpointing which vehicle would be perfect for your business.
 
What’s important is that you take the time to work out your budget (if you’re planning on buying it outright), do plenty of research and compare specs. All this will help to make sure you end up with the best van for your needs.
A van driver leaning against his new vanWe’re going to help with the research bit by listing some of the best vans for sole traders:
 

Ford Fiesta Sport Van (RRP £16,886.36 excluding VAT)

Combining the comfort of a car with the practicality of a van, the Ford Fiesta Sport Van is a solid option if you only carry small loads at any one time.

The latest model has a swish design, decent handling and durability, and is packed with smart technology that improves efficiency and safety on the road.
 
The van has 0.96m3 of load space at the rear, where you’ll also find four tie-down points and a full load rubber mat. All this helps to ensure minimal movement of your packages when you’re on the road.
 
In terms of technology, this van boasts Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System and Traffic Sign Recognition.

You can access your phone, music and navigation through the van’s clever SYNC3 system, either through voice control or via the eight-inch colour touchscreen.

Heated seats and steering wheel won’t be a must-have for many sole traders, but they’re certainly nice to have during these colder months!
 

Nissan NV200 (Prices start from £20,005)

There’s a big push for drivers in the UK to go electric – and van drivers and business owners are no exception.

Opting for an electric van isn’t just good for the environment – you could make some pretty hefty savings over time, owing to their low running costs.
 
The Nissan NV200 is a fine example of an electric van. It’s fully electric, with the latest model fitted with a new 40KwH battery.

The range has increased from 124 to 187 miles on a single charge, and the battery can be fully boosted in 40 to 60 minutes with a rapid charger, located at motorway service stations as well as Nissan dealerships.
 
Inside you’ll find 4.2m3 of load space, with packages easy to access thanks to the wide 60:40 split rear doors and sliding panels. There’s the option to purchase a five- or seven-seater configuration, with the seats easy to fold down.
 
If you go green, you can take advantage of the government’s current financial incentives which include the £3,500 plug-in grant. And if you live and deliver in the capital, you’ll also be exempt from paying the London Congestion Charge.
 

Renault Kangoo (Prices start from £16,050 excluding VAT)

Renault has been seriously smart with the design of its latest Kangoo.

From protective ply lining in the interior of the van, to the multi-positional bulkhead and well-placed anchorage points for cargo, such solutions help you to maximise the use of your vehicle while improving driver safety.
 
As with most vans, you can choose from different configurations and load space is up to 4.6m3. There’s also the option to go electric with the Kangoo Z.E.
 
Because you’re likely to be clocking up the miles as a courier, you’ll be pleased to hear that Renault has prioritised driver comfort with the Kangoo.

The contoured driver’s seat is height-adjustable and has lumbar support, with the wheel also height and reach adjustable to help you adopt the perfect driving position.
 
This model is available in a range of colour options, from striking Carmen Red to cool Nightwatch Blue and soft Mocha, and you can pick from steel or alloy wheels.
 

Volkswagen Caddy (Prices from £19,965 for Startline model)

Volkswagen may be known for its campers, but its Caddy van also has a great reputation. Like Ford’s Fiesta Sport Van, it offers the driving comfort of a car, with the functionality and versatility of a commercial vehicle.
 
There are heaps of options and accessories with the Caddy, so you’ll need to fill out your preferences to retrieve an accurate quote from VW. But general specs include a payload of 647-738kg and a load volume of between 3.2 and 4.2m3.
 
Again, this latest model features some clever tech to keep you safe while delivering goods, such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Adaptable Cruise Control and Park Assist.
 

Courier van insurance from the Insurance Factory

A van driver behind the wheel of his vanWhether you end up with one of the vans listed above or another model, protect your asset with courier van insurance from the Insurance Factory.
 
Our policies feature a whole host of benefits as standard, and can be tailored to reflect the needs of you, your vehicle and business.

Optional extras include goods in transit cover up to £10,000, liability insurance up to £2 million, and cover for carriage of goods, and hire and reward.
 
Get a free, no-obligation quote today!