Van Insurance to car

Laurarara

Hi there,
I bought a car and wanted to transfer the policy over from my van to my car, I expected an admin charge but when I contacted Autonet (They really are a pain in the bum)... they said I had to cancel my insurance and start a new insurance losing 1 year NCB plus the charges. Not only that they price they quoted me was hugely over inflated. (I pay £220 for my van, they quoted me £347.00 with discount for an older car!!!) Already found loads cheaper quotes online.

When I questioned why couldn't they transfer the policy over being that actually the van and car were both diesal, both a similar engine size - they said the criteria was different for vans to cars.. Huh... Aren't all cars different, all vans different from one another???

Is there any LEGAL reason why they couldn't??
Does anybody know?
Would love advice on this. And I know I could just let it go, I'm just curious....

forgotmyname

No legal reason but possibly the company your insured with only cover vans?

Is the van under a trade policy? There maybe issues transferring to a private car policy also. My mate transferred his car policy to a trade policy and nobody would transfer it back to a private one.

Retrogamer

Vans are considered goods vehicles and the policies that cover them are normally tailored different with different T&C's due to the vehicle class.

Insurance companies compare it like cars and motorcycles. Different types of vehicles and NCB is rarely transferable

Laurarara

Thanks for replying with answers.. Perhaps that particular company do only insure vans... I find it bonkers still...
Its a little Renault Kangoo which also comes in car form so it kinda makes so sense...also
Its a private van - use it only for domestic and social so no commercial use..I just love driving vans!
AND to be quoted such an extortionate price on insurance when clearly I can get it half the price.
Grrrrrrr.