Van Compare is a UK van insurance price comparison website. We share general information, not personal recommendations.
Last updated: 20 March 2026
When you apply for van insurance, you’ll usually be asked what type of van you drive. That doesn’t just mean “small, medium or large” — insurers often want the body type (how the van is built) and sometimes the cab/seating layout (how many seats it has).
Below is a simple UK guide to the most common terms you’ll see, plus the easiest way to confirm what yours is.
Panel van
A panel van is the classic trades van: a single, enclosed body with a load space behind the driver (usually no rear side windows in the load area, depending on spec and conversion).
Common UK examples: Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro (panel variants).
Box van
A box van (sometimes called a “box body”) has a tall, box-shaped load compartment that’s typically squarer than a panel van and designed for volume.
On UK paperwork, “box van” is also a recognised DVLA body type description.
Luton van
A Luton is a type of box van where the body extends over the cab, giving extra load volume without making the whole vehicle much longer.
“Luton van” also appears as a recognised V5C body type description in DVLA guidance.
Common UK uses: removals, bulky courier work, furniture/appliance delivery.
Car-derived van (CDV)
A car-derived van is a small van based on a passenger car design. DfT guidance notes that if your vehicle is registered as a CDV, it should be recorded under “body type” on the V5C.
Common UK examples: small “car-based” vans in the Fiesta/Clio/Corsa size class (depending on model and registration).
Crew cab / double cab
A crew cab (often called double cab) has an extra row of seats, so it can carry more passengers as well as tools/materials.
This matters for insurance because seat count and how the vehicle is used (work crew transport vs goods only) can affect cover details.
Single cab
A single cab usually means one row of seats only. You’ll see this term most often with pick-ups and chassis cab vehicles (where the rear is a load bed or a fitted body).
Wheelbase terms: SWB, MWB, LWB
You’ll often hear vans described as:
- SWB (short wheelbase)
- MWB (medium wheelbase)
- LWB (long wheelbase)
Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. In practical terms: longer wheelbase usually means a longer load area, but a wider turning circle.
How to check what van you have (quickest UK method)
Look at the V5C log book, where the “body type” field uses DVLA descriptions (examples include “panel van”, “box van”, and “Luton van”).
If you’ve bought a converted vehicle (windows added, seats fitted, camper conversion), the “body type” may not match what it looks like today — and that’s worth clarifying with your insurer.
Sources
- DVLA / GOV.UK — Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (includes examples of V5C “body type” descriptions such as box van, Luton van, panel van): View source
- DfT / GOV.UK — Car-derived vans and dual purpose vehicles (explains CDV status and that it’s recorded under “body type” on the V5C): View source
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
