A recent survey of over 500 self-employed tradespeople uncovered the full financial and operational impact of van breakdowns, thefts, and other disruptions, often bringing business to a complete standstill.

• New data from Tempcover has delved into the real costs of van trouble for tradespeople, including the impacts of damage, theft and breakdowns.
•  44% of tradespeople lost between 4-8 hours of paid work due to their most recent van-related issues, with some losing more than a full week.
• Despite the risks of losing out on work, 43% are unaware of how temporary van insurance can help them stay mobile and avoid missed jobs.

Over one-third of tradespeople have experienced a van breakdown

According to the findings, over a third (36%) of respondents reported having experienced a van breakdown at some point, while 17% had dealt with faults that left their van unusable for a period of time.

Vehicle theft is also alarmingly common, with 33% of tradespeople saying their work van has previously been stolen, and 16% having had it broken into. 

More than one in four had to cancel or delay jobs due to transport issues

Time off the road doesn’t just mean inconvenience; it directly impacts income. Around 26% of tradespeople said they had to cancel or delay jobs due to a lack of transport, putting their income and customer relationships at risk. When asked how many working hours were lost due to their most recent vehicle-related issue, 44% reported losing between four and eight hours of work. 

Faced with sudden transport issues, 40% had to borrow a vehicle from friends, family members or colleagues just to keep working, while 19% ended up renting a vehicle to cover the gap.  

When asked about the impact of these issues, 32% stated they had to pay out of their own pocket to get them rectified, with 25% spending between £751 and £1,000, and 16% spending between £1,001 and £1,500 to get back on the road.

Job sites and homes are both common targets for van theft

In a surprising finding, half (50%) of all vehicle thefts occurred while the van was parked at a job site. Meanwhile, 31% reported their vehicle was broken into outside their home. While most break-ins only resulted in damage (31%), some experienced both tool theft and damage (8%).

Maintenance and MOT habits

The research also revealed trends around vehicle maintenance and servicing. While nearly half of tradespeople (46%) said they get their van serviced regularly, over a third (33%) only do so occasionally, and 16% said they only act when there’s a noticeable issue. The biggest obstacles to regular servicing included time constraints (28%), lack of legal requirements to have a van serviced (25%), and cost (21%).

When it comes to MOTs, most respondents (56%) said they keep on top of them by setting reminders, while 37% rely on automated letters or notifications. However, 47% admitted they’ve forgotten, but fortunately didn’t leave it too late for their MOT to expire, while 5% continued driving without realising their MOT had already expired. 

Contingency plans

Despite the clear disruption caused by losing access to a work vehicle, many tradespeople are unfamiliar with some of the practical options available to stay on the road.

When asked about the first step they take if their work vehicle becomes out of action, 34% said they borrow another vehicle, while 27% opt to rent. However, 7% admitted they have no contingency plan in place.

Temporary van insurance remains an underutilised resource. 43% of respondents said they are not aware of what it is or how it could help them, and only 19% had used it previously to get insured on an alternative vehicle during a period of disruption. A further 5% said they are currently considering it.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary business van insurance at Tempcover, adds:

“Temporary van insurance is a practical solution for tradespeople who suddenly find themselves without a vehicle. Whether their van has broken down, been stolen, or is in the garage for repairs, flexible short-term cover allows them to borrow a van and continue their work without interruption. It’s quick to arrange and can last from just a few hours to several weeks, helping minimise downtime, protect income, and maintain positive relationships with customers.”

About Tempcover 

Founded in 2006, Tempcover offers fast, flexible short-term insurance solutions without the commitment of long-term policies. Serving millions of drivers across various vehicle types, Tempcover focuses on quick, reliable coverage for life’s unexpected moments. The company is part of the RVU group, alongside brands such as Confused.com and Uswitch. With over 30,000 positive customer reviews and a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating, Tempcover is recognised as a trusted, award-winning company.