Transit van insurrance/ registration questions

[Scramble]

Sorry its a bit sexist asking this here, but I thought I would get more responses here .

If I buy a transit minibus registered as a commercial vehicle do I have to re register it as a private vehicle? Same for changing it from 9 seats to 6 seats.

Same for insuring it, if I insure it as a 6 seater but it is registered as a 9 seater does this mean I really should re-register it?

What does re-registering involve?

Does 30 to 40mpg sound about right for a SWB transit?

At what point for insurance does a van become a camper, what is the deciding factor?

Whats cheaper van or camper insurance?

And should I ignore FIL when he does that sucking in breath thing saying things like "oh it will be heavy nt he fuel" or "what about insurance" and just generally looking doubtful?

Thanks if you can answer even 1 of these questions . Having wobbles about doing this now, all I want is to have a van I can take the kids away in, don't want a full on camper, more of a camping companion van.

bump

Oh and is a petrol transit likely to get 30- 40mpg or is it different for petrol.

You'll have to re-register it as a private vehicle, unless you have a company that can take on the paperwork.

Same with insurance - the insurance will have to reflect its use and seating.

I don't know about the distinction between camper and van insurance, sorry.

30-40mpg sounds very good for a petrol van. In fact that's not likely.

Does it have to be a van? Would a large estate (for instance) do?

Thanks Triathlete, I want it to sleep in and cook if we are just stopping for one night, but want to get an awning to set up kitchen in. I hate estate cars with a passion anyway and swore I would never have one. Just want something with a bit of headroom, doesn't have to be a high top a med top would do but I could make do withthe low one.. I work away for long weekends in the summer and it will be used ffor that as well.

Am I right its about £25 to reregister irf any changes to spec and use?

Well, I don't know, but I should think that your insurance will have to reflect the actual use its put to. If you burn it down one night and (god forbid) hurt someone, and it's been insured solely as a commercial vehicle, you'll have no cover of any description.

Oh totally agree, any quotes I have doen I have put down private use. Thats why I wondered what they consider a camper and what is still a van. I supose I will have to phone up and try to get through to a real person to ask.

i work in commercial insurance. it's classed as a camper if it has a proper fitted bed and storage.

any quote you get, you must advise the number of seats-if it's a van without windows in the rear and side, it's illegal to carry passengers in the rear seats. (it's so that paramedics/fire crew can see / save passengers in a crash.)

seat removals must be professionally done.

if it's not a 'proper' camper, ins will be tricky. many companies will refuse based on the use you describe, and modifications.

to have commercial cover is usually cheaper on a van, but you have to declare a commercial occupation, ie plumber, baker etc. they will still be concerned with the seats/window situation though.

better to seek specialist cover, but always tell the truth. if there's a claim, ins company will look for any untruths in order to null your claim

god my job is dull!

tbh, FIL might be right. a proper, genuine camper will be easier to insure, and safer.

I don't see what is unsafe about a van with properly fitted seats, I didn't want one no windows in the back if it has seats, handy to know that is a legal requirement anyway.

I would get a full on camper if I could afford one, but its not really what I need, I just want something to sleep in and carry the camping equipment in.

As I said I intend to be totally honest about any changes, its use and what is fitted, as I am studying liability and negligence at uni right now I know the risks of that.

The reason they don't like the seats being added / removed is that it's a modification- insurers generally dislike them. Also, they worry about how weight distribution / braking can be affected- but as long as windows have been added, with front facing seats with seatbelts, someone will cover it somewhere.

Thanks I am still looking, possible camper to phone tomorrow.