A van is stolen every 55 minutes

4 min read
  • 9,522 vans worth an estimated £77 million were reported stolen last year
  • Three in five stolen vans are never recovered 
  • 91% of tradespeople say their ability to work would be affected without access to their van, and for those impacted, being without it costs an average of £420 a day in lost business

 

New research1 from Direct Line business insurance reveals that 9,522 vans were stolen across the UK in 2025, equivalent to a van stolen every 55 minutes. The majority were never recovered, with around three in five stolen vans remaining missing. With the average used van valued at £8,080 in 20252, the total value of stolen vans is approximately £77 million.

Van theft has a devastating impact on tradespeople and other professionals who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods. Further research3 by Direct Line shows that two thirds (64%) of tradespeople surveyed say their ability to work would be significantly affected if their van were stolen, written off or badly damaged, while a further 26% say it would slightly hinder their ability to do their job.

The financial repercussions are also stark. Even short periods without a van can be damaging with one in three (33%) tradespeople saying that losing access to their van even for a day, or less, would have a negative impact on their business. On average, tradespeople who say their work would be affected if they didn’t have their van, estimate they would lose £420 a day in earnings without it.

Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Van Product Manager at Direct Line Business Insurance, commented: “Van theft continues to destroy livelihoods across the UK. When a van is stolen, tradespeople aren’t just faced with the cost and stress of replacing their van, many also face almost immediate loss of income if they can’t work. With a van stolen every 55 minutes, the impact on hardworking professionals is severe.

“When choosing van insurance, it’s a good idea to look for cover that includes a courtesy van should your van be stolen, written off or damaged. This can help keep your business moving and protect your livelihood until you’re back on the road again.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1  Freedom of information request to the DVLA to find the number of vans stolen and recovered in 2025

2 BCA data shows the average used van in the UK in 2025 was £8,080 LCV market ends year on a high at BCA

3   The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 18+ UK Tradespeople. The data was collected between 21.11.2025 - 25.11.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry  

Brand Media Relations 
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Direct Line business insurance

Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk