A van is stolen every 55 minutes

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  Posted by: electime      18th February 2026

  • 9,522 vans worth an estimated £77 million were reported stolen last year
  • Three in five stolen vans are never recovered 
  • 91 per cent 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 research 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 2025, 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 research by Direct Line shows that two thirds (64 per cent) 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 per cent 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 per cent) 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.”