Can I buy a van for private use?
I am looking at adding a second car to our household. I have spotted a Hyundai Kona 1.6 commercial van for a good price. It has two seats etc. which is no issue as we are a two-adult household with no kids.
This car is purely only for me for social domestic use and commuting to and from work. Can you please advise on whether it's possible to purchase a commercial vehicle and insure and tax it privately? I have no commercial need for this van, purely private use.
John (Wicklow)Apr 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi John,
In theory there's no reason why you could not do this. The taxation is a little different and there's a commercial vehicle equivalent to the NCT, but no legislation preventing a private individual from buying and driving a commercial vehicle.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it's not all that easy for private individuals to find insurance for such vehicles. Do some ringing around on that before you commit to buying and if you have no luck talking to the insurers directly then consider employing the services of an insurance broker.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor