If you've just had your car or van signwritten or vinyl wrapped, you might be wondering:
"Do I need to tell my insurance company after wrapping my van?"
The short answer is:
👉 Yes - in most cases, you should.
Even if the wrap doesn't change the colour of the vehicle and you don't need to update the DVLA, insurers usually still want to know.
Here's why - and what you actually need to do.
Why Insurance Companies Care About Van Wraps & Signwriting
From an insurer's point of view, wraps and signwriting are classed as vehicle modifications.
That doesn't mean they're a problem, it just means they need to be recorded as such.
Insurers care because wraps can affect:
- The value of the vehicle
- Repair and replacement costs
- Theft risk (branded vehicles can be more identifiable)
- Commercial use vs personal use
This applies whether the vehicle is:
- A fully wrapped van
- A partially wrapped vehicle
- Or simply signwritten with logos and contact details
Even If the Colour Hasn't Changed, You Still Need to Tell Them
This is where people often get caught out.
- No major colour change
- No need to update the DVLA
But insurance works differently.
Even cut vinyl logos and basic signwriting should usually be declared.
Why?
Because insurers want an accurate record of anything added to the vehicle that isn't factory standard.
What Happens When You Inform Your Insurer?
In most cases:
- There is no extra charge
- The policy is simply updated
- The wrap or graphics are noted on your file
Occasionally:
- They may ask what type of wrap it is
- They may ask for an estimated value
For commercial vehicles, this is very routine.
What Happens If You Don't Tell Your Insurance Company?
This is the risk part and why it's worth doing properly.
If you don't inform your insurer and need to make a claim:
- They could refuse to cover the wrap or graphics
- In rare cases, they could question the validity of the policy
That's not scaremongering, it's just how insurance works.
A 2-minute phone call avoids any future hassle.
Does This Apply to Fleet Vehicles Too?
Yes, and it's even more important for fleets.
Fleet managers should:
- Notify the insurer of new branding
- Ensure the wrap value is included
- Keep branding consistent with policy records
This avoids disputes if a vehicle is damaged or written off.
What About Leased or Financed Vehicles?
If your vehicle is:
- Leased
- On finance
- Part of a contract hire agreement
You should:
- Inform your leasing or financing provider
- Check lease terms allow removable vinyl (they usually do)
- Keep records of installation and removal
Professional wraps are designed to be fully removable, which insurers and leasing companies are comfortable with when declared correctly.
Our Advice Before Any Signwriting or Wrapping
Before the work starts, we always recommend:
- Inform your insurer (even if it's "just logos")
- Confirm the wrap value if asked
- Keep your paperwork tidy
- Use a professional installer
At The Sussex Sign Company, we help customers think this through upfront not after a problem arises.
Final Takeaway
Do I need to inform my insurance company after vehicle signwriting or wrapping?
👉 Yes, almost always.
- It's usually free
- It's quick
- And it protects you if something goes wrong
Even when the DVLA doesn't need updating, your insurer usually does.