How to Choose a Man and Van Service in London (2026 Guide)
Don't get ripped off. Our expert guide shows you exactly what to look for when booking a man and van in London - from insurance to ULEZ compliance.
What to Look for in a Man and Van
- 1. Valid insurance - goods-in-transit cover is essential
- 2. Fixed price quotes - avoid hourly rate surprises
- 3. ULEZ compliant vehicles - no £12.50 daily charges
- 4. Verified reviews - Google, Trustpilot, or Facebook
- 5. Transparent pricing - no hidden fees or cash-only deals
Insurance Checklist: What You Need to Know
Insurance is often overlooked but is arguably the most important factor when choosing a man and van service. Without proper coverage, you could lose money if anything gets damaged during your move.
Goods-In-Transit Insurance
Covers your belongings while they're being moved. This is essential coverage that protects against damage or loss during transit.
Public Liability Insurance
Protects you if someone gets injured during the move. Professional services should have at least £1 million in coverage.
Vehicle Insurance
The van itself should be fully insured for business use. This is different from standard car insurance.
Always Ask for Proof
Never book without seeing insurance documentation. A reputable company will happily provide this. If they hesitate, walk away.
Van Thats Quick Insurance
All our moves include comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance up to £10,000, public liability coverage, and fully insured fleet. We're happy to provide documentation before every job.
Pricing Transparency: What You Should Pay
London man and van pricing varies widely, and hidden costs can quickly add up. Here's what you need to know about pricing structures and what to expect.
| Property Type | Hourly Rate | Fixed Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Flat | £55-£75/hr | £80-£150 | 1-2 hours typical |
| 1 Bedroom Flat | £55-£80/hr | £120-£200 | 2-3 hours typical |
| 2 Bedroom Flat | £65-£90/hr | £180-£300 | 3-4 hours typical |
| 3 Bedroom House | £80-£120/hr | £300-£450 | 4-6 hours typical |
| 4+ Bedroom House | £100-£150/hr | £450-£700+ | 6+ hours typical |
What's Usually Included
- • Van and driver
- • Fuel costs
- • Basic insurance
- • Loading and unloading
- • Distance within London
Potential Extra Charges
- • Parking permit suspension fees
- • ULEZ charges (£12.50/day)
- • Congestion charge (£15/day)
- • Stair climbing or long carries
- • Late arrival or waiting time
ULEZ Compliance: Don't Pay Twice
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers all of London. If your man and van uses a non-compliant vehicle, you could face unexpected charges of £12.50 per day - charges that might be passed on to you.
£12.50
Daily ULEZ charge
100%
London coverage
24/7
Operating hours
How to check if a van is ULEZ compliant
Ask the company for the vehicle's registration and check it on the TfL website. Most modern diesel vans (Euro 6) and all electric vans are compliant. Petrol vans must be Euro 4 or later.
How to Read Reviews Effectively
Reviews can be incredibly helpful, but they can also be misleading. Here's how to spot genuine feedback and red flags.
Look for Specific Details
Genuine reviews mention specific things: the name of the driver, the type of move, parking situations, timing, and how problems were resolved.
Check Multiple Platforms
Don't rely on a single review site. Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Facebook, and Checkatrade for a more complete picture.
Recent Reviews Matter Most
Focus on reviews from the last 6-12 months to understand current service levels. A company that was great in 2020 might have changed.
Ready to Book a Man and Van?
Van Thats Quick ticks every box on this checklist. Fully insured, transparent pricing, ULEZ compliant, 4.9★ rated.