Motor trade insurance
Insure your motor trade business with zero hassle
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better motor trade insurance deal with the best cover available, we will work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable motor trade insurance prices. Complete a quote form in a matter of minutes.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for the motor trade, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock
when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
We only provide cover for good
drivers, so you’ll get a better deal.
Carbon offsetting
We’ll plant trees to clean up after
your motor trade work. Seriously!
Quality motor trade cover whatever you do
Part-time traders
Part-time traders insurance to protect you when buying, selling or repairing vehicles in the motor trade.
Service and repair garages
Service and repair garage insurance for your garage, employees and customer vehicles in your custody.
Recovery operators
Vehicle recovery insurance for recovery operators. Including vehicle and business premises protection.
Mobile mechanics
Mobile mechanic insurance for working on, testing and driving other people’s cars.
Tyre fitters
Tyre fitter insurance for protection when working on and moving other people’s vehicles.
Valeters
Valeters insurance for protection when cleaning and detailing customers’ vehicles.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
What is motor trade insurance?
It is a specialised type of cover designed specifically for businesses and individuals operating within the motor trade industry. This includes selling, repairing, servicing, or even valeting cars.
The primary purpose of this insurance is to offer protection against the unique risks associated with handling multiple vehicles and dealing with the public. It offers a range of policies tailored to meet the specific needs of a motor trade business.
Motor trade insurance is not just a legal requirement for many businesses but also a crucial risk management tool. Without proper insurance, a business could face significant financial losses from accidents, theft, or damages. Here are some key reasons why cover insurance is vital:
- Legal compliance: It ensures that your business adheres to legal requirements, avoiding hefty fines and penalties.
- Financial protection: Safeguards your business against the financial fallout from accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events.
- Peace of mind: Allows you to focus on running your business without constantly worrying about potential risks and liabilities.
Who needs it?
It’s essential for anyone operating in the motor trade industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Mobile mechanics, tuners and fitters: For professionals who work on vehicles at various locations.
- Car dealerships: Whether selling new or used cars, dealerships require cover for the vehicles on their lot and during test drives.
- Mechanics and garages: Protection for vehicles having MOTs, being repaired, serviced, or stored.
- Vehicle recovery services: Cover for towing and recovery operations.
- Valeters and detailers: Insurance for vehicles in their care for cleaning and detailing.
- Tyre fitters: For mobile fitters or motor traders with premises.
- Part-time traders: For those buying, selling or repairing vehicles from home or as additional work.
Types of motor trade cover
Road risks insurance
Road risk insurance is a fundamental component of motor trade insurance. It allows traders to legally drive vehicles on public roads for purposes such as test drives, deliveries, or customer collections. There are three levels of road risks cover:
- Third-party only (TPO): Covers damage to other people’s property or injury to others. It’s the minimum legal requirement.
- Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT): Includes TPO cover and adds protection against fire damage and theft of vehicles.
- Comprehensive: Offers the highest level of protection, covering third-party risks, fire, theft, and damage to the trader’s vehicles.
Combined motor trade insurance
Combined motor trade insurance provides broader cover, encompassing road risks and additional protections such as:
- Business interruption: Covers lost income and additional expenses if your business is unable to operate due to an insured event.
- Premises insurance: Protects business premises against risks like fire, theft, and damage.
- Material damage: Cover damage to any vehicles or equipment stock on your business premises.
- Employer’s liability: Mandatory for businesses with employees, covering workplace injuries or illnesses.
- Public liability: This covers legal costs and compensation if your business activities injure a member of the public or damage their property.
- Tools and equipment: Protection for the tools and machinery essential to your operations.
- Extra drivers: Cover for employees who may be driving customers’ cars.
How much does motor trade insurance cost?
Typically, motor trade insurance premiums can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds annually, influenced by the cover level and specific details of your business.
Key factors affecting how much motor trade insurance costs:
Type of cover
Is the level of cover selected third-party only (TPO), third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) or comprehensive.
Nature of business
The specific operations of your motor trade business play a significant role in determining your insurance premium.
Location and security
Where your business operates and the security measures you have in place can affect insurance premiums.
Vehicles covered
The types of vehicles you deal with can significantly impact your insurance costs. For example standard vs classic or vintage cars.
Driver details
The profiles of individuals named on your policy are critical. Age, driver experience, driving history and the number of drivers can all impact.
Policy customisation
Tailoring your insurance policy to fit your business needs can influence costs. Adding additional cover such as liability or tools cover.
Some questions that people like to ask us about motor trade insurance
What is the MID?
The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is maintained by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and any vehicle not declared SORN must be added to the database.
Should I add every vehicle to the MID?
Any vehicle that is registered to, owned by or leased to you must be added to the MID. This also includes vehicles that are regularly covered by the policy, such as employees’ vehicles, and any trade plates that you own.
Do I need to add my customers’ vehicles or stock vehicles to the MID?
It isn’t usually necessary to include stock vehicles or your customers’ vehicles, especially if they are already insured separately.
Do I have a period of grace to add a vehicle to the MID?
No, if you need cover for a particular vehicle you should add it to the MID immediately.
How do I update the MID?
We have a dedicated team that you can contact by email or phone. We’ll take care of any changes and provide you with confirmation.
Who will I actually be insured with?
We work in partnership with a panel of UK insurers and will arrange cover with an insurer whose policy best matches your needs. Moreover, all of our insurer partners are rated by financial rating agencies and we continually monitor the financial strength of our partners.
Can I trust you?
We’ve been around for over 50 years so we know a thing or two about motorhome insurance. We’re also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Whether you’re buying and selling the odd vehicle to earn extra cash or have an established MOT and service station, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.