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Recovery vehicle insurance is a motor trade policy that protects you from liabilities and provides cover for recovery vehicles, equipment, and customer vehicles in transit.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better vehicle recovery insurance deal with the best cover available, we will work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
We compare the market to find the right deal for you as a recovery operator.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable motor trade insurance prices.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for the motor trade, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
What is recovery vehicle insurance?
Operating a vehicle recovery service means dealing with potentially hazardous roadside situations, requiring robust insurance to manage risks.
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: Ensures you comply with rules for roadside recovery, vehicle movements, and public liability, avoiding penalties.
- Financial protection: Covers losses from recovery vehicle damage, theft, or liability claims, keeping your business stable.
- Peace of mind: Lets you handle recovery jobs confidently, knowing your operations and equipment are protected.
Types of cover
Road risk insurance
Road risk insurance is a fundamental component of motor trade cover, including vehicle recovery. 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 risk 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 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 recovery vehicle insurance cost?
Typically, vehicle recovery insurance premiums can vary, 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
Heavy-duty recovery or accident response tend to attract higher premiums than standard breakdown.
Location and security
Operating in high-risk or high-crime areas or without secure storage for vehicles may increase premiums.
Vehicles covered
Recovering larger vehicles or high-value cars typically costs more to insure than standard passenger vehicles.
Driver details
Drivers’ experience and driving records are critical, especially if they handle heavy or hazardous recoveries.
Policy customisation
Adding cover for recovery tools, equipment, or roadside liabilities ensures comprehensive protection.
Recovery vehicle insurance frequently asked questions
What is motor trade insurance and do I need it?
Motor trade insurance is a specialist policy for anyone who works with vehicles for profit — whether you're buying and selling cars, repairing, valeting, recovering, or testing vehicles. If you carry out any motor trade activity, even part-time, you're legally required to have at least third-party road risks cover. Standard personal car insurance won't cover you for business use.
What's the difference between road risks and combined motor trade insurance?
Road risks insurance covers you to drive vehicles on public roads as part of your motor trade activities — whether they're your own vehicles or customers'. Combined motor trade insurance goes further, adding protection for your premises, tools, equipment, stock, public liability, and employers' liability. If you work from premises or have employees, a combined policy is usually the better choice.
Can I get motor trade insurance if I only trade part-time?
Yes — we arrange motor trade insurance for part-time traders as well as full-time businesses. You'll still need to demonstrate that you're running a genuine motor trade operation, even if it's on a small scale. Visit our part-time motor trade insurance page for more details.
How do I prove I'm a legitimate motor trader?
Insurers require evidence that you run a genuine motor trade business. This can include invoices or receipts from vehicles bought or sold, online or print advertisements, tax records, or business bank account details. The more evidence you have, the smoother the process. Our team can guide you through what's needed when you get in touch.
Does vehicle recovery insurance cover the vehicles being recovered?
Yes — cover for vehicles in your care while being towed or transported is a key part of a recovery operator's policy. This protects you if a vehicle is damaged during a recovery operation. The level of cover available may depend on the circumstances of the recovery and the condition of the vehicle, so it's worth checking the policy details with our team.
Who actually underwrites my policy?
We're a broker, which means we arrange cover on your behalf with a handpicked panel of trusted insurers. You'll see exactly who's underwriting your policy before you commit to buying.
Why can I trust insurd?
We've been arranging insurance for over 50 years — now trading as insurd — and we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Register Number: 308508), and over a thousand real customers have shared their experiences with us on Trustpilot.
You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.
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