Recovery and roadside operators
Vehicle Recovery Insurance
Recovery work can involve road use, loading, custody and roadside risks. Cover should match the vehicles you use and the work you do.
Custody starts before the vehicle reaches your yard
Damage can happen while a customer vehicle is loaded, moved, unloaded or stored. Check how the policy treats that vehicle. Also check cover for the recovery truck, third-party liability and storage.
Tell the insurer about specialist work. This may include HGVs, motorcycles, prestige vehicles, police contracts or motorway recovery.
Cover may include
- Recovery vehicle road cover
- Customer vehicles in custody
- Public and employers’ liability
- Tools and equipment
- Premises and compounds
- Business interruption
Roadside recovery operations
Describe the recovery job from roadside arrival to release
Vehicle recovery combines road use, roadside working, loading, transport and temporary custody. A clear insurance presentation should explain whether the business handles breakdowns, collisions, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, EVs, salvage, police work or vehicles with damaged steering, wheels or batteries.
The operational record should identify the dispatched vehicle, driver, location, vehicle condition, loading method, destination and any storage period. Photographs before loading can help distinguish pre-existing collision damage from damage alleged during winching, transport or unloading.
Roadside safety controls are central to the risk. Consider dynamic risk assessment, high-visibility clothing, lighting, cones, live-lane restrictions, communication with control rooms and rules for passengers. Where recovered vehicles are stored, declare the maximum values, key controls, perimeter security and release procedure.
- List recovery vehicles, equipment and operating radius
- Explain loading, winching and securing procedures
- Document roadside safety and live-lane restrictions
- Record vehicle condition before movement
- Declare storage capacity and maximum vehicle values
- Control vehicle release, keys and customer identification
Recovery insurance needs to reflect the complete job, including the moment the operator takes control of the vehicle and any period it remains stored.