Cover for roadside and recovery operators

Breakdown Recovery Insurance

Insurance considerations for businesses attending breakdowns, recovering vehicles, transporting customer vehicles and operating specialist recovery equipment.

Pre-launch information only. CoverPilot is not currently arranging insurance or providing quotations.

Recovery work combines several risks

A recovery operator may drive its own trucks, move customer vehicles, work beside live traffic, store damaged vehicles and use specialist lifting or winching equipment. A suitable insurance programme should reflect the full operation rather than focusing only on the recovery truck.

Insurers may ask about vehicle types, carrying capacity, geographical radius, motorway work, police or authority contracts, storage arrangements, driver experience and the value of vehicles handled.

Areas to review

Cover commonly considered by recovery businesses

Motor and road risks

Protection for insured recovery vehicles and permitted driving connected with the business.

Vehicles in custody

Cover for customer vehicles while being recovered, transported or stored, subject to policy terms.

Liabilities

Public and employers’ liability for roadside work, premises and employees.

Tools and equipment

Winches, lifting gear, diagnostic equipment, tools and other business property.

Premises and storage

Buildings, compounds, contents, security and accumulation of customer vehicles.

Business interruption

Financial protection following an insured loss that disrupts trading.

Information that can shape the risk

Prepare a clear vehicle schedule, driver details, claims experience, contract types, maximum customer vehicle values, overnight storage information and details of any hazardous or specialist recovery work.

Restrictions can apply to vehicle values, types of recovery, distance travelled and unattended storage, so the wording and endorsements need careful review.