Motor trade driving cover

Road Risk Insurance for Motor Traders

Cover for eligible motor traders who need to drive vehicles connected with their business, including customer vehicles, stock vehicles and vehicles being collected, delivered or road-tested.

The essentials

Road risk cover is not the same as ordinary car insurance

It is designed around genuine motor-trade activity rather than one privately owned vehicle. The policy may allow specified people to drive eligible vehicles for defined trade purposes, but it will still contain restrictions on drivers, vehicle types, values, use and where vehicles are kept.

Road risk insurance does not automatically protect your workshop, tools, liabilities or business income. Traders with premises, employees or valuable equipment may need a combined motor trade policy instead.

Cover levels

Choose the level that fits the exposure

Third party only

Liability for injury or damage caused to others. Damage to the vehicle being driven is not normally covered.

Third party, fire & theft

Adds defined fire and theft protection for an insured vehicle, subject to terms and security conditions.

Comprehensive

Can include accidental damage to eligible vehicles, subject to excesses, values and policy restrictions.

Eligibility

Evidence of genuine trading may be required

Insurers may ask for purchase and sales invoices, business advertising, accounts, trade premises details, qualifications or evidence of work. This helps distinguish genuine motor-trade businesses from people seeking flexible personal vehicle cover.

Declare clearly

Full-time or part-time status
All business activities
Every proposed driver
High-value or unusual vehicles
Where vehicles are stored
Private and social use required

Important limitations

Do not assume “any vehicle, any driver”

Vehicle restrictions

Performance, prestige, imported, commercial or unusually high-value vehicles may be restricted or require prior agreement.

Driver restrictions

Age, driving history, licence type, convictions and claims experience can affect eligibility and excesses.

Use restrictions

Commuting, private use, demonstrations, carrying passengers or goods and travel outside the UK must be checked.

FAQs

Road Risk Insurance Questions Answered

Can road risk insurance cover my own car?

Some policies may include defined social, domestic and pleasure use for specified vehicles and drivers, but this must be agreed and shown in the policy.

Can I drive any customer’s vehicle?

No. Vehicle type, value, use and driver restrictions apply. The vehicle must also be connected with a legitimate insured motor-trade activity.

Does road risk cover vehicles at my premises?

Road risks primarily concerns driving and road liability. Theft, fire or accidental damage while vehicles are stored may require additional cover.

Can a part-time trader qualify?

Some insurers consider part-time traders, but genuine activity and minimum experience or trading evidence may be required.

Launching nationally