Trading alongside another occupation
Part-Time Motor Trade Insurance
A part-time business may be insurable, but it should be able to demonstrate genuine trading activity, suitable premises or storage and a clear need for the requested cover.
“Part-time” describes hours, not the activity
Buying and selling vehicles, repairing cars for payment or driving customer vehicles remains motor-trade activity even when carried out evenings and weekends. Ordinary private-car cover is not designed to absorb a separate trading exposure.
The insurer will want a realistic description of annual transactions, turnover, types and values of vehicles, where they are kept and who drives them.
Home-based trading creates practical questions
Insurers may consider planning restrictions, neighbour access, road parking, key storage, fire exposure and whether customers visit the address. Stock vehicles spread across public roads or informal locations can be difficult to describe and secure.
Where work is mobile, explain where tools are stored, whether customer vehicles are driven and how completed work is checked.
A low turnover does not automatically mean a simple policy
A trader handling only a few cars may still drive high-value vehicles or hold more than one customer car. Conversely, someone who merely sells parts online may not need the same road-risk structure. The cover should follow the actual exposure.
Keep business and personal use distinct
Identify vehicles owned personally, vehicles held as stock and vehicles belonging to customers. Explain how each is used and where private motoring sits within the proposed arrangement. Mixing categories without records can create problems when a claim is investigated.
Eligibility criteria vary considerably between insurers. This page does not confirm that cover will be available to a particular applicant.