Insurance Cover for Commercial HGVs from Vans & Trucks to Tippers, Skip Lorries and Recovery Vehicles
- Tippers : We can provide multiple quotes online for tipper insurance. Compare policy costs with multiple brokers by selecting the the GET Quotes option. Inclusion of public liability should be considered as an addition to your standard policy.
- Recovery Vehicles: Recovery vehicle cover need not be expensive. We have partnered with a specialist broker who can provide quotes for your recovery vehicle. Start by selecting Get Quotes and complete one easy form.
- HGV: Owner driver of a Heavy goods vehicle and looking for HGV insurance at a reasonable price? We can help you compare the market by providing multiple quotes from UK brokering agents. How? Simply select the GET Quotes option and complete one simple online form.
- Pickup: Get pick up truck insurance quotes for your privately owned or business pickup. Cover available for under 25’s plus any driver. Full range of options from fully comprehensive to third party only.
- Flat Beds: Need flat bed lorry cover? We provide multiple quotes from UK brokers. Simply complete a simple inquiry form, available by selecting the GET quotes option.
- Skip Lorries: Need cover for your skip lorry or fleet of skip lorries? We are able to provide skip lorry insurance quotes from a panel of UK brokers and underwriters enabling fast and easy of cover options available for owner operators .
How to Save Money on Your Truck Insurance
Getting Truck or HGV insurance is a must for any trucking business, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. There are plenty of ways to lower your insurance costs while keeping the right level of cover. By making smart choices and being proactive, you can reduce expenses and keep your business running smoothly.
- Multiple quotes available for all commercial trucks
- UK and European cover available
- Cover available for goods-in-transit (GIT)
- Cover available for carriage and reward
- Cover available for own goods carriage
- Online documentation
Use Telematics to Save Money
Telematics (also called black box technology) is a small device added to your truck that tracks how you drive. Insurance companies look at this data to see if you’re a safe driver. If you are, they might lower your insurance costs.
Telematics records things like:
- How fast you speed up
- Your average speed and top speeds
- How hard you brake
- How smoothly you steer
Some drivers worry about being watched all the time, but using telematics can mean fewer accidents and cheaper insurance. You could even turn it into a friendly competition by rewarding the best drivers.
Besides cutting insurance costs, telematics can also help your business by spotting unsafe driving habits, suggesting better routes, and avoiding traffic or dangerous roads. A well-monitored fleet means fewer accidents, leading to reduced downtime and increased efficiency. Some insurers even offer discounts if your entire fleet is fitted with telematics.
Hire Safe and Experienced Drivers
Insurance companies charge more if your drivers are under 25 or have a history of accidents. Choosing experienced drivers with clean records can help lower your premium.
How to keep costs down:
- Check the driving history of new hires.
- Hire drivers with good experience and no claims.
- Offer training to help drivers improve their skills and avoid accidents.
- Run regular safety workshops to remind drivers of best practices.
- Encourage defensive driving techniques to reduce the likelihood of claims.
A well-trained driver can save your company thousands in insurance costs over time. Some insurers may even offer discounts if your business provides advanced driver training.
Improve Truck Security
Keeping your trucks safe can reduce your insurance costs. The more secure your vehicles are, the less likely they are to be stolen or damaged.
Ways to make your trucks safer:
- Park in secure areas.
- Install insurance-approved immobilisers.
- Use GPS trackers.
- Fit dashcams and black boxes.
- Ensure regular maintenance checks to avoid breakdowns that could put trucks at risk.
Security is one of the biggest concerns for insurers. Trucks left in unsecured areas are more likely to be stolen, leading to higher premiums. Taking extra steps to protect your fleet can significantly reduce insurance costs.
Choose a Named Driver Policy
If possible, pick a named driver policy instead of ‘any driver’ insurance. While ‘any driver’ cover gives more flexibility, it’s usually more expensive. Naming specific drivers on the policy could save you money.
Named driver policies ensure that only approved, responsible drivers use your vehicles, reducing risk and lowering premiums.
Pay for Insurance in One Go
Paying monthly might seem easier, but insurers often charge extra for this. If you can, pay your HGV insurance in one annual payment to save money. Some insurers offer significant discounts for lump sum payments, so check with your provider.
If paying annually isn’t an option, look for insurers who offer interest-free instalments instead of those that charge additional fees for monthly payments.
Consider Fleet Insurance
If you run more than one truck, getting fleet insurance instead of separate policies for each truck could be cheaper. Fleet cover usually costs less per vehicle and makes managing your insurance simpler.
Fleet insurance can also make administration easier since all your trucks will be covered under one policy. Some insurers provide discounts for fleets that implement telematics and strict driver training policies.
Compare Insurance Quotes
Prices vary between insurers, so it’s always worth shopping around. Get multiple quotes and consider using an insurance broker who specialises in HGV insurance.
Additionally, check for loyalty discounts if you have been with the same insurer for a while. However, don’t assume staying loyal is always the best deal – sometimes switching insurers could result in significant savings.
Types of Truck Insurance and What’s Covered
Legal Minimum: Third-Party Cover
The law requires all HGVs to have third-party insurance. This covers damage or injury to others but does not pay for your own truck. If you operate on a tight budget, this is the most affordable option, but it may leave you vulnerable to high repair costs.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft
This includes third-party cover plus protection if your truck is stolen or damaged by fire. It’s a good option if you want extra protection without paying for fully comprehensive insurance.
Comprehensive Cover
This is the most complete cover. It protects against third-party claims and also pays for damage to your own truck, even if an accident is your fault. If your business depends on its trucks, comprehensive cover may be the safest choice.
Extra Cover You Might Need
Depending on your business, you may want to add extra cover:
- Goods in Transit: Pays if cargo gets lost, stolen, or damaged while being transported.
- Personal Liability: Covers claims made against you or your drivers.
- Loss of Earnings: Helps if your truck is off the road due to an accident.
- Legal Fees: Covers court costs if you need to defend your business.
- Public Liability: Protects against claims if someone gets hurt or their property is damaged because of your truck.
- Breakdown Cover: Ensures you get assistance if your truck breaks down, minimising delays and lost income.
- Excess Protection: Helps cover the cost of your excess if you need to make a claim.
Check What’s Not Covered
Insurance policies often have exclusions, so always check what isn’t covered. Some common exclusions include:
- Certain cargo types (e.g., hazardous materials may not be covered).
- Cover only applying while goods are in transit, not when parked.
- ‘Any driver’ policies not covering young or new drivers.
- Wear and tear or mechanical failures.
Always make sure your policy matches your business needs. If you take on new contracts, ensure your insurance covers the type of goods you’ll be transporting.
Cutting your Truck insurance costs doesn’t mean taking risks. By making your trucks more secure, hiring experienced drivers, using telematics, and choosing the right type of insurance, you can save money while staying protected.
Regularly reviewing your policy and shopping around for the best deals is a great way to ensure you’re not overpaying. Taking steps such as improving driver training, enhancing security, and paying annually can all contribute to significant savings.
Remember, the cheapest policy isn’t always the best – make sure you’re getting the right level of cover to protect your business. Compare quotes, consider additional cover if necessary, and keep up with safety measures to keep costs low and your business running smoothly.