A broker will need more than the registration to quote for a working truck. This checklist covers the vehicle, drivers, loads and journeys to describe, and the details to check when quotes come back.
1. Record the vehicle details
- Registration, make, model, age, value and maximum authorised mass.
- Body type: for example rigid, tractor unit, tipper, flatbed or refrigerated truck.
- Fitted cranes, lifting gear, refrigeration equipment, modifications and trailers.
- Ownership, finance or hire arrangements, and any contractual insurance requirements.
2. Describe the work and loads
Say whether you carry your own goods or goods for hire or reward. Describe the actual jobs, typical loads and values, collection and delivery sites, loading or unloading work, mileage and operating radius. Include night work, overseas journeys and unusual or occasional contracts. A broad description such as “haulage” may leave important questions unanswered.
3. Prepare driver information
List everyone who needs permission to drive, including agency or relief drivers. Have the licence category, relevant experience, convictions and claims information requested by the broker ready. Ask how named-driver and wider driver arrangements differ, including age and experience restrictions.
4. Gather insurance and claims records
Have the current schedule, renewal date and claims information available. Ask what claims period and supporting documents the broker needs. Include outstanding claims and correct information that has changed. A fleet enquiry may require a separate vehicle and driver schedule.
5. Explain parking and security
Give the overnight location and describe access controls, immobilisers, trackers or telematics accurately. Ask which security measures become policy conditions, what records you must keep and how a change of parking location should be reported. Equipment does not guarantee a discount.
6. Identify separate cover questions
- Goods in transit: what goods, values, limits and exclusions apply?
- Breakdown and recovery: which vehicles, territories and recovery costs are included?
- Trailers and hired equipment: are they declared and covered when detached or stored?
- Public and employers’ liability: what business activities and obligations need separate consideration?
- Replacement vehicles or loss of use: is there any cover, and what limits or waiting periods apply?
Why these details affect a truck insurance quote
Insurers use their own pricing and acceptance criteria. Vehicle weight, value and repair costs, drivers, claims, work, mileage, territory and security may all affect price or terms. There is no reliable universal price for a UK truck without those details. Give each firm the same information so differences between quotes are easier to identify.
When quotes arrive
Check the business name, vehicle, drivers and use first. Then compare cover, excesses, exclusions, limits, fees, total payment cost and cancellation terms. Use our truck quote comparison guide to record the differences. Ask the broker to correct errors and explain unclear conditions before accepting.
Which guide should I use?
Read the HGV insurance guide for cover levels, the 7.5 tonne guide for that weight class, or the fleet guide for multiple vehicles. Specialist work is covered in the tipper, recovery and refrigerated truck guides.
Do I need every document before making an enquiry?
You can start by asking what the broker needs, but do not guess missing information. Explain what is outstanding and obtain confirmation before relying on any terms. Our first registration field is optional; the provider may need further details later.
Can I use this checklist for private use or temporary cover?
Yes, as a list of information to gather. It does not establish that a broker will offer private-use or short-term cover. State the exact use and dates and confirm availability before arranging to drive.
Read the HGV guide and start a quote enquiry. The enquiry is handled through iRevolution Connect. We may receive commission; an enquiry does not buy cover or guarantee a quotation.