If you own or drive a flatbed truck, you need the right insurance to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your business. Flatbed trucks carry large, heavy loads, which means accidents can be costly. Let’s go over the basics of flatbed truck insurance and why you should get it.
Why Do You Need Flatbed Truck Insurance?
Flatbed truck insurance covers your vehicle and business if something goes wrong. Different policies offer different benefits, such as:
- Keeping your No Claims Bonus – Some policies let you keep your discount even if you make a claim.
- Cover for big trucks – Insurance can cover trucks up to 44 tonnes, worth up to £120,000.
- More driver options – Some policies cover any licensed driver for trucks over 12 tonnes.
- Easier approval – Even if you have past claims or driving convictions, you may still qualify for cover.
- Discounts for experience – If you’ve driven flatbed trucks for a company before, you could pay less.
- Flexible payment plans – Many insurers let you pay in monthly instalments.
- Protection for your cargo – Goods in transit insurance helps if your load is lost or damaged.
- Breakdown cover – Some policies include roadside help if your truck stops working.
What Types of Insurance Are Available?
You can choose from two main types of cover:
- Fully Comprehensive – Covers damage to your truck, damage to other vehicles, fire, and theft.
- Third Party, Fire, and Theft – Covers damage to other vehicles and fire or theft of your truck, but not damage to your truck in an accident.
You can also add extras like:
- Public Liability Insurance – Covers injuries or damage you cause to other people or property.
- Employer’s Liability Insurance – A legal requirement if you have employees driving your trucks.
- Windscreen Cover – Helps with the cost of fixing or replacing a broken windscreen.
How Much Does Flatbed Truck Insurance Cost?
Your insurance price depends on:
- Truck size and weight – Bigger and heavier trucks usually cost more to insure.
- Your driving record – Past claims or driving offences can increase costs.
- Where you operate – If you drive in high-risk areas, insurance might be more expensive.
- The type of cover you choose – More protection costs more money.
- How much you drive – Driving more miles can mean higher costs.
- How you store your truck – Keeping it in a secure location with alarms or trackers could reduce your premium.
Getting quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find a good deal.
Ways to Save Money on Flatbed Truck Insurance
Insurance can be pricey, but here are some ways to lower the cost:
- Increase your voluntary excess – Choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay when you make a claim) can lower your premium.
- Improve security – Adding alarms, immobilisers, or GPS tracking can make your truck safer and lower your insurance cost.
- Use named drivers – Policies covering specific drivers are cheaper than ones that allow any driver.
- Drive less – Reducing how much you drive each year could save money.
- Bundle your policies – Insuring multiple trucks under one policy might get you a discount.
- Keep a clean record – Safe driving with no claims or convictions can help lower costs over time.
Common Questions About Flatbed Truck Insurance
Can I insure more than one flatbed truck?
Yes, many insurers offer multi-vehicle policies covering up to 10 trucks. This is useful for businesses with a fleet.
Can young drivers get insurance?
Yes, but there are age limits. If you’re 18 or older, you can drive a flatbed truck with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes. For trucks over 7.5 tonnes, you need to be at least 21 years old.
What other types of vehicles can be insured?
Many insurers also cover:
- Refuse trucks & road sweepers
- Diggers, cherry pickers & pickups
- Agricultural vehicles
- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
- Road surfacing machinery & steamrollers
- Tow trucks & recovery vehicles
Do I need to tell my insurer if I modify my truck?
Yes. Not telling your insurer about modifications could void your insurance. Even small changes should be reported so your policy stays valid.
Does insurance cover personal use of a flatbed truck?
It depends on the policy. Some insurers cover personal use, while others only allow business use. Always check before you drive.
What should I do if I have an accident?
If you’re in an accident, follow these steps:
- Stay safe – Check for injuries and move to a safe place if possible.
- Call for help – Contact emergency services if needed.
- Collect details – Get names, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved.
- Take photos – Snap pictures of the accident scene and any damage.
- Report it to your insurer – Call your insurance company as soon as you can.