What Information Do I Need to Get a Haulage Insurance Quote?

Getting a haulage insurance quote doesn't need to be complicated. However, the more accurate information you can provide at the outset, the easier it is for your insurance broker to approach suitable insurers and obtain terms that properly reflect your business.

Whether you're an owner-driver with one HGV or operate a larger haulage fleet, insurers will usually want to understand your vehicles, drivers, work and claims history before providing a quotation.

Here are some of the main things it's useful to have available.

1. Details of your vehicles

Your broker will need information about the vehicles you want to insure.

This will normally include details such as:

• Vehicle registration numbers
• Make and model
• Gross vehicle weight
• Vehicle value
• Type of vehicle, such as tractor unit, rigid, tipper or skip lorry
• Any trailers or specialist equipment where relevant

If you operate several vehicles, providing an up-to-date vehicle schedule can make the quotation process considerably easier.

2. Information about your drivers

The drivers using your vehicles are an important part of an insurer's assessment of the risk.

You may be asked to provide information including:

• Driver ages
• How long they have held the appropriate licence
• HGV driving experience
• Previous accidents and claims
• Driving convictions or penalty points

If you employ younger or newly qualified HGV drivers, mention this at the outset so your broker can approach insurers that may be prepared to consider them.

3. What type of haulage work do you undertake?

Insurers need an accurate picture of how your vehicles are being used.

For example, you may be carrying general haulage, containers, refrigerated goods, building materials or other specialist loads.

You will also need to explain whether the vehicles are being used for Hire & Reward (haulage) or Own Goods.

The type of work you undertake and the goods you carry can influence which insurers are suitable for your business.

4. Where do your vehicles operate?

Tell your broker whether your vehicles operate solely within Great Britain or whether you undertake work elsewhere.

If you travel into Europe, details of the countries visited and the frequency of overseas journeys may be required.

Your normal operating radius and the areas in which vehicles are regularly used can also be relevant.

5. Your claims history

Insurers will normally require details of previous claims, accidents and losses.

For an established business, this will often be supported by claims experience supplied by your existing insurer.

Don't assume that a previous claim automatically prevents you from obtaining competitive insurance. An experienced haulage insurance broker can present the circumstances of the risk to appropriate insurers.

6. Your Operator's Licence details

If your business requires an Operator's Licence, your broker may ask for details as part of the quotation process.

If you're establishing a new haulage business and are still waiting for your Operator's Licence, tell your broker. Depending upon the circumstances, insurance options may still be available while the application is being completed.

7. Where are your vehicles kept overnight?

Insurers may want to know where your HGVs are normally parked when they're not being used.

This could be:

• Your own operating centre
• A secure commercial yard
• A driver's home
• Another authorised parking location

You may also be asked about security arrangements such as gates, fencing, CCTV or other measures.

8. Do you have any particular contract requirements?

This is particularly important.

Some haulage contracts can impose specific insurance requirements, so tell your broker about these before cover is arranged.

For example, operators undertaking Amazon Relay work may have particular insurance requirements, while pallet networks and other contracts can also stipulate minimum levels or types of cover.

Providing the contract requirements allows your broker to check that the insurance being arranged is appropriate for the work you're undertaking.

9. Do you need Goods in Transit insurance?

Motor insurance protects the vehicle and your motor liability, but you may also require Goods in Transit insurance for the goods you're carrying.

The appropriate cover will depend upon the nature of your contracts and can include cover based on:

• RHA Conditions
• CMR
• All Risks

If you're unsure which basis of cover you require, discuss the work and contracts with your broker.

10. Details of your existing insurance

If you're approaching renewal, it is useful to provide details of your current insurance arrangements, including:

• Current insurer
• Renewal date
• Existing cover
• Vehicle schedule
• Claims experience
• Any particular policy conditions

Don't leave this until the last minute. Giving your broker sufficient time before renewal allows them to properly understand the business and approach appropriate insurers.

What if I don't have all this information?

Don't worry.

You don't necessarily need every piece of information before having an initial conversation with an insurance broker.

A specialist broker should be able to tell you what information is required and help you gather anything that's missing.

What is important is that the information eventually provided to insurers is complete and accurate. If something about your business, vehicles, drivers or work is unusual, tell your broker rather than assuming it isn't relevant.

Specialist Haulage Insurance from Avis Insurance

Avis Insurance Services has been arranging insurance for truck and haulage operators for more than 40 years.

We work with businesses ranging from first-time owner-drivers and smaller operators through to established haulage fleets, and can assist with Truck Insurance, Fleet Insurance, Goods in Transit and related covers.

Our experienced team understands the information insurers require and can help you through the quotation process from the initial enquiry through to arranging cover.

Looking for a haulage insurance quote?

Contact Avis Insurance Services and speak directly with a member of our specialist truck and haulage insurance team.