Truck Insurance Guide

What type of truck insurance do I need?

The type of cover required depends on how you use your vehicle:

• Carriage of Own Goods
  For transporting your own business goods (e.g. scaffolders, groundworkers)
• Haulage Insurance (Hire and Reward)
  Required if you are paid to carry goods belonging to others

Choosing the correct cover is essential to ensure your policy is valid.

Types of truck insurance cover

Truck insurance follows standard policy types:

• Comprehensive – highest level of protection
• Third Party, Fire & Theft
• Third Party Only

Most policies include an excess (typically around £500), which is the amount you contribute towards a claim.

Policies can be arranged for:

• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Limited companies
• Charities and organisations

Do I need an Operator’s Licence?

If your business uses goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you will usually require an Operator’s Licence.

• Applications typically take around 3 months
• Interim cover can often be arranged while your application is in progress

If you are unsure, you can check requirements via the DVSA.

Who can drive my truck?

Policies can be arranged to suit your business:

• Named drivers
• Single driver policies (often lower premiums)
• ‘Any driver’ policies for flexibility

Drivers under 25 can also be covered, subject to underwriting criteria.

How to reduce truck insurance premiums

Even if you have been insured for many years, there may be ways to reduce your premium.

• Some insurers cap No Claims Discount at 40%
• We have access to schemes offering up to 60% No Claims Discount
• Regular market reviews ensure competitive pricing

Starting a haulage business

If you are new to haulage, insurance can be a major cost.

We can help by offering introductory No Claims Discounts, for example if you:

• Have previous HGV driving experience
• Have insured vehicles elsewhere
• Have worked as a driver for another business

European use and international cover

If you need to operate in Europe:

• Temporary cover can be arranged via a Green Card
• Annual European cover is available for regular travel

Expanding your fleet

If your business is growing:

• Single vehicle policies are suitable for individual trucks
• Multi-vehicle policies can be a good option for smaller operators, as each vehicle builds its own No Claims Discount.
• Fleet insurance may offer lower overall costs for multiple vehicles

We can advise on the most suitable option.

Types of truck insurance policyholders

We arrange cover for:

• Haulage contractors (hire and reward)
• Own goods operators (e.g. builders, landscapers)
• Skip hire operators and waste businesses

Specialist cover is available for higher-risk vehicles such as skip lorries.

Can I include vans and cars on a fleet policy?

Yes—most fleet policies can include:

• Vans
• Cars
• Specialist vehicles

(subject to underwriting criteria)

Additional cover you may need

Breakdown Cover

Keeps your vehicle operational and minimises downtime.

Goods in Transit Insurance

Protects the goods you carry, with options including:

• All Risks cover
• RHA conditions
• CMR cover

Legal Expenses Cover

Covers legal costs and helps recover uninsured losses after a non-fault accident.

Hauliers' Public Liability Insurance

Covers claims for third-party injury or property damage.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

A legal requirement if you employ staff, covering up to £10 million.

👉 In many cases, liability cover can be combined with goods in transit insurance.

Get expert advice

Truck insurance can be complex, particularly for new businesses or specialist operations.

👉 Call us on 01628 662666
👉 Or request a quote and we’ll contact you

Note

Services are available for British mainland-based residents and businesses only.