Search & compare affordable quotes from Truck Insurance providers
Tailored quotes from a panel of UK Truck Insurance providers
Guide To Truck Insurance
Finding truck insurance is now easier than ever, with multiple truck insurance providers offering attractive and very competitively priced policies. Multi Quote Time works in partnership with QuoteZone who provide a simple form which once completed is submitted to a specialist panel of brokers. The panel of UK brokers will provide multiple quotes for your UK Truck and HGV insurance requirements. The panel can provide quotes for the following truck categories.
HGV insurance is available at 3 levels
There are 3 types of cover a driver or trucking business owner can take out to cover one of these large vehicles. This includes;
Third-Party Only (TPO)
Third Party is minimal cover required by UK law
Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT)
Third Party Fire and Theft adds protection if the lorry is damaged by fire or is stolen
Comprehensive Cover
Comprehensive cover includes third party cover plus fire and theft of your own vehicle. In addition, it will also cover the repair of your own vehicle and cover for any property damage.
Types of Truck Insurance
Like most insurances, there are different policies add-ons depending on your requirements. Below, we’ve mentioned some of the most common coverages you are able to purchase for these types of vehicles.
- Public liability – If you cause an accident, having a public liability insurance policy will cover for claims made by a third party for injury or property loss or damage.
- European cover – If you or your fleet travel to various countries around Europe, it’s recommended to get European cover as this will insure your trucks when they’re abroad. This policy type includes breakdown cover, roadside assistance, hire cars for onward travel and much more.
- Content’s cover – This protects the goods that you are transporting. This cover can be increased or reduced depending on the value of goods you typically transport.
- Comprehensive insurance – Provides you with coverage for any damages that may have occurred on the vehicle, even if the accident was your fault.
- Legal Fees – Is designed to protect you from unwanted legal bills. If you have an accident and someone is trying to claim compensation from you, you’ll end up having to pay legal fees if your insurance doesn’t cover it.
- Breakdown recovery – This type of cover will help you if one of your vehicles breaks down by providing roadside assistance. Breakdown cover supports such events as punctures, engine problems and towing services, so you’re able to get back on the road.
Examples of trucks that can be insured under an HGV policy include
Flat Bed Truck Insurance – Because flatbed trucks typically transport large and expensive goods, it is particularly necessary to get a flawless insurance policy in case anything happens during transportation. We recommend you get extensive contents cover depending on the value of goods you transport.
Recovery Truck Insurance – Recovery trucks come in all shapes and sizes, if you are using a vehicle for recovery you will need specialist recovery truck insurance protection
Refrigerated Truck Insurance – It’s important to consider contents insurance in the unlikely event of your refrigerated van malfunctions and possibly spoiling the goods.
Tipper Truck – As a bare minimum, you should be looking for at least comprehensive insurance when it comes to covering a tipper truck.
Dropside Lorry – A popular choice with a delivery business. A dropside lorry will speed up the delivery process.
Specialist Trucks HGVs/LGVs which have a specialist, singular function such as:
- Livestock lorries
- Snow ploughs
- Cement mixers
- Car transporters
Typical truck insurance exclusions
Care needs to be applied when you are purchasing truck insurance. This is to ensure you’re covered for your requirements while not clashing with the exclusions that the insurer lays out. Failing to follow the exclusion rules may result in your cover being invalidated. We have listed some of the more typical exclusions below:
Tips to save on truck insurance costs
What is telematics, and can it reduce my annual or monthly premiums? Simply put, a device is added to your truck and yes, it can reduce your premium. The purpose of the device is to record data on the driver and will include at least the following:
- Severity of braking
- The ability to steer smoothly
- Rate of acceleration
- Average speed and speed peaks
Drivers that have a history of claims will increase your premium as they will be seen as an added risk. In addition, drivers under 25 will incur a higher premium based on the increased risk of accidents. So, whilst the young driver may be one of the better drivers, the underwriter sees all young drivers as extra risk.
Simply arranging one annual payment will lead to fewer overheads for everyone. The resulting lower costs can be passed on to you in terms of a lower premium.
Fleet cover should be considered if you have 2 or more trucks. Instead of purchasing individual insurance for each truck, you’ll be able to insurance all work vehicles under one policy. Insuring vehicles through a fleet policy should lead to savings over the traditional one vehicle, one policy route.
Making your vehicles secure and safe will help to bring down your insurance premiums. If possible, provide safe and secure parking. Add additional safety devices (insurance approved) such as immobiliser, GPS tracking devices. Taking these steps will be a step in reducing your overall insurance costs.
Do you need any driver cover? If possible, limit your policy to named drivers. However, if your business model requires driver flexibility, then an any driver fleet insurance policy will meet that requirement.
Making modifications can impact the cost of insurance. Before making any changes, consult with your insurance company as the change may increase the cost of insurance, so best to avoid unless necessary.
Get quotes from multiple sources and compare these police in terms of inclusions and exclusions. Quotes can easily be tailored to an owner-operator’s individual needs, providing the necessary cover to ensure you are not at financial risk as a result of an incident involving your work vehicle. Having your trucking business covered with adequate protection can let you get on with running your business without concerns for possible future claims against you or one of your drivers.
The policy can also be tailored to cover goods in transit, personal liability and loss of earnings. Depending on the type of business, you may also wish to cover tools, machinery, cargo and goods transported or held in storage.
UK Truck Insurance FAQs
- Updated: 25 Nov 2024
- Reviewed by Eamonn Turley Insurance Expert