Specialist tow truck and recovery vehicle insurance for roadside recovery, accident work and vehicle transportation, one truck or a full fleet.
Specialist tow truck and recovery vehicle insurance for roadside recovery, accident work and vehicle transportation, one truck or a full fleet.
Vehicles in your careNew operatorsTransport work too
Spec lift to transporter
Speak to a specialist 0330 808 1117
Recovery truck insurance is specialist motor trade cover for vehicles used to tow, lift or transport broken-down, damaged or seized vehicles. It combines road risk cover for your truck with protection for the customer vehicles you carry, plus public and employers’ liability for roadside and yard work.
Standard van or HGV insurance won’t cover the vehicle on your bed or hook, recovery work needs cover for the vehicles in your care.
The right recovery cover depends on:
Your postcodeTruck type and weightSpec lift, slide bed or transporterClaims and convictionsRoadside, accident or transport workDrivers and experienceNumber of recovery trucks
Roadside recovery, accident work, transport and salvage collection are all rated differently, so tell us the mix of work your trucks actually do.
Roadside recovery, accident work, transport and salvage collection are all rated differently, so tell us the mix of work your trucks actually do.
Roadside breakdown recovery
Lifting and towing broken-down cars and vans to a garage, home or place of safety.
Accident recovery
Recovering vehicles after an accident or breakdown, from the roadside or anywhere else they need collecting.
Vehicle transportation
Moving customer and trade vehicles, including dealer, auction and lease runs.
Salvage and scrap collection
Collecting written-off and end-of-life vehicles for salvage yards and dismantlers.
Owner-drivers
Self-employed recovery operators running a single truck, full-time or part-time.
Recovery fleets
Businesses running several recovery trucks and drivers under one policy.
Spec lifts, slide beds and transporters carry different loads and need different licences, which changes both cover and price.
Owner-drivers with one truck and firms running several are insured differently, mainly on drivers, contracts and how vehicles are shared.
Which recovery truck setup is right for you?
Which recovery truck setup is right for you?
Your truck decides your licence category and the work you can take on, and insurers price each setup differently.
Your truck decides your licence category and the work you can take on, and insurers price each setup differently.
| Setup | Best for | Licence | Common work |
|---|---|---|---|
Spec lift / tow truck | Hook and tow recovery | B or C1 | Urban breakdowns and fast callouts |
Slide bed up to 3.5t | Cars and small vans | B | Breakdowns, non-runners, dealer moves |
Slide bed 3.5-7.5t | Larger vans and 4x4s | C1 | Accident and light commercial recovery |
Multi-car transporter | Several vehicles at once | C or C+E | Trade, auction and fleet deliveries |
Heavy wrecker | HGVs, buses and coaches | C or C+E | Heavy and motorway recovery |
Recovery fleet | Multiple trucks and drivers | Varies | Contract and 24/7 recovery work |
How much is recovery truck insurance?
How much is recovery truck insurance?
Recovery truck insurance has no set price. Premiums depend on your postcode, your truck type and value, the recovery work you do, your drivers’ ages and licences, where vehicles are kept overnight and your claims history.
Where you operate matters. Postcode is one of the biggest rating factors on a motor trade policy, and it affects more than the price. It can decide whether an insurer will quote at all.
Recovery truck insurance has no set price. Premiums depend on your postcode, your truck type and value, the recovery work you do, your drivers’ ages and licences, where vehicles are kept overnight and your claims history.
Where you operate matters. Postcode is one of the biggest rating factors on a motor trade policy, and it affects more than the price. It can decide whether an insurer will quote at all.
Truck type and value
Insurers look at the type and value of your truck, from a light tow truck to slide beds, transporters and heavy wreckers.
The work you do
Roadside, accident and transport work carry different risks, so tell us the mix of work you do.
Drivers and licences
Insurers will ask about your drivers’ ages and experience, and whether you need named drivers or any-driver cover.
Security and storage
Insurers will ask where your trucks and customer vehicles are kept overnight.
Claims history
Insurers will ask about any claims and convictions.
Protect the truck, the vehicles you carry and your liability
Protect the truck, the vehicles you carry and your liability
A recovery policy has three parts: the truck itself, the vehicles you lift or carry, and your liability at the roadside and in the yard.
A recovery policy has three parts: the truck itself, the vehicles you lift or carry, and your liability at the roadside and in the yard.
Covers your recovery truck on the road, with third party, third party fire and theft or comprehensive cover.
How to insure a recovery truck
How to insure a recovery truck
Insuring a recovery truck takes four steps: share your truck and work details, confirm drivers and licences, compare specialist insurers, then get your documents so you can take jobs.
Insuring a recovery truck takes four steps: share your truck and work details, confirm drivers and licences, compare specialist insurers, then get your documents so you can take jobs.
Tell us about your trucks
Share your truck types, weights and the recovery work you do.
Confirm drivers and licences
We check driver ages, licence categories and experience.
We compare specialist insurers
We search recovery insurers for road risk, vehicles in your care and liability.
Get covered and on call
Choose your policy and receive documents so you can start taking jobs.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by recovery operators across the UK
Trusted by recovery operators across the UK
From a single spec lift to a fleet of transporters, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From a single spec lift to a fleet of transporters, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right cover and expert support when it matters.
Recovery operator guides
Recovery operator guides
Practical guidance on licensing, cover and costs for recovery businesses.
Practical guidance on licensing, cover and costs for recovery businesses.
Insurance Revolution’s Guide to Motor Trade Insurance Policies
The motor trade industry is diverse and complex, encompassing everything from car dealerships and repair shops to valeting services and vehicle recovery businesses. Whether you’re buying and selling vehicles, offering repairs, or running a garage, motor trade insurance is a crucial component of protecting your business.
Common Motor Trade Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Running a motor trade business comes with daily risks. Whether you operate as a used car dealer, mechanic, vehicle valeter, MOT centre, or mobile repair specialist, accidents can happen when you least expect them.
Why Would I Need Motor Trade Insurance?
“Do I or do I not need to take to motor trade insurance policy?” most of the motor traders are in this constant dilemma with the insurance scheme and are kind of clueless what benefits they would be getting by opting for the motor trade insurance. The law demands every motor trader to sign up with motor trade insurance policy and any negligence here would amount to violating the law.
Why Public Liability Insurance Is Crucial for Car Forecourt Traders
As a car forecourt trader, you’re not just selling vehicles; you’re inviting potential buyers onto your premises, where they interact with your staff, inspect vehicles, and often test drive them. While this activity is essential for your business, it also introduces various risks. This is where public liability insurance becomes crucial, alongside having the right level of forecourt cover.
Understanding Motor Trade Insurance as a Small Business Owner
As a small business owner in the motor trade industry, it’s crucial to understand the importance and nuances of motor trade insurance. Whether you’re selling vehicles, offering repair services, or dealing with vehicle parts, having the right insurance coverage can protect your business from a variety of risks.
Navigating the Road to Secure Trade: Unveiling the Considerations of Motor Trade Insurance
Opening your garage, paint shop, or car lot is exciting. However, many hidden pitfalls can cause you to blow out and take your business off the road. In this 2-minute read, we’ll highlight the different types of motor trade business insurance you need to protect your business should something unexpected happen.
What Are The Different Trades Covered Under Motor Trade Insurance?
Motor trade insurance is a legal requirement when you are in a motor trade business. You will have to sign up for a motor trade insurance policy if your business involves having clients’ vehicles under your custody, care or control. These would apply to businesses engaged in auto sales, including both new and pre-owned vehicles
Recovery truck insurance FAQs
Recovery truck insurance FAQs
Straight answers on cover, cost and licensing for tow truck and recovery operators.
Straight answers on cover, cost and licensing for tow truck and recovery operators.
You need road risk motor insurance for the truck itself, plus cover for the customer vehicles you lift, tow or carry. Most operators also add public liability, and employers’ liability is often a legal requirement if you employ drivers or yard staff.
Still not sure what cover you need?
Our recovery specialists can talk you through road risk, vehicles in your care and liability cover.
