Specialist insurance for MOT test centres and garages with MOT bays. Choose road risk only, or a combined policy that can cover customer vehicles, test equipment, premises and liability.
Specialist insurance for MOT test centres and garages with MOT bays. Choose road risk only, or a combined policy that can cover customer vehicles, test equipment, premises and liability.
Test equipment coverCustomer carsBays & staff rated
All test classes
Speak to an adviser today 0330 808 1117
MOT station insurance is a motor trade policy for garages and test centres carrying out DVSA MOT tests. It can be road risk only, if you move or road test customer cars, or a combined policy that also protects customer vehicles in your testing bays, your premises and specialist test equipment, and covers public, products and employers’ liability.
A car damaged on your brake rollers or lift is your responsibility, make sure customer vehicles in your care are covered.
Your MOT station insurance depends on:
Your postcodeTest classes you carry outNumber of MOT baysRepairs as well as testingCustomer cars on siteStaff and testersPremises and security
MOT centres we insure
MOT centres we insure
Class 4 and Class 7 test centres, MOT and repair garages and multi-bay sites are all rated differently, so tell us which you run.
Class 4 and Class 7 test centres, MOT and repair garages and multi-bay sites are all rated differently, so tell us which you run.
Class 4 Test Centres
Testing cars, small vans and light passenger vehicles.
Class 7 Test Centres
Testing goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg.
MOT & Repair Garages
Garages combining MOT testing with servicing and repairs.
Multi-Bay Test Centres
Larger centres with several bays, testers and vehicles on site.
What could go wrong at your MOT centre?
What could go wrong at your MOT centre?
The most common MOT centre claims involve damage to customer cars during testing, injuries to customers or staff, equipment breakdowns, faulty repairs and fires that stop you trading.
The most common MOT centre claims involve damage to customer cars during testing, injuries to customers or staff, equipment breakdowns, faulty repairs and fires that stop you trading.
Which covers does an MOT station need?
Which covers does an MOT station need?
Road risk is a legal requirement if you drive customer cars, and employers’ liability is often a legal requirement if you have staff. The rest protect against the claims MOT centres face most.
Road risk is a legal requirement if you drive customer cars, and employers’ liability is often a legal requirement if you have staff. The rest protect against the claims MOT centres face most.
| Type of cover | Legally required? | Why MOT centres need it |
|---|---|---|
Employers’ liability | Often, if you employ staff | Testers, technicians and reception staff |
Road risk | Yes, to drive customer cars | Moving and road testing vehicles |
Customer vehicles in your care | Not legally required | Damage during tests or while parked |
Public liability | Not legally required | Customers and visitors on site |
Products liability | Not legally required | Repairs and parts fitted after a fail |
Test equipment | Not legally required | Brake testers, emissions kit and lifts |
Premises and contents | May be required by your lease | Fire, flood and theft at your centre |
Business interruption | No | Lost income if you can’t test |
Top Tip
Keep records of lift inspections and equipment servicing and calibration. Insurers may ask for them after a claim, and DVSA expects test equipment to be properly maintained.
Build your MOT station policy
Build your MOT station policy
Choose the covers your test centre needs, from road risk only to a combined policy with liability, customer vehicle and equipment cover.
Choose the covers your test centre needs, from road risk only to a combined policy with liability, customer vehicle and equipment cover.
Customer Vehicles
Protects cars in your care against damage or theft while they’re being tested or waiting.
Employers’ Liability
Often a legal requirement if you employ testers, technicians or reception staff.
Public & Products Liability
Covers injury claims from customers and claims linked to repairs or parts fitted.
Test Equipment
Cover for brake testers, emissions equipment, headlamp aligners and lifts.
Business Interruption
Helps replace lost income if a fire or flood stops you testing.
Road Risk
Covers you to move and drive customer vehicles on public roads.
MOT station insurance has no fixed price. It depends on the test classes and services you offer, your level of cover, the number of bays and staff, the value of your test equipment, your excess and your claims history.
Your postcode
Where you trade 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.
Equipment value
Brake rollers, emissions analysers and lifts are expensive to replace and affect your sums insured.
Level of cover
Insurers look at whether you choose road risk only or a combined policy with premises, equipment and liability.
Level of excess
Your excess is what you pay towards each claim, so choose a level you could manage.
Number of bays
More bays, testers and customer cars on site mean more exposure to claims.
Claims history
Insurers will ask about any claims you have made.
Our motor trade advisers understand how MOT centres work, from DVSA-approved testing bays to repair workshops, and compare specialist insurers for you.
Why MOT centres choose us:
Specialist motor trade insurersClass 4 and Class 7 centresExperienced UK-based advisersCustomer vehicle protectionCombined policies for MOT and repairsHuman support when you claimHow to insure your MOT station
How to insure your MOT station
Tell us about your test centre, bays and equipment, and we’ll compare specialist motor trade insurers for you.
Tell us about your test centre, bays and equipment, and we’ll compare specialist motor trade insurers for you.
Tell us about your MOT centre
Test classes, repairs and how many bays you run.
Confirm values and staff
Test equipment values, customer cars on site and employees.
We compare insurers
We search specialist motor trade insurers for MOT station cover.
Get covered and testing
Choose your policy and receive your documents quickly.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by MOT centres and garages across the UK
Trusted by MOT centres and garages across the UK
From single-bay Class 4 testers to busy multi-bay centres, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From single-bay Class 4 testers to busy multi-bay centres, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
MOT centre guides
MOT centre guides
Practical advice on insurance, equipment and claims for MOT testing stations.
Practical advice on insurance, equipment and claims for MOT testing stations.
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
MOT station insurance FAQs
MOT station insurance FAQs
Straight answers for MOT test centres on cover, cost and liability.
Straight answers for MOT test centres on cover, cost and liability.
MOT station insurance is a motor trade policy for garages and test centres carrying out MOT tests. It can be road risk only, if you drive customer cars, or a combined policy that also covers customer vehicles in your care, test equipment, premises and liability.
Still not sure what cover you need?
Our motor trade specialists can match your cover to your MOT centre.
