Motor trade insurance for trade plate drivers and vehicle collection and delivery businesses, cover to drive the cars you move, on trade plates or registered plates.
Motor trade insurance for trade plate drivers and vehicle collection and delivery businesses, cover to drive the cars you move, on trade plates or registered plates.
DVLA trade licenceSelf-employed driversMultiple plate sets
Delivery & collection
Speak to a specialist 0330 808 1117
Trade plate insurance is motor trade road risk cover that lets you legally drive vehicles you’re collecting, delivering or testing for your business while they display trade plates. Trade plates don’t include insurance, and DVLA asks for a copy of your motor trade insurance certificate when you apply for them.
Trade plates are not insurance. Every vehicle driven on trade plates must be insured, roadworthy and have a valid MOT or be exempt.
Your trade plate insurance depends on:
Your postcodeCollection, delivery or testingNumber of trade plate setsTypes of vehicles movedAnnual mileageDrivers and experienceSelf-employed or company
Anyone driving vehicles on trade plates for a business needs motor trade insurance in the same name as the DVLA trade licence.
Anyone driving vehicles on trade plates for a business needs motor trade insurance in the same name as the DVLA trade licence.
Self-Employed Trade Plate Drivers
Independent drivers delivering vehicles for dealers, lease firms and agencies.
Collection & Delivery Firms
Businesses moving customer and trade vehicles between locations.
Dealer Delivery Drivers
Drivers handing over new and used cars to customers’ homes.
Lease & Rental Returns
Collecting end-of-contract lease and rental vehicles.
Auction & Remarketing
Moving vehicles to and from auctions and remarketing centres.
Repossession Agents
Collecting vehicles under repossession for finance companies.
What can you use trade plates for?
What can you use trade plates for?
DVLA only lets you use trade plates for the business purposes on your trade licence application, on vehicles temporarily in your possession.
DVLA only lets you use trade plates for the business purposes on your trade licence application, on vehicles temporarily in your possession.
Delivery & collection
Moving vehicles to or from customers, dealers, auctions and lease companies.
May suit you ifMotor traders and delivery businesses
Testing & trials
Road testing vehicles or their equipment during or after repair or modification.
May suit you ifTraders and vehicle testers
Demonstration
Letting prospective buyers test drive vehicles you’re selling. Demonstration cover is a legal requirement for this on a public road.
May suit you ifDealers using plates for demos
Repossession
Collecting vehicles under repossession on behalf of finance companies.
May suit you ifMotor traders collecting vehicles
Not sure your use is allowed?
Check the purpose on your trade licence, or speak to an adviser before you drive.
Trade plates vs other ways to move vehicles
Trade plates vs other ways to move vehicles
Trade plates suit roadworthy vehicles that aren’t registered or taxed. Unroadworthy vehicles must be carried on a transporter or recovery truck instead.
Trade plates suit roadworthy vehicles that aren’t registered or taxed. Unroadworthy vehicles must be carried on a transporter or recovery truck instead.
| Method | How it works | Cover | Best for | Unregistered | Untaxed | Unroadworthy | Several at once |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade plates | Red plates on vehicles in your possession | Road risk | Deliveries and road testing |  | |  | |
| Registered plates | Driving on the vehicle’s own plates | Road risk | Collecting customer cars | | | | |
| Car transporter | Carrying vehicles on a truck | Truck + load | Moving several cars | | | | |
| Recovery truck | Lifting or towing disabled vehicles | Truck | Breakdowns and non-runners | | | | |
| Delivery fleet | Several drivers using trade plates | Any-driver | Delivery businesses | | | | |
Still unsure how to move your vehicles?
0330 808 1117
Breaking trade plate rules can be an offence and may leave you uninsured. These rules come from DVLA’s trade licence guidance.
You cannot use trade plates:
On a vehicle registered to youOn an unroadworthy vehicleWithout valid insuranceOutside your licence purposeBy splitting a set between vehiclesWithout displaying them front and rearHow much is trade plate insurance?
How much is trade plate insurance?
Trade plate insurance has no set price. It depends on the work you do, the value of vehicles you drive, your mileage, drivers and experience, how many plate sets you hold and your claims history.
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.
Trade plate insurance has no set price. It depends on the work you do, the value of vehicles you drive, your mileage, drivers and experience, how many plate sets you hold and your claims history.
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.
Type of work
Delivery, testing or repossessionEach use is rated differently
Vehicle values
Prestige and brand-new carsInsurers ask about vehicle values
Mileage
Long-distance deliveriesMore miles mean more risk
Drivers
Age and experienceWho will drive the vehicles
Plate sets
Number of sets you holdMore vehicles on the road at once
Claims history
Previous claims and pointsDeclared for every driverExtra cover for delivery drivers
Extra cover for delivery drivers
Trade plate work brings extra exposure at collection and delivery points. These optional covers deal with it.
Trade plate work brings extra exposure at collection and delivery points. These optional covers deal with it.
Cover several drivers moving vehicles without naming each one, subject to age and experience limits.
How to get trade plate insurance
How to get trade plate insurance
Get your motor trade insurance certificate first, you’ll need a copy to apply to DVLA for trade plates. Getting covered takes four steps.
Get your motor trade insurance certificate first, you’ll need a copy to apply to DVLA for trade plates. Getting covered takes four steps.
Tell us about your work
Delivery, collection, testing or repossession, and the vehicles you move.
Confirm drivers and plates
Share your drivers, mileage and how many trade plate sets you need.
We compare insurers
We search specialist motor trade insurers for trade plate cover.
Get your certificate
Receive your certificate to include with your DVLA trade licence application.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by trade plate drivers across the UK
Trusted by trade plate drivers across the UK
From self-employed plate drivers to busy delivery firms, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From self-employed plate drivers to busy delivery firms, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
Trade plate guides
Trade plate guides
Clear guidance on getting, using and insuring trade plates.
Clear guidance on getting, using and insuring trade plates.
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
Trade plate insurance FAQs
Trade plate insurance FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about trade plates and insurance.
Answers to the most common questions about trade plates and insurance.
No. Trade plates are a DVLA trade licence, not insurance. Any vehicle driven on trade plates must be insured under a motor trade policy, and DVLA asks for a copy of your motor trade insurance certificate when you apply.
Still not sure what cover you need?
Our motor trade specialists can check your trade plate use and find the right policy.
