Road risk and add-on cover for motor traders without premises, buying, selling or repairing vehicles from home, full-time or part-time.
Road risk and add-on cover for motor traders without premises, buying, selling or repairing vehicles from home, full-time or part-time.
No premises neededPart-time tradersTest drives covered
Road risk only
Speak to a specialist 0330 808 1117
Motor trade insurance working from home is cover for full-time and part-time traders who run their business from a residential address rather than commercial premises. It’s usually built around road risk, letting you drive stock and customer vehicles, with optional demonstration, tools and liability cover added as needed.
No unit or forecourt? You can still get motor trade insurance, many insurers offer policies designed for traders working from home.
Your home-based policy depends on:
Your postcodeBuying and selling or repairsWhere vehicles are keptNumber of vehicles at onceTest drives and demosFull-time or part-timeDrivers and experience
Buying and selling from home and repairing from home are rated differently. Start with the one closest to what you do.
Most traders working from home start with a road risk only motor trade policy. It covers the vehicles you drive for your trade, not a building or stock on premises.
Road risk typically covers:
Stock vehicles you ownCustomer cars in your careCollections and deliveriesRoad tests after repairsThird party to comprehensiveNamed or any-driver options
Working from home vs trading from premises
Working from home vs trading from premises
Home-based motor traders usually need road risk only cover with a few add-ons. Traders with a unit or forecourt can hold road risk only too, or choose a combined policy that adds premises, stock and liability cover.
Home-based motor traders usually need road risk only cover with a few add-ons. Traders with a unit or forecourt can hold road risk only too, or choose a combined policy that adds premises, stock and liability cover.
| What’s different | Working from home | Trading from premises |
|---|---|---|
Typical policy | Road risk only | Road risk only or combined cover |
Premises and buildings | Not needed | Optional, or part of a combined policy |
Vehicles kept at your address | Declared, with storage conditions | Optional, or part of a combined policy |
Vehicles held at once | Often limited | Higher limits available |
Customer visits | Public liability add-on | Public liability, optional or part of a combined policy |
Demonstration cover | Optional | Optional |
Tools and equipment | Optional add-on | Optional, or part of a combined policy |
Top Tip
Tell your insurer where trade vehicles are parked overnight. Many home-based policies set conditions for vehicles kept on the road or on your driveway.
Part-time motor trade insurance from home
Part-time motor traders can trade from home, but insurers still expect you to be a genuine trader.
Insurers will usually ask about:
Your main occupationVehicles bought or sold a yearHours spent tradingWhere stock is storedSecurity at your homeMotor trade experience
Your price depends on your postcode, your level of cover, vehicle values, drivers, where vehicles are kept overnight, your excess and your claims history.
Where you are based 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.
Level of road risk
Road risk can be third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive.
Where vehicles are kept
Insurers ask whether vehicles are kept on a driveway, in a garage or on the street.
Vehicle values
Insurers look at the value of the stock and customer cars you drive.
Level of excess
Your excess is what you pay towards each claim, so choose a level you could manage.
Drivers
Insurers will ask who drives, and their age and experience.
Claims history
Insurers will ask about any claims you have made.
Trusted by home-based and part-time motor traders across the UK
Trusted by home-based and part-time motor traders across the UK
From part-time sellers working evenings and weekends to full-time traders running their business from home, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
From part-time sellers working evenings and weekends to full-time traders running their business from home, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to get the right cover and expert support when it matters.
Home trader guides
Home trader guides
Practical advice for full-time and part-time motor traders running their business from home.
Practical advice for full-time and part-time motor traders running their business from home.
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
Motor trade insurance working from home FAQs
Motor trade insurance working from home FAQs
Straight answers for home-based and part-time traders without premises, from cover to cost.
Straight answers for home-based and part-time traders without premises, from cover to cost.
Yes. Many specialist insurers offer motor trade policies for traders without commercial premises, whether you buy and sell cars or repair vehicles from home. Most home-based policies are built around road risk cover.
Still not sure what cover you need?
Our motor trade specialists can check your setup and find insurers who cover home-based traders.
