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What is car trader insurance?

Car trader insurance is a type of policy specially designed for individuals or businesses involved in vehicle sales. This includes buying, selling, or handling vehicles as part of their business. There are many risks associated with keeping a a variety of vehicles and letting customers test-drive them. Trader car insurance ensures you, your employees, and your customers are well protected if something goes wrong. It takes care of legal requirements, risk management, and contributes to customer trust. 

Why do I need car trader insurance? 

As a car trader, you must legally have road risk insurance for your vehicles. If you employ staff, you’re also obliged by law to have employer’s liability insurance. The rest is optional. However, if you consider the protection it offers, it is sound business practice to have this cover in place. It offers the essential security, credibility, and compliance needed to run a reputable car trading business.   

What types of car trader policies are available?

Road risk insurance

Road risk insurance is the most basic car dealer insurance and is suitable for part-time traders or those who operate from home. It’s for smaller ventures that don’t have the responsibility of managing large numbers of vehicles, with many staff members or customers. Road risk insurance allows you and your employees to drive vehicles associated with your business. This could include customer cars, vehicles being bought or sold or test-driven. There are various levels of cover to choose from. 

  • Third party only (TPO) 
  • Third party, fire, and theft (TPFT) 
  • Comprehensive cover 

Combined auto traders insurance

This offers much broader protection to established traders or those with big business premises. Policies can vary between insurers, but combined car dealership insurance typically covers the main areas of risk associated with car trading. 

  • Road risk insurance – Covers vehicles while being driven by employees or customers. 
  • Business premises insurance – Typically covers buildings, tools, and machinery. 
  • Stock cover – This can include vehicles, car parts, or other items kept for sale. 
  • Liability cover – Typically includes public liability, employer’s liability, and product liability cover.  
  • Business interruption – Covers loss of income if the business is forced to close due to an insured event like flooding or fire damage. 
  • Money – Offers protection for cash kept on site. 
  • Keys – Cover for lost keys. 

Optional extras

  • Demonstration cover – Some policies may require you to take out additional protection to allow customers to test-drive your vehicles. 
  • Goods in transit – This insures vehicles or stock being transported. 
  • Engineering inspection – Additional cover for lights, compressors, or other machinery not included in your core policy. 
  • Directors’ and officers’ liability – Additional protection for business management against legal claims. 

How much does car dealer insurance cost?

Motor trade insurance is highly tailored and will vary in cost for each business. To get an accurate price for your business, we recommend getting bespoke quotes from various insurers. They’ll calculate your premiums by assessing your business risk profile. Many factors play a role, including:  

  • The number, types, and values of vehicles being sold  
  • The location of your business  
  • The level of coverage you choose 
  • Any additional options or extras  
  • The size of your business, such as the number of employees, the size of your premises, and your vehicle stock  
  • The age and driving record of your drivers  
  • Your history of claims  
  • Your security measures and risk management practices 

What information do I need to get a quote?

Business information

  • The type of business you have – as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership.  
  • The nature of your business activities – car dealer, mechanic, vehicle transporter 
  • Your trading location 
  • Your total years in business and business experience 

Vehicle information

  • The types and number of vehicles you stock 
  • The total estimated value of stock 
  • Demonstration or test-driving offered 
  • Security features of the premises and the vehicles 

Driver details

  • Name, age, and occupation of employees and business partners who will be driving the vehicles 
  • Type of driving licence 
  • Driving history 
  • Years of driving experience 

Cover requirements

  • Level of cover needed – road risk or combined
  • Employer’s liability – to cover staff liabilities
  • Demonstration cover – to cover customers while test-driving your vehicles
  • Optional add-ons – like business interruption, money, or goods in transit cover

Insurance history

  • Details of previous trade insurance policies 
  • No-claims bonus details 
  • Previous claims, refusals, cancellations, or special terms imposed by the insurer 

FAQs

Is cover different for used vs. new car dealers?

Used car dealer insurance and new car dealer insurance are fundamentally the same. They offer the same type of cover and can be tailored to the needs of the dealer. The difference is usually in the value of the stock, the premises, and specific business operations.  

What level of cover do I need on my car trader insurance policy?

Determining the appropriate level of cover for your business depends on your level of risk exposure. For instance, if you operate as a part-time sole trader from your home, you may only need basic road risk insurance. If you’re running a much larger dealership, comprehensive cover would be more appropriate 

Can I drive any car with car trader insurance?

No, these policies are designed to cover vehicles connected to your business. It doesn’t extend to cars unrelated to your trade, such as those belonging to family or friends. Your car could be included if it is listed in your policy.  

Does motor trade insurance cover cars using trade plates?

Vehicles fitted with trade plates are usually unregistered and untaxed. This makes them non-standard in the eyes of the DVLA and insurers. You’ll need motor trade insurance that specifically covers vehicles with trade plates driven on public roads. This is usually included under motor trade road risk or a combined policy, and is not typically available as a standalone policy. 

Can I get motor trade insurance if I’m under 25?

It’s possible, especially if you’re older than 21, but your options will be limited. Insurance costs will be higher, and you may not be covered for certain trading activities. If you’re a young trader, we recommend comparing multiple quotes.  

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