Car Transporter Insurance
Compare vehicle transportation insurance
- Quotes from UK insurance providers
- One short form – save time & money
Policies and deals from industry leading insurance providers, including
Reviewed by: Lee Evans
Business & Leisure Insurance Expert
Written by: Katie Gawley
Insurance Content Writer
Fact-checked by: QuoteZone Editorial Team
This content follows our Editorial Guidelines
Last Updated: 18 February 2026
Why do you need car transporter insurance?
Car transporter insurance is essential if you move vehicles professionally. It offers specialised protection if you’re transporting cars for clients or as part of the motor trade. Car transporters or recovery vehicles are often required by law to have this type of specialised insurance. Standard or general motor trade insurance doesn’t cover their unique risks. Vehicle transporter insurance offers vital protection against legal penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage. It’s not just nice to have, but essential for good car transport business management.
What does vehicle transportation insurance cover?
Car transporter insurance usually covers several important risks, but coverage can differ between insurers. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes. You’ll quickly see how different insurers treat risks like road risks, goods in transit, and trailer cover. The level of cover you choose can also affect what’s covered. Most policies can be customised to suit the needs of your business.
Road risks
This covers your vehicles while they’re being transported on public roads, even if only for a short distance to the transporter. You are legally required to have this protection in place.
Goods in transit cover
This protects the vehicles you are transporting against damage or loss while being transported. The protection often includes loading and unloading of the vehicles.
Public liability insurance
Public Liability Insurance (PLI) protects you if injury or property damage occurs to third parties while you’re transporting the vehicles. For example, if a transported vehicle falls off the transporter and causes property damage or injury to a third party, you’ll be covered.
Employer’s liability insurance
This is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ staff. It protects your employees if they are injured while working or become ill because of their work activities.
Trailer cover
Trailer cover protects the trailers that transport vehicles. It may not be included automatically in your policy, but it often is. If you use trailers to transport vehicles, check that they’re included in your policy. If not, you can usually choose to take it as an add-on.
Business premises cover
If you’ve opted for a higher level of coverage, your business premises may be included in the coverage. If so, your premises could be protected against things like fire, floods, theft, or vandalism. It’s advisable to check your policy details to understand what’s included.
Additional extras
Many insurers offer multiple policy add-ons to enhance your protection. Things like business interruption, legal expenses, and EU cover are popular options. However, it’s important to assess your unique risks and only choose the cover that you really need. This will also keep a check on the cost.
Who needs car transporter insurance?
You’ll usually need vehicle transporter insurance if you move vehicles around as part of your business activities. There are many scenarios where this type of policy would be appropriate.
- Vehicle transportation firms
- Sole traders and small businesses
- HGV and trailer operators
- Mobile mechanics and recovery operators
- Transporter or recovery operator fleets
What impacts the cost of car transporter insurance?
The vehicles
The vehicles you transport, including their type and value, affect your insurance cost. Also, the number of vehicles carried on the transporter at the same time matters. That’s because the risks and potential loss grow with more vehicles involved in an accident.
Your business, and its operations
The size and nature of your business are key risk factors. Insurers look at whether you’re a sole trader, mobile mechanic, dealership, or logistics fleet operator. Each type has a unique risk profile. They’ll also look at the frequency of vehicle transportation.
Claims history
A clean claims history usually leads to discounted premiums. However, if you’ve had previous claims, especially recent ones, you’ll likely be charged more. Your drivers will also be reviewed. Their ages, licence types, and driving histories all contribute to your business risk profile.
Level of coverage
Comprehensive policies typically cost more than basic third party insurance, but you’ll have much more protection. Adding benefits like trailer cover or higher liability limits may also raise prices. Your voluntary excess can also impact the cost. For example, by increasing your voluntary excess, you’ll typically pay less on your premiums.
Vehicle storage and security
Increasing the security on your premises and vehicles can significantly reduce premiums. Consider using CCTV, alarms, immobilisers, and other types of security measures that would lower the risk of theft or damage.
Type of vehicles used for transportation
Transporters and trailers are classified differently from standard vehicles. Because they’re much larger and often more expensive to repair or replace, insuring them usually comes at a higher cost.
How to get cheaper car transporter insurance quotes?
If you run a large transportation business, there are steps you can take to secure relatively cheap car transporter insurance. Here are several ways that you can potentially reduce costs.
Compare quotes
Since not all policies are the same, it’s important to shop around for various options. Compare quotes using our tool so you can quickly spot the deal with the most competitive rates for your specific needs.
Tailor your cover
It’s important to review your policy regularly and adjust it as your business needs change. For example, higher limits offer more protection but increase costs. Assess your actual needs and only take the cover you need.
Increase security
This applies to all vehicles while they’re being used and when they’re stored. Fit an alarm and CCTV to your premises, and consider adding things like trackers, alarms and immobilisers to your vehicles.
Maintain a clean claims history
A claims-free history typically leads to reduced premiums. Vet your drivers before you employ them and train them in safety protocols when handling vehicles. This can reduce your risk of making claims.
FAQs on Car Transporter Insurance
Do I need insurance if my transporter is parked and unused?
Is trailer insurance included?
What’s the difference between car transporter, vehicle transportation, and HGV insurance?
Can I get cover for multiple drivers?
Do I need trade plate insurance if I’m transporting unregistered cars?
How soon can my cover start?
What people have to say about us
Great service would defintely reccommennd to anyone.
Peter
“”
Very easy to use, just input your details and they do the rest.
Stuart
“”
4.94/5 from 16 customer reviews