What does breakdown and recovery insurance cover?

It can cover much of what your business uses. Things to think about include making sure your recovery vehicles and the vehicles you move are covered, adding named drivers, and protecting your tools, equipment and machinery.

Who needs breakdown and recovery insurance?

Anyone who works full time or part time recovering vehicles as a business. Driving on public roads requires motor insurance by law, and a standard car or van policy is not designed for recovering other people's vehicles.

Motor trade

Breakdown and recovery insurance

Breakdown and recovery insurance for motor traders who recover or repair vehicles: who needs it, what it can cover and road risks versus combined cover.

Running a breakdown or recovery service carries a lot of responsibility. Customers are relying on you to get them back on the road, and the last thing you want is to be let down by an expired or unsuitable insurance policy.

Breakdown and recovery insurance is designed for people who recover or repair vehicles following a breakdown, incident or accident. The risks are greater than for many drivers, especially when you're driving a vehicle as large as a recovery truck, and you need to make sure the vehicles you recover are covered as well as your own.

Kompare helps recovery operators find specialist motor trade cover. You fill in a short form and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you to talk through your needs and quotes. You can read more on our motor trade insurance page or see how we work.

This page is about insurance for businesses that provide recovery. If you're looking for personal breakdown cover for your own vehicle, see our breakdown cover page instead.

What are the different policy types?

When you take out breakdown and recovery insurance, you'll usually choose between two levels of cover.

Road risks

This often suits operators based at home rather than at a fixed premises. It covers the vehicles in your possession when they're on the road, for example moving a vehicle from your yard to a driveway, collecting or returning a customer's vehicle, or testing a vehicle after a repair.

Road risks and premises cover

A combined policy is designed for businesses that operate from a premises rather than from home. It's also worth considering if you employ staff, keep stock or store customers' vehicles overnight. If you carry out repairs at the roadside, this option can also cover the tools and contents of your vehicle.

Not sure which policy you need?

If you're unsure which type of cover suits your business, get in touch and we can help with any questions. The broker who contacts you can also explain the options before you decide.

Other motor trade roles

Many roles in the motor trade overlap. If you also repair, sell or deliver vehicles, mention it when you fill in the form so your cover reflects the work you do. Our motor trade insurance page covers the full range of trades.

If you employ staff, you can read more about employers' liability cover on GOV.UK.