What is classed as a salvage vehicle?

A vehicle is usually treated as salvage, or a write-off, when an insurer decides that repairing it would cost more than it's worth or would not be economical. Each insurer applies its own assessment.

What is breakers and salvage insurance?

Breakers and salvage insurance is designed for people who work at a scrap, salvage or breaker's yard. Because the risks they face are unusual, a tailored policy can provide the specific cover they need. Policies can include road risks, specialist machinery, personal and business vehicles, and public and employers' liability.

Motor trade

Breakers and salvage insurance

Breakers and salvage insurance for vehicle dismantlers, scrap dealers and salvage yards: the risks involved, what it can cover and the policy types.

Running a breaker's, salvage or scrap yard carries plenty of risk, and anyone working in one will already know what those risks are. It's important to have a policy in place that protects you against them.

A yard can be a dangerous place. With damaged vehicles stacked up and heavy machinery such as crushers and cranes in use, an accident can be serious, and there is a real chance of injury while dismantling vehicles.

If you work in the motor trade as a breaker, salvage or scrap operator, you need cover that understands your business and its risks, and that offers the right protection for what you do.

Kompare helps yards and dismantlers 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.

Who is it for?

This type of cover can suit:

vehicle breakers and dismantlers
scrap dealers
salvage yard operators

What are the different policy types?

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

Road risks

This often suits traders based at home rather than at a fixed premises. It covers the vehicles in your possession when they're on the road, for example collecting a vehicle or moving it between sites.

Road risks and premises cover

A combined policy is designed for businesses that operate from a yard or premises. It's also worth considering if you employ staff, keep stock or store vehicles overnight. For most yards, premises cover will be an important part of the policy.

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 sell, repair or recover 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.