Motor trade
Car body shop insurance
Car body shop insurance for crash repairers, restorers and body repair specialists: what it covers, who needs it and road risks versus combined cover.
Most cars need mechanical repairs or new parts from time to time, but some need a different kind of repair. An accident can damage the bodywork while the car itself still runs perfectly.
Owning a car body shop comes with its own risks. You work on customers' vehicles all day, and you'll often need to drive them to and from your premises. That's where car body shop insurance comes in.
You'll also use a range of specialist tools and work from a dedicated premises, all of which need protecting. A typical car body shop policy can cover the vehicles in your possession, your business assets and your liabilities, so it's worth making sure your policy reflects what your business actually does.
Kompare helps body shops 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?
Car body shop cover can suit:
- crash and body repairers
- vehicle restorers
- accessory fitters
- mechanical repairers
- vehicle electricians
What are the different policy types?
When you take out car body shop insurance, you'll usually choose between two levels of cover.
Road risks
This often suits repairers 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 garage 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 run from a premises rather than from home. It's also worth considering if you employ staff, keep stock or store customers' vehicles overnight.
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, valet 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.
You can read more about employers' liability cover on GOV.UK.