Which costs less, road risk or combined?

Road risk generally costs less because it covers less. Combined can be better value if you would otherwise need several separate policies for premises, stock and liability.

Can I start on road risk and upgrade later?

Yes. Many traders begin with road risk and move to a combined policy as they take on premises, staff or stock.

Does road risk cover tools in my van?

No. Road risk only covers the vehicles you drive. Tools and equipment need to be added, which is where a combined policy or extra cover comes in.

Motor trade

Road risk vs combined motor trade insurance: what is the difference?

Road risk covers driving vehicles in your custody for trade; combined adds premises, stock, tools and liability. Here is how to tell which fits.

Road risk is the core cover that lets you drive vehicles in your custody on the road for trade purposes. Combined cover bundles road risk with premises, stock, tools and liability, for traders who want everything in one policy.

Road risk

Road risk is the foundation of any motor trade policy. It covers you to drive and move vehicles in your custody for trade purposes, for example road-testing a car after a repair or delivering one to a customer. It comes in three levels:

Third party only: the legal minimum.
Third party, fire and theft: adds cover if a vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive: the widest road cover, including damage to the vehicle you are driving.

Combined cover

Combined insurance wraps road risk together with the other things a motor trade business may need, such as:

Your premises, such as a workshop, unit or showroom.
Customers' vehicles while they are on your site.
Stock vehicles.
Tools and equipment.
Public liability, and employers' liability if you have staff.

Which suits you

	Road risk	Combined
Driving vehicles in your custody	Yes	Yes
Premises and contents	No	Yes
Vehicles and stock on site	No	Yes
Tools and equipment	Add-on	Usually included
Liability cover	Add-on	Usually included

If you only drive vehicles and have no premises, road risk may be enough. If you run a garage or showroom, combined is usually the better fit. It is worth looking at both to see which suits your setup.

Getting motor trade insurance quotes

With Kompare you fill in a short form about your trade. A specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel then contacts you about road risk or combined quotes. Read how we work, or start on our motor trade insurance page.