Who needs mechanics insurance?

You'll need mechanics insurance if you work as a mechanic, full time or part time, whether from a business premises or from a garage at home.

What can I insure under my mechanics insurance?

You can usually cover the things your business uses or owns, such as tools, machinery, stock and premises, along with employers' liability, which is generally a legal requirement if anyone works for you. Public liability and product liability are also worth considering, because a claim against you could be costly.

How old do I have to be to take out mechanics insurance?

Many insurers set a minimum age for motor trade cover, often 25. Some will consider younger mechanics, but you may find fewer options and higher premiums if you're under 25.

Why do I need insurance if I'm a mechanic?

You're working on vehicles that don't belong to you. If you damage a customer's vehicle, you could be held responsible for the cost, and without cover that could mean a legal dispute.

Motor trade

Mechanics insurance

Mechanics insurance explained: who needs it, road risks versus combined cover, and what you can insure as a garage, home-based or mobile mechanic.

As a mechanic you fix problems, repair damage and look after customers' vehicles, whether from a garage, from home or as a mobile service. The work takes care and attention, and because you're responsible for other people's vehicles, it makes sense to have the right insurance in place if something goes wrong.

Kompare helps mechanics 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 mechanics insurance for?

Mechanics insurance can suit a wide range of roles, including:

accessory fitters
mechanical repairers
mobile mechanics
tyre and exhaust fitters
MOT preparation and testing
vehicle electricians
scooter and motorcycle repairers

As well as insuring your premises, vehicles and staff, you may be able to cover your tools and equipment. If you work as a mechanic part time, alongside another job, there are policies designed for that too.

Whether you're looking at your renewal or setting up a new business, the broker who contacts you can talk through the options.

What are the different policy types?

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

Road risks

This often suits mechanics 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 road testing a vehicle after a repair.

Road risks and premises cover

A combined policy is designed for mechanics who run their business 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 work as a mobile mechanic, this option can cover the tools and contents of your van.

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, deliver 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.