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Vehicle mechanic insurance

If you’re a vehicle mechanic you’re likely to face a range of professional risks during the course of your work. From theft or accidental damage to vandalism or workplace injuries, any number of events could badly affect your business, which is why having the right vehicle mechanic insurance in place could prove invaluable.

What is motor mechanic insurance?

It’s a type of motor trade insurance aimed at protecting mechanics from financial loss if something goes wrong.

Whether you offer general mechanical repairs or specialise in a certain area like vehicle electrics or bodywork, the right insurance policy can play a key role in the smooth running of your business.

What does my mechanic insurance policy cover?

You’ll be able to bundle together different types of insurance to give your business the exact cover it needs.

However, when you compare quotes it’s important to double check any limits set out in each policy, as they can differ from provider to provider.

Features to think about include:

• Road risk – This type of cover insures you to drive cars that don’t belong to you and is a legal requirement even if you’re only driving customer cars for very short distances. So even if you’re only moving cars from your workshop to your forecourt, for instance, you’ll still need this type of cover.
• Mechanic liability insurance – There are a few different types of liability cover to choose from. For instance, public liability can cover legal costs and compensation if a member of the public is injured or has their property damaged because of your business, while employers’ liability pays out if a staff member is injured or becomes ill because of work.
• Business premises – Covers property your business owns, such as an office, workshop or garage. It might be a wise idea to also insure any office items like computers and printers with office contents cover.
• Business interruption – Makes up for lost income if your business has to close because of an insured event such as a fire.
• Tools and equipment cover – Pays to repair or replace items you use for work. This could be pricey machinery like pressure washers and lifting platforms or basic tools like spanners and ratchets.
• Stock cover – Insures any parts you keep onsite, such as tyres, wipers and brake pads. You’ll be compensated at cost price rather than retail.
• Goods in transit – Covers tools and equipment in your van while you’re out and about – essential if you’re a mobile mechanic.

What level of cover do I need?

The exact level of cover you need (known as the ‘sum insured’ or ‘indemnity level’) will usually depend on your own particular business, although in many cases insurers will set their own standard indemnity levels – for instance, public liability is often set at £10,000,000. You can of course ask for more but it’s likely to increase the cost of your premium.

The only exceptions are road risk and employers’ liability insurance, where there are legal minimums you must meet:

• Road risk – You must have third party cover at the very least if you’re driving your customers’ cars. This pays out for damage done to other people’s property. For greater protection, third party, fire and theft, and comprehensive policies are also available.
• Employers’ liability – By law you must have at least £5,000,000 worth of cover if you employ anyone (even casual workers). If you need cover but don’t have it you could be fined £2,500 for each day that you go without it.

How can I lower my mechanics insurance premium?

The cost of your premium will depend on a number of factors including:

• The location of your business
• The size of your business and number of employees you have
• The types of features and level of cover you want
• Your claims history

While premiums vary, you can help to cut costs by:

• Paying for your policy on an annual basis
• Increasing your voluntary excess
• Ensuring named drivers on road risk policies are over 25 and have clean driving records
• Ensuring your business premises are as secure as possible.

How do I find cheap mechanics insurance?

For great value mechanics insurance search with us at Quotezone.co.uk. Just fill out this short form and we’ll bring you quotes from leading UK insurers.