What is Motor Trade Insurance for Accessory Fitters?
Motor trade insurance for accessory fitters is a specialist type of business insurance designed to protect you while working on customers’ vehicles. Whether you’re installing parking sensors, dash cams, body kits, or high-end audio systems, you’re handling other people’s cars—and their standard insurance won’t cover you. That’s where motor trade insurance comes in.
This policy provides cover while vehicles are in your care, custody, or control—crucial for any accessory fitting business. It can include road risk cover, allowing you or your employees to legally drive customer vehicles for testing installations, moving them on-site, or transporting them between locations. You can also add cover for public liability, employer’s liability, tools, stock, and premises, depending on how and where you operate.
Whether you’re a mobile fitter or work from a fixed garage, motor trade insurance helps protect you against the risks involved in fitting aftermarket parts and accessories. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about giving both you and your customers peace of mind.
What's Covered under Accessory Fitter Insurance
As an accessory fitter, you work hands-on with customer vehicles—installing everything from security systems to performance parts. Motor trade insurance offers the protection you need to operate legally and securely.
Here’s what it typically covers:
- Road risk cover – Road risk cover Lets you legally drive customer vehicles for testing, collection or delivery.
- (Third-Party Only – TPO) – legal minimum. Covers injury or damage to others; doesn’t protect the vehicle you’re driving.
- (Third-Party, Fire & Theft – TPFT) – TPO benefits plus fire-and-theft cover, but still excludes accidental damage to that vehicle.
- (Comprehensive) – TPFT benefits and accidental or malicious damage to the vehicle itself.
- Customer vehicle protection – Safeguards any customer or stock vehicle that’s in your care, custody or control – whether it’s parked at your workshop, out on a road-test, or being collected / delivered. Covers theft, fire and accidental or malicious damage, with typical limits of £20 k–£100 k per vehicle (higher on request).
- Public liability insurance – Protects you if a customer or third party is injured, or their property is damaged, due to your work.
- Employer’s liability insurance – Legally required if you employ staff; covers workplace-injury claims.
- Tools & equipment cover – Insures portable tools and fitting equipment against theft or damage.
- Stock & parts cover – Protects vehicle accessories and parts held in stock from fire, theft or accidental damage.
- Premises cover – Insures your workshop or fitting area, including contents and fixtures.
- Business Interruption cover – Covers lost income if you can’t trade after an insured event such as fire or flood.
- Goods-in-transit cover – Protects parts and equipment while they’re being transported between sites or to customers.
Optional Add-Ons for Accessory Fitters
Depending on your setup and the nature of your work, you might want to enhance your motor trade policy with additional cover. These optional extras can provide added protection and peace of mind:
Lets you take customers on test drives after fitting accessories or upgrades.
Covers legal costs for disputes, contract issues, or defending claims.
Pays for repairs or replacements to vehicle glass if damaged during installation or testing.
Provides a temporary replacement vehicle for customers if their car is delayed due to fitting issues.
Extends your road risks policy to allow driving in EU countries for business purposes.
Offers a payout if you or an employee is seriously injured while working.
Protects business cash held on-site or in transit against theft or loss.
Ensures regular inspections of lifting or fitting equipment to meet legal requirements.
What’s Not Covered under Accessory Fitter Insurance
Like all insurance policies, motor trade cover comes with exclusions. Here are some of the most common things that usually aren’t included:
- Unattended vehicles – Claims may be rejected if keys are left in vehicles or they’re left unlocked.
- Drivers without a valid licence – Only named drivers with the correct licence can use customer vehicles.
- Use outside of business – Personal use of customer vehicles isn’t covered unless specifically added.
- Wear and tear – General deterioration or mechanical failure isn’t covered.
- Deliberate damage – Any intentional damage caused by you or your staff won’t be covered.
- Incorrect or incomplete information – Failing to give accurate business details can invalidate the policy.
- Non-disclosure of modifications – Not declaring modified vehicles or parts may void your cover.
- Theft without forced entry – Theft claims usually require clear evidence of forced entry or violence.
Who Needs Accessory Fitter Insurance Motor Trade Insurance?
If you fit accessories to customer vehicles, you’ll need motor trade insurance to protect your business and the vehicles in your care. This cover is essential for:
- Fitting car alarms, audio systems, dash cams, parking sensors, body kits, or styling parts
- Operating as a mobile accessory fitter or from a fixed garage or workshop
- Driving customer vehicles for testing or repositioning during or after a fitting
- Keeping customer vehicles on-site overnight
- Employing technicians or staff who handle vehicles
If any of those bullet points sound like your everyday work, accessory-fitter motor-trade insurance isn’t optional—it’s how you stay compliant and financially secure.
Get Accessory Fitter Insurance Quotes Today
How to Get a Accessory Fitter Insurance Motor Trade Insurance Quote
Getting a quote for motor trade insurance is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:
How Much Does Accessory Fitter Insurance Cost?
The price of your motor trade insurance can vary depending on several key factors. Here’s what insurers look at when calculating your premium:
- Type of work – Fitting accessories may carry different risks than servicing or selling vehicles.
- Business location – Urban or high-crime areas often mean higher premiums, especially for on-site work.
- Level of cover – Comprehensive policies cost more than Third Party Only (TPO) or Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT).
- Value of tools and stock – More expensive equipment or parts can raise the cost of your cover.
- Driver details – Age, experience, and driving history of anyone named on the policy will impact the price.
- Claims history – Previous insurance claims may lead to higher premiums.
- No-claims bonus – A clean record can help reduce your costs.
- Security measures – Alarms, CCTV, secure storage, and immobilisers can all help lower your premium.
- Number of vehicles covered – The more vehicles (business or customer), the higher the potential cost.
How to Save Money on Accessory Fitter Insurance
Motor trade insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some smart ways to cut costs while still getting the cover your accessory fitting business needs:
Accessory fitter insurance FAQ
Do I need motor trade insurance just to fit car alarms or accessories?
Yes. If you’re working on customer vehicles—even for things like alarms, stereos, or dash cams—you need insurance to protect those vehicles while they’re in your care. Standard personal or van insurance won’t cover this kind of work.
Am I covered when test-driving a car after installing an accessory?
If your policy includes road risk cover, you’ll be insured to drive customer vehicles for business purposes including road-testing them after installations.
Do I need insurance if I’m a mobile fitter working at customers’ homes?
Yes. Mobile accessory fitters still need cover for public liability, tool theft, and damage to customer vehicles while working off-site.
Is public liability important for accessory fitters?
Absolutely. It protects you if you accidentally damage a customer’s car or if someone is injured while you’re working—especially important when working on or inside vehicles.
Can I cover part-time staff who help with installations?
Yes. You can add employees to your policy. If you pay anyone to help—even part-time—you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance.
What information will I need to get a quote as an accessory fitter?
You’ll need to share what services you offer (e.g. alarm fitting, electronics installs), whether you’re mobile or garage-based, if you drive customer vehicles, and any previous claims or driving history.
