What is HGV Mechanic Insurance?
HGV mechanic insurance is specialist cover designed for anyone maintaining, repairing, or servicing heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), lorries, or trucks—whether you’re running a commercial workshop, operating as a mobile HGV mechanic, or part of a fleet maintenance team. Standard motor trade insurance often won’t offer the level of protection needed for working with large, high-value vehicles.
As a heavy vehicle technician, you face unique risks, like working with high-weight machinery, handling client assets worth hundreds of thousands, and sometimes repairing vehicles roadside or in remote locations. HGV mechanic insurance is tailored to keep you protected, legal, and able to work with confidence.
Having the right cover in place means you can focus on keeping vehicles moving, no matter how big the job.
What the experts say…
“Working on HGVs means dealing with heavy, high-value vehicles and demanding jobs—so the right HGV mechanic insurance is essential. Always check your policy is tailored for truck repairs, not just cars, and be proactive with security and compliance. A little time spent on your insurance can save a lot of hassle down the road.”
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
What’s Covered by HGV Mechanic Insurance?
HGV mechanic insurance can be arranged to fit your business—whether you’re working at a fixed premises, on-site at depots, or as a mobile mechanic. A good policy should cover your core activities and assets, including working on customer vehicles, handling specialist tools, and potential liability risks. If you regularly move trucks or lorries on the road, you’ll also need a road risks policy specific to HGVs.
- Road risks insurance – Allows you to drive customers’ HGVs, lorries, or commercial trucks for repairs, testing, or delivery. Make sure your policy explicitly covers vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
- Public liability insurance – Protects you if a customer or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged while you work—essential for both workshop and mobile mechanics.
- Employers’ liability insurance – Required by law if you employ anyone, even part-time or apprentices, covering workplace accidents or illness.
- Tools and equipment cover – Insures specialist diagnostic gear, lifts, and hand tools against loss, theft, or accidental damage.
- Premises and contents cover – Protects your workshop, garage, or depot against fire, theft, or flood, including parts storage and machinery.
- Business interruption cover – Provides financial support if you can’t trade due to a major incident, like a fire or flood.
Always check that your policy is set up for the size and value of vehicles you handle—not every motor trade policy automatically includes HGVs.
Optional Extras for HGV Mechanics
Depending on how and where you work, you can extend your HGV mechanic insurance with extras that offer extra peace of mind. For example, if you regularly transport parts or equipment between sites or assist with vehicle collection and delivery, goods in transit cover can be vital. If you attend breakdowns roadside, consider specialist breakdown cover for HGV support vehicles.
Protects expensive parts, tools, or vehicles you move between jobs or to customers.
Covers legal costs if you face business disputes or claims.
Essential if you run service vans or support vehicles, or if you attend roadside repairs.
Offers financial help if you’re injured while working.
Can be added for peace of mind if your business uses lifts, hoists, or other workshop machinery that requires regular safety checks (see HSE’s guide on inspections).
If your work takes you across borders, check for EU or international cover.
Only pay for the extras that match your real-world risks—this keeps your HGV mechanic insurance affordable and relevant.
What’s Not Covered?
Even the best HGV mechanic insurance won’t cover every situation. Some restrictions are common—such as not insuring personal use of vehicles, certain high-value or modified trucks, or unlisted drivers. If you don’t follow agreed security requirements, or you fail to declare relevant convictions, claims may be denied.
- Personal use of HGVs or trucks – Most policies only cover business use, not private trips or haulage outside your trade activities.
- Unlisted drivers or staff – Only those named on your policy are covered to drive or work on vehicles.
- Non-disclosure of claims or convictions – Not declaring past claims or motoring offences can invalidate your cover.
- Poor security or storage – Claims may be denied if your workshop or vehicles don’t meet agreed security standards.
- Excluded vehicles – Some specialist or exceptionally high-value HGVs may be excluded unless you arrange specific cover.
Always read your documents carefully—ask your broker or insurer about anything unusual in your HGV business before you buy or renew.
Who Needs HGV Mechanic Insurance?
If you make a living from repairing, maintaining, or servicing heavy goods vehicles, HGV mechanic insurance is usually essential. UK government guidance on running a motor trade business makes clear that insurance is a legal requirement if you drive or work on customer vehicles—especially those weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.
- Workshop-based HGV mechanics – Running or working at a fixed site, depot, or commercial garage for trucks and lorries.
- Mobile HGV mechanics – Providing roadside or on-site repairs at depots, lay-bys, or at customer premises.
- Fleet maintenance teams – Servicing a haulage, delivery, or logistics company’s HGV fleet.
- Independent HGV technicians – Freelancers, contractors, or sole traders specialising in truck repair.
- Apprentices or trainees – Anyone learning the trade and handling customer vehicles under supervision (with correct supervision and cover).
If you work with HGVs in any way for profit, proper insurance keeps your business, clients, and career protected.
Get HGV Mechanic Insurance Quotes Today
How to Get an HGV Mechanic Insurance Quote
Getting a quote for HGV mechanic insurance is straightforward if you’re clear about your work, business size, and the vehicles you handle. Let your insurer know if you’re mobile, based at a fixed site, or work both ways, and provide accurate details of the HGVs and equipment you handle. The latest motor trade insurance guides can help you prepare your info and choose the right cover.
How Much Does HGV Mechanic Insurance Cost?
HGV mechanic insurance costs more than standard motor trade cover due to the size, value, and complexity of the vehicles involved. Your price depends on how many HGVs you work with, where you operate, your claims record, and whether you’re mobile or workshop-based. Cover for expensive tools, business interruption, or multiple employees will also add to the premium.
- Number and type of HGVs serviced – The more, or the more valuable, the higher the premium.
- Your location and premises security – Secure, rural, or low-risk areas cost less to insure than urban or exposed sites.
- Mobile vs fixed-site work – Mobile mechanics usually pay more due to increased risk and time on the road.
- Staff numbers and experience – More employees or apprentices increases the price, but experienced teams can reduce risk.
- Tools and machinery cover – High-value equipment adds to your premium.
- Your excess – Opting for a higher voluntary excess can lower your monthly or annual price.
- Claims and convictions history – A clean record means lower premiums; previous claims or convictions will increase cost.
Always compare quotes and only pay for the cover you actually need—every business is different, so personal pricing is key.
Ways to Save on HGV Mechanic Insurance
HGV mechanic insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Save money by regularly reviewing your drivers, vehicles, and extras—removing what you don’t need. Improving your workshop security, paying annually, and building up a no-claims bonus can all help. The FCA’s insurance distribution rules also encourage customers to shop around for a better deal each year.
With the right approach, even specialist HGV mechanic insurance can be affordable for small and growing businesses.
FAQs – HGV Mechanic Insurance
Who needs HGV mechanic insurance?
HGV mechanic insurance is essential for anyone earning money from repairing, maintaining, or servicing trucks, lorries, or commercial vehicles—whether you’re working from a workshop, as a mobile technician, or as part of a fleet team.
What does HGV mechanic insurance cover?
A typical HGV mechanic insurance policy covers road risks (driving customer trucks), public liability, employers’ liability, tools and equipment, and your premises. You can add extras like goods in transit or breakdown cover to match your work style.
Can mobile HGV mechanics get insurance?
Yes, many insurers offer mobile HGV mechanic insurance—just make sure your road risks and liability policies are set up for work away from your base and for driving HGVs on public roads.
Is HGV mechanic insurance more expensive than standard motor trade cover?
Usually yes, because working with HGVs involves higher value vehicles, specialist tools, and greater risks. Comparing quotes for HGV mechanic insurance is the best way to find competitive prices.
What documents do I need for an HGV mechanic insurance quote?
You’ll need to provide business details, the types of HGVs you work with, security arrangements, claims or convictions history, and names of all drivers and staff.
Will HGV mechanic insurance cover me to drive any truck or lorry?
Your policy should cover the types and weights of HGVs you work with, but some policies exclude certain high-value or unusual vehicles. Always check your documents and ask if in doubt.
How can I get cheaper HGV mechanic insurance?
The best ways to save are to only cover what you need, build up a no-claims bonus, keep security tight, pay annually if possible, and always compare quotes each renewal.
