What is Mobile Mechanic Insurance?
Mobile mechanic insurance is a specialist motor trade insurance policy designed for those who repair or service vehicles away from a fixed garage. Whether you’re working on driveways, roadsides or at business premises, this type of insurance helps protect you while handling customers’ vehicles, which their own insurance typically won’t cover.
It offers cover while vehicles are in your care, custody or control. Road risk insurance lets you drive customers’ cars legally, and you can add extras like public liability, employers’ liability, tool cover and business vehicle insurance depending on how you operate.
Whether you’re a sole trader or manage a small team, this cover is there to protect your business against the unique risks of mobile vehicle repairs – giving peace of mind to both you and your customers.
What the experts say…
"Mobile mechanics face unique risks every day, from working on customers’ vehicles at their homes to carrying valuable tools and equipment on the move. Standard car or van insurance won’t protect you if something goes wrong while working for a customer. Specialist mobile mechanic insurance is essential for legal protection, safeguarding your tools, and ensuring your reputation and business are secure, wherever the job takes you."
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
Whats covered under Mobile Mechanic Insurance?
What’s included depends on the policy, but here are some of the key areas mobile mechanics often choose cover for:
- Road risk cover – Lets you legally drive and move customer vehicles as part of your work, including short road tests after repairs, moving cars to safe spots, or transporting them between sites.
- Public liability – Protects you if a customer or third party claims for injury or damage caused during your work. For example, if you accidentally spill oil on a driveway or scratch a customer’s vehicle.
- Tools and equipment – Covers your mobile toolkits, diagnostic scanners, jacks, and other specialist equipment against theft, accidental damage, or even fire—crucial when your tools are your business.
- Goods in transit – Insures spare parts, fluids, and valuable tools while being transported in your van, covering loss from accidents or theft en route between jobs.
- Employers’ liability – Required by law if you employ anyone, even part-time. It covers you if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work for you.
- Customer vehicle cover – Covers accidental damage to customers’ vehicles while they’re in your care, custody, or control, whether on the road, at a job site, or being parked or manoeuvred.
- Faulty parts cover – Provides protection if a new or replacement part you’ve supplied and fitted fails and causes damage to the vehicle or other property (note: not all policies include this as standard).
- Temporary replacement vehicle – Offers a courtesy van or car if your work vehicle is stolen or undriveable, helping you stay operational and minimise downtime.
- Personal accident cover – Pays a lump sum if you suffer a serious injury (such as loss of limb or sight) while working as a mobile mechanic, giving financial support while you recover.
Mobile Mechanic Insurance Add-ons
Many mobile mechanics customise their cover with extras to suit the way they operate. Some of the most popular add-ons include:
Pays out for lost income if you’re unable to work due to your van being stolen, vandalised, or severely damaged, so you’re not left out of pocket while getting back on the road.
Covers the cost of legal support for disputes with customers, contract issues, supplier disagreements, or tax investigations.
Ensures your van or service vehicle is quickly recovered and repaired if it breaks down on the way to a job or at a customer’s site, minimising lost working time.
Extends protection if you occasionally travel abroad for work, so you’re still covered while working on vehicles or driving customer cars in Europe.
What's not covered under Mobile Mechanic Insurance?
Mobile mechanic insurance won’t cover every situation—here are some of the most common exclusions you need to know about:
- Wear and tear – Gradual deterioration or breakdown of your van, tools, or equipment from regular use is not covered; only sudden and unforeseen damage or loss is.
- Unattended tools – Theft claims may be rejected if tools are left in an unlocked van or outside overnight. Insurers often require them to be locked up securely to pay out.
- Non-business use – Using a customer’s vehicle for personal trips, errands, or commuting is not covered—cover only applies when driving for work purposes.
- Motorsport, racing, or performance work – Any work or driving related to racing, track days, or specialist high-performance vehicles typically needs specialist insurance beyond a standard motor trade policy.
- Faulty workmanship – Claims for the cost to redo or repair poor-quality work, mistakes, or incorrect repairs are not usually covered; separate cover may be needed for this risk.
- Driving under the influence – Any accidents or losses occurring while you (or your employees) are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be covered by your insurance.
- Incorrect vehicle details – Claims may be denied if you fail to provide accurate information about vehicles, modifications, or drivers on your policy documents.
- Pre-existing damage – Damage that happened before your policy started won’t be covered; insurance only applies to new, unforeseen events after the policy begins.
Who needs mobile mechanic insurance?
If you’re repairing or servicing vehicles outside of a traditional workshop, you’ll probably need this insurance. Typical customers include:
- Freelance mobile mechanics – Tradespeople fixing or servicing vehicles on customer premises, driveways, or the roadside.
- Mobile auto electricians – Specialists working on vehicle electrics, diagnostics, or battery systems wherever the vehicle is located.
- Engine, brake or tyre specialists – Mobile experts focusing on safety-critical systems in situ, either for individuals or fleet clients.
- Fleet maintenance providers – Mechanics maintaining commercial or courier vans directly at depots, business sites, or logistics hubs.
Get Mobile Mechanics Insurance Quotes Today
How do I get a mobile mechanics insurance quote?
Getting a quote for mobile mechanic insurance is usually quick. Here’s what to expect:
How much does mobile mechanics insurance cost?
How much you pay for mobile mechanic insurance depends on a few key factors. Insurers will look at:
- Type and value of work – Basic servicing and diagnostics can be cheaper to insure than complex engine rebuilds or performance upgrades.
- Tools and storage security – Expensive toolkits or keeping equipment in unsecured vehicles can increase premiums.
- Where you operate – Working in high-crime areas or busy cities can raise the price, as can covering a wide geographic area.
- Driving record – Clean driving histories attract lower costs. Multiple claims, points or convictions will increase premiums.
- Level of cover – Higher policy limits, lower excesses, or lots of extras all add to the premium.
- Employees – Adding staff to your policy (especially younger drivers) can push up costs, so only include those who really need cover.
How to save money on your mobile mechanics insurance
You can still get great cover and keep costs manageable by being smart about your choices:
Mobile Mechanics Insurance FAQ
Do I need this insurance if I don’t have a garage or business premises?
Yes – as soon as you work on or move customer vehicles for money, specialist insurance is essential, even if you’re 100% mobile.
Does public liability come as standard?
Not always—many policies let you select the level you need. If you ever work on driveways or business sites, public liability is strongly recommended.
What if I’m part-time or just do weekend jobs?
Most insurers offer policies for part-time or low-mileage mechanics—just make sure your declared work level matches reality to avoid problems if you claim.
Can I cover more than one van or staff member?
Yes, multi-vehicle and multi-driver cover is available—just add your employees or extra vans when you apply.
How are my tools protected when I’m not working?
Policies usually require tools to be locked in a van with approved security or stored inside overnight for cover to apply. Always check your policy wording.
What types of cover are most important?
The most fundamentally important type of cover you need when working as a mobile mechanic is for road risks. Road risks insurance will cover your own vehicle as well as any vehicles you work on. In addition to road risks cover, you should definitely think about getting public liability insurance and cover for your tools as well.
