What is Part Time Motor Trade Insurance?
Part time motor trade insurance is flexible cover for people who buy, sell, repair, or move vehicles as a side business. If you trade cars on weekends from home, fix vehicles at home, or run a mobile service in your spare time, standard motor trade insurance gives you the specialist protection your business needs. It keeps you legal and covers risks that ordinary car insurance won’t.
Policies are designed for those who trade part time or as a side hustle, so you’re only paying for the cover you actually need—no more, no less.
What the experts say…
“Even as a part time motor trader, the risks are real—and so are the benefits of getting specialist cover. Take time to compare policies, get the right level of road risk and liability insurance, and don’t forget to review your policy as your side business grows. It’s a small step that can save you a big headache.”
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
What’s Covered by Part Time Motor Trade Insurance?
Your cover can be tailored to suit exactly how you work. For example, if you handle customer vehicles, road risks insurance lets you drive them legally, whether you own them or not. Working from home or out and about? Tools and equipment cover keeps your kit protected wherever you work. If you employ anyone, even casually, you’ll need employers’ liability insurance by law.
- Road risks insurance – Required if you drive customers’ cars or vehicles for sale.
- Public liability insurance – Covers you if a customer or member of the public is injured or has their property damaged while dealing with your business.
- Employers’ liability insurance – A legal must if you have any staff, even part time.
- Tools and equipment cover – Ideal for mobile mechanics or home-based traders with valuable kit.
- Premises cover – Protects your garage, workshop or unit from fire, theft, and accidental damage.
- Business stock cover – For those holding vehicles or parts for resale.
You can add, remove, or adjust features so your policy fits the way you trade.
Optional Extras for Part Time Motor Traders
If your side business involves moving vehicles or travelling between jobs, you can add extras to your policy such as goods in transit insurance or breakdown cover. Mobile mechanics and part-time traders who collect or deliver cars may benefit from cover that includes recovery if a vehicle breaks down—details can be found in the breakdown cover options available for motor traders. Legal expenses insurance is also worth considering if you want help with the cost of a business dispute.
Protection while moving vehicles, tools, or parts, especially for those involved in collection and delivery work.
Covers costs if your business faces a claim or dispute.
Useful for anyone who needs to recover a car or van while trading, including mobile mechanics and part-time dealers, with options designed specifically for the motor trade.
Pays out if you’re injured while working.
If your trading occasionally takes you into Europe.
Only add extras you’ll actually use—each one will affect the price of your cover.
What’s Not Covered Under Part-Time Motor Trade Insurance?
Every policy has its limits, and part time motor trade cover is no exception. It’s important to know that most policies only protect you for business activities, not for personal use of vehicles or for drivers who aren’t named on your policy. Security is vital, as claims can be denied if vehicles, tools, or premises aren’t properly protected. If you handle high-value, performance, or specialist vehicles, let your insurer know, since these may not be automatically included. Not declaring any motoring or criminal convictions can also invalidate your policy. If you’re ever unsure about what’s not covered, ask your broker or insurer before you buy or renew—clarity now means peace of mind later.
- Personal use of vehicles – Policies usually won’t cover private or family trips in vehicles you use for business.
- Unlisted drivers – Anyone not named on your insurance can’t legally drive under your policy.
- Poor security or storage – Insurers require you to follow agreed security measures for claims to be paid.
- High-value or specialist vehicles – Check with your insurer if you work with rare or expensive vehicles, as these often need specific cover.
- Undeclared convictions – Always disclose any motoring or criminal convictions or your insurance could be void.
Who Needs Part Time Motor Trade Insurance?
If you’re flipping cars, repairing vehicles for others, or running a mobile mechanic or valeting business on the side, you’ll need specialist insurance. This also applies if you help out at a garage, detail cars for profit, or do anything more than a one-off. Government guidance on car dealing as a business can help clarify what counts as a business in the eyes of the law.
- Car flippers and part-time dealers – Anyone who buys and sells vehicles for profit, even if it’s just now and then.
- Mobile mechanics and home-based repairers – If you fix, service, or valet cars as a side business.
- Helpers at a garage – Part time or occasional staff, even if it’s just to help a friend or family member.
- Side hustle detailers – Running a detailing or valeting business alongside your main job.
- Occasional traders – Anyone making regular income from vehicle trading, however infrequently.
It’s better to get covered from day one, so you’re always protected—even if your trading is just part time.
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How to Get a Part Time Motor Trade Insurance Quote
Getting a quote is straightforward. Outline how often you trade, what services you offer, and whether you work from home, a unit, or on the move. You’ll need to declare all drivers, business activities, and the cover you want. It’s always smart to check guides for part time motor traders to help you choose the right options and understand what’s required.
How Much Does Part Time Motor Trade Insurance Cost?
What you pay will depend on a mix of factors—how often you trade, what vehicles you handle, your location and security, who drives for you, and your claims or convictions record. If you add extras like goods in transit or breakdown cover, that will also affect your premium. For a detailed breakdown of insurance pricing and what influences it, the UK government’s official advice on vehicle insurance is worth a look.
- How often you trade – More frequent activity generally means a higher premium.
- Types of vehicles you handle – Performance or specialist vehicles can cost more to insure.
- Your location and security – Urban or high-risk areas, or less secure sites, may mean higher prices.
- Drivers’ ages, experience, and claims history – Younger or less experienced drivers, or those with past claims, can push costs up.
- Extras and add-ons – Cover such as goods in transit or breakdown support will change your premium.
- Claims or convictions – A clean record keeps premiums lower, while recent claims or convictions will increase the price.
- Your excess – Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your monthly or annual cost.
No two part time traders are the same, so comparing quotes is the easiest way to see what you’ll pay—and make sure you’re not over- or under-insured.
Ways to Save on Part Time Motor Trade Insurance
You can lower your costs by only including drivers and vehicles you really use, sticking to standard vehicles, improving your security, or building up a no-claims bonus. Those interested in compliance and regulatory best practice can learn more from FCA guidance on insurance distribution.
With just a little time spent reviewing your cover, you could make a real difference to your business’s bottom line.
FAQs – Part Time Motor Trade Insurance
Who needs part time motor trade insurance?
Part time motor trade insurance is designed for anyone who buys, sells, repairs, or moves vehicles as a side business—whether you’re a car flipper, mobile mechanic, home-based repairer, or run a weekend garage. If you make money from any motor trade activity outside of a full-time job, you’ll usually need this specialist insurance to stay protected and legal.
Is part time motor trade insurance cheaper than full time?
Yes, part time motor trade insurance is generally more affordable than full time cover because it’s tailored to your specific hours, business size, and level of risk. You only pay for the cover you need, so part time traders can keep costs down.
What does part time motor trade insurance cover?
A typical part time motor trade insurance policy covers you for road risks (so you can drive customer vehicles), public liability, employers’ liability (if you have staff), tools, equipment, and even business stock. You can also add extras like breakdown cover or goods in transit protection to match the way you work.
Do I need premises to get part time motor trade insurance?
No, you can get part time motor trade insurance if you work from home, are a mobile mechanic, or use a rented unit. Just be clear with your insurer about your setup and where vehicles or tools are stored.
Can I get part time motor trade insurance if I’m new to the trade?
Yes, many insurers offer part time motor trade insurance for new businesses or those just starting out. You’ll need to provide honest details about your experience, what you’ll be doing, and your business activities.
How can I save money on part-time motor trade insurance?
The best ways to get cheaper part time motor trade insurance are to only cover the drivers and vehicles you really need, improve your security, build up a no-claims bonus, and compare quotes every year. Paying annually and avoiding unnecessary extras can also help reduce your premium.
What documents do I need to get a part time motor trade insurance quote?
To get an accurate quote for part time motor trade insurance, be ready to provide details about your business, including what you do, how often you trade, the vehicles and drivers you need covered, your location, and your claims or convictions history.
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Useful Links for Part Time Motor Trade Insurance
If you want to dig deeper into the rules or get extra help, here are some official and independent resources:
