What is Tyre Fitter Insurance
Tyre fitter motor trade insurance is a specialist policy made for anyone in the tyre fitting business—whether you’re running a garage, working mobile, or fitting tyres from home. It’s designed to protect you when you’re working on, storing, or moving customer vehicles, and covers the day-to-day risks your business faces that standard vehicle or van insurance won’t touch.
With this insurance, you’re covered for everything from road risks and accidental damage to public liability, tool theft, and even business interruption. If you have staff or a premises, you can tailor your cover to suit your setup. In short, it’s the simple way to keep your business, your tools, and your customers’ vehicles protected—so you can focus on getting the job done.
What the experts say…
"If you’re a professional tyre fitter - whether you’re running a mobile van or a fast-fit centre - specialist motor trade insurance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s business-critical. Standard vehicle insurance won’t protect you if you’re working on customer cars, storing their keys, or transporting valuable stock. Ultimately, it’s about keeping your business moving and giving customers peace of mind - so you can focus on what you do best."
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
What Does Tyre Fitters’ Motor Trade Insurance Cover?
Motortrade insurance for tyre fitters is designed to cover the core risks you face in the trade. It goes beyond basic vehicle insurance, offering protection for your premises, liability, and tools—plus extras you can tailor to suit your work.
- Road risks insurance: Legally drive, test, and move customer vehicles—even if you don’t own them.
- Premises cover: Protect your workshop, tyre stock, tools, machinery, and business equipment against fire, flood, theft, and accidental damage.
- Employers’ liability: If you employ anyone (even part-time or family), this is a legal requirement and covers claims from injuries at work.
- Public liability: Protects your business if a customer or member of the public is injured at your premises or while you’re working on their vehicle.
- Product liability: Covers you if a faulty tyre or fitting causes damage or injury after the customer leaves.
- Goods in transit: Protects tyres and equipment while you transport them between locations or to customers.
- Business interruption: Helps cover lost income if you can’t trade after a claimable event, such as a fire or flood.
- Money cover: Protects your business cash on-site, in a safe, or in transit to the bank.
- Tools and portable equipment cover: Especially important for mobile fitters and technicians who rely on specialist gear.
Tip: Some insurers include certain types of cover as standard, while others may offer them as add-ons.
Optional Extras for Tyre Fitters Insurance
Every tyre business is different, so you can usually pick and mix optional extras to match how you work. From mobile breakdown to legal expenses, here’s what else you might want to add to your traders insurance (pick only the add-ons that suit your business—so you get the cover you need without paying for extras you don’t):
Get help if your work vehicle breaks down, so you’re not left stranded on the way to a job.
Protects you if you need to drive or work on vehicles while travelling in Europe.
Pays out if you can’t trade after something unexpected, like a fire or flood, so your income is protected.
Covers your tyres, tools, and equipment while they’re being transported between jobs or sites.
Helps with the cost of legal advice or defending a claim made against your business.
Offers a payout if you or a key employee are injured and can’t work.
Provides a temporary replacement vehicle so you can keep working if yours is off the road after an insured incident.
Extra protection for your specialist kit, whether it’s kept on-site or in your van.
What's not covered
Make sure to check the policy documents for details on what’s not included. Typical exclusions can be:
- Wear and Tear – General wear, tear, and gradual deterioration of tools, tyres, or vehicles isn’t covered.
- Unattended Vehicles or Equipment – Theft or loss if you leave vehicles unlocked or tools unsecured.
- Motorsport or Racing – Damage or injury while taking part in, or preparing for, any type of motorsport or race.
- Poor Workmanship – Claims resulting from mistakes or faulty fitting, unless you’ve added defective workmanship cover.
- Unauthorised Drivers – Incidents involving anyone not listed or permitted under your policy.
- Outside the UK – Working or driving outside the UK, unless you’ve chosen European cover as an add-on.
- Pre-existing Damage – Losses or repairs for issues that existed before you took out the policy.
Who Needs Tyre Fitter Insurance?
Tyre fitter insurance is essential for anyone who works with tyres professionally—whether you’re a sole trader, part of a small team, or run a busy fitting centre. If your business involves removing, fitting, repairing, or storing tyres, and you ever handle customer vehicles or keep them on your premises, this cover is a must. It’s also important for mobile tyre fitters, since working at customers’ homes or roadside locations brings its own set of risks.
- Garage-Based Tyre Fitters – If you operate from a fixed site and customers leave their cars with you for tyre work.
- Mobile Tyre Fitters – If you fit or repair tyres at customers’ homes, workplaces, or roadside, you’re exposed to extra risks on the move.
- Part-Time Tyre Fitters – Even occasional or side businesses need cover if you’re working on vehicles for money.
Always check your policy documents to see exactly what is and isn’t included—and ask your insurer if you’re unsure.
Get Tyre Fitter Insurance Quotes Today
Comparing quotes is the quickest way to find cover that suits your business – and your budget. Here’s how…
Cost of Tyre Fitter Insurance
How much does tyre fitter insurance cost? That depends on your business, where you work, and the cover you choose. The good news is, you can control what you pay – and often save more than you think. By knowing what affects your premium, you’ll be in a stronger position to get a great deal on the right cover for your business.
- Your Business Location and Premises – Working in a busy city or from a secure, purpose-built unit can make a difference to your premium.
- Number and Type of Vehicles Covered – The more vehicles, or the higher their value, the more you’re likely to pay for cover.
- Your Claims and Driving History – A clean record often means lower costs, while previous claims or convictions can increase your premium.
- Level of Cover and Optional Extras – Comprehensive policies and add-ons like tool cover or breakdown assistance may add to your overall price.
- Security Measures in Place – Secure storage, alarms, and tracking devices can help bring your costs down.
Tip: Paying annually instead of monthly often works out cheaper. Keeping a clean claims record and securing your vehicles can also help lower costs.
How to Save Money on Tyre Fitter Insurance
Want to keep more cash in your business? There are plenty of simple ways to cut the cost of your tyre fitter insurance. From comparing quotes to tweaking your policy, small changes can make a big difference to your premium. Here’s how to get the cover you need – without paying over the odds.
Tyre Fitters Insurance FAQ
Do I need tyre fitter insurance if I work from home?
Yes, if you work on or move customer vehicles, insurance is required, even for home-based or mobile businesses.
Do I need tyre fitter insurance if I work from home or operate a mobile service?
Yes. Whether you’re fitting tyres from your driveway or offering a mobile service, you’re still responsible for customer vehicles and equipment. Insurance is essential to protect against accidents, theft, or damage during your work.
What type of insurance is legally required for tyre fitters?
If you drive customer vehicles on public roads, you’ll need at least third-party road risks insurance. Additionally, if you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK.
Can I drive any vehicle under my tyre fitter insurance policy?
Typically, you’re covered to drive vehicles that are in your custody or control for business purposes. Personal use of vehicles not related to your business is usually not covered. Always check your policy details.
Is my equipment and stock covered under tyre fitter insurance?
Yes, if you include tools and equipment cover in your policy. This can protect against theft, loss, or damage to your tools, machinery, and stock, whether on your premises or in transit.
What is defective workmanship cover, and do I need it?
Defective workmanship cover protects you against claims arising from mistakes in your work, such as incorrectly fitted tyres leading to an accident. It’s highly recommended for tyre fitters to safeguard against such risks.
Can I get insurance if I’m a part-time tyre fitter?
Absolutely. Insurance providers offer policies tailored for part-time traders. It’s important to disclose the nature and extent of your business to ensure appropriate coverage.
