Why Compare Recovery Truck Insurance Quotes?
Complete Protection for Recovery Operators: Road Risk and Liability Combined
Key Takeaways
- Recovery truck insurance combines Road Risk cover (your vehicle) with Goods in Transit protection (the client’s vehicle).
- Standard truck policies often don’t cover the valuable cars you’re carrying – you need specialist protection.
- Public Liability is critical for roadside work where members of the public could get hurt.
- Getting the right cover keeps you compliant and protected in a competitive market.
You winch a BMW onto your flatbed. It slips. The door gets scratched. Your standard policy says it doesn’t cover “goods being carried.”
That happens more often than you’d think. The UK recovery market is estimated to be worth around £2 billion. But many operators don’t realise their basic truck insurance leaves a gap when it comes to client vehicles.
If you’re towing high-value cars or running Hire and Reward, you could be exposed without Goods in Transit cover.
Through Clean Green Cars, you can connect with brokers who specialise in recovery vehicle insurance. Clean Green Cars is an FCA-regulated introducer. It gives you the information to make an informed decision.
You can compare quotes from insurers who understand PAS 43 and Motor Trade Road Risks.
This guide explains what recovery truck insurance covers and what it costs. It also shows how to avoid gaps that could shut you down. For broader truck cover basics, the main truck insurance guide covers broader HGV cover.
What Does Recovery Truck Insurance Actually Cover?
Recovery insurance splits into two camps: what protects your truck, and what protects the vehicles you’re carrying. Most policies layer both together.
| Feature | Comp. | TPFT | TPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your recovery truck | Yes | Fire/theft only | No |
| Damage to other vehicles/property | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Client vehicle in transit (GIT) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Breakdown of your recovery truck | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Public Liability (roadside injuries) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Tools and diagnostic equipment | Optional | Optional | Optional |
- Road Risk Cover – Protects your flatbed, spec lift, or heavy recovery unit against damage, theft, and accidents while you’re operating.
- Goods in Transit (GIT) – Covers the client’s vehicle from the moment you hook it up until drop-off. Winching a £60,000 Range Rover and it gets damaged? This pays out.
- Public Liability Insurance – Shields you if a member of the public trips over your equipment at the roadside. Also covers injuries near your truck during a recovery.
- Carriage of Vehicles – Specific cover for the act of carrying cars. Some policies treat this separately from general GIT, especially if you’re moving several vehicles on a transporter.
- Hire and Reward Cover – Required if you’re charging for recovery services. Without it, claims could be void if you’re operating on a private policy.
- Motor Trade Road Risks – Lets you drive client vehicles (not just tow them) as part of the recovery. Useful if you need to move a car from a driveway onto the truck.
- O-Licence Compliance – Some insurers check that you hold the right fleet insurance setup. This matters if you run several recovery vehicles under an Operator’s Licence.
The right mix depends on what you carry and how you operate. A sole trader with one flatbed needs different cover than a depot running six heavy recovery units.
Tip: Ask if the Goods in Transit limit matches the most expensive vehicle you’re likely to tow. A £5,000 cap won’t be enough if you’re recovering prestige vehicles.
What the writer says…
The irony isn't lost on anyone in the trade - recovery vehicles break down too. Recovery operators can find themselves stuck without the right cover. Their flatbed needs rescuing mid-job.
One thing many miss: standard truck policies often don't cover the client's vehicle you're towing.
You'll usually need specific Goods in Transit cover. You may also need to meet O-Licence rules, depending on your setup.
– Ian Beevis, Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Optional Extras for Recovery Truck Insurance
Your truck breaks down mid-job. You’re towing someone else’s car. Who pays for the sub-contractor you need to call out?
Business interruption is often overlooked. If your only truck is out for two weeks, you’re not earning.
Insight: Check if tools cover extends to equipment left in the truck overnight. Many policies exclude items not locked in a secure compound.
Pays lost income if your recovery truck is off the road. It covers the gap while it’s being repaired.
Yes, recovery vehicles need rescuing too. This covers the cost of getting your truck back to your yard when it fails.
Replaces stolen or damaged winches, diagnostic scanners, jump packs, and specialist lifting gear. Covers items stored in your cab or at your premises.
Covers solicitor fees if a client disputes damage to their vehicle. Also helps if you need to defend a Public Liability claim.
Protects your yard, garage, or compound. Covers recovered vehicles stored on-site before release.
What Isn't Covered by Recovery Truck Insurance?
Top reason claims get refused: unsafe loading during winching or ramp work. If the procedure wasn’t done properly, the insurer could refuse to pay.
Overnight storage risk: leaving a client’s vehicle on your flatbed without secure parking is another common reason claims get rejected.
A recovery operator loaded a client’s sports car without checking the ramps. The car rolled off and hit a wall. The insurer refused the Goods in Transit claim because the loading wasn’t done safely.
- Damage During Loading or Unloading – Many GIT policies exclude claims if the vehicle was damaged during winching or unloading. You may need to prove proper gear was used.
- Unattended Vehicles Left on the Truck – Leaving a client’s car on your flatbed overnight in an unsecured area is risky. Theft or damage might not be covered.
- Personal Use of the Recovery Truck – Policies often exclude claims if the truck was being used for personal reasons. The incident must happen during business use.
- Overloading the Recovery Vehicle – If you exceed the truck’s weight limit, the claim could be refused. This applies even if the damage was minor.
- Geographic Limits on Goods in Transit – Some policies only cover vehicles you’re carrying within the UK. Cross-Channel recoveries might need an extension.
- High-Value Vehicle Caps – Goods in Transit cover might have a per-vehicle limit. If you tow a £100,000 car but your cap is £50,000, you’re exposed.
- PAS 43 Non-Compliance – If you’re meant to hold PAS 43 (the industry standard for safe recovery) and don’t? Claims could be challenged.
- Unlicensed Drivers – If someone without the right D1 category drives your recovery truck? Cover could be void for that journey.
Standard Exclusions
Important Limitations
Who Needs Recovery Truck Insurance?
The sector has seen steady growth in recent years. More operators means more competition, but also more scrutiny on compliance.
Insight: If you’re just starting out, through Clean Green Cars you can connect with brokers who’ll explain PAS 43 rules. They’ll also clarify whether you need an O-Licence.
This cover is built for operators who tow, transport, or recover vehicles. If you’re charging for the service, you need Hire and Reward protection.
How To Compare Recovery Truck Insurance Quotes
Getting expert quotes doesn’t take long if you’ve got your details ready. When you request quotes, you’ll be connected to a comparison service that specialises in this sector.
How Much Does Recovery Truck Insurance Cost?
The recovery insurance market is niche. Prices vary widely based on what you tow and where you operate. Around 1,800 independent operators compete across the UK. Insurers price risk differently. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Type of Recovery Vehicle | Heavy recovery units could cost more than basic flatbeds due to higher repair costs and specialist parts. |
| Goods in Transit Limit | Higher limits (£100,000+ per vehicle) could push the price up because the insurer’s exposure increases. |
| Operating Area | Urban areas with high accident rates could mean higher premiums than rural or quieter regions. |
| PAS 43 Accreditation | Holding PAS 43 may bring the price down – it shows you follow industry safety standards. |
| Claims History | Previous Goods in Transit or Public Liability claims could raise renewal costs noticeably. |
- Driver Experience – Operators with years in the recovery sector and clean licences often pay less than new starters.
- Security Measures – Trackers, immobilisers, and secure compounds for overnight storage could reduce theft risk and lower the quote.
- Business Use Scope – If you’re contracted to police or motorway agencies, the increased risk exposure could affect pricing.
- Excess Amount – Choosing a higher voluntary excess could bring your premium down. Just make sure you can afford to pay it if you claim.
- Add-On Coverage – Bundling Public Liability, Business Interruption, and Tools cover could cost less than buying each one separately. It depends on the broker’s package deals.
Don’t assume the cheapest quote covers everything you need. Check the Goods in Transit cap and Public Liability limit carefully.
Price Insight: Some brokers offer tiered pricing. Basic Road Risk is cheaper, but GIT and Liability add-ons could double the cost. Get a breakdown before committing.
How To Save Money on Recovery Truck Insurance
Recovery insurance isn’t cheap, but there are ways to reduce the cost without losing cover. Start by comparing quotes. Brokers price risk differently.
Small changes add up. Trackers, training, and smart excess choices could bring your price down without leaving you exposed.
Top Tip: Don’t auto-renew. Even 10 minutes comparing could get you a better deal.
Common Recovery Truck Insurance Questions
Does Recovery Truck Insurance Cover the Cars I'm Towing?
Not automatically. You need Goods in Transit (GIT) cover added to your policy. Standard Road Risk only protects your truck, not client vehicles.
What Happens if My Recovery Truck Breaks Down Mid-Job?
Without breakdown cover for your own vehicle, you’ll pay out of pocket for a sub-contractor. Business Interruption add-ons could cover lost income while it’s repaired.
Do I Need an O-Licence for Recovery Truck Insurance?
If you’re operating commercially with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, you’ll likely need an O-Licence. Check Gov.uk guidance to confirm your legal requirements.
Can I Insure Multiple Recovery Vehicles Under One Policy?
Yes. Fleet insurance covers multiple units and could work out cheaper than separate policies for each truck.
What Is PAS 43 and Why Does It Matter for Insurance?
PAS 43 is the UK standard for safe vehicle recovery. Holding it could lower your premium and makes claims easier if something goes wrong during a job.
Does Public Liability Cover Injuries to My Staff?
No. Public Liability covers third parties (members of the public). You need separate Employer’s Liability insurance if you’ve got staff on the payroll.
Are Tools Stolen From My Truck Covered?
Only if you’ve added Tools and Equipment cover. Many base policies exclude items unless they’re locked in a secure compound overnight.
Can I Drive Client Vehicles With Recovery Truck Insurance?
If you have Motor Trade Road Risks included, yes. This lets you move client cars short distances as part of the recovery process.
Search & compare quotes from UK Recovery and Breakdown Truck Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
These official sources cover licensing, safety standards, and legal rules for recovery operators in the UK.
- Gov.uk Vehicle Operator Licensing – Explains when you need an O-Licence and how to apply if you’re operating recovery trucks commercially.
- Gov.uk Driving Licence Categories – Confirms which licence category you need to drive different types of recovery vehicles legally.
- BSI Group – Issues PAS 43 certification for vehicle recovery operators who meet the national safety and training standards.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Covers workplace safety rules for recovery yards, including safe loading and equipment use.
