4×4 Insurance

4×4 car insurance – An overview

They may be facing high road tax charges, but you’ll still see plenty of 4×4 vehicles driving around city streets and driveways. Many drivers swear by the safety of these tank-like motors, as well as the space it gives them when dropping the kids off at school or going on a family day out with the dogs on board.

Others use them towing caravans, horseboxes or trailers in general. In other words, for some drivers having a 4×4 is essential. But what about their upkeep and insurance, in particular?

If you’re a new 4×4 driver, you’ll find the insurance is much more than you’ll have paid for your standard car. In the meantime, though, there are various types of insurance 4×4 car drivers can take out, such as:

Types

Car insurance: This is for your standard 4×4 car i.e. a car you drive around the town.

Van insurance: If you’re using your 4×4 commercially i.e. as a pick-up truck etc. then you’ll probably need this.

Off-road insurance: This allows a 4×4 driver to access rougher terrain, but to take part in an off-road competition you’ll have to take out specialist insurance.

Greenlane cover: This allows drivers of 4×4 vehicles to drive on the bridleway and country lanes – the type of unclassified routes that wouldn’t usually be covered by insurance.

Modified 4×4 insurance: If your 4×4 car insurance policy doesn’t cover modifications, then you’ll need to take this out as an extra.

Agreed value policy: If your vehicle is written off and you’ve spent a fortune on it, then you’ll get what the vehicle is worth, rather than the market value.

Towing insurance policy: Many 4×4 car owners use their motor for towing, thanks to the fact it’s so large and tough.

Tips on getting the cheapest 4×4 insurance UK

• Whether it is a Jeep, Land Rover, Mitsubishi Shoguns, Ford 4×4, Range Rover, or BMW X5, always shop around and compare various quotes. You may be surprised how much they vary!
• Keep your No Claims Bonus clean. That way you’ll get a higher discount and lower insurance.
• Keep the vehicle in a garage overnight – or at least in your driveway. Parking it on the roadside will prove expensive because it’s more likely to get damaged or stolen.
• If you think you can afford it in the event of an accident then increase your voluntary excess. This will help bring down your monthly or annual premiums.
• Avoid modifying your 4×4. Even a tow bar which wasn’t on the vehicle when you got it will affect your premiums because it’s not considered ‘factory standard.’
• Aim for as little mileage as possible. Insurance companies interpret this as a slimmer chance of your being in an accident.
• It can help to be a member of a specific 4×4 car; you may be eligible for a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 4×4 motors more expensive to insure than other vehicles?

Yes, because they belong to what is described as a ‘higher insurance group.’ The reason for this is their weight. Your standard 4×4 is much bigger and heavier than the average car and is, therefore, more likely to cause damage. Parts can also prove expensive to replace.

I was under the impression that all 4×4 cars would be insured for towing under a general policy. Isn’t this the case?

It’s a common misconception since this type of vehicle is regularly used to tow trailers, caravans etc. But you’re right, it’s not necessarily the case. Some insurance policies don’t even have it as an added extra. So again – a thorough reading of the small print is necessary.

I don’t use my 4×4 vehicle that often – just at the occasional weekend and holidays. Do I still need to take out a full insurance policy for it?

Yes, unless you notify DVLA you’ve taken it off the road, by filling in a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).

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