Motor Fleet Insurance

Why do you need motor fleet insurance?

Operating more than one vehicle for business use can mean headaches when it comes to arranging insurance coverage. Things can get even more complicated if you run multiple drivers as well as vehicles. A business may also need cover for different types of vehicles.

A fleet insurance policy is a way to combine all the coverage you need in one policy. So whether your business needs cover for trucks, cars, vans, lorries, buses or taxis, a fleet policy could save you time and money.

How many vehicles do I need to run for a fleet insurance policy?

The number of vehicles covered by a fleet policy may vary from insurer to insurer. Policies are available for as little as two vehicles. The maximum number of vehicles covered could run into the hundreds, if necessary!

A fleet insurance can be a convenient way to cover multiple vehicles, as you will only have one renewal and a single policy to worry about. However, if you only operate a low number of vehicles, it might not be the cheapest way to ensure cover. Generally, convenience comes at a cost, so talk to your insurer to make sure that a fleet policy is the best option for your circumstances.

Who needs motor fleet insurance?

Any business driving vehicles on the public highway will need to ensure they have insurance in place. Motor fleet policies are specialised, and will usually cover multiple vehicles and/or drivers.

This type of policy can be useful for businesses like:

• Bus companies
• Taxi firms
• Haulage firms
• Tradespeople
• Sales reps, or field operatives
• Company cars
• Works vans
• Vehicle movers
• Minibus hire

Types

As with all vehicle insurance, the cover is available in three main levels

Third-party only

This is the most basic type of cover. Your fleet vehicles are covered for damage to third-party vehicles. The policy will also cover liability for injury to third parties in the event of an accident.

Third-party fire and theft

As above, this type of fleet policy ensures all of the benefits above, with the addition of cover in the event of theft. Your fleet is also protected in the event of fire damage too.

Comprehensive

Many businesses choose to go for the highest level of coverage. Comprehensive fleet insurance means complete peace of mind, as all cases are covered. As well as third-party, fire and theft, your fleet is covered for windscreen damage, accidental damage, loss, and medical and legal expenses in the event of a claim you are liable for.

In addition to basic road cover, companies operating a fleet of vehicles may choose an additional cover. There is a range of options, so always check with your insurer that you are only paying for the cover you need.

Any driver

Depending on how many drivers work with your fleet, you may choose to add ‘any driver’ cover to your fleet policy. This does exactly as it says, meaning any driver with a valid licence is covered when driving your vehicles. For businesses where drivers stick to their own vehicle, for example, a company car, a named driver policy may lower premium costs.

Telematics fleet cover

Telematics cover is useful for businesses that need to measure the performance of individual drivers within a commercial fleet. A special black box recorder is fitted to each vehicle. The box monitors the standard of driving, and premiums are calculated directly based on the data.

Carriage of goods

For businesses responsible for moving goods, some fleet policies can include cover for goods in transit. This can be useful for haulage companies. In the event of an accident, the insurance would cover the cost of loss or damage to any products.

How to save money on motor fleet insurance?

As with any insurance policy, the lower the risk, the lower the premium costs. Fleet managers can reduce costs by only paying for the coverage they need. In addition, taking a few simple steps to reduce the risks to vehicles and drivers can bring down the cost of your policy.

• Employ drivers with clean driving licences. Any drivers with penalties or points on their licence will raise the cost of a fleet policy, as they are deemed to be a higher risk.
• Ensure all drivers receive training for the class of vehicle they drive. Have a clear risk management policy in place, and ensure all drivers are aware of health and safety policies.
• If fleet vehicles are stored overnight, consider fitting additional security measures like CCTV or vehicle locks to deter theft.
• Some insurers may offer a policy discount if dash-mounted cameras are fitted to fleet vehicles.
• Paying policy costs annually rather than monthly may also reduce the cost of fleet insurance premiums.

FAQs

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