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Lorry Insurance Brokers

Lorry Insurance quotes an exclusive HGV Insurance Broker

Our Lorry Insurance Brokers can provide cheap truck Insurance for all types of HGV’s whether it is a single class lorry or a fleet of classic trucks vehicles

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Lorry Insurance UK Price Comparison
Lorry Insurance UK Price Comparison
Lorry Insurance UK Price Comparison

Compare Lorry Insurance quotes

Specialist Lorry insurance brokers for drivers and companies with the goods (o) operators licence, which is a legal requirement for any vehicle above 7.5 tonnes in weight.

Many people who drive Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), otherwise known as lorries, are always very busy. However, no matter how busy you are, the law mandates that you get a form of lorry insurance to cover your vehicle.

Considering the work, you do, scouting around to compare cheap lorry insurance is probably not a wise call. Not to worry, we have you covered! Mymoneycomparison is the best stop for you to get cheap lorry insurance quotes for your business.

Even if your lorry is currently off-road, the law requires you to get a form of truck insurance. This is why it is advisable to get cheap lorry insurance quotes for your van so you can compare and get very good deals. The only exception to this is if you have registered it as off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN).

What Your Lorry Insurance Policy Could Include:

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Flexible Monthly Payments

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24hr Claims Helpline

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Windscreen Cover

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Accident Support / Replacement Vehicle

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No Claims Discount / Protected NCB

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Hire & Reward Cover

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Introductory Prices

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Comprehensive Cover

Lorry Insurance UK Price Comparison

Lorry Insurance FAQs

What is lorry insurance?

Lorry insurance, also known as truck or HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) insurance, is a specialised type of vehicle insurance in the UK. It’s specifically designed for lorries or trucks that are over 3.5 tonnes in weight.

lorry Insurance

Similar to other types of vehicle insurance, lorry insurance offers various levels of coverage:

  • Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the minimum level of insurance required by law. It covers damages to other vehicles and injury to other people in an accident that you cause, but it doesn’t cover damage to your own lorry.
  • Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT): In addition to the TPO coverage, TPFT also covers your lorry if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
  • Comprehensive: This offers the most protection. It includes all the coverage of TPFT, but also covers damage to your own lorry, even if the accident was your fault.

In addition to these, there are specific types of cover relevant to lorry drivers, such as Goods in Transit cover, which protects the goods you’re transporting, and Public Liability insurance, which can cover legal costs and compensation payments if a third party is injured or their property is damaged.

The cost of lorry insurance can depend on various factors, including the driver’s age and driving history, the lorry’s size, weight and value, the type and value of goods being transported, and the geographical areas in which the lorry operates.

Lorry insurance requirements

In the UK, if you own or operate a lorry, there are specific insurance requirements you must meet:

  1. Vehicle Insurance: At a minimum, you must have third-party insurance for your lorry. This is a legal requirement and covers injuries to other people, or damage to other people’s property, caused by your lorry. More comprehensive options are also available, which can cover damage to your own lorry and personal injuries.

  2. Goods in Transit Insurance: If you’re transporting goods, especially if they’re owned by someone else, you may need goods in transit insurance. This covers the cost of the goods if they’re lost, damaged or destroyed while in transit.

  3. Public Liability Insurance: While not legally required, public liability insurance can protect you if someone sues you for injury or property damage related to your lorry operation.

  4. Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you employ other people, you must have employer’s liability insurance. It covers you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill because of the work they do for you.

  5. Operator’s Licence: If you use your lorry for commercial purposes, you’ll need an operator’s licence, issued by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. You’ll need to prove you have enough funds to maintain your vehicles and meet safety standards.

Remember, these are minimum requirements and you may need additional coverage depending on your situation. Be sure to consult with an insurance advisor to understand what kind of coverage is right for you.

Do you require an operators licence to drive a lorry?

if you drive a lorry, bus, or coach that’s over 3.5 tonnes, or if you’re transporting goods or passengers as part of your business, you are legally required to have an operator’s licence, also known as an ‘O Licence’. This is separate from the driver’s licence that gives you the legal right to drive certain types of vehicles.

The requirements for the operator’s licence vary depending on whether you’re transporting goods or passengers and whether you’re operating within one country or internationally.

For lorries and other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), there are three types of operator licences:

  1. Standard National Licence: Allows you to transport your own goods in the UK and internationally, or someone else’s goods within the UK.

  2. Standard International Licence: Allows you to transport your own goods or someone else’s goods both within the UK and internationally.

  3. Restricted Licence: Only allows you to transport your own goods, but not other people’s goods, in the UK and in some cases internationally.

Not having the correct operator’s licence can result in severe penalties, including fines and having your vehicles immobilised. Always ensure you have the correct licences for your work.

Different types of lorry insurance

There are several different types of lorry insurance policies that cater to different needs. Here are some of the main types:

  1. Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the minimum level of insurance required by law. It covers the costs of damage to other vehicles and injury to other people in an accident where you’re at fault, but it doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle.

  2. Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT): In addition to third-party coverage, TPFT also covers your lorry if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.

  3. Comprehensive Cover: This is the broadest level of coverage, providing all the benefits of TPFT, plus coverage for damage to your own lorry, even if you’re at fault.

Additional types of insurance that can be relevant to lorry drivers include:

  1. Goods in Transit Cover: This insurance covers the goods you’re carrying in case they get lost, stolen, or damaged during transit.

  2. Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you employ drivers, this is a legal requirement and covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill due to their work.

  3. Public Liability Insurance: This covers legal costs and compensation claims if a third party is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities.

  4. Breakdown Cover: This covers the costs of roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your lorry breaks down.

  5. Hazardous Goods Insurance: If you’re carrying hazardous materials, you may need this additional coverage.

Remember, the type of lorry insurance you need will depend on various factors, including the nature of your work, the goods you carry, your vehicle, and your employees. It’s crucial to choose the right level of cover to adequately protect yourself and your business.

Do I need lorry insurance?

Yes, if you own or operate a lorry in the UK, you are legally required to have at least third-party vehicle insurance. This is the minimum level of coverage and it insures you against costs that arise due to damage to other vehicles or injury to other people in an accident that you’re found to be at fault for.

However, third-party insurance doesn’t cover damages to your own lorry or personal injuries. For more extensive coverage, you might consider third-party, fire and theft insurance (which adds coverage for your lorry if it’s stolen or damaged by fire), or comprehensive insurance (which covers damages to your own lorry and personal injuries, regardless of who’s at fault).

If you’re using the lorry for business, there are other types of insurance you may need to consider, such as goods in transit insurance (which covers the goods you’re carrying), public liability insurance (covering legal costs and compensation claims if a third party is injured or their property is damaged), and employer’s liability insurance (a legal requirement if you employ other drivers).

Remember, driving without the proper insurance is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines, points on your licence, or having your vehicle seized. Always ensure you have the correct level of insurance for your needs.

List of different types of lorries

Lorries, also known as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), are classified in the UK based on their maximum allowable weight, which includes the vehicle’s own weight plus the maximum load it can carry. Here are some of the common lorry types and their weights:

  1. Small Goods Vehicles: These have a gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.

  2. Medium Goods Vehicles: These lorries have a gross weight between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.

  3. Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) / Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): This category is for vehicles with a gross weight over 7.5 tonnes. It is further divided based on weight and number of axles.

  4. 2-Axle Rigid Lorries: Typically have a gross weight of up to 18 tonnes.

  5. 3-Axle Rigid Lorries: Can usually carry up to 26 tonnes.

  6. 4 or More Axle Rigid Lorries: Can typically carry up to 32 tonnes or more.

  7. Articulated Lorries: These have a separate cab and trailer, which allows for more flexibility in movement. They can typically carry between 38 and 44 tonnes, depending on the number of axles on the trailer.

  8. Drawbar Lorries: These are a type of lorry where a second trailer is pulled behind the main lorry. The combined weight can be up to 44 tonnes, depending on the number of axles.

Remember, these are standard classifications. Actual weights can vary based on the specifics of the vehicle, its construction, and the nature of its load. Additionally, regulations about what weight and size of lorry you can drive will depend on the type of driving licence you hold. Always check the specifics of your vehicle and your licence.

Different types of Lorry types:

In the UK, lorries, also known as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), come in various types based on their size, structure, and purpose. Here are some of the main types:

  1. Rigid Lorries: These have a fixed structure, and the cab and trailer are one unit. They can have 2, 3, or 4 or more axles, depending on their weight.

  2. Articulated Lorries: These lorries have a separate cab and trailer which are connected by a pivot joint, allowing for flexibility in movement.

  3. Flatbed Lorries: These have an open bed with no sides or roof, making them suitable for carrying large, heavy items.

  4. Box Lorries: These have a closed box body used for carrying goods that need protection from the weather.

  5. Curtainside Lorries: Similar to box lorries but the sides are covered with a flexible curtain for easy access to the cargo.

  6. Refrigerated Lorries: These are insulated and temperature-controlled lorries used for transporting perishable goods.

  7. Tanker Lorries: These are designed to carry liquids or gases.

  8. Tipper Lorries: These have a body that can be tilted to unload materials like sand or gravel.

  9. Low Loader Lorries: These are designed to carry heavy or oversized loads and have a low bed for ease of loading.

  10. Dropside Lorries: These lorries have sides that can be dropped down to the ground for easy loading and unloading.

  11. Skip Lorries: These are designed for collecting and transporting waste in large bins or ‘skips’.

  12. Car Transporter Lorries: These are designed to transport multiple cars at once.

  13. Livestock Lorries: These are used to transport animals.

  14. Municipal Lorries: These include vehicles like refuse lorries, fire engines, and other specialised vehicles used by local authorities.

Each of these lorries serves different functions and may require different types of licences and insurance coverage to operate. Always check the specific requirements for the type of lorry you are operating.

 

What are the different types of operators licence?

Operator’s licences, also known as ‘O Licences’, are required for most commercial operations of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3.5 tonnes. There are three main types of operator’s licences:

  1. Standard National Licence: This allows you to transport your own goods in the UK and internationally, or someone else’s goods within the UK. You need to demonstrate financial standing and professional competence, and you’ll need a qualified transport manager if you’re transporting other people’s goods.
  2. Standard International Licence: In addition to the privileges of a Standard National Licence, this licence allows you to transport your own goods or someone else’s goods internationally. It also requires a demonstration of financial standing and professional competence, as well as a qualified transport manager.
  3. Restricted Licence: This allows you to carry your own goods, but not other people’s goods, in the UK and in some cases internationally. There are less stringent requirements for a Restricted Licence than for the Standard National and International licences, making it the choice for many small or start-up businesses.
Operators licence exemptions

The Operator’s Licence, also known as the ‘O Licence’, is required for most commercial operations of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK. However, there are some exemptions. You don’t need an operator’s licence for a goods vehicle if it’s used:

  1. For non-commercial carriage of goods: Essentially, personal use, not related to any trade or business.

  2. By universal service providers (like Royal Mail) for carrying letters and parcels.

  3. For agriculture, horticulture, poultry farming, forestry, fish farming, bee-keeping, or for carrying produce from such uses if the vehicle is used within a 15-mile radius of the base of operations, and the goods are your own.

  4. By the police, fire and rescue authorities, local authorities, and the armed forces.

  5. For carrying machinery or plant used by the operator, where driving the vehicle isn’t the operator’s main job.

  6. By breakdown authorities for rescuing or salvaging broken-down vehicles.

  7. In emergencies, such as natural disasters.

  8. For carrying passengers and their personal effects.

  9. For undergoing tests.

  10. For learning how to drive.

This is not an exhaustive list, and specific conditions apply to some of these exemptions. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check the specific regulations and consult with legal experts or the Traffic Commissioner’s Office if you’re unsure whether you need an operator’s licence.

How to save money on lorry insurance?

Saving money on lorry insurance requires a mix of smart shopping, risk management, and ongoing vigilance. Here are some strategies to help you reduce your insurance costs:

  1. Compare Quotes: Shop around and compare insurance quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Be sure to compare the same type of coverage from each provider for an accurate comparison.

  2. Choose the Right Level of Coverage: Select an insurance policy that suits your needs. Comprehensive coverage may seem more expensive upfront, but it can save you money in the event of an accident. On the other hand, if your lorry is older and not worth much, third-party only or third-party, fire, and theft coverage might suffice.

  3. Increase Your Excess: Agreeing to pay a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim before your insurance kicks in) can lower your premium. Be careful, though, as you need to ensure you can afford the excess in the event of a claim.

  4. Secure Your Lorry: Installing approved security devices, such as alarms, immobilisers, or tracking systems, can lower your insurance costs. Parking in a secure location can also help.

  5. Train Your Drivers: Insurers may offer discounts if your drivers have completed advanced driving courses or if you implement a driver safety program.

  6. Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A good driving record with minimal or no claims can often lead to lower premiums. The longer you can go without making a claim, the larger your no-claims bonus will be.

  7. Pay Annually: If you can afford to pay your premium in one lump sum for the year, you’ll usually pay less than if you spread the cost over monthly payments.

  8. Limit Mileage: If your lorry is not being used extensively, consider a policy with a limited mileage clause. The less the lorry is on the road, the lower the risk, which can reduce your premium.

  9. Manage Fleet Risk: If you have multiple lorries, consider a fleet insurance policy and work with your provider to manage risk across your fleet. This may involve regular vehicle maintenance, driver training, and rigorous safety protocols.

Remember, it’s always important to have sufficient coverage to protect you and your business. While cost-saving is essential, make sure you’re not skimping on necessary protection.

What insurance do I need for recovery truck?

If you operate a recovery truck in the UK, you will require certain types of insurance coverage:

  1. Vehicle Insurance: At the very least, you’ll need third-party insurance which covers injuries to other people or damage to their property caused by your truck. For more comprehensive coverage, you can choose third-party, fire and theft insurance, or fully comprehensive insurance, which can cover damage to your own truck and personal injuries.

  2. Goods in Transit Insurance: Since recovery trucks often transport other vehicles, you may need goods in transit insurance. This covers the cost of the vehicles you’re transporting if they’re lost, damaged or destroyed while in your care.

  3. Public Liability Insurance: This insurance protects you if someone sues you for injury or property damage related to your recovery truck operation.

  4. Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you have employees, you’re legally required to have this insurance. It covers you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill because of the work they do for you.

  5. Breakdown Cover: This covers the costs of roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if your recovery truck breaks down.

  6. Motor Trade Insurance: This is especially relevant if you are involved in the motor trade business. It can cover a variety of risks including vehicle damage, theft, and liability.

Remember, these are minimum requirements, and you may need additional coverage depending on your situation. Always consult with an insurance advisor to understand what kind of coverage is right for your specific needs.

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