What Is HGV / LGV Insurance? A Complete UK Guide for Operators and Owner-Drivers
Key Takeaways
- →HGV/LGV insurance is a legal requirement for any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) operating on a UK public road. Third-party only cover is the minimum, but comprehensive is standard practice for operators given the high replacement value of modern trucks.
- →Annual premiums typically range from £2,000 to £8,000 per vehicle for standard haulage, rising to £12,000 or more for high-risk operations such as ADR hazardous goods, young drivers, or poor claims history.
- →Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used to carry goods for hire or reward require an Operator Licence (O licence) from the Traffic Commissioner. Insurers will ask for your O licence details, and a suspended or revoked licence will invalidate your policy.
- →HGV insurance does not automatically include goods in transit (GIT), trailer cover, employers’ liability, or public liability. These must be added separately and are frequently underinsured.
- →All commercial HGV drivers must hold a valid Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and drive within EU tachograph hours rules. Insurers can use CPC or tachograph non-compliance to void claims.
- →Owner-operators running a single lorry and large fleets with 50+ vehicles both need specialist HGV/LGV cover — standard commercial vehicle policies do not adequately cover vehicles above 3.5 tonnes GVW.
HGV/LGV insurance, also called lorry insurance, truck insurance, or haulage insurance, is the specialist motor policy that every heavy goods vehicle operator in the UK is legally required to hold. It is not the same product as van insurance or commercial vehicle insurance for lighter vehicles, and the difference is not cosmetic. The risks, the legal framework, the compliance requirements, and the premium calculations all work differently once a vehicle crosses the 3.5-tonne GVW threshold — and very differently again at 7.5 tonnes, 26 tonnes, and 44 tonnes.
Whether you are an owner-operator insuring a single rigid lorry, a haulage company covering a fleet of articulated 44-tonners, or a contractor running a tipper truck alongside lighter vehicles, this guide covers everything you need to understand: what the policy actually covers, what it does not, how much it costs across vehicle types, what the operator licence means for your insurance, and how to get the most competitive quote.
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💬 From the MMC HGV Team
“The most common gap we see in HGV insurance is operators who believe their standard motor policy covers the trailer and the load. It almost never does. An articulated trailer alone can be worth £40,000–£80,000. A full load of electronics or food destined for a supermarket chain can exceed £100,000 in cargo value. Without GIT and trailer cover explicitly added to the policy, both are uninsured. Getting the motor policy right is step one — but it is only step one.”
MMC HGV Insurance Specialists, FCA-authorised (reg. 916241)
Key Fact
There are approximately 500,000 licensed HGVs operating on UK roads. The haulage sector moves around 76% of all UK freight by value. A modern 44-tonne articulated tractor unit costs £120,000–£160,000 to replace, and a refrigerated trailer adds a further £50,000–£90,000. Without the right insurance, a single total-loss incident can end a haulage business overnight.
What is HGV/LGV insurance?
HGV/LGV insurance is a specialist commercial motor policy covering heavy goods vehicles above 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) operating on UK roads. It satisfies the Road Traffic Act 1988 compulsory insurance requirement, and — unlike standard car or van policies — accounts for the higher risk, greater liability exposure, cargo obligations, and transport compliance requirements specific to heavy goods operations.
The policy is most commonly referred to as HGV insurance, but it is also sold and searched for under a range of alternative names. Lorry insurance, truck insurance, haulage insurance, goods vehicle insurance, and articulated lorry insurance all describe the same product category. Insurers and brokers use these terms interchangeably depending on the context and vehicle type, but the underlying policy structure is the same: a specialist motor policy written for vehicles above 3.5 tonnes used for commercial goods transport.
The 3.5-tonne threshold is the legal dividing line. Below it, vehicles are classified as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and insured under standard commercial vehicle or van policies. Above it, vehicles require HGV insurance that reflects the greater potential for third-party damage, the higher vehicle and cargo values, and the additional regulatory obligations that apply under UK and EU transport law.
⚠️ Van Insurance Does Not Cover HGVs or LGVs
A standard commercial van policy is written for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW. If your vehicle exceeds this weight, a van policy provides no valid cover — operating without appropriate HGV/LGV insurance on a public road is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can result in an unlimited fine, licence endorsement, and vehicle seizure. Always confirm your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW) from the V5C registration document (the figure in column F) before arranging cover. Note: 7.5-tonne vehicles are commonly referred to as HGVs in practice, but the legal threshold requiring specialist cover starts at 3.5 tonnes, not 7.5 tonnes.
LGV vs HGV: understanding the weight categories
LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) and HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) are often used interchangeably in the UK, but they describe the same class of vehicle — any goods vehicle above 3.5 tonnes GVW. The distinction matters because the terms appear differently on driving licences, operator licences, and insurance documentation, and confusing them can cause policy issues.
In UK driving licence terms, Category C covers rigid lorries above 3.5 tonnes (sometimes called Class 2 or LGV), and Category C+E covers articulated vehicles with a trailer (sometimes called Class 1). For insurance purposes, both categories fall under the HGV insurance bracket. What changes between them is the risk profile, the premium, and the compliance requirements around trailer coupling and vehicle combinations.
| Vehicle Category | Gross Weight | Licence Required | O Licence Required? | Typical Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 tonne rigid lorry | 3.5t–7.5t GVW | Category C (Class 2) | Yes — if H&R use | £2,000–£4,000 |
| 18 tonne rigid lorry | 7.5t–18t GVW | Category C (Class 2) | Yes — if H&R use | £3,000–£5,500 |
| 26 tonne rigid lorry | 18t–26t GVW | Category C (Class 2) | Yes — mandatory | £3,500–£6,500 |
| Articulated lorry (up to 44t) | Up to 44t GVW | Category C+E (Class 1) | Yes — mandatory | £4,500–£8,000+ |
| Tipper truck | Varies 7.5t–32t | Category C or C+E | Depends on use | £3,000–£7,000 |
| Flatbed lorry | Varies 7.5t–44t | Category C or C+E | Yes — mandatory | £3,500–£7,500 |
| Refrigerated lorry (reefer) | Varies 7.5t–44t | Category C or C+E | Yes — mandatory | £4,000–£9,000+ |
Indicative 2025 UK market ranges. Premiums vary significantly by driver age, claims history, operating region, and goods carried. H&R = hire and reward use.
What does HGV insurance cover?
A standard HGV motor policy covers the vehicle, the driver, and third-party liability — but it does not automatically cover the trailer, the goods on board, employers’ liability, or public liability during loading and unloading. Understanding exactly what is and is not included is the difference between a policy that protects your business and one that leaves critical gaps.
HGV motor insurance is available at three levels of cover, matching the same structure as personal and commercial motor policies:
The Three Levels of HGV Motor Cover
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Third-party only (TPO) — the legal minimum under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Covers injury or death caused to third parties and damage to third-party property. Does not cover your own vehicle, your trailer, or your load. Rarely used in practice for operating HGVs due to the high cost exposure from vehicle damage alone. -
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Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) — adds protection against fire damage and theft of the insured vehicle. Still does not cover accidental damage to your own lorry. Occasionally used for older, lower-value vehicles where the replacement cost is modest relative to the premium difference. -
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Comprehensive — the standard for professional HGV operators. Covers accidental damage to your own vehicle, third-party liability, fire, and theft. Typically includes windscreen cover, personal effects (limited), and legal expenses. Given that a modern tractor unit costs £120,000–£160,000 to replace, comprehensive cover is the only sensible choice for the vast majority of operators.
⛔ What Standard HGV Insurance Does NOT Automatically Cover
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Goods in transit (GIT) — the cargo on board. GIT must be a separate policy or endorsed addition. Without it, your load is entirely uninsured. -
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Trailer cover — the trailer is a separate asset. A detached trailer sitting at a depot overnight is not covered by the tractor unit’s motor policy unless specifically endorsed. -
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Employers’ liability (EL) — a legal requirement if you employ any drivers or staff. Covers injury or illness claims by employees. Must be a standalone policy with a minimum indemnity of £5 million. -
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Public liability (PL) — covers injury or property damage to third parties during loading, unloading, or on-site operations. Road traffic incidents are covered by the motor policy; everything else requires PL. -
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Hazardous goods (ADR) — vehicles carrying dangerous goods under ADR regulations require a specific endorsement. Standard policies exclude hazardous loads unless explicitly confirmed. -
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European cover — UK HGV policies cover mainland GB as standard. Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Continental Europe require specific territorial extensions or a separate CMR policy for international movements.
| Cover Level | Third-Party Liability | Fire & Theft | Accidental Damage to Own Vehicle | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Only (TPO) | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included | ✗ Not included | Legal minimum only — rarely used for operating HGVs given vehicle values |
| Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included | Older or lower-value vehicles where repair costs are modest relative to premium saving |
| Comprehensive | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | Standard for all professional HGV/LGV operators — essential given £120,000+ replacement values |
All three levels satisfy the Road Traffic Act 1988 compulsory insurance requirement. GIT, trailer cover, EL, PL, and ADR endorsements are separate additions regardless of which motor cover level you choose.
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The Operator Licence: the legal requirement insurers check first
Any operator using a goods vehicle above 3.5 tonnes to carry goods for hire or reward must hold an Operator Licence (O licence) issued by the Traffic Commissioner. This is a separate legal requirement from insurance — but the two are directly linked. Insurers will ask for your O licence number when you apply for cover, and a suspended, revoked, or invalid O licence will affect both your ability to operate and your insurance position.
There are two types of O licence relevant to most operators. A restricted licence covers operators carrying their own goods in their own vehicles — a builder delivering materials to site, for example. A standard national licence covers operators carrying goods for other businesses (hire and reward) within the UK. A standard international licence extends this to Continental Europe. Each type carries different conditions around vehicle maintenance, driver qualification, and transport management, all of which underwriters assess when pricing your policy.
⚖️ O Licence Legal Requirements
Under the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995, operating a goods vehicle above 3.5 tonnes for hire or reward without a valid O licence carries a maximum fine of £5,000 per vehicle per offence. A Traffic Commissioner can also impound vehicles and disqualify operators. The O licence requires a nominated Transport Manager who holds a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in road haulage, satisfactory financial standing, an operating centre with planning permission, and evidence of arrangements for vehicle maintenance. Full details are on GOV.UK: Being a goods vehicle operator.
The O licence also carries ongoing compliance obligations that affect your insurance premium directly. DVSA-issued prohibitions, failed annual tests, tachograph infringements, and drivers’ hours convictions all appear on your DVSA record and are reviewed by underwriters at renewal. Operators with a DVSA Earned Recognition status — meaning they have demonstrated high compliance standards under a certified auditor scheme — can typically access more competitive premium terms, as the insurer has independent evidence of your risk management quality.
🔍 Broker Insight
At submission stage, a well-prepared broker will present your O licence status, DVSA record, Driver CPC completion rates, tachograph analysis, and maintenance records as a package to underwriters. Operators who present clean compliance documentation consistently achieve lower premiums than those who leave the underwriter to make assumptions about their record. If your maintenance contractor provides regular inspection reports, ask for copies to include in your submission — they carry material weight in the negotiation.
⛔ Mid-Term Cancellation Can Trigger an O Licence Review
Under Road Traffic Act 1988 requirements, insurers must notify the Motor Insurance Database (MID) when a commercial motor policy is cancelled. For HGV/LGV operators, this notification can also prompt a Traffic Commissioner review of the O licence — because operating without valid insurance is an O licence condition breach. If a fleet insurer cancels a policy mid-term (typically for non-payment or material non-disclosure), the operator may face simultaneous loss of insurance and O licence suspension, grounding the entire fleet. Always ensure premiums are paid on time and notify your insurer immediately of any material changes to avoid a cancellation being triggered. This is one of the most severe compliance risks in the sector and is distinct from simply allowing a policy to lapse at renewal.
Driver CPC and tachograph compliance: what insurers require
Every commercial HGV driver in the UK must hold a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), requiring 35 hours of periodic training every five years. Insurers treat Driver CPC compliance as a fundamental underwriting requirement — a driver operating without a valid CPC card is in breach of the law, and any claim involving that driver may be challenged or rejected.
Tachograph compliance is the second compliance layer insurers examine. Every vehicle over 3.5 tonnes used for hire and reward must be fitted with an approved tachograph device. Vehicles registered after February 2024 must have a Smart Tachograph version 2 (Gen 2). The tachograph records driving time, speed, rest breaks, and other duty periods. Drivers’ hours rules under EU Regulation 561/2006 (retained in UK law post-Brexit) set maximum daily driving times, weekly limits, and mandatory rest periods. An accident that occurs during a documented hours violation puts the operator in an extremely difficult position with both the insurer and enforcement authorities.
Drivers’ Hours Rules — Key Limits at a Glance
Daily driving limit
Maximum 9 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours on up to 2 days per week
Weekly driving limit
Maximum 56 hours in any one week; no more than 90 hours across two consecutive weeks
Mandatory break
45 minutes after every 4.5 hours of driving (may be split: 15 min then 30 min)
Daily rest
Minimum 11 consecutive hours between shifts (reducible to 9 hours up to 3 times per week)
How much does HGV insurance cost in the UK?
HGV insurance typically costs between £2,000 and £8,000 per vehicle per year for standard haulage operations, with premiums rising to £12,000 or beyond for high-risk profiles including young or inexperienced drivers, ADR loads, poor claims history, or specialist vehicle types. The range is broad because HGV risk profiles vary more than almost any other motor insurance category.
Premium is determined by a combination of factors: vehicle weight and type, intended use (carriage of own goods versus hire and reward), goods carried, operating radius (regional, national, or international), driver ages and licence history, claims record, O licence standing, and the level of cover required. An experienced owner-operator running a single 7.5-tonne rigid on regional routes with five years’ clean history and named driver cover will pay very differently from a new-start haulage business running three 44-tonne artics with agency drivers on any-driver cover.
| Vehicle Type | Use | Driver Profile | Typical Annual Premium | Key Rating Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5t rigid — owner-operator | Own goods / regional | Experienced, clean record | £2,000–£3,500 | Low weight, limited radius, named driver |
| 18t rigid — haulage | Hire and reward / national | Experienced, minor claims | £3,200–£5,500 | H&R uplift, national radius |
| 26t rigid — haulage | Hire and reward / national | Mixed driver ages | £4,000–£7,000 | Weight, driver age loading |
| 44t articulated — trunking | Hire and reward / national | Experienced, clean record | £4,500–£8,000 | Maximum weight, trailer exposure |
| Tipper truck | Construction / aggregate | Experienced, site-use | £3,500–£7,000 | Off-road exposure, body damage risk |
| Flatbed lorry | General / construction | Experienced driver | £3,500–£7,000 | Load securing liability risk |
| Refrigerated lorry (reefer) | Perishable goods / food | Experienced driver | £4,500–£9,000+ | High cargo value, temp monitoring, 24hr running |
| ADR hazardous goods lorry | Chemical / fuel / gas | ADR-certified driver | £7,000–£15,000+ | Specialist risk, environmental liability |
| New-start haulage (any driver) | Hire and reward | No prior O licence history | £8,000–£15,000+ | New business loading, any driver, no CCE |
Indicative 2025 UK market ranges for comprehensive cover excluding GIT, trailer cover, EL and PL. Actual premiums depend on individual risk factors and insurer appetite.
Carriage of own goods, haulage, or hire and reward: choosing the right use class
The use class declared on your HGV/LGV policy is one of the most critical fields on the application — and one of the most common causes of unpaid claims when it is wrong. There are three main use categories, and they are not interchangeable. Using a vehicle under a use class not declared on your policy is a material misrepresentation under the Insurance Act 2015 and can void the policy entirely.
The Three HGV/LGV Use Classes Explained
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Carriage of own goods — covers operators using the HGV exclusively to transport goods they own. Typical examples: a builder moving tools and materials to site; a manufacturer transporting their own finished products between sites; a retailer moving stock between their own warehouses. This use class does not permit carrying goods belonging to anyone else. A restricted O licence is sufficient. Premiums are typically lower than hire and reward. -
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Haulage (single-drop hire and reward) — covers operators carrying goods belonging to other businesses for payment, typically a single load from a collection point to a delivery destination. Examples: collecting a container from a port and delivering to a single distribution depot; quarry aggregate haulage between two fixed points. A standard national O licence is required. The insurer prices in the commercial relationship with the cargo owner and the single-trip liability exposure. -
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Hire and reward / multi-drop courier — covers operators carrying goods for multiple clients or making multiple deliveries to different addresses in a single journey. Examples: regional distribution runs with 20 drop points; overnight pallet network deliveries; temperature-controlled food runs to multiple supermarket depots. This is the highest-risk use class because mileage, vehicle access, and cargo liability exposure are all greater. Standard national O licence required, and premiums reflect the multi-drop risk profile. This is distinct from Hire and Reward in the taxi/PHV sense — the term applies here to road freight.
HGV insurance for owner-operators
An owner-operator is a self-employed driver who owns and drives their own HGV, typically working under contracts with logistics companies or as a subcontractor to a larger haulage business. Insuring as an owner-operator has specific implications for policy structure, O licence type, and the cover required alongside the standard motor policy.
Owner-operators working under a principal operator’s O licence — known as operating under licence — must confirm with their insurer that their motor policy is compatible with this arrangement. Some insurers write the policy in the owner-operator’s name with an endorsement noting the principal licence arrangement; others require the principal operator to extend their fleet policy to include the subcontractor vehicle. Getting this wrong means neither policy may respond in the event of a claim.
Owner-operators who hold their own O licence — known as operating on their own licence — have cleaner insurance arrangements but carry the full weight of compliance obligations personally. This includes maintaining the vehicle to O licence standards, managing tachograph records, completing Driver CPC hours, and ensuring their operating centre meets DVSA requirements. These compliance obligations feed directly into how underwriters assess their premium.
💼 Real Example
A sole-trader owner-operator running a single 18-tonne curtain-sider on regional distribution contracts had held his HGV licence for 14 years and held his own restricted O licence. His renewal premium had crept to £5,800 after two minor at-fault incidents in the previous five years. When a specialist HGV broker presented his case with a full DVSA compliance record, Driver CPC certificate, and annual inspection reports, a different specialist insurer quoted £4,150 — a saving of £1,650 annually for the same comprehensive cover. The documentation made the difference, not the risk.
HGV fleet insurance: covering multiple lorries under one policy
HGV fleet insurance covers two or more heavy goods vehicles under a single policy, priced on the risk of the whole operation rather than each vehicle individually. For haulage companies running three or more lorries, fleet cover almost always produces a better per-vehicle premium than individual policies and dramatically reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple insurance programmes.
HGV fleet policies work on a declaration basis for smaller fleets — you declare each vehicle when it joins the fleet and remove it when it leaves, with pro-rata premium adjustments throughout the year. For larger fleets, an any-driver arrangement allows any driver on the roster who holds the correct Category C or C+E entitlement, valid Driver CPC, and meets the insurer’s age criteria to drive any vehicle on the fleet. This is essential for haulage businesses with fluctuating driver rosters or agency worker arrangements. For a full breakdown of how fleet pricing works and what it saves versus individual policies, see our HGV fleet insurance guide.
💡 Pro Tip: Telematics Can Reduce HGV/LGV Premiums by 5–15% — and Some Insurers Now Require It
Many specialist HGV/LGV insurers offer telematics discounts of 5–15% for operators who fit approved GPS tracking and forward-facing dashcam systems. The data evidence of driving behaviour, route compliance, and speed management is material to underwriters. For fleets, the aggregate saving on a five-vehicle fleet running at £5,000 per vehicle could amount to £2,500–£3,750 per year, with hardware costs typically recovered within the first renewal cycle.
Important: Some specialist insurers now mandate forward-facing cameras on vehicles above 18 tonnes as a condition of cover, not merely as an optional discount trigger. If you operate 18t+ lorries, check whether your policy requires dashcam installation and confirm the approved camera specification with your broker before renewal.
Young driver schemes: While most standard HGV/LGV insurers decline drivers under 25, a small number of specialist brokers operate dedicated young driver programmes for operators with drivers aged 18–24. These schemes almost universally require specific telematics equipment to be fitted and active as a policy condition. If you employ young drivers, ask your broker specifically about young driver HGV programmes — placing the risk through a general broker without this knowledge typically results in a declined quote or significantly higher loading.
Which type of HGV insurance do you need? Common scenarios
The right HGV policy depends on your vehicle weight, how you use it, what you carry, and whether you operate as an owner-driver or a multi-vehicle business. The table below maps the most common UK operator profiles to the appropriate policy structure.
| Operator Profile | Recommended Cover | Essential Additions | O Licence? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner-operator, single 7.5t, own goods | Individual HGV, comprehensive | GIT for own tools/goods | Restricted licence |
| Owner-operator, single artic, hire & reward | Individual HGV, comprehensive | GIT, trailer cover, PL | Standard national |
| Haulage company, 3–9 lorries, mixed weights | HGV fleet policy, any driver | GIT, trailer fleet, EL, PL | Standard national |
| Construction firm, tippers + rigid lorries | Mixed fleet or individual HGV | PL essential; tools-in-transit | Restricted or standard |
| Refrigerated food distributor | Specialist reefer HGV policy | GIT with temperature warranty, trailer cover | Standard national |
| Hazardous goods carrier (ADR) | Specialist ADR-endorsed HGV | Environmental liability, GIT, EL | Standard national |
| New-start haulage, first lorry | Individual HGV, comprehensive | GIT, EL, PL, breakdown | Standard national |
| National logistics, 10+ vehicles | HGV fleet, burning cost rated | GIT fleet, trailer fleet, EL, PL, breakdown | Standard national or international |
How to reduce your HGV insurance premium
HGV premiums are negotiable in a way that personal motor insurance premiums are not, because every submission is individually rated. The single most effective strategy is to make it easy for the underwriter to price your risk accurately and positively — and that means presenting comprehensive, well-organised documentation alongside your submission.
Eight Ways to Reduce HGV Insurance Costs
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Use a specialist HGV broker — standard comparison sites do not access specialist HGV markets. A specialist broker approaches the Lloyd’s market, specialist insurers, and mutual schemes unavailable on general comparison platforms. -
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Present your compliance documentation — DVSA record, Driver CPC certificates, O licence history, maintenance records, and inspection reports. Clean compliance evidence materially reduces underwriter risk loading. -
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Fit telematics and dashcams — GPS tracking and in-cab dashcam evidence of driving behaviour can reduce premiums by 5–15% with willing insurers and strengthens your position in disputed claims. -
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Use named driver cover where possible — any-driver policies carry a 10–25% premium uplift. If your driver roster is stable, named cover is almost always cheaper. Reserve any-driver for genuine operational need. -
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Manage your claims actively — small at-fault claims affect HGV renewals disproportionately. For minor incidents within your excess range, consider settling privately rather than claiming. Consult your broker on the break-even calculation. -
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Increase your voluntary excess — accepting a higher excess (typically £1,000–£5,000 depending on vehicle value) reduces the premium materially and signals confidence in your risk management to underwriters. -
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Join a trade association — the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport Association (Logistics UK) have negotiated insurance schemes for members that can produce competitive group rates, particularly for smaller operators. -
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Pursue DVSA Earned Recognition — operators who achieve Earned Recognition status under the DVSA’s scheme demonstrate audited compliance standards that specialist insurers treat as a risk-reduction factor at renewal.
Documents you will need to get an HGV/LGV insurance quote
HGV/LGV insurance submissions require considerably more documentation than standard motor insurance applications. Having these documents prepared before approaching a broker speeds up the quote process and helps the underwriter build the most accurate and competitive risk assessment.
Documents Checklist for HGV/LGV Insurance Quotes
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Operator Licence number and type — restricted, standard national, or standard international. The Traffic Commissioner reference number confirms the licence is live and in good standing. -
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Driver CPC / Digicard details — current CPC qualification card number and expiry date for every driver to be named on the policy. Proof of periodic training completion (35 hours every 5 years). -
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Claims experience letters (5 years) — written confirmation from each previous insurer of claims history over the past five years. This is especially important for operators moving from a fleet policy back to an individual policy, or from one insurer to another. Without a formal letter, underwriters will price conservatively. -
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Vehicle registration documents (V5C) — confirming the gross vehicle weight (GVW), registered keeper, and vehicle configuration for each lorry to be insured. -
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DVSA maintenance record / Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) — evidence of roadworthiness checks, annual test certificates (MOTs for HGVs), and DVSA prohibition history. Clean OCRS scores (green) consistently produce better premium terms. -
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Goods in transit (GIT) requirements — maximum cargo value per vehicle, type of goods carried, any customer contract GIT requirements (many logistics contracts specify minimum GIT limits the operator must hold). -
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Trailer details — trailer type (curtain-sider, flatbed, refrigerated), value, and whether trailers are owned or hired. Required to quote trailer cover accurately alongside the motor policy.
HGV/LGV insurance glossary: key terms explained
HGV/LGV insurance uses technical terms from both the motor insurance and road transport compliance worlds. The definitions below cover the terms most likely to appear on your policy schedule or in a broker’s submission document.
GVW — Gross Vehicle Weight
The maximum total weight of the vehicle including its own weight plus the maximum permitted load. Found in column F on the V5C. The legal threshold for HGV/LGV insurance is 3.5t GVW.
GTW — Gross Train Weight
The combined maximum weight of an articulated tractor unit and its trailer. A 44-tonne lorry has a GTW of 44 tonnes. Relevant to trailer coupling limitations and O licence authorised weights.
ADR — Accord Dangereux Routier
The European Agreement on the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. Any vehicle carrying ADR-classified goods (flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, large quantities of lithium batteries) requires a specific ADR endorsement on the policy.
CMR — Convention Marchandise Routier
The international convention governing the carriage of goods by road across national boundaries. Operators carrying goods to or from Continental Europe require CMR liability cover, which limits the carrier’s liability per kilogram of goods lost or damaged.
CCE — Confirmed Claims Experience
The record of paid and outstanding insurance claims across a fleet over a defined period (typically 3–5 years). CCE replaces the per-vehicle no-claims discount (NCD) on fleet policies and is the primary pricing driver for fleets of 15+ vehicles.
RHA Conditions — Road Haulage Association Conditions
Standard contract conditions published by the Road Haulage Association governing liability for loss or damage to goods in transit. Many commercial contracts and GIT policies operate under RHA Conditions, which limit carrier liability to £1,300 per tonne unless higher limits are agreed.
CPC — Certificate of Professional Competence
Two separate qualifications share this abbreviation. The Driver CPC is required for all commercial HGV/LGV drivers (35 hours of periodic training per 5 years). The Transport Manager CPC is required for the nominated transport manager on an O licence.
OCRS — Operator Compliance Risk Score
The DVSA’s risk-rating system for HGV/LGV operators, combining roadworthiness and traffic enforcement data. Green scores indicate low risk and consistently produce better insurance premiums. Red scores indicate high enforcement history and are viewed negatively by underwriters.
Frequently asked questions
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