What is Flatbed Truck Insurance?
Flatbed truck insurance is crucial for protecting and operating a commercial truck in the UK. Whether you are an owner-operator, small business owner, or operating the vehicle as part of a large fleet, having the right insurance in place can protect against financial losses in the event of an accident, theft, damage to the truck or cargo, or other covered events.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine what coverage is best for your specific needs but it’s important to ensure your coverage is adequate for the needs of your company. Comparing quotes for flatbed insurance is a great place to get started.
Flatbed vans or lorries are open-top vans with no roof. Typically the sides on these vehicles will drop down to open making it easier to add or take goods from the back of the lorry. They’re particularly popular for use in the building and construction industry as they can be used to transport oversized or unusually shaped equipment and materials from site to site.
Your flatbed truck may need to have HGV cover if it is over 3.5 tonnes so it’s important to know details about your vehicle to make sure you are fully and correctly covered.
How our process works
We’ve worked hard to refine our process and keep it as quick, easy and simple as possible for our customers.
Who Needs Flatbed Insurance?
Anyone who operates a flatbed truck for commercial purposes is required to have insurance. This includes owner-operators, small business owners and large HGV fleet operators.
Flatbed truck insurance is necessary to protect against financial losses in the event of an accident, theft or damage to the truck or cargo.
Additionally, many companies that hire flatbed truck drivers also require proof of insurance before allowing them to operate a truck on their behalf.
Types of Flatbed Insurance
The majority of flatbed vans are utilised for commercial purposes and require insurance policies designed for commercial use. These policies differ from those designed for private use, which only cover vans used for personal leisure activities.
You will need to choose between third-party, third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive insurance but there may be some additional features to consider depending on how you will use the vehicle.
- Own Goods Vehicle Insurance: These policies protect the van and any personal or business property, including equipment and materials stored in it. They do not cover materials or equipment owned by others, including clients. For flatbed vans which are open at the back, many policies will prohibit leaving belongings in the bed while the vehicle is unattended.
- Haulage Insurance: These policies protect vehicles during long journeys to deliver goods. While they do not cover the goods themselves, they do provide coverage for the unique risks associated with long-distance transport, such as theft and motorway driving.
- Goods in Transit Cover: These policies protect the van and any cargo carried in it, including goods and materials owned by third parties, such as clients. These policies are appropriate for flatbed van owners who transport goods belonging to others.
Can I Add Additional Coverage To My Flatbed Insurance Policy?
Yes, it is possible to add additional cover to a flatbed truck insurance policy.
This can include coverage for specific types of cargo such as high value goods and hazardous materials. Addons can also include increased liability limits, protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists, replacement vehicles and breakdown cover.
The exact options available will depend on the insurance provider and it is important to carefully review and compare any policy before deciding which offers a good balance between cost and cover.
How Much Does It Cost To Insure A Flatbed Truck?
It is challenging to determine the exact cost of flatbed truck insurance as several factors come into play, including the make and model of the truck, engine size, weight, mileage, and driver-related information.
Additionally, the age and location of the flatbed truck driver, length of time with a driver’s licence, any points on the licence, and the value of their No-Claims Bonus also impact the premium.
Due to the numerous variables, it is impossible to predict the cost of a flatbed truck insurance policy. The best approach is to use a price comparison service to obtain quotes from various insurance providers and choose the one that offers the best coverage at an affordable price.
Save Money On Flatbed Insurance
There are a number of ways to reduce the cost of your insurance, with some being more effective than others at maintaining a good level of coverage whilst providing cheap insurance options.
If in doubt, speak to a broker about your policy options as they may have access to insurers that are more affordable for your circumstances.
Remember to always read the fine print and discuss any questions or concerns with your insurance provider to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs.
