What is Mechanic Insurance?
Mechanic insurance is a specialised form of motor trade insurance, designed to protect car trade professionals, including garages, mechanics, and repair shops, from the unique risks they face daily.
Whether you’re a mobile mechanic, run a small garage, or operate a large vehicle service centre, a comprehensive mechanic insurance policy ensures that your business is safeguarded against unforeseen incidents that could result in financial losses.
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What Does Insurance For A Mechanic Protect?
A mechanics policy, or traders insurance, can cover a range of risks and potential losses that can arise in the course of running a business in the car trade industry.
The exact cover provided by a mechanics policy can vary depending on the needs of the policyholder and the insurer.
What Are The Benefits Of Car Mechanics Insurance?
Business insurance can provide a range of benefits for businesses in the car repair industry. Some of the key benefits of mechanic cover include:
- Protection against financial losses: Insurance can provide cover for a range of risks and potential losses, such as damage to vehicles, theft of tools and equipment, and liability claims.
- Compliance with legal requirements: Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for businesses with employees. Insurance is also required to legally drive a vehicle on public roads. Mechanic insurance can provide the necessary coverage to comply with these legal requirements.
- Flexibility: Policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business. This means that businesses can choose the types of coverage that they need and adjust their coverage as their needs change over time.
- Peace of mind: By having insurance, garage owners can have peace of mind knowing that they have coverage for a range of potential risks and losses. This can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with running a business.
- Enhanced reputation: By having car mechanic insurance, a business can demonstrate to customers and other stakeholders that they take their responsibilities seriously and are committed to providing a high level of service. This can enhance the reputation of the business and help attract new customers.
What Is The Difference Between Public Liability Insurance And Mechanic Insurance?
Public liability insurance and mechanic insurance are both types of insurance that can provide coverage for businesses in the motor trade industry but they serve different purposes.
Public liability provides cover for claims made against a business by a third party for injury or damage caused by the business or its employees. For example, if a customer is injured on your premises or their property is damaged as a result of your work, they could make a claim against your business. It can also be extended to cover legal costs you may incur.
Mechanic insurance on the other hand provides protection for a range of risks associated with working in the motor trade industry. This can include damage to vehicles, theft of tools and equipment and liability claims. Mechanics cover can be tailored to insure against the public but also to damage of vehicle sin your care.
Can I Get Mobile Mechanic Insurance Without A Premises?
Yes, it is possible to get mobile mechanic insurance without a premises. This type of insurance is often referred to as “road risk” insurance and it is designed to cover mechanics and other motor trade professionals who work from home or travel to different locations to carry out their work.
Road risk insurance can provide coverage for risks such as damage to customers’ vehicles, accidents that occur while test driving customer cars, and theft of tools and equipment from a vehicle or home.
While road risk insurance is designed for businesses that don’t have a fixed premises, it can also be suitable for businesses that have a workshop or garage that they use infrequently. For example, if a mechanic has a workshop at home but also carries out work at customer locations, road risk insurance may be the best option.
Many part time motor traders operate from home at the weekend so it is quite common to gain a policy without a premises.
For those who do operate from a garage though, they may want to check out combined insurance that will insure both their work and their premises.
Who Needs Mechanics Insurance?
Mechanics insurance is essential for any individual or business involved in the automotive industry. Whether you’re an independent mobile mechanic, a specialist repair shop, or a full-service garage, having the right insurance is crucial. This includes:
- Mobile Mechanics: If you offer repair services on the go, your van and tools are essential to your livelihood. Protecting them with insurance is vital.
- Garage Owners: From small independent garages to larger operations, safeguarding your premises, tools, and vehicles is key to avoiding financial hardship.
- MOT Centres: Given the specialized nature of MOT testing, having adequate insurance to cover the unique risks associated with this service is necessary.
- Car Body Shops: If your business involves bodywork or paint jobs, insurance can protect against accidental damage and customer claims.
Having a motor trade insurance policy is a legal requirement for technicians, including mobile mechanics, to ensure operational safety.
Do I Need A Mechanics Policy?
If you operate in the motor trade industry, mechanics insurance isn’t just a smart choice, it’s a necessity. Without it, you could face significant financial losses from accidents, theft, damage, or legal claims. Even a single incident could disrupt your business operations and impact your bottom line.
By securing the right insurance, you protect your livelihood and ensure your business can continue to thrive.
How Much Does Mechanic Insurance Cost In The UK?
The cost of mechanic insurance in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of work carried out, the level of coverage required, the number of employees, and the claims history of the business. The mobile mechanic insurance cost can differ widely among insurance providers and individual policyholders, making it challenging to provide a fixed price straight away.
- Business type: The type of business you run can affect the cost of insurance. For example, a mobile mechanic may pay less than a mechanic with a fixed premises because they have lower overheads.
- Cover level: The level of cover required can also affect the cost of mechanic insurance. A policy with more comprehensive cover will generally be more expensive than a policy with basic cover.
- Location: The location of the business can also affect the cost of insurance. For example, a business located in an area with high levels of vehicle theft or vandalism may face higher premiums.