Breakdown & Recovery Insurance

Whether you’re self-employed or work as a subcontractor for a bigger firm, when you’re on the road working on a motor recovery or repair job, our range of cover options are there to keep you protected.

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What is Breakdown & Recovery Insurance?

Breakdown and Recovery Insurance protects vehicle recovery specialists and motor mechanics from risk and third-party claims. Whether that’s after an accident with a member of the public or damage caused to a recovered vehicle.

Also known as Recovery Agent Insurance, this is a personal policy that’s essential for anyone who goes out to service, repair, or recover a vehicle. Whether you’re a one-person breakdown business, subcontractor, or a larger recovery network, Road Runner is likely to get you (re) covered.

What does Breakdown and Recovery Insurance cover?

Breakdown and Recovery Insurance has been designed to protect vehicle recovery specialists and motor mechanics while out on the road. Whether that’s when you’re with the vehicle, when recovering the vehicle, or during the journey back to the repair garage or centre.

It’s there to ensure that there’s a robust insurance solution in place should the worst happen. For example, if your repair vehicle or the customer’s vehicle is damaged on the journey (including while on a recovery vehicle), involved in an accident or collision, or if there are items stolen.

Key cover elements include:

  • Cover for vehicles in your care
    Covering vehicles in your care, custody, and control for motor trade purposes.
  • Cover for vehicles in transit
    Road Runner can cover you for damage that happens to the vehicle whilst on a recovery truck.
  • Liability insurance
    Get protection against third-party claims, whether these are real or not.
  • Insurance for items and equipment
    Cover for goods, plant, machinery, stock, and portable hand tools kept in your van. Cover is available for tools left in the recovery vehicle overnight, too.
  • Premises cover
    If you operate from a garage, workshop or other motor trade premises, this may include your liability cover and a range of extra options to protect you and your business.
  • No Claims Bonus protection
    You can decide to pay an extra premium to keep the number of years of No Claim Bonus you’ve earned in the event of a claim where insurers cannot recover their losses. This can be a significant long-term saving and worth paying a little extra to protect. (Terms apply – see your policy booklet or summary of cover for more details.)

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Why choose Road Runner for Breakdown and Recovery Insurance?

We’re with you every step of the way.

Over 25 years of experience

We’ve been in the motor trade industry for over 25 years, so we’re well-placed to help you secure the right cover – whether that’s a motor trade or personal policy.

We’re motor trade insurance specialists

We know the motor trade inside-out. We know what oils your engine, and we know what grinds your gears. You’ll never get a one-size-fits-all insurance solution.

We make it personal

It’s not just about a quote at renewal time. We get to know you and your business, understanding the specific risks and challenges involved in vehicle recovery and secure the most suitable cover solution.

Contact us today to see if we can get you a better deal than you’re on now. Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if it’s not for you.

Is Breakdown and Recovery Insurance a legal requirement?

There are certain elements of this cover that are required by law for those in the motor trade, for example, the road risks elements and employers’ liability.

It would be very unusual for someone working in recovery and rescue to opt out of having this protection. As the person/people going out to assist a driver who has broken down or to collect a vehicle, your own insurance against breakdown is imperative.

Who needs Breakdown and Recovery Insurance?

Every business working within the recovery trade is advised to take out this cover, also known as Recovery Operator Insurance. It is especially important for those who are doing the recovery. This insurance protects you and your recovery vehicle, van or truck, as well as the vehicle you’re transporting or working on roadside.

Contact us today to see if we can get you a better deal than you’re on now. Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if it’s not for you.

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Our criteria

For Road Runner to be able to provide a quote for your Breakdown and Recovery Insurance, you must meet our criteria. Some of the main points you must satisfy are below:

  • You and all drivers are aged 23 to 69 years old
  • You’re actively operating a motor trade business for profit or income
  • You and all drivers have not been disqualified from driving, and haven’t been convicted of driving without insurance
  • You and all drivers have no criminal convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act nor any criminal convictions pending
  • You, any partners, directors, employees, or drivers have never had a policy cancelled, declined, been refused renewal, nor had any special terms or premium imposed

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Frequently asked questions

Do breakdown operators need Recovery Insurance?

Yes, certain levels of cover are required by law for breakdown operators. And there are penalties for those who don’t comply with the regulations that sit within the breakdown and recovery sector.

Attending breakdown and recovery callouts to potentially dangerous sites can throw up a lot of risks. As a mechanic or breakdown specialist, it’s important that you make sure you have the correct Recovery Operator Insurance cover in place.

A large proportion of breakdown callouts can’t be recovered on the roadside, meaning the vehicle will need to be transported elsewhere – whether that’s to someone’s house, such as a customer – or a nearby garage. Road Risk Insurance, an element of this cover, protects against risks that occur in your day-to-day driving and forms a key part of your policy.

Dealing with the public and being responsible for their safety adds another layer of risk for those working in roadside recovery and breakdown repairs. This is where Liability Insurance is important as it covers claims made by third parties – even the fake ones.

On top of this, you can get covered for vehicle storage, and garage workshops and storage spaces too, which would fall under Premises Insurance.

Why do I need Breakdown and Recovery Insurance?

This cover is required to protect yourself and the activities and tasks carried out by your business. Here are just a few things to consider:

  • The risk of damage to a vehicle while it’s being recovered by you
  • The possibility of an accident involving a member of the public while you’re carrying out a recovery operation
  • The impact on your business if your vehicle is damaged through no fault of your own
How much does Breakdown and Recovery Insurance cost?

A policy of this type will have a different cost for every customer. Our personal approach means we look at each individual business and consider their needs, before entering into any discussions or negotiations with possible insurance vendors.

If you’re getting in touch to find out your Recovery Operator Insurance cost, we’ll always endeavour to offer you the most comprehensive, suitable cover at a fair price.

Meet the Road Runner team

We’re proud to present a specialist team who’ll not just provide you with insurance policy options, but get to know you and your business. So, let’s introduce:

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