Truck Insurance

Do I need an Operators Licence?

You need an operator’s licence to carry goods (or burden) connected with any trade or business if you "USE" a motor vehicle on a road with a gross vehicle mass (weight) of over 3,500 Kg (3.5 tons).

What type of Operators Licence do I need?

A Restricted Operators Licence - to operate vehicles within the EEC as long as you are only carrying your own goods. The main advantage of this type of licence is that there is no requirement to employ a transport manager with a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and the financial resources that need to be in place are less. However as the operator must maintain the same standards as an unrestricted licence holder it is advisable to have access to professional advice

A National Operators Licence - to operate on a "hire and reward" basis (charge for the transport of goods not owned) within the UK

An International Operators Licence - to operate on a "hire and reward" basis (charge for the transport of goods not owned) within the EEC.

How do I apply for an Opeators Licence?

To apply for a new licence you need to complete a Form GV79 which is available from your Area Traffic Office or online @ www.vosa.gov.uk

I don’t think I need an operators licence/ I believe I  am exempt

There are certain exemptions but you should never assume you are exempt. Instead you should ensure you have contacted VOSA. It is best to be sure of your licensing requirements as there are severe penalties in place for you being caught without an Operators Licence, when in fact you should have one in place. Most insurers now do spot checks and will refuse cover unless there is an Operators Licence in place. We do have access to insurers that will cover you while you are in the application process.

VOSA contact details:  Telephone  0300 123 9000

I have multiple vehicles, what’s the best way to ensure these?

This really depends on the amount of vehicles you have and your circumstances at the time. If you have 2-5 vehicles and each vehicle has its own individual no claims bonus then it can be insured on a multi vehicle policy (mini-fleet). This is one policy to cover all the vehicles but each vehicle retains its own individual no claims bonus. All vehicles must be commercial vehicles.

If you have 5 vehicles or more then a fleet policy may suit you better. Fleet Insurance is not ‘no claims bonus related’. It is calculated in a different way and there will be a more in depth analysis and risk assessment before a quote can be attained. Fleet policies can generally cover any vehicle, including private cars, as long as the vehicles are all registered in the company name. If you already have a fleet policy you should ask for your ‘Fleet Experience’ document from your current insurer. This document is essential for any new prospective  insurer  to give you a quote. Ideally this document, should where possible, show at least the last 3 years claims information.

I  am starting a new venture but I’m worried about the cost of insurance, what discounts are available?

Many insurers have discounts available for new ventures. If you can provide proof of claims free experience from a former employer,  we can present this to the insurers and get you a great deal. The proof must come in the form of a signed letter on headed paper. It must also confirm the dates of your employment and details of any claims (or lack of) during that period.

I need to export a vehicle to a country outside the British Isles.

There is no UK Insurance policy that will allow you to do this. We can cover for use in Europe but the journey must start and finish in the UK. We suggest you seek cover from the country you intend to export the vehicle to..

More Commercial Vehicle Insurance FAQs and Information