lorry insurance Compare quotes to find the best insurance policy for you
In the UK, a lorry is a large vehicle designed for transporting goods, typically weighing over 3.5 tonnes.It’s essentially the British term for a truck, which is more commonly used in American English. Lorries can be rigid (single unit) or articulated (cab and trailer).
Key Points about Lorries in the UK:
Synonym for Truck:
“Lorry” is the British English equivalent of “truck”.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs):
Lorries are also referred to as HGVs, especially when referring to large, long-haul lorries.
Variety of Types:
There are various types of lorries, including rigid, flatbed, and articulated lorries, each suited for different types of cargo and routes.
Weight:
Lorries are classified by weight, with anything over 3.5 tonnes typically falling into the HGV categor
Understanding lorry insurance in the UK
Operating a lorry, or heavy goods vehicle (HGV), in the UK demands specific commercial vehicle insurance to safeguard against the inherent risks associated with these large vehicles. This is not merely a recommended business practice; it’s a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 for any HGV used on public roads.
Core levels of cover
Lorry insurance, like most motor vehicle insurance, comes in three primary tiers:
Third-party only (TPO): This is the minimum legal requirement, protecting you against damage or injury you cause to other people or their property. It’s crucial to understand that TPO does not cover damage to your own lorry.
Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT): This expands upon TPO by adding cover for your lorry against fire damage and theft.
Comprehensive: The most extensive level of cover, comprehensive lorry insurance includes all TPFT benefits, plus protection for your own vehicle against accidental damage, even if it’s your fault. Many comprehensive policies also include extras like windscreen cover and personal effects cover.
Beyond the basics: Additional cover options
Depending on the specific nature of your haulage business, you may need to consider additional forms of protection:
Goods in transit insurance: Essential for businesses transporting goods, this protects against the loss or damage of cargo while it’s being transported. This can include accidental damage, theft, or even spoilage if carrying temperature-sensitive items.
Public liability insurance: While not always legally mandated, public liability insurance is strongly advised. It protects you if someone sues for injury or property damage linked to your lorry operations, for example, if a pedestrian trips over equipment left near your vehicle during a delivery.
Employer’s liability insurance: If your business employs other people, employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It covers you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill because of the work they do for you.
Breakdown assistance: This provides cover for lorry breakdown and can include roadside repairs or recovery services, helping to minimise downtime and operational disruption.
Legal expenses cover: Can help with legal costs associated with accidents, disputes, or uninsured loss recovery.
Personal accident and sickness insurance: Offers financial protection for drivers in case of accidental injury or illness, providing a safety net for both the individual and the business.
Income protection: Offers a regular income if a driver is unable to work due to illness or injury.
What affects lorry insurance premiums?
Several factors influence the cost of lorry insurance premiums in the UK:
Vehicle type: The size, value, age, and type of lorry all play a role. Specialized vehicles like those with cranes or refrigeration units may have higher premiums due to increased repair costs.
Driving history: Clean driving records and experienced drivers can help reduce costs. New operators or those with endorsements may face higher premiums initially.
Nature of work and mileage: The type of goods transported, typical mileage, and areas of operation (urban vs. rural) impact risk assessment and therefore premiums.
Security features: Alarms, immobilisers, and safe parking facilities can contribute to lower premiums.
Claims history: A history of previous claims will generally result in higher premiums.
Driver age and experience: Younger or inexperienced drivers may face higher premiums.
Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess can signal to insurers that you are less likely to make small claims, potentially leading to lower premiums.
Duty of care and legal responsibilities
Beyond insurance, lorry drivers and operators have significant duty of care responsibilities. This includes ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive by conducting daily walk-around checks before every journey, as stipulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Ensuring the secure parking and immobilisation of the vehicle in accordance with goods in transit insurance requirements is also crucial, according to Croner-i.
Making a claim
In the unfortunate event of an incident or accident involving a lorry, it’s vital to follow a clear process:
Prioritise safety: Ensure the safety of all involved parties and document the scene with photos and gather witness contact details.
Report to authorities: Report the incident to the police, particularly if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant damage.
Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s prudent to get a medical examination.
Notify your insurer: Report the incident as soon as possible, as timely reporting can aid in claims processing and potentially mitigate costs.
Gather evidence: Collect police reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, and potentially tachograph data to support your claim.
Conclusion
Lorry insurance is an essential component of operating a heavy goods vehicle in the UK, providing legal compliance and crucial financial protection. Understanding the different levels of cover, potential add-ons, factors impacting premiums, and the importance of adhering to safety and legal obligations allows for informed decision-making and ensures the smooth and safe operation of your haulage business. Comparing policies from different providers and consulting with specialist brokers can help you secure the most suitable and cost-effective HGV insurance tailored to your unique requirements.
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