Cover tailored to your needs

Reliable insurance cover for breakdown and recovery business owners. Choose Gallagher for breakdown operator and recovery truck insurance packages to keep your business safely moving forward.

What is breakdown and recovery operator insurance?

Recovery operator insurance, also known as breakdown operator insurance, is a policy intended for people who recover or repair vehicles at the roadside.

Breakdown and recovery insurance covers your repair truck and the vehicles that you are recovering. You may also choose to combine other products, such as liability cover, with your recovery operator insurance.

Keep your business and assets safe in this essential industry with Gallagher.

What does breakdown and recovery agent insurance cover?

The core part of the policy will provide cover for a single vehicle or a fleet, keeping you safe when out on the road. Along with your vehicles, your policy may also cover the transportation of customer vehicles.

As with other motor trade insurance policies, there are varying levels of cover:

  • Third-party: This cover is the minimum offered and insures you against any damage resulting from a third party.
  • Third-party, fire, and theft: Like the cover above but also extends to fire and theft.
  • Fully comprehensive: The most complete level of insurance that covers you even if you’re at fault. Note that some exclusions and exemptions still apply.

If required, you can opt for additional policies like liability insurance to protect against legal claims, such as business interruption, employee disputes, and tool theft.

The various cover types under a motor trade policy can include:

  • Loading and carriage of vehicles: Insurance to keep you protected when loading and transporting vehicles.
  • Employers’ liability: A legal necessity if you employ staff; this covers you in the event of employment disputes.
  • Public liability: Cover for claims related to members of the public, such as personal injury, etc.
  • Business premises and content cover: Keep premises safe with insurance for your property and contents.
  • Tools and equipment in transit: Protection for tools in transit, such as those kept in vans.
  • Road risks insurance: A motor trade insurance policy for workers who drive customer vehicles or those related to their trade.

How much does breakdown and recovery operator insurance cost?

Finding out how much recovery van operator insurance costs isn’t easy. That’s due to the individual factors considered when calculating your premium, such as trade activity, business size, and condition of vehicles.

The factors that will typically impact your insurance pricing structure are:

  • Business type and size.
  • The location of your business premises or where you operate.
  • The number of recovery vehicles you wish to insure.
  • The condition, value, and type of recovery vehicles.
  • Your employees and number of drivers.
  • Value of tools, equipment, and other material.

How to reduce the cost of recovery truck insurance

We appreciate the value of keeping costs down when running a business, as you’ll want to maximise profits and drive growth. But it’s important to understand that even while insurance policies come with premiums, they can be highly cost-effective in the event of a claim.

To reduce the cost of your breakdown operator insurance, consider the following measures:

  • Installing telematics
    Installing a telematics box, or ‘black box,’ will reduce your premium. This technology allows insurers to see how your drivers act on the road. Also, a black box can help make a vehicle safer in the event of theft as it tracks the location.
  • Utilising no claims bonus
    In some cases, you can transfer a personal no claims bonus to your motor trade insurance policy. Therefore, it’s worth informing your insurer if you have a good driving record with a strong no claims bonus.

Who is eligible for recovery operator insurance?

If you operate a motor trade business, assisting with breakdowns or recovery of vehicles, you are eligible for recovery operator insurance. However, you’ll need to meet specific age criteria because many policies are only offered to those over 25. Young traders may require a specialist policy, such as young motor traders’ insurance.

You’ll also need to show a clean driving record and no criminal history to take out recovery operator insurance. Some insurers may accommodate minor driving offences, but this will be case-by-case.

Why choose Gallagher for your recovery insurance?

Your business is your livelihood, so it’s essential to protect it.

At Gallagher, we are insurance specialists who understand the value of suitable cover for your business. We support you throughout the entire process: from getting to know your motor trade business and activities to arranging a tailored insurance package.

Get your quote

Don’t take risks with your livelihood. Contact our Gallagher specialists to discuss suitable options to have your business covered. Call us now, or get your quote online to get started.

Policy limits and exclusions may apply, please see the policy wording for full terms and conditions.


  • Gallagher Road Risk Team