Fleet Insurance : Haulage Insurance

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What is haulage Insurance?

Haulage insurance is specialist commercial motor insurance designed for businesses that transport goods, materials or equipment for customers as part of their trade. It provides protection for the vehicles you operate and can be tailored to cover the specific risks associated with haulage work, whether you are an owner-driver, subcontractor or operate a larger fleet.

Depending on your business and policy requirements, cover can include road risks, goods in transit, public and employers’ liability, as well as additional protection for specialist vehicles and haulage operations. The right haulage insurance helps ensure you are properly protected while keeping your business, vehicles and customers’ goods moving.

You’ll receive a tailored service from our specialist brokers

Whether you are a self-employed owner-driver, a subcontractor, a franchise operator or a haulage company running a substantial fleet, we can arrange commercial vehicle insurance designed around the demands of your business. We understand that no two transport operations are the same, which is why we take the time to understand what you carry, where you operate and the type of vehicles you use.

Our experience covers a broad spectrum of haulage and transport trades, from general freight and Hazchem to construction, building and associated trades, agriculture, aggregates, plant and machinery, pallets and containers, skip hire, waste and recycling, warehousing and logistics. We can also assist with more specialist operations, including concrete mixers, livestock and dairy transport, agricultural and aggregate haulage, plant and machinery movements, skip and waste services, and pallet distribution.

For businesses carrying goods across European borders, international haulage brings additional responsibilities. CMR insurance is an additional element we can offer designed to protect hauliers against their legal liability under the CMR Convention, which governs the international carriage of goods by road. Where goods are lost or damaged while in transit, CMR cover can provide protection against claims made by cargo owners, helping to safeguard your business when operating across international routes.

What we'll need from you for your quote

To help us obtain an accurate and competitive haulage insurance quote, we'll need a few details about your business, vehicles and day-to-day operations. The more information you can provide, the better we can understand your requirements and ensure the cover is suited to the risks you face.

Please have the following information available:

• O-licence number and type – standard or restricted
• Vehicle details – registration number, vehicle type, GVW and approximate value
• Driver information – details of your drivers, including CPC qualifications and experience
• Goods carried – the types of goods, materials or cargo you regularly transport
• Operating area – whether you operate within the UK only or travel internationally within Europe
• Maximum single load value – the highest value of goods you would typically carry at any one time
• Annual turnover – your approximate annual business turnover
• Claims history – details of any motor or liability claims over the past five years

Depending on the nature and complexity of your operation, we may also ask for additional information, such as details of overnight parking, security arrangements, vehicle usage, subcontracting arrangements or any specialist work undertaken.

Don't worry if you don't have all the information to hand. We can talk you through what is required and help identify the details needed to build a suitable quotation for your haulage operation.

Get a Haulage Insurance quote

To arrange a no obligation haulage insurance quote please call our team on 01489 250 949.

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Frequently asked questions about Haulage Insurance

What is haulage insurance?

Haulage insurance is aimed at businesses or individual operators who drive large, heavy vehicles for transportation of goods. It is suitable for vehicles that weigh in excess of 3.5 tonnes.

It covers your business for risks to third parties who may be injured or have their property damaged as a result of your business operations. However, if you make multiple stops to different locations, then you may need to have courier insurance which specifically covers vehicles for this purpose.

What is the difference between haulage and courier insurance?

Haulage insurance only covers HGVs when travelling to one fixed destination. Courier insurance is used to cover a range of vehicles travelling to and from various locations or drop-off points for deliveries.

If you are unsure of what insurance is best for your business, please get in contact with one of our brokers who will be able to advise you.

What insurance do I need for delivering parcels?

If you are delivering multiple parcels in one trip, then you will need courier insurance. If you are driving an HGV to one fixed destination, then you will need haulage insurance.

Is haulage insurance the same as hire and reward?

Haulage insurance is similar to hire and reward but only for HGV that weigh over 7.5 tonnes. Both courier insurance and haulage insurance require that the use of your policy specifies "Carriage of Goods for Hire and reward".

Do I need Haulage and Transport insurance?

If your business transports goods to different locations and it weighs over 7.5 tonnes, then haulage insurance is available to cover your vehicles and business while on the road.

What are the operator licence requirements for haulage insurance?

Businesses transporting goods for hire or reward in vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW are required to hold a Standard Operator’s Licence (O-licence), issued by the Traffic Commissioner. Where a business transports only its own goods, a Restricted Operator’s Licence may be appropriate for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

When arranging haulage insurance, your O-licence details and number will need to be provided to insurers. Having appropriate motor insurance in place is also a requirement of operating under an O-licence.

Which businesses does Haulage Insurance cover?

• Haulage contractors 
• Construction firms 
• Logistics businesses 
• Removals firms 
• Manufacturers
• Distribution companies 

What affects Haulage insurance premiums? 

• The number of vehicles you want to insure. 
• The value of your vehicles. 
• Whether you have any employees. 
• If you have any employees. 
• The turnover of your business. 
• The nature of your business and the projects you do – European runs may push your premiums up. 
• The type of work you are doing and the value of your loads – high value goods, hazardous, affects higher premiums
• The size of the clients you work with. 
• Your claims history. 
• The age and condition of your trucks. 
• The age of your drivers. 
• Whether you choose a named or any-driver policy. 

What happens if one of my haulage vehicles is involved in an accident?

If one of your haulage vehicles is involved in an accident, then you must report it immediately to your insurance provider, whether you or others involved want to make a claim or not. Usually as part of the insurance agreement you are obliged to report all incidents to your insurance provider so they are aware of the risks.