In this guide
Many tyre fitting businesses move customer vehicles as part of their work, whether that’s driving into a workshop bay, testing after a tyre change, or repositioning on-site. In these situations, road risk insurance is normally required.
Road risk cover allows you to legally drive customer vehicles in connection with your business. Standard private car insurance won’t extend to this use. The policy can be third-party only, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Comprehensive is often chosen because it covers accidental damage to customer cars in your custody, which can be costly to repair without insurance.
Road Fitters
For roadside fitters, moving vehicles is less common, but some operators still choose road risk cover to protect against occasional needs. Insurers may ask for proof of trading, driver licence checks, and details of who will be authorised to drive. Declaring accurately is important, as misrepresentation could invalidate a claim.
Even if you rarely drive customer cars, having road risk cover in place can provide peace of mind and demonstrate professionalism to clients. Combined motor trade policies make it simple to add this alongside liability and stock sections.
Expert Advice
For the right balance of protection, look at specialist tyre fitters insurance quotes that includes public liability, stock and equipment cover, and road risk if you handle customer vehicles. Submit your details via the short form on our site and speak to a specialist to compare motor trade insurance prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do tyre fitters need road risk insurance?
If you move customer vehicles as part of your work, such as driving them into a workshop bay, testing after a tyre change or repositioning on site, road risk insurance is normally required. Standard private car insurance does not extend to this use.
Do mobile or roadside tyre fitters need road risk cover?
Roadside fitters move vehicles less often, but some still choose road risk cover for occasional needs and the peace of mind it provides. Insurers may ask for proof of trading, driver licence checks and details of who will be authorised to drive.
What level of road risk cover should a tyre fitter choose?
It can be third party only, third party fire and theft or comprehensive. Comprehensive is often chosen because it covers accidental damage to customer cars in your custody, which can be costly to repair otherwise.
Can road risk be combined with other tyre fitter insurance?
Yes. Combined motor trade policies make it straightforward to add road risk alongside public liability, stock and equipment cover.
Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
