Stock and equipment represent a major investment for tyre fitters. From vehicle lifts and balancing machines to large volumes of tyres in storage, losing these assets could disrupt your business significantly. That’s why most policies include contents and stock cover as part of a combined motor trade insurance package.
This insures against risks like fire, theft, and accidental damage. The key is setting an accurate sum insured based on the full replacement cost of your stock and equipment. Underinsuring could leave you short at claim time. Insurers often impose security requirements too, such as roller shutters, alarms, CCTV, or specific storage standards for tyres.
For mobile fitters, equipment carried in vans can be protected with tools-in-transit cover. This applies while items are being transported or stored in the vehicle overnight, though most insurers require vans to be locked and sometimes parked in secure compounds.
You may also want to insure customer property if you store wheels or seasonal sets on their behalf. This should be declared so that both your liability and property sections respond correctly.
Combining these elements ensures that your investment in machinery and stock is properly protected. Look for insurance for tyre fitting businesses that bundles liability, road risk, and stock cover into one tailored policy.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance protects a tyre fitter's stock and equipment?
Contents and stock cover, usually included in a combined motor trade insurance package, insures items such as vehicle lifts, balancing machines and stored tyres against fire, theft and accidental damage.
How much should I insure my tyre stock and equipment for?
Set the sum insured at the full replacement cost of your stock and equipment. Underinsuring could leave you short when you claim.
Is equipment in a mobile tyre fitter's van covered?
Tools-in-transit cover protects equipment while it is being transported or stored in the van overnight. Most insurers require the van to be locked and sometimes parked in a secure compound.
Are customers' wheels stored at my premises covered by my insurance?
They can be, but you should declare that you store customer property, such as seasonal wheel sets, so both the liability and property sections of your policy respond correctly.
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.
