Shielding Your Business: Essential Insurance Coverage for Recovery Drivers

Jade Sovron

Hitting the road as a recovery driver comes with inherent risks. Protecting your business and livelihood requires a comprehensive insurance strategy that safeguards you against financial losses arising from accidents, damage, and liability claims.

Let’s break down the essential insurance types every recovery driver should consider:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance: Your First Line of Defence

Just like any other vehicle on the road, your tow truck or recovery vehicle needs its own insurance. Commercial auto insurance covers:

  • Collision Coverage: Protects your vehicle from damages resulting from collisions with other vehicles or objects.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and falling objects.
  • Liability Coverage: Crucial for covering bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident where you’re at fault.

2. On-Hook Insurance: Protecting the Vehicles You Tow

On-hook insurance, also known as cargo insurance, is specifically designed to cover damage to vehicles while they’re being towed or transported on your recovery equipment.

  • Peace of Mind for You and Your Customers: Provides financial protection if a vehicle sustains damage while under your care, custody, or control during the recovery process.
  • Covers a Range of Incidents: Protects against various scenarios like accidents during transport, damage caused by equipment failure, or even theft of a vehicle while it's on your truck.
  1. Garage Keepers Liability Insurance: Safeguarding Vehicles in Your Care

If you store customer vehicles at your business location, garage keepers liability insurance is essential. This coverage protects against:

  • Damage to Vehicles in Your Possession: Covers incidents where a customer’s vehicle is damaged while parked or stored at your garage, lot, or business premises.
  • Theft and Vandalism: Provides coverage if a vehicle is stolen or vandalised while in your care.
  • Employee Negligence: Protects you from liability if an employee accidentally damages a customer's vehicle.
  1. Public Liability Insurance: Covering Third-Party Claims

While not a legal requirement in the UK, public liability insurance is highly recommended for any business, including recovery operations. It covers:

  • Injury to Third Parties: Provides financial protection if a member of the public is injured on your business premises or due to your business operations.
  • Damage to Third-Party Property: Covers costs if you or your employees accidentally damage someone else's property while conducting business.
  1. Employers’ Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Team

If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It covers:

  • Employee Injury or Illness: Provides compensation to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses as a result of their work for your business.
  • Legal Costs and Expenses: Covers legal expenses if an employee makes a claim against you for negligence related to their work environment or duties.

Drive with Confidence: Invest in Comprehensive Coverage and invest in yourself at

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