Car transporters need cover that fits the way they collect, carry and deliver vehicles for customers or motor trade businesses. The work may involve moving a single car, several vehicles, auction stock, dealer stock, repaired vehicles or cars bought and sold by traders.
The first issue is whether the transporter drives customer or trade vehicles. Some movements involve loading a vehicle onto a transporter. Others may require the driver to move the vehicle around a yard, drive it onto ramps, reposition it at delivery or road test it briefly. These movements can create trade driving exposure.
A business moving vehicles for payment should not treat motor trade insurance as only a dealer or garage product. Collection and delivery of vehicles can also form part of motor trade work, especially when vehicles are handled for customers or other businesses.
Road risk cover should be checked where staff drive vehicles connected to the transport job. The business should know which drivers are allowed, what vehicle types can be driven and whether the movement is clearly linked to trade work.
Loading and securing should be treated as a core operating risk. A car can be damaged while being loaded, strapped, moved or unloaded. Drivers should follow clear procedures for ramps, straps, handbrakes, steering locks, keys and vehicle condition checks.
Condition reports are important. Before moving a vehicle, the driver should record visible damage, mileage, keys received and any special instructions. Photos can help. These records protect both the customer and the transporter if a dispute arises after delivery.
For car transporters, motor trade insurance may need to work alongside other cover depending on the vehicle, trade activity, staff and premises involved. The business should not assume that one simple policy will deal with every part of the movement – for extra protection, businesses can choose to purchase additional policies alongside their standard motor trade insurance policy.
Storage can create another issue. Some vehicles are collected before the final delivery slot and kept overnight at a yard or depot. The transporter should know whether vehicles are covered while stored, not only while being moved. Security, keys and parking arrangements should be controlled.
Public liability may also be relevant. Loading vehicles in public areas, customer sites, auctions or dealer yards can put other people and property nearby. A strap, ramp or moving vehicle can create risk outside normal driving.
If employees are involved, employers’ liability should be considered. Transporting vehicles can include loading, working at height, operating equipment, driving long hours and handling awkward vehicle positions. Staff risk should be part of the cover review.
Delivery paperwork should be accurate. The business should record the collection address, delivery address, vehicle registration, customer name, job reference and handover time. A signed or digital confirmation can reduce later disputes.
Car transporters should also check whether they move non-running vehicles. A damaged, locked, low-clearance or non-starting vehicle may need different equipment and more time. It may also increase the chance of damage during loading.
Trade plates and vehicle movement rules should be understood where relevant. If a vehicle is driven on the road as part of the movement, the business should know what is allowed and what records are needed. Drivers should not rely on habit when the job involves a different vehicle type or customer site.
Any review of motor trade insurance should include the full chain of work: collection, loading, driving, storage, unloading, handover, staff use and customer vehicle control. The business should describe what actually happens during a typical week.
