What type of questions will I need to answer for an HGV Insurance Quotation?

HGV Insurance – whilst the same underlying principles – is significantly different from your standard car insurance.

Yes, it is a legal requirement to have lorry insurance the same as car insurance, but given the weight, size, mileage and cargo a truck might be carrying, the differences are significant!

That’s one reason why you can’t find HGV insurance on a quote and buy online website – well you can’t get an online exact price anyway; any website will take your details and then call you back to ask further questions before giving an actual quotation.

Here at Isis Insurance, HGV Insurance specialists, we have put together a guide to inform you what questions will be asked when you ask us our friendly experts for an HGV insurance quotation – it takes about 5-10 minutes from scratch and we will have a price for you after searching the market, usually only 30-60 minutes later.

What category of vehicle do you have?

Is it an artic (articulated) lorry (two separate sections), a rigid lorry (vehicle in one unit) or a specialist vehicle?

What type of vehicle is it?

Curtainside, dropside, tanker or tipper are just some examples of lorries in the UK.

What is your vehicle weight?

If you know the exact weight that’s great, but HGV weight ranges are normally 3.5 tonnes to 7.4 tonnes, 7.5 tonnes to 17.9 tonnes, 18 tonnes to 31.9 tonnes, 32 tonnes to 43.9 tonnes and finally 44+ tonnes.

Do you know your vehicle registration?

This is not compulsory, especially if you haven’t yet purchased your vehicle, but is helpful if you know it.

What make and model is the vehicle? Year of Manufacture?

This is important to get an accurate quote as we will then know the size and vehicle credentials.

How much is the vehicle worth? (roughly)

An approximate value is useful as that helps ascertain the insurance premium, alongside other criteria.

This can be amended before going on cover if the value changes drastically after the initial quotation.

What HGV class driving licence do you have? Or are applying for?

This is usually HGV category C1/C1E or HGV category C/CE for vehicles 7.5 tonnes and above and you need to state whether this is UK or European driving.

How many years have you held your driving licence?

This will be your UK driving licence and your HGV driving licence.

What type of HGV insurance cover would you like?

Business use is always assumed for HGV vehicles, and this can be comprehensive or third party.

Who will be driving the vehicle?

Is it just yourself or other drivers? These can be named drivers or “any driver”, the latter being more expensive.

How many years of no claims bonus to you have?

If you are renewing your HGV insurance, this will be HGV insurance no claims bonus. If a new HGV insurance policy, you can transfer your private car no claims BUT you can’t use both no claims at the same time on two separate vehicles.

What is your operating postcode?

Your business postcode where the vehicles is parked/stored when not in use.

Do you carry any hazardous goods?

For example: flammable materials, gases, explosives, poisons, radioactive or corrosive materials.

Do you have an Operator’s licence? Or Operators licence pending?

You will need an operator’s licence to carry goods in a vehicle 3.5 tonnes or over.

This can be national or international and you’ll need your unique operator’s licence number if you have one.

Insurance Cover start date

Most HGV insurance policies run annually, and you’ll need to select a start date. If this is more than a month from quotation date, you’ll need to amend it as rates may change.

About You

Finally, the easiest bit! Your name, age, home address, date of month and any motoring convictions and claims.

So: what next?

If you are looking for your first HGV Insurance quotation, then Isis Insurance can help.

We have over 20 years’ experience in the HGV industry and insure thousands of HGV drivers and haulage companies across the UK.

Our expert team will guide you through the process every step of the way, advise you on obtaining your operators licence if you need it, and provide free risk management advice to lower your premiums.

Single vehicles or fleets.

Call 0161 641 4909 for a bespoke quote or visit www.isisinsurance.co.uk