ABT Insurance is a UK-based broker specialising in motor trade insurance for businesses such as car dealers, mechanics and vehicle repairers. It arranges tailored cover designed to meet the legal and operational risks faced by motor trade professionals across Britain.
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What Is ABT Insurance and Who Is It For?
ABT Insurance provides specialist motor trade insurance policies for businesses involved in buying, selling, repairing or servicing vehicles. It arranges road risk and combined cover that protects traders against liability claims, vehicle damage and business interruption.
Types of Cover Offered by ABT Insurance
Understanding the different products available through ABT Insurance is essential before arranging a policy. Motor trade businesses face risks that standard car insurance does not cover.
Road Risk Insurance
This is the core element of most motor trade policies. It allows traders to drive customer vehicles and stock vehicles legally on UK roads.
- Third Party Only – Covers damage to others but not your own vehicles.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft – Adds protection if a vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive – Covers accidental damage to vehicles in your custody.
Road risk policies are essential for compliance with the Road Traffic Act 1988 if you are driving vehicles in connection with your trade.
Combined Motor Trade Insurance
Many businesses require broader protection beyond road risks. Combined cover can include:
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Stock of vehicles cover
- Tools and equipment insurance
- Business interruption protection
This structure allows traders to insure premises, vehicles and legal liabilities under one policy framework.
Who Typically Uses ABT Insurance?
ABT Insurance policies are commonly arranged for:
- Used car dealerships
- Mobile mechanics
- Vehicle body repairers
- MOT testing centres
- Valeters and detailers
- Breakdown recovery operators
Whether operating from a forecourt, a workshop or on a mobile basis, traders require protection tailored to the scale and nature of their operations.
Why Standard Car Insurance Is Not Enough
Private motor insurance does not cover business use involving vehicle sales, repairs or customer vehicles. If you drive vehicles as part of a trade without appropriate cover, you risk invalidating your policy and facing prosecution.
Motor trade policies arranged through specialist brokers address risks such as:
- Driving multiple vehicles not owned by you
- Vehicles held temporarily for repair or sale
- Customer claims for damage while in your custody
How Much Does ABT Insurance Cost?
The cost of cover arranged via ABT Insurance depends on several underwriting factors:
- Type of motor trade activity
- Business turnover
- Number of named drivers
- Claims history
- Location of premises
- Security measures in place
For example, a part-time mobile mechanic with one driver may pay significantly less than a large used car dealership with multiple employees and high-value stock. Premiums are calculated individually, reflecting the risk profile presented to insurers.
Legal Requirements for Motor Traders in the UK
If you employ staff, you must hold employers’ liability insurance with at least £5 million of cover under UK law. Public liability insurance, while not legally mandatory, is strongly recommended to protect against third-party injury or property damage claims.
Road risk cover is legally required if vehicles are driven on public roads in connection with your business. Without it, you may face penalties, points on your licence or vehicle seizure.
Key Features to Look for in an ABT Insurance Policy
Before arranging cover, review the policy wording carefully. Important features may include:
- Indemnity limits for public liability
- Per-vehicle stock limits
- Excess amounts per claim
- New-for-old tool replacement
- Coverage for high-performance vehicles
Some policies also allow you to add named drivers over 25 or include younger drivers subject to additional premium and underwriting approval.
Claims Process and Risk Management
If an incident occurs, you must notify your insurer promptly. Keeping accurate records of vehicle movements, condition reports and customer agreements can significantly strengthen your claim.
Practical Risk Management Tips
- Install CCTV and secure perimeter fencing
- Use vehicle condition check-in forms
- Maintain detailed service records
- Store keys securely in locked cabinets
Strong risk controls may also improve underwriting terms and reduce premiums at renewal.
Is ABT Insurance Suitable for Part-Time Traders?
Many part-time motor traders, including those operating from home, require specialist cover. Even if you sell a small number of vehicles annually, driving customer or stock vehicles without appropriate insurance can result in serious legal consequences.
Policies can often be structured around lower turnover levels, making cover accessible for small-scale operators while maintaining compliance.
Benefits of Using a Specialist Motor Trade Broker
Choosing a broker focused on the motor trade sector can offer advantages:
- Access to multiple UK insurers
- Policies tailored to niche trading activities
- Guidance on regulatory requirements
- Assistance with complex claims
Specialist knowledge is particularly valuable when insuring mixed activities, such as combined sales and repair operations.
Final Thoughts on ABT Insurance
ABT Insurance provides access to specialist motor trade insurance solutions designed for UK businesses operating in vehicle sales, servicing and repair. From road risk protection to comprehensive combined policies, securing appropriate cover is essential for legal compliance, financial protection and long-term business stability in the competitive UK motor trade sector.