What Extras Can You Add to a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy?

When you take out commercial vehicle insurance, the main aim is to protect your business if something goes wrong with your vehicle. This may be an accident, damage, theft, or injury to another person. However, the basic policy might not be enough for all businesses. That’s why insurers offer extras you can add on to your policy.

These extras, often called "add-ons," help create a policy that works better for your daily needs. They offer more protection and can even help keep your business running smoothly after an unexpected problem. Every business is different, so having the choice to include more features is very useful.

Extras can include things like breakdown assistance, legal cover, or even protection for your tools. Some are more common than others, but all serve a purpose. Knowing what each one does makes it easier to decide if it’s right for your situation.

Adding extras may raise your monthly cost, but in many cases, they offer better value by saving you money when problems happen. In this article, we’ll look at the most popular extras and help you decide which ones might suit your business.

Can You Add Courtesy Vehicle Cover?

Yes, many insurers let you add courtesy vehicle cover to your commercial vehicle insurance. It’s one of the more popular extras, especially for businesses that rely heavily on their vehicles for daily work.

What Does Courtesy Vehicle Cover Include?

This type of cover provides you with a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired after an accident. The replacement is usually arranged through your insurer’s approved garage. You can continue working without major disruption.

The type of replacement vehicle may vary. Most insurers offer a standard car or van, but some might match your usual vehicle if possible. Always read the details, as some limits may apply, such as the number of days the courtesy vehicle is provided.

Are There Any Limits or Conditions?

Yes, and they can differ between insurers. Often, the cover is only available if the repairs are carried out at an approved repairer. If you choose a different garage, you might not be offered a replacement vehicle.

There may also be restrictions on the type or size of vehicle you use. For example, if you drive a large lorry or specialist vehicle, it might not be covered under this add-on. Some insurers also limit how many claims you can make for a courtesy vehicle each year.

Is Courtesy Vehicle Cover a Good Choice?

If your business can’t run without a vehicle, this cover is very useful. Even a single day off the road can cause missed appointments or lost deliveries. A courtesy vehicle helps avoid such issues and keeps your income steady.

On the other hand, if your business has spare vehicles or your work doesn’t rely on transport, you might not need this extra. It’s all about how important your vehicle is to your daily routine.

Common Extras That Improve Your Cover

Commercial vehicle insurance can be made more effective with the right extras. These are designed to protect different parts of your business that the basic cover might not include. Below are some of the most common and useful add-ons available:

Breakdown Cover: This ensures you get help if your vehicle breaks down on the road or at your workplace. Many policies offer roadside repairs or towing services. This helps avoid long delays and gets your vehicle back in action quickly.

Windscreen Cover: Repairing or replacing a cracked windscreen can be costly. This extra pays for the work, often without affecting your no-claims bonus. It’s especially helpful if you drive on busy or rural roads where damage is more likely.

Personal Accident Cover: If you or your driver is injured in an accident, this add-on offers financial support. It can cover hospital bills or help if you’re unable to work for a while. It’s a good choice for small businesses that rely on just one or two people.

Goods in Transit Cover: If your vehicle carries tools, stock, or customer items, this cover protects those goods if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged during transport. It's vital for tradespeople, couriers, and delivery drivers.

Key Cover: Losing your keys or having them stolen can be more than just a hassle. Key cover pays for new keys, locksmith services, and, in some cases, changing the locks. This prevents delays and unexpected costs.

Many insurers let you mix and match these extras. You can build a policy that matches your needs rather than sticking to a standard package. While each one adds a small extra cost, they can save much more if something goes wrong.

Is Legal Expenses Cover Worth Adding?

Legal expenses cover is often overlooked, but it can be very valuable. This add-on pays for legal advice and help if you’re involved in a legal case following an accident. It can also support you in other disputes related to your business vehicle.

If another driver caused an accident and you want to claim back losses like lost income or excess costs, legal cover helps with that. It can also cover your defence if someone claims against you. Without it, you may need to pay your own legal fees, which can be very expensive.

Some policies also include legal support for contract issues, employment problems, or tax matters. This depends on the insurer, so always check the full details.

In addition to covering legal costs, many insurers also offer a 24-hour legal advice helpline. This lets you speak to a legal expert when you have questions or problems, even if they don’t lead to a court case.

Legal expenses cover is usually very affordable. For many businesses, the peace of mind it brings is worth the small added cost. It’s especially useful if your work involves frequent driving or dealing with the public.

Choosing the Right Extras for Your Business

With so many options available, choosing the right extras for your commercial vehicle insurance can feel overwhelming. However, thinking about how your business uses its vehicles can help you make smart choices.

Review Your Business Activities

Start by looking at how often you use your vehicle, what you use it for, and who drives it. Do you carry tools, stock, or valuable equipment? Do you drive long distances or mostly stay local? Each of these factors will influence which extras are most useful.

For example, a plumber who keeps all their tools in the van may want goods in transit and key cover. A delivery driver who covers long distances daily might prioritise breakdown and windscreen cover.

Compare Value vs Cost

Each extra adds a bit to your premium, but can save you large sums in the long run. A £30 add-on could prevent hundreds of pounds in losses. Still, not every extra will suit every business. Focus on value rather than simply choosing every option available.

Use examples from past issues you’ve faced. Have you had delays due to breakdowns? Has stolen equipment cost you before? These experiences can help guide your choices and highlight what’s worth covering.

Speak to a Trusted Adviser

Sometimes, it helps to speak to your insurer or broker. They can explain the extras clearly and help you understand how each one would apply to your situation. Some might also offer package deals that group popular add-ons at a discount.

Ask for full policy details and make sure there are no hidden limits. The clearer you are on what’s covered, the less chance there is of being caught out when you need help.

The right mix of extras will depend on your business. A thoughtful approach will give you stronger protection and help avoid delays or costs that could harm your business operations.