When searching for PDI & ADI car insurance companies, it is vital that you make sure to ask them the right questions to ensure that you get the right policy for your business and yourself. Below is a list of just some of the questions that you should be asking the insurance companies, as well as a list of some companies which offer insurance to driving instructors.
What specifically does the policy cover?
Ensure you are comparing policies with similar coverage and benefits. Verify that the policy covers all aspects of your business, such as young driver training for those under 17, instructor training, and any other relevant activities. Additionally, check if the policy allows you to drive other vehicles, whether on a third-party or fully comprehensive basis.
What is the excess on the policy?
How much will you have to pay in the event of a crash and can you reduce or increase it. Check how the price changes for the policy if you do change the excess.
What is the excess for windscreen damage?
Some companies cover chips in the windscreen if you use one of their authorised repairers but most will charge an excess should the windscreen need to be replaced. Check how much the excess is and if you need to replace your windscreen on your driving school car will it count as a claim?
Is a replacement vehicle provided in the event of a fault and non-fault claim?
This is undoubtedly one of the most important considerations. Should the worst happen you need to know if you should expect a car or not AND if there are any exclusions on receiving a courtesy car.
For how long will the replacement vehicle be provided (is there a maximum time period)?
This is especially important should your car be written off. Some companies will collect your courtesy car the moment you accept their offer for your car so make sure you are prepared for this.
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, how will this be recorded on your policy (i.e. as a fault or non-fault claim)?
Around 1 million cars are being driven on UK roads without proper insurance. If you are hit by one of these it could have sever consequences the next time you are renewing your driving instructor insurance. Make sure you know what will happen should you be hit by an uninsured driver.
If you provide off-road tuition to drivers under 17, make sure you ask for specific details of cover for this element.
Most policies will allow this with a limit imposed on it although some companies have no lower limit. If this is something you need make sure you ask for it and check your policy documents to check out has been included.
Are other drivers allowed to drive your car unaccompanied?
Most policies will allow for non driving instructors to drive your car without you in it, but never assume other drivers are allowed to drive your car. If you have family or friends under the age of 25 that are likely to be driving the car for social, domestic or pleasure, make sure they are covered, too.
Also check that what should happen if another driver has an accident in your car and how that would affect your insurance. Quote Me Today has previously said that most at fault accidents happen when a driving instructor’s partner is driving the car.
If you provide driving instructor training, is cover provided for this?
Check that you are covered not only for the training but also for a trainee driving instructor using your car on tests as well as checking can your trainee instructors teach in your car with you not behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.
Does the premium offer no claims bonus protection?
This can mean that should you have to make a claim following a claim where you were at fault you won’t lose your no claims bonus. Check the requirements around this as there may be a limit to the number of claims in a specified time period.
Is there any additional charge for paying in instalments?
Most insurance companies will charge a fee for spreading your payments over the year. Check how much the fee is, how many payments you need to make and also check if it is cheaper to pay in fewer instalments.
Be aware that if you don’t keep up with the payments your insurance cover may cease meaning you are no longer insured.
Are other ADIs or PDIs able to teach in your car?
Should you be unable to make a lesson or test due to being on holiday or being unwell, for example, could another driving instructor take your pupil to test in your car. Also check there are no requirement on this, for example do you both need to work for the same company and must they be your pupils.
Do you need to fit a dash cam and submit the footage?
With the rise in dash cams some companies require you to have one fitted. It’s important to know if you need one, if there are any benefits to them (for example some companies will waive ore reduce your excess if you post footage) and what happens should the camera fail if you were to have an accident.
Are you able to drive other cars on this policy?
Some policies will allow you to drive other cars on a third party or fully comprehensive basis and are there any limits to the cover like driving another car for work, for example driving a pupil’s car back from test.
Is Professional Indemnity (PI) or Public Liability (PL) insurance included?
Some policies will have a PI/PL element, ensure that these policies are adequate for your needs and cover you when the wheels aren’t moving, for example if you are in a classroom or if someone makes a claim against the way you run your business, for example a trademark or copyright infringement. It is also worth asking if it would cover you while teaching in a pupil’s car.
Insurance Companies:
A2 Insurance Centre:
01634 855995
Academy Insurance Services:
0800 458 0791
Adrian Flux:
0800 369 8590
Arthur J Gallagher:
0151 708 8090
Barry Grainger (BG Insurance):
01892 501501
C&A Mackie:
0141 423 8555
Connect:
01782 200711
DCL Insurance:
020 8669 4466
DIA Insurance / Quote Me Today (same company):
01227 285550 / 01227 285 540
Howden Insurance:
02920 629413
IC+ Instructor Cover Plus / Watkin Davies (same company):
029 2062 9413
Insurance4Instructors:
01603 301770
Lloyd Latchford:
0800 7076807
Oval –:
0845 7697 323
Park Insurance:
01454 411187
Policywave:
0333 332 7750
Simply Insurance:
01708 632000
Total Insurance:
0203 826 1453
Waveney / Towergate Insurance (same company):
01603 753 888
