Running a skip lorry business means dealing with tight schedules, heavy loads, and high-value equipment all while keeping your team and the public safe. That's why finding the right skip lorry insurance isn't just a box to tick, it's essential protection for your business.
Our skip lorry insurance comparison service helps you quickly compare tailored policies from trusted UK providers, so you can find the right cover for your skip truck (or trucks), staff, and liability needs, without wasting time or overpaying.
Let us help you keep your business moving, no matter what the job throws at you.
How our process works
We've worked hard to refine our process and keep it as quick, easy and simple as possible for our customers.
What is Skip Lorry Insurance?
Skip lorry insurance is a type of insurance policy specifically designed to protect skip truck drivers against the risks they face.
Policies will cover you to driver your vehicle on the road as well as protect the public and their property whilst you drop off and pickup your skips.
What Does Skip Lorry Insurance Cover?
Skip lorry insurance covers the specific risks associated with operating a skip lorry, which is used for transporting skips full of waste or materials. The cover is tailored for businesses involved in waste collection, construction, demolition or recycling and will generally cover the below.
Vehicle Insurance (Third Party, Third Party Fire & Theft, or Comprehensive)
- Third Party: Covers injury/damage to other people and their property.
- Third Party, Fire & Theft: Adds cover for fire damage or theft of your skip lorry.
- Comprehensive: Covers your own skip lorry in case of damage, in addition to third-party protection.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers injury or property damage caused by the skip lorry (e.g., dropping a skip that damages a driveway).
Employer's Liability Insurance
If you employ drivers or operators, this is a legal requirement in the UK. Covers injuries to your employees while working.
Goods in Transit Insurance
Covers the contents of the skip (e.g., construction debris or waste) while in transport, in case of accident or spillage.
Optional Extras for Skip Truck Cover
Tool or Equipment Cover: If tools or lifting equipment are stored on the lorry, this covers theft or damage.
Breakdown Cover: Roadside assistance for skip lorries, which can be more complex than standard vehicles.
Loss of Use / Downtime Cover: Compensates you if your skip lorry is out of action after an accident or breakdown.
Hazardous Waste Cover: Required if you transport or handle regulated or hazardous waste.
European Cover: If your skip lorry travels into Europe (rare, but possible), this extends cover.
Who Needs Skip Lorry Insurance?
Skip lorry insurance is required by anyone who operates a skip lorry (also called a skip truck or bin lorry) as part of their business. This typically includes:
Skip Hire Companies
- Businesses that provide skips for domestic or commercial waste disposal.
- Insurance is essential for protecting vehicles, staff, third parties, and public liability.
Waste Management and Recycling Firms
- Companies that collect, transport, or recycle waste using skip lorries.
- Cover helps manage the risks associated with heavy-duty operations.
Construction and Demolition Companies
- Firms that operate their own skip lorries to remove debris from sites.
- Even if skips are used internally, insurance is needed for road use and liability.
Local Authorities or Councils
- Some councils operate their own fleet of waste vehicles including skip lorries.
- Insurance ensures compliance with the law and public protection.
Owner-Operators
- Individuals who own and drive their own skip lorry for hire or contract work.
- They must be insured to drive on public roads and cover their business liability.
Who Can Drive A Skip Lorry?
In the UK, a person can drive a skip lorry providing they meet the following requirements.
- Correct Driving Licence: To drive a skip lorry, you must have a Category C (previously known as Class 2) driving licence. This licence allows a person to drive vehicles with a total weight of up to 32 tonnes.
- Age: The driver must be at least 21 years old to hold a Category C driving licence.
- Medical Requirements: The driver must meet certain medical requirements, such as having good eyesight and being physically fit to drive.
- Training: It's recommended for the driver to receive proper training, such as CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training, to ensure that they are familiar with the regulations and best practices for driving a skip lorry.
It's important to note that the regulations regarding who can drive a skip lorry can change over time, so it's recommended to check the latest requirements from the relevant government agencies.
What Impacts The Cost Of Lorry Insurance?
The cost of skip lorry insurance depends on a number of factors, including:
- The type and size of your skip lorry: More expensive or larger vehicles will typically cost more to insure.
- The level of cover: The amount of cover you choose will directly impact the cost of your premium.
- Your driving history: If you have a history of accidents or , this can increase the cost of your insurance or require a specialist policy.
- The location and use of the vehicle: Insurance costs can be higher for skip lorries used in urban areas.
- Your excess: The higher your excess, the lower your monthly premium will be.
- The insurance provider: Different insurance providers will offer different prices for the same level of cover so it's important to compare quotes from multiple HGV brokers to find the best deal.
It's important to keep in mind that these factors can vary greatly so the cost can differ as well. It's recommended that you speak with a lorry insurance broker or get multiple quotes to find the coverage that fits your needs and budget. The haulage industry has specific insurance needs, and understanding these can help you find the most appropriate and cost-effective cover.
How To Save On Skip Lorry Insurance
There are several ways to save on your skip lorry insurance policy:
