A towing operator has at least three separate interests: its own truck, the customer vehicle being handled and liability to people or property around the recovery. A single commercial-motor policy may insure only the truck.
Loading, unloading, accident-scene recovery, roadside storage and subcontracting should be declared.
The essential building blocks
Commercial motor protects rollback and recovery vehicles. Goods-in-transit or carrier’s-liability cover addresses customer vehicles while carried. Public liability addresses injury or property damage outside motor liability.
- Commercial motor and third-party liability
- Customer vehicles in transit, including loading and unloading
- Storage-yard custody cover
- Public liability and roadside operations
- Tools, winches and specialist recovery equipment
- Business interruption and loss of use where suitable
Heavy and abnormal recovery
Recovering a truck down an embankment is materially different from collecting a broken-down sedan. Crane use, salvage, off-road work and hazardous goods need specific disclosure and suitable equipment.
Evidence at collection
Photograph the vehicle before loading, document existing accident damage, record GPS and dispatch data and use rated straps or chains. This is vital when a customer alleges new damage.
A sedan rolls off a rollback during unloading and strikes another vehicle. Transit loading/unloading cover may address the carried sedan, while liability cover may address the second vehicle. The rollback’s own damage remains a commercial-motor claim.
Questions an insurer will ask
- What is the maximum value and weight of a vehicle towed?
- Are loading and unloading expressly covered?
- Is heavy, off-road or accident-scene recovery performed?
- How long are vehicles stored and what protects the yard?
- Are subcontractors used?
General information only. RMI requirements, fees and processes can change; confirm current requirements directly with RMI. Insurance cover depends on the insurer’s schedule, wording, limits, excesses and conditions.