Brokers FAQs

Insurance cover for 1-4 vehicles

You can find more in our up-to 4 vehicles section.

 

Insurance cover for 5+ vehicles

You can find more in our 5+ vehicles section.

 

How do we set up an agency with yourselves?

You will find full details on our setting up an agency page.

 

How long does it take to get a quotation and arrange cover?

It depends on what your client needs to insure and when we receive the enquiry. We can usually provide quotations for operators of up to four vehicles the same day. Quotations for fleets of five or more vehicles take a little longer, as we need to contact our fleet markets for the most competitive prices.

Once the quotation has been given cover can be placed.

 

What are the advantages of buying insurance from Ratcliffes?

As a family firm with over 45 years’ experience of the transport industry – including work with some of the country’s leading haulage and own goods carriers – we understand the business you’re in, and can recommend competitively priced cover that’s tailored to your needs.

Friendly accessible staff available to answer queries and provide a quick turnaround on quotes for 1-4 vehicles.

We work closely with our brokers to provide competitive premiums to secure new and retain existing clients.

We know the true cost of claims isn’t just the accident – it’s the time their vehicle is off the road as a result. We’re dedicated to keeping your clients moving.

Have you got an enquiry that’s a little different? We like a challenge. We cover everything from tippers to the carriage of llamas.

We understand the need for personal contact and are happy to visit you to discuss opportunities to grow your business.

 

Can we get a quote online?

The simple answer is no, as we need to have a clear understanding of your client’s business needs so our staff can recommend the right cover and find them the most competitive premium.

 

Can my client pay their premium by instalments?

Yes, we offer various instalment options all with competitive rates.

 

How do the changes to driving licence law affect business?

Since 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart issued with a photo-card driving licence is no longer valid, and won’t be issued or updated.

As an employer, your client is responsible for ensuring their employees have the licence they need to operate company vehicles. Because they can no longer check the paper licence, they’ll need to use the government’s new online service, which enables them to check driving licence data 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Full details of the service are available here: www.gov.uk/check-driving-information

You can use the service to check:

• That the employee holds a full driving licence for the type of vehicle they will be operating
• That the licence is valid, accurate, and up to date
• Whether the client is still within their two-year probationary period
• Whether they have any penalty points or disqualification on their licence

 

What is employers’ liability insurance?

This insurance covers your client’s legal liability as an employer for any injury to their employees that arises out of, and in the course of their employment.

This cover can be arranged together with Public Liability and Goods in Transit under our Transit and Liability policy. This product is specially aimed at haulage contractors, couriers, and furniture removers.

 

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers legal liability for any injury or damage to public property that arises from an accident in the course of their business activities, that isn’t covered by the motor policy.

Cover can also include liability for goods sold or supplied – this is known as product liability. Liability arising from goods carried on the vehicle is generally covered by their motor insurance.

This cover can be arranged together with Goods in Transit and Employers Liability under our Transit and Liability policy. This product is specially aimed at haulage contractors, couriers, and furniture removers.

 

Can you explain how Goods in Transit cover works?

Your client’s goods in transit insurance must cover the extent of their financial liability to their customer – in other words, the amount they would need to repay in the event of a loss.

GIT often covers the full value of the goods carried – known as ‘all risks’ or ‘full responsibility’ – and is often arranged by carriers of lower value goods, such as quarry materials and construction materials, as well as specialist carriers of high value goods such as plant, machinery, cars, boats, and portable buildings.

The alternative is to adopt conditions of carriage such as those set out by the RHA (Road Haulage Association) or FTA (Freight Transport Association). These restrict your financial responsibility to your customer to an agreed amount per tonne and protect you from unknowingly being underinsured. This option is used by most carriers of general goods within the UK.

If goods are being transported internationally – even if they are only involved in the UK leg of the journey – they will need CMR cover.

This cover can be arranged together with Public Liability and Employers Liability under our Transit and Liability policy. This product is specially aimed at haulage contractors, couriers, and furniture removers.

 

My client is planning on travelling abroad, do they need to change their insurance cover?

Motor insurers automatically provide cover within EU member countries. However, this cover only meets the minimum requirements of the country being visited, therefore any damage caused by an accident, fire or theft – even a damaged windscreen – will NOT be covered.

For an additional premium a foreign use extension extends the cover whilst travelling abroad providing a much wider level of cover. The goods in transit cover will also need to be extended.

 

What is the procedure for reporting claims?

The policyholder needs to report any incident directly to insurers as soon as possible. The insurer contact number can be found in the policy document; they are also listed on this site – see How to report a claim.

 

Does the policy include cover for a hire vehicle following an accident?

Unlike many private car insurance policies, commercial vehicle policies don’t provide a hire vehicle in the event of an accident. If your client is involved in an accident that isn’t their fault, they may be able to recover the costs of hiring a vehicle, but this isn’t guaranteed.

To minimize the impact of losing a vehicle following an accident, we recommend loss of use cover. Our exclusive AXA goods in transit and combined liability policy automatically provides up to £300 cover a week, which can be scaled up to meet your client’s needs.

 

My client is setting up their own transport business with one vehicle. What insurance would they need to get started?

When it comes to transport insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some of the covers to be considered:

• Commercial vehicle policy – This can include trailer cover where required.
• Goods in Transit – Whilst this cover isn’t compulsory it is recommended. It may well be a condition within their contract with their customer/s that cover is arranged to meet their own specific requirements.
• Public liability
• Employers liability
• Legal expenses cover
• Personal accident & illness cover