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Driving instructor insurance

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What is driving instructor insurance?

Driving instructor insurance is required if you want to be a driving instructor. It covers the instructor, plus any learner drivers, when they're driving the car.

Starting your own business as a driving instructor can be incredibly rewarding. You could safely teach the next generation of drivers an important life skill, and ensure they're confident in driving on the road.

But getting insured to teach inexperienced drivers requires some preparation and hard work. Rounding up quotes from insurers who cover dual-control cars and approved instructors can be time-consuming.

Specialised driving school insurance can provide the right level of cover, which is essential in getting your business up and running as quickly as possible.

How do I get started as a driving instructor?

Getting qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) is a long process. It involves taking a theory, practical and instructor's test.

Even while you're training, you'll need Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) insurance, so you can instruct pupils as part of your qualification.

Do you have good people skills? An ability to teach? A clean driving record? Then you could have what it takes to become a driving instructor.

How is driving school insurance different from standard car insurance?

Driving school insurance covers more than standard car insurance.

Whether you work for an established driving school or for yourself, as an Approved or Potential Driving Instructor, you'll need more cover than what's provided with standard car insurance.

For starters, you'll need hire and reward coverage. This is essential for anyone who makes money by using their car.

The presence of a learner in your car will increase the risk factor. Especially now that learners are allowed on motorways.

There's also different extras like a dual-control courtesy car in the event that your own vehicle is off the road for any period. If you use another car day-to-day It's worth looking at multi-car cover too.

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Why is driving school insurance more expensive?

Driving school insurance prices are usually higher than standard car insurance prices.

Driving instructors need extra cover, and there may be even some discretionary add-ons required. For example, to teach drivers who are under 17 – which has to be done off-road - you'll need additional cover.

But it's not only the inexperience of the learner drivers that can affect your insurance costs. It can also be affected by:
  • The type of car
  • Where you live
  • The type of instructor you are
  • The hours you work
  • The type of cover you require
    • The type of car, in terms of engine size and transmission, will influence the insurance costs of any car insurance.

    Where you live can determine how likely you are to have an accident. This can lead to higher insurance costs.

    The type of instructor you are will determine your risk factor. PDI's serve a six-month probationary period and are a higher risk than ADI's, meaning higher insurance costs. Once you've passed, your insurance costs should lower as you gain experience.

    The hours you work also determine your risk factor. Whether you work full or part-time, your insurers will create a tailor-made policy that reflects the hours you spend teaching learner drivers.

    The type of cover you require. The more comprehensive the insurance and the more services you offer as an instructor, the more expensive it may be.

    What levels of cover are there?

    Before you start comparing insurance providers, you need to be clear about the level of cover you need. You might want to consider:

    • Personal accident cover, which covers you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
    • Negligent tuition cover to protect you against any claims your learners might make as the result of an accident.
    • Public liability insurance for you and your business if you’re sued for damages as a result of negligence. This is mandatory for any business.
    • Uninsured driver protection for if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. You can protect your no-claims discount.

    Once you know the type of cover that’s right for your business, you can start looking for quotes. Remember, even if the first quote you get appears to be acceptable, it’s always worth comparing more than one provider.

    How do I find the right cover at the right price?

    It can be tempting to go with the cheapest quote when money's tight. But before you choose a policy based only on price, take a good look at the small print. Make sure the policy provides all the cover you need.

    A reputable insurer will create a tailor-made policy that gives you the right balance between your budget and the cover provided.

    Think carefully about the excess you can afford. A larger excess can bring down your insurance costs, but you need to be able to pay it if you have to make a claim.

    If you're able to pay your annual premium in one go, you could save money instead of paying monthly. Look for an insurer offering flexible payment options.

    Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if something isn't clear to you. For example, if a courtesy vehicle is important to you in the event of an accident, check that it's included in the policy. Also check the vehicle type will allow you to continue to run your business.

    Compare quote with our partner 'Quote Me Today'

    Get a driving instructor quote

    Or call 01227 285 453

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