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Driving instructor insurance

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What is driving instructor insurance?

Driving instructor insurance is a specialised vehicle coverage designed to protect dual-control cars and instructors during driving lessons, tests and personal use.

Get caught without it and you could be fined, given points, or even prosecuted. It could also bring your career as a driving instructor to a halt.

How is driving instructor insurance different to standard car insurance?

Driving instructor insurance is different from standard car insurance. That’s because it provides cover for unlicensed drivers while they’re using your vehicle. It also covers your car during practical driving tests.

If you use a dual-control car, driving instructor insurance has you covered. Plus, it’ll usually provide you with a replacement if your own vehicle is off the road for any period.

Like standard car insurance, driving instructor insurance covers you for any injury or damage to other people and their property. But, it also covers damage to your own vehicle and provides you with additional cover when teaching new drivers.

Driving instructor insurance typically covers:

  • Any driver: Anyone holding a provisional licence can drive the vehicle. This includes students and driving test instructors.
  • Hire and reward: Legal protection if you charge for lessons or carry out driving tests for a fee.
  • Business insurance: This comes into play if a third party decides to make a claim against you. It covers public liability and professional indemnity.
  • Dual control cover: Since standard car insurance typically doesn't cover dual controls, this is essential for any driving instructor.
  • Dual control courtesy car cover: If your vehicle is off the road for a period of time, you’ll be able to continue teaching with a replacement car.

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Do I need driving instructor insurance while I'm training?

Yes, you'll need it while you're training. 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. We offer cover for both trainee and fully qualified driving instructors.

How much is driving school insurance?

Driving school insurance is more expensive than standard car insurance. This is mainly because of the risk that inexperienced learner drivers pose to others. However,  other factors play a part, too. 

 

Your policy price may vary due to:

  • The type of car: Engine size and transmission play a role in your policy price.
  • Where you live: This is used to determine how likely you are to have an accident. 
  • The type of instructor you are: PDIs Trainee instructors tend to pay more while they're serving their 6 month probationary period. Once they’ve passed, insurance costs should come down.
  • The hours you work: Helps insurers assess your risk factor and how likely you are to be involved in an accident.
  • The type of cover you require: Some instructors require additional cover to teach off-road lessons to under 17s.

What our expert says

“Standard car insurance won't cut it when you're teaching the next generation of drivers. As a driving instructor, your vehicle is your livelihood. Securing specialist driving school insurance, complete with essential add-ons like 'hire and reward' cover and a dual-control courtesy car, ensures that an unexpected accident won't put the brakes on your business income." 

Matt Crole Rees - Motor General Manager & Motor Insurance Expert
Motor General Manager & Motor Insurance Expert Confused.com logo

How to get cheaper driving instructor insurance

Compare quotes

Comparing quotes rather than auto-renewing can help get you the best price.

Increase your voluntary excess

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.

Build your no-claims discount

Going years without making a claim earns you a No Claims Discount, which can substantially reduce your annual insurance premium.

Limit annual milage

Reviewing your annual mileage can prevent you from overpaying. Adjusting your mileage ensures you only pay for the distance you actually cover.

Limit optional extras and add-ons

Choose your optional extras carefully to avoid paying for ones you don't need.

Park securely

Parking on a driveway or in a garage can reduce policy costs compared to parking on the road.

What optional extras can I get?

When you go to take out driving instructor insurance, you’ll be able to add extra levels of cover to your policy. These can include:

  • Dual control courtesy car cover
  • Specialist breakdown cover 
  • Business liability protections 
  • Off road tuition cover for under 17s
Remember:
If you teach under 17s, it’s important you act in compliance with the Road Traffic Act, which allows 14-16 year olds to drive on private land or on off-road tracks.

Will I be covered to drive the car myself?

Yes, you’ll be covered to drive the car as an instructor when you’re not teaching learners. Driving instructor insurance covers everything standard car insurance does, but it also includes cover for unlicensed learners in your car.

You might also be interested in:

Breakdown cover

Can help get you back on the road, at home or abroad

Business insurance

Is a way to protect your business from financial losses such as compensation claims, property damage and theft

Car insurance

Is a legal requirement if you're driving in the UK. Find out more about choosing the right cover at the right price

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