Insurance for driving instructors

One of the first things you must do when setting up an independent driving school is getting proper driving instructor insurance put in place. It may seem like the obvious priority but there are some people who believe that the chances of having an accident whilst learning in a dual controlled car are slim. This is not the case and there many reasons why insurance is very important.

Approved driving instructors (ADI) should not jeopardise their professional status and overlook the need to get their car insured. That is not to say that potential driving instructors (PDI) should take this as an excuse to ditch insurance because they can’t find decent quotes or in a bid to keep costs down when they are starting up, postpone the idea of taking an insurance policy.

Here are just some of the reasons why getting car insurance for your driving school is very important:

• If a pupil wants to take lessons in their own car, you are also covered
• Legal protection and recovery of uninsured losses can be included on some policies as standard
• If you are involved in a non-fault accident, a dual control courtesy car will be supplied
• No excess to pay on Total Loss Claims
• Cover can also be valid for banned and convicted drivers re-sitting their test (only a handful of insurance companies are willing to do this)
• Comprehensive instructor insurance cover whilst driving other cars under tuition

It is worth noting that as someone who teach learner drivers, your insurance needs are different to normal drivers. Even trainee driving instructors require an adequate insurance cover when giving driving tuitions so that the tutoring can be done in a less nervous environment, knowing that claims would eventually be taken care of by the company registered with.

Unfortunately you will have to go to a specialised company to get a quote as the common insurers will only insurance cars for personal use. That said, there is a now a very competitive market when it comes to obtaining a quote. Depending on the size of the car, mileage and age you could get a very good deal. To be sure you really are getting a good deal compare at least 5 quotes to have an idea; don’t just get one and stick to it.

Here are a few examples of how much driving instructor insurance could cost you:

• Newly qualified female driver aged 50, PE30, 2 SP30 convictions, 3 years NCB, 1 fault accident, car parked on drive – quote £349 fully comprehensive insurance.
• Grade 6 female instructor aged 27, CM7, TS10 conviction, 1 fault and 2 non fault accidents, 5 years NCB, car parked in secure garage – quote £326 fully comprehensive.
• PDI instructor female aged 25, SA14, TS0 conviction, 5 years NCB, 1 theft claim, car parked in secure garage – quote £384 fully comprehensive.

If there are other things that you would like to be included in the insurance policy all you have to do is ask. Most insurers for driving instructors take into account each individuals needs, so if you have a request, see of it can be added on as an optional extra. You may also get incentives such as free breakdown cover when you take out driving instructor insurance.