December 5, 2025
It is almost that time of year again when we all deserve a well earned break over the Christmas period.
- 78 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AG
At Munro-Greenhalgh, we specialise in arranging Motor Trade Insurance for businesses of all sizes — from independent repair garages and MOT stations to vehicle dealers, classic-car restorers, valeters and mobile technicians.
If your business works with customer or trade vehicles — buying, selling, repairing, servicing, transporting or storing them — you’ll need a policy tailored to the specific risks of the motor trade. As an independent UK insurance broker, we compare reputable insurers to secure the most suitable and competitive cover for your needs.
If you handle or drive vehicles that you do not personally own — even on a part-time or home-based basis — you’ll usually need motor trade cover.
The policy can be tailored to your exact activities. Typical protection includes:
Road Risk Cover
Allows you and your employees to legally drive customer vehicles, trade vehicles and stock vehicles on public roads for collection, delivery, testing or demonstration.
Premises, Buildings & Contents
Cover for garages, workshops, forecourts, storage units and business premises — including fixtures, fittings and office equipment.
Tools, Machinery & Diagnostic Equipment
Protection for specialist tools, ramps, compressors, paint booths, tyre machines, laptops and diagnostic equipment against damage or theft.
Stock & Vehicles in Your Custody
Covers vehicles for sale, customer vehicles left for repair, and parts or accessories kept on-site.
Public, Employer & Product Liability
Protects your business if a customer or visitor is injured, if an employee claim arises, or if a part or service your business provides leads to damage or injury.
Business Interruption
Covers loss of income if your business is unable to operate following an insured event such as fire, flood or major damage.
Goods in Transit
Protection for vehicles, parts or equipment while being transported or delivered.
MOT Loss of Licence
Cover if your MOT licence is suspended or revoked due to circumstances beyond your control.
All cover can be customised to match your exact operations — whether you run a small home-based repair business or a multi-site dealership.
With almost 100 years of experience supporting local businesses, Munro-Greenhalgh is one of the most trusted commercial insurance brokers in the North West.
Specialist knowledge of the motor trade sector
Independent advice — we work for you
Access to leading UK motor trade insurers
Tailored cover for garages, traders, MOT stations and restorers
Friendly local support from our team in Ramsbottom
Fast quotes & claims support when you need it most
We already work with a wide range of traders in Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Rossendale, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and across the North West, ensuring they have the right protection at the right price.
1. How do I get a quote?
Simply contact our team — we’ll discuss your business activities and arrange a tailored quote from reputable insurers.
2. What is Motor Trade Insurance?
Motor trade insurance is designed for businesses that buy, sell, repair, service, valet or transport vehicles. It provides cover for customer vehicles and trade vehicles in your care, as well as road risk cover if you need to drive them on public roads.
3.Who needs Motor Trade Insurance?
If your business handles vehicles that you do not personally own — even occasionally — you usually require a motor trade policy. This includes mechanics, dealerships, body shops, valeters, mobile technicians, recovery operators and MOT stations.
4. What is the difference between Road Risk and Combined Motor Trade Insurance?
Road Risk Insurance covers you for driving your own vehicles or customer vehicles on public roads.
Combined Motor Trade Insurance includes road risk plus additional protection such as premises, tools, machinery, stock vehicles, parts and liability cover.
Most established garages or dealerships choose a combined policy for broader protection.
5. Can I get Motor Trade Insurance if I’m a home-based trader?
Yes (Sometimes!). Most Insurers are reluctant to offer policies. Checks are undertaken to ensure you have the necessary experience and operate with the intention of making a profit.
6. Are demonstration or test drives covered?
Yes, provided you have the appropriate level of road risk cover. Your policy can include accompanied or unaccompanied demonstration cover, allowing test drives for potential buyers. This is essential for car sales businesses.
7. Does Motor Trade Insurance cover tools, equipment and diagnostic machines?
These items are not automatically included but can be added. A combined motor trade policy can protect your tools, specialist equipment, ramps, tyre machines, paint booths, computer diagnostics and other workshop machinery.
8. Are customer vehicles covered while in my custody or on my premises?
Yes. Motor trade policies cover vehicles in your custody, care and control against accidental damage, fire and theft. For businesses with a workshop or yard, “premises cover” can be added to protect vehicles stored on-site.
9. Do I need Employers’ Liability and Public Liability Insurance?
If you employ staff — even part-time or temporary — Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement in the UK. Public Liability is strongly recommended for all motor traders, as it protects you if a customer or visitor is injured on your premises or due to your work.
10. Can I use a Motor Trade policy for my personal vehicles?
Motor trade insurance may allow you to add your personal vehicles, but this depends on your insurer’s terms and the nature of your business. It cannot be used as a replacement for personal car insurance if you do not operate a genuine motor trade activity.
At Munro-Greenhalgh, we work with reputable insurers to find the most competitive and suitable policy for your specific needs.
Whether you operate a small garage or a large dealership, we can arrange the right policy for your business.
We help and support motor traders across Bury, Bolton, Rochdale and the North West.
we also have a separate publication covernotes providing more in-depth and technical articles.
It is almost that time of year again when we all deserve a well earned break over the Christmas period.
This fun, community-led event brought together local businesses and friends of MG for a relaxed but competitive 9-hole challenge raising vital funds for Bury Hospice.
This fun, community-led event will bring together local businesses, Insurers and friends of MG for a relaxed but competitive 9-hole challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or picking up a virtual club for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved, have fun and raise vital funds for an incredible local cause.
Why now is the time to act – an update
It is almost that time of year again when we all deserve a well earned break over the Christmas period.
This fun, community-led event brought together local businesses and friends of MG for a relaxed but competitive 9-hole challenge raising vital funds for Bury Hospice.
This fun, community-led event will bring together local businesses, Insurers and friends of MG for a relaxed but competitive 9-hole challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or picking up a virtual club for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved, have fun and raise vital funds for an incredible local cause.
Why now is the time to act – an update from our news article from last year. As a UK-based insurance broker, we at Munro-Greenhalgh
