Sat Feb 01, 2003 7:53 am Author: John Childs
Bob,
I think that you have been misinformed. You don't need to trade in motors to qualify for a motor traders policy. Indeed, our local village garage doesn't buy or sell cars, they just repair them. The only difference between our requirements and theirs is that the engineering section is deleted from our policy as we don't have compressors, hoists etc.
You will struggle to get a proper motor trade policy (even if the main man's brother is a broker) because the insurance companies don't like issuing them due to the potential for abuse of the great freedom they allow. Nevertheless, provided that you can demonstrate that that type of policy best matches your requirements you should, with a lot of negotiation, be able to get one. It is exactly the same getting hold of a set of trade plates, another motor trade benefit that is essential to us.
Despite that, and as you say, the list of restrictions gets longer every year. In years past we had practically no restrictions whatsoever but that has changed and we won't see those days again.
You raise one of the current high profile aspects with Health and Safety. Whereas we have always taken great care in this area, and have attended to any potentially dangerous points promptly, this is no longer good enough. We now need to cope with all the bureaucracy and paperwork that goes with it. We need a written H&S policy statement and to document regular safety checks using the HSE?s five point plan as a basis.
We were told a month ago that we were no longer covered for anything that could have been prevented by the use of such a system. The stupid thing is that we are not required to do anything differently, just to have some paperwork to go with it. As soon as I find the time to spend a couple of hours on the word processor our cover will be reinstated. We don't need a health and safety ticket, just a documented system.
We have recently had an inspection and I specifically raised two of the other points you mention. I was told that restrictions on heat sources were more concerned with naked flame, like welding equipment, and that our heat guns were not a problem. Similarly, I showed him the limited amount of chemicals we use, meths, thinners and degreasers, and was assured that they were fine.
Phill,
I don't think that any of us could go to a direct insurer. Unless your name is Joe Average and you drive a Mondeo they are just not geared up to deal with you. Anything out of the ordinary and they are lost. I totally agree that a broker is the place to go.