Looking for 4×4 Insurance?
Whether you are searching for 4×4 insurance for your works vehicle, a classic off-roader, a luxury Range Rover or your latest SUV, the trick is to tailor your policy to your vehicle and usage.
There’s something about driving a 4×4. Yes, they can cost more to tax, more to fuel and more to insure, but in the bigger scheme of things all 4×4 drivers know it’s worth it. This guide explores the various aspects of finding the right 4×4 insurance for you and your 4×4.
Matching your 4×4 insurance to your usage
One of the great things about 4x4s is their versatility and broad appeal. Whether you use your 4×4 for fun and adventure, for getting the job done or simply getting from A to B in style, it’s important to discuss your usage with your insurer. Usage can have a considerable effect on premiums so look for an insurer that will tailor your policy to you.
If you’re off-roading for the joy of pitting your skills and your vehicle against challenging terrain, or because your livelihood necessitates it, if you are driving your 4x4 off-road your insurer needs to know about it.
If you enjoy the thrill of driving to places others can’t reach or are regularly exploring unsurfaced, unclassified country roads, then you will definitely need to make sure that green laning is included in your 4x4 insurance policy.
Towing is usually covered as standard by 4x4 insurance, but it’s a good idea to confirm this if this is something you regularly use your 4x4 for. Towing restrictions according to weight, apply depending on when you gained your driving licence.
If you are borrowing a 4x4, temporary cover from 1 – 28 days is a good idea. Usually this is an option so long as the owner has an active insurance policy on the vehicle. Similarly, if you only use your 4x4 at the weekends or at certain times of the year, talk to your insurer about a restricted mileage policy.
Modified 4×4 insurance
The options for modifying 4x4s are vast with many owners choosing to do so for practical reasons, especially if they regularly use them off-road. To insurers, modifications include anything that was not fitted as standard by the manufacturer for example:
- Snorkel and breather kits
- Winches
- Air filters
- LPG conversion
- Chain tyres
- Air compressors
- Spotlights
- Roll bars
Even tow bars, which many people consider standard for 4x4s can be classed as a modification if not originally fitted by the manufacturer. Whilst adding a tow bar is unlikely to increase your insurance, it’s still good form to let your insurer know.
Security modifications can actually reduce your premiums, so be sure to tell your insurer about immobilisers, tracking or alarm systems fitted to your 4×4.
Tips for insuring a 4×4
Typically 4x4s cost more to insure than standard vehicles and that’s just a fact. Whether your 4WD is the latest, top of the range model or an old workhorse, 4x4s have larger engines than standard cars and are bigger and heavier, which means that although they can probably withstand a collision better than most, they are also likely to cause more damage to other vehicles. All of this points to higher insurance costs, but there are ways you can look to lower premiums:
Obviously, your age and no claims history can influence your premiums. You could also consider taking an advanced drivers’ qualification.
Keeping your 4x4 off the road, preferably in a locked garage overnight reduces risk, as do increased security features such as alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems.
If your 4x4 is a second vehicle this can reduce costs. Similarly, most insurers offer good discounts on multi-vehicle policies.
Joining an owner’s or 4WD enthusiasts club shows insurers that you are passionate about your car and likely to take care of it. Look out for discounts from club affiliated insurers.
Restricted mileage policies are great if you don’t clock up too many miles in your 4WD, for example if it is a second car, only used for recreation or at certain times of the year.
Look out for specialist schemes specified by manufacturers, such as Jeep or Land Rover.
4×4 Insurance – Useful FAQs
Yes
Many popular 4WD cars are imported. If you use an insurer who specialises in imported car insurance, you can get cover for all sorts of vehicles including left hand drives, grey imports and Q plated 4x4s.
Yes
Unless it has SORN certification (Statutory Off Road Notification) from the DVLA. If it’s ever on a public highway, then it needs to be insured. Even if your 4×4 is pretty much always on your land or is mainly used off-road, it still needs to be insured. Even if it rarely leaves your property, it’s always a good idea to insure against fire and theft.
If your 4×4 is classed as a LCV (Lightweight Commercial Vehicle) then it needs to be insured as a van. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to clarify this with your dealer before you buy. Read more about vehicle classification.
Foreign use is not usually a problem, but it will depend on your insurer and the type of cover you require. Whether you’re planning a self-drive skiing trip, towing a caravan in Europe or off-road touring in South Africa, it’s important to arrange cover and breakdown recovery before you go.