Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
What Is Car Jockey Insurance?
Car jockey insurance is specialist motor trade insurance for individuals who move vehicles on behalf of others. This includes parking attendants, valet drivers, vehicle delivery drivers, auction transporters, and anyone employed or contracted to drive customer or trade vehicles from one location to another.
Unlike standard motor insurance, car jockey insurance covers multiple vehicles you do not own. It protects you when driving cars belonging to customers, dealerships, auction houses, or rental companies.
Most car jockeys operate under road risks only policies, which provide third party or comprehensive cover while driving vehicles for business purposes. The exact cover required depends on your role and whether you handle vehicles in other capacities, such as cleaning, inspecting, or storing them.
Who Needs Car Jockey Insurance?
Car jockey insurance is typically required by:
- Valet parking attendants at hotels, restaurants, airports, or events
- Vehicle delivery drivers working for dealerships or auction houses
- Auction drivers who move vehicles between lots and onto the block
- Parking enforcement or management staff who reposition customer vehicles
- Employees of car rental companies who transport or relocate fleet vehicles
- Contractors hired to collect or deliver vehicles for servicing or repairs
If you drive vehicles that do not belong to you as part of your work, a standard personal motor insurance policy will not provide cover. Insurers will refuse claims if they discover you were using a vehicle for trade purposes without appropriate cover.
What Does Car Jockey Insurance Cover?
Car jockey insurance typically includes:
- Third party liability for damage or injury caused to others while driving a customer or trade vehicle
- Comprehensive cover for damage to the vehicle you are driving, depending on the policy level
- Cover for driving multiple vehicles under one policy, with no need to list individual registrations
- Legal expenses in the event of a claim or dispute arising from your driving activities
- Personal accident cover in some policies, though this is not standard
Car jockey insurance does not usually cover:
- Vehicles stored on your premises
- Mechanical repairs or servicing work
- Tools, equipment, or stock
- Public liability for activities unrelated to driving, such as damage caused while cleaning or inspecting a vehicle
If your role involves more than just driving, you may need a broader motor trade insurance policy that includes additional elements such as employers’ liability, public liability, or premises cover.
Road Risks Only vs Combined Motor Trade Insurance
Most car jockeys require road risks only cover. This is the most affordable option and provides insurance while driving vehicles on public roads. It does not cover vehicles when parked, stored, or being worked on.
If you also store, repair, or prepare vehicles as part of your duties, you need combined motor trade insurance. This includes premises liability, tools cover, and protection for vehicles in your care, custody, or control.
For more detail on the differences, see our guide on road risk vs combined cover.
Our Expert, Michael Foote, Says:
“Many car jockeys assume they are covered under the dealership or employer’s policy, but that is not always the case. Always confirm in writing what insurance is in place and who is liable if something goes wrong. If you are self-employed or contracted, you will almost certainly need your own policy.”
What to Check Before Buying Car Jockey Insurance
Before committing to a policy, review the following:
- Vehicle types covered: Some policies exclude high-value, modified, or left-hand-drive vehicles. Confirm the policy covers the types of cars you will be driving.
- Driving restrictions: Check whether the policy limits cover to named drivers, age groups, or licence types. Some insurers impose restrictions on drivers under 25 or those with fewer than two years’ driving experience.
- Geographical limits: Most policies cover the UK only. If you transport vehicles to or from Europe, you will need extended territorial cover.
- Excess levels: Understand how much you will pay in the event of a claim. Excesses on motor trade policies can be higher than on private car insurance, particularly for younger or less experienced drivers.
- Claims history requirements: Insurers often ask for details of any claims or convictions in the last five years. Be honest and accurate, as non-disclosure can void your policy.
- Business use definition: Ensure the policy explicitly covers your activities. Some insurers classify car jockey work differently depending on whether you are employed, self-employed, or contracted.
If you are unsure what your policy includes, request a full policy wording document before purchasing.
How Much Does Car Jockey Insurance Cost?
The cost of car jockey insurance varies depending on several factors:
- Your age and driving experience: Younger or less experienced drivers typically pay higher premiums.
- Claims and conviction history: A clean record will help reduce costs.
- Type of vehicles driven: Policies covering high-performance or prestige vehicles are more expensive.
- Level of cover: Third party only is cheaper than comprehensive, but leaves you exposed to higher costs if you damage a vehicle in your care.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk and the higher the premium.
- Where you operate: Urban areas with higher traffic density and theft rates often attract higher premiums.
As a rough guide, road risks only policies for car jockeys start from around £600 to £1,200 per year for drivers with clean records and moderate experience. Premiums can rise significantly for younger drivers or those with previous claims.
Can You Use Your Private Car Insurance for Car Jockey Work?
No. Private car insurance policies explicitly exclude business use involving vehicles you do not own. If you are caught driving a customer or trade vehicle without appropriate cover, you could face:
- Prosecution for driving without insurance
- A fine of up to £5,000
- Six to eight penalty points on your licence
- Your vehicle being seized and impounded
- A claim being rejected, leaving you personally liable for damages
Even if your private policy includes business use, this typically only covers your own vehicle and does not extend to vehicles owned by others. For more information, see our article on using your private car for motor trade use.
What Happens If You Damage a Vehicle While Working as a Car Jockey?
If you damage a vehicle while driving it in the course of your work, liability depends on the terms of your insurance and any contractual agreements in place.
If you have comprehensive car jockey insurance, the policy should cover the cost of repairs to the vehicle, subject to your excess. If you only have third party cover, you will be personally liable for the cost of repairs to the vehicle you were driving.
If you are employed and working under your employer’s motor trade insurance, the employer’s policy may cover the damage. However, if the damage was caused by negligence, recklessness, or a breach of policy terms, the insurer may seek to recover costs from you personally.
Always check who is responsible for insurance and what is covered before you accept any car jockey work. For more detail, see our guide on who pays if a customer claims you damaged their vehicle.
Do You Need Public Liability Insurance as a Car Jockey?
Public liability insurance is not always included in road risks only policies. However, it may be required if your duties extend beyond driving.
For example, if you are responsible for:
- Opening and closing car doors for customers
- Handling keys or personal belongings
- Parking vehicles in tight or busy areas where pedestrians are present
- Operating parking equipment or barriers
Public liability insurance provides cover for injury or damage caused to third parties while performing these tasks.
If you work as a self-employed car jockey or contractor, public liability insurance is often a requirement of your client or venue contract. It is also advisable if you work at high-traffic locations such as airports, hotels, or events.
Can You Get Car Jockey Insurance as a Part-Time Trader?
Yes. Many car jockeys work part-time or on a casual basis, and insurers offer policies tailored to this type of work. You still need a valid motor trade insurance policy, even if you only work occasionally.
Some insurers offer flexible or pay-as-you-go policies for part-time traders, though these are less common. Most policies are sold on an annual basis, with premiums calculated based on your estimated annual mileage and the types of vehicles you will drive.
For more information, see our guide on part-time motor trade insurance.
Common Exclusions to Watch Out For
Car jockey insurance policies often include exclusions that can catch drivers out. Common exclusions include:
- Driving outside the policy territory: Most policies cover the UK only. Driving in Europe or elsewhere without arranging extended cover will void your policy.
- Driving vehicles over a certain value: Some policies cap the value of vehicles covered, often at £50,000 or £100,000.
- Modified or non-standard vehicles: Policies may exclude vehicles with performance modifications, salvage history, or unusual specifications.
- Use for racing, rallying, or off-road activities: Any form of competitive or non-road use is typically excluded.
- Driving while under the influence: Any claim arising from drink or drug driving will be rejected.
- Undisclosed drivers: If someone else drives a vehicle under your policy without being declared, the claim may be refused.
Always read the full policy terms and conditions to understand what is and is not covered.
How to Keep Your Car Jockey Insurance Costs Down
You can reduce your car jockey insurance premiums by:
- Building a no-claims history: Each year without a claim can reduce your premium.
- Improving your driving qualifications: Advanced driving courses or fleet driver training can help lower costs.
- Increasing your voluntary excess: A higher excess reduces the insurer’s risk and can lower your premium.
- Limiting the types of vehicles you drive: Excluding high-value or high-performance cars can reduce your premium.
- Installing a telematics device: Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who agree to have their driving monitored.
- Avoiding claims for minor damage: Paying for small repairs yourself can help protect your no-claims discount.
Get a Quote for Car Jockey Insurance Today
If you drive vehicles on behalf of customers, dealerships, or employers, you need specialist car jockey insurance to stay legal and protected. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or on a casual basis, having the right cover in place is essential.
Use the quote button at the bottom of the screen to compare policies tailored to your needs. Our panel of insurers can provide competitive quotes for car jockeys across the UK, with flexible cover options and instant online quotes available.
