Many successful driving instructors move onto form their own driving schools, and although this is a really positive career move you have to ensure that all the paperwork is in order. This is especially important if you have a fleet of instructors on your books, as one single bad apple could ruin your reputation.
What To Look For To Avoid Common Insurance Pitfalls
Your driving instructor insurance should be comprehensive and below are some key areas a general policy may not cover and the problems that come from not having every element in place.
Personal Liability Cover
A fully comprehensive driving instructor insurance policy will include adequate personal liability cover. This provides cover if a member of the public or other road users are injured as a result of your actions at work. The cost of compensation plus legal fees can run into thousands of pounds, so the right level of personal liability cover is essential.
Employer’s Liability Cover
As a driving school you are likely to bring other instructors into your company to provide a fuller service. As soon as you take on a single employee (even if they are sub-contracted) you need to have employer’s liability cover as part of your driving instructor insurance. This is a legal requirement as an employer and also protects you if your employees are injured at work and choose to sue for compensation.
Dual Control Cover
All your driving instructor vehicles should have dual control to ensure the instructor has control over new learners who are liable to make mistakes. Having dual controls fitted is something you need to inform your insurance company about. It is usually the case that you will need specialist driving instructor insurance as your car is now considered as ‘modified’ and not covered by most mainstream policies.
Loss of Earnings
Driving instructors are 100% reliant on their vehicles to make money, so time off the road can make a serious dent in profits. It can also affect your professional reputation, so is to be avoided at all costs. If your car does need work and time off the road can’t be avoided then a driving instructor policy that includes loss of earnings cover will ensure you have an income whilst waiting for the return of your vehicle.
All of these specialist elements are in addition to regular comprehensive car insurance and not having any one of these elements could adversely effect your business.