For many small businesses, vehicles are not a side issue. They are the engine that keeps everything moving. Whether you run a trades firm with a handful of vans, a courier operation with vans on the road all day, or a care provider transporting staff and clients, your vehicles are central to your service delivery and your income.

Fleet insurance is often seen as something only larger companies need, but in reality it can be one of the most cost effective and sensible insurance decisions a small business makes. This guide explains what fleet insurance is, who it is suitable for, what it covers, and how to buy it properly so it works when you need it most.

If you want to skip straight to pricing, you can get a fleet insurance quote from Aldium Insurance and speak to people who understand small business fleets, not just volume motor risks.

What is fleet insurance?

Fleet insurance is a motor insurance policy that covers multiple vehicles under one policy. Instead of insuring each car or van separately, you insure them together as a fleet. The vehicles can usually be added or removed during the policy year, with premiums adjusted accordingly.

For a small business, the key benefit is simplicity. One renewal date, one insurer, one set of documents, and often one claims team. That alone can save time and reduce admin errors that leave vehicles uninsured.

Fleet policies are not just for large fleets. Many insurers and brokers, including Aldium Insurance, can arrange fleet cover starting from as few as two or three vehicles.

If you currently insure vehicles individually, get a fleet quote from Aldium Insurance and see whether combining them could save time and money.

Who is fleet insurance suitable for?

Fleet insurance is suitable for a wide range of small businesses, including but not limited to:

• Builders, electricians, plumbers, and other trades
• Couriers and delivery companies
• Care providers and support services
• Cleaning companies
• Property maintenance firms
• Sales teams using company cars
• Any business with multiple vehicles used for work

It can cover cars, vans, minibuses, taxis, and specialist vehicles, depending on the insurer and the business activity.

A common misconception is that fleet insurance is only worthwhile once you reach five or more vehicles. In practice, many small businesses benefit from fleet insurance with just two vehicles, especially if they are used by multiple drivers.

Not sure if your business qualifies as a fleet? Speak to Aldium Insurance for a quick eligibility check and quote.

Fleet insurance vs individual vehicle policies

Before switching, it helps to understand how fleet insurance compares to insuring vehicles separately.

Administration

With individual policies, each vehicle has its own renewal date, certificate, and schedule. That increases the risk of missed renewals or incorrect details. Fleet insurance brings everything under one policy, which makes management far easier.

Cost

Fleet insurance is not always cheaper in pure premium terms, but it often delivers better value. Insurers assess the fleet as a whole, which can smooth out the impact of individual claims or high risk drivers and reduce admin fees. For many businesses, the overall cost is competitive or lower.

Flexibility

Fleet policies usually allow you to add or remove vehicles mid-term. That is ideal for growing businesses or those with seasonal changes.

Driver cover

Fleet insurance can be arranged on a named driver basis or as any authorised driver such as Any Driver 21+. For small businesses with staff turnover or shared vehicles, this flexibility can be crucial.

If juggling multiple policies is costing you time, get a fleet insurance quote from Aldium Insurance and compare the structure, not just the price.

What does fleet insurance cover?

Fleet insurance can be arranged on the same core levels as standard motor insurance:

• Third party only
• Third party, fire and theft
• Comprehensive

For most small businesses, comprehensive fleet insurance is the most practical option because it covers damage to your own vehicles as well as third party claims.

Beyond that, fleet policies can include a range of additional covers.

Accidental damage and theft

Comprehensive fleet cover includes damage from accidents, vandalism, and theft, subject to policy terms and excesses.

Third party liability

This is legally required for vehicles used on public roads and covers injury or property damage to third parties.

Windscreen cover

Many fleet policies include windscreen repair or replacement, often without affecting your claims record if handled correctly.

Courtesy vehicles and hire options

Some policies offer temporary replacement vehicles to keep your business running after an accident.

Breakdown cover

Fleet breakdown cover can be added to keep vehicles mobile and reduce downtime.

Goods in transit

For businesses transporting tools, equipment, or stock, goods in transit cover can be added alongside fleet insurance.

Aldium Insurance can tailor a fleet quote to include the extras that actually matter to your business. Ask for a quote and a clear explanation of what is included.

Who can drive under a fleet policy?

One of the biggest advantages of fleet insurance is flexibility around drivers.

Named drivers

Vehicles are driven only by specific named individuals. This can help control risk and cost, but requires admin whenever staff change.

Any authorised driver

Any driver authorised by the business can drive fleet vehicles, usually subject to age and licence restrictions. This is popular with businesses that rotate staff or operate shifts.

Age and licence limits

Policies often set minimum and maximum ages and may require drivers to have held a licence for a certain number of years. Penalty points and driving convictions also matter.

It is important to declare driver details accurately. Insurers expect you to have reasonable controls in place, such as licence checks and driver records.

If driver flexibility is important to you, get a fleet quote from Aldium Insurance and ask how authorised driver cover would work for your team.

How insurers assess small business fleets

Fleet insurance is underwritten differently from personal motor policies. Insurers look at the bigger picture, including:

• Number and type of vehicles
• Business activity and use
• Annual mileage
• Where vehicles are kept overnight
• Claims history
• Driver profiles and experience
• Risk management measures

For example, a small plumbing firm with three vans, secure overnight parking, and a clean claims record may be seen as lower risk than a delivery business with the same number of vehicles but higher mileage and time pressure.

This is why presentation matters. A good broker will help explain your business to insurers properly.

Aldium Insurance specialises in presenting small business fleets accurately to insurers. Get a quote and let us do the heavy lifting.

Managing claims on a fleet policy

Claims handling is where insurance proves its worth. With fleet insurance, the impact of claims can be different from individual policies.

Claims experience

Insurers often look at the overall claims experience of the fleet rather than one vehicle in isolation. This can reduce premium shocks after a single incident.

Excesses

Fleet policies may have higher excesses, particularly for young or inexperienced drivers. Understanding these is essential for budgeting.

Claims reporting

Clear procedures for reporting incidents quickly help control costs and reduce disputes.

Repair management

Some fleet policies include approved repair networks, which can speed up repairs and control quality.

When comparing quotes, ask about claims support. Aldium Insurance can explain how fleet claims are handled and what support you get.

Risk management for small fleets

Insurers increasingly expect small businesses to take basic steps to manage vehicle risk. These steps can also help reduce premiums over time.

Common measures include:

• Regular driver licence checks
• Clear vehicle use policies
• Maintenance schedules
• Telematics or tracking for higher risk fleets
• Driver training for frequent users

You do not need a complex system, but showing that you take safety seriously can make a real difference.

If you want advice on simple risk management that insurers like to see, speak to Aldium Insurance when requesting your fleet quote.

Common mistakes small businesses make with fleet insurance

Many problems only surface when a claim is made. Common mistakes include:

• Understating business use or mileage
• Not declaring all drivers accurately
• Assuming personal motor policies cover business use
• Letting temporary or casual drivers use vehicles without proper cover
• Not updating the insurer when vehicles are added or removed

Fleet insurance helps reduce some of these risks, but it still relies on accurate information.

If you are unsure whether your current cover is correct, get a fleet insurance quote from Aldium Insurance and ask for a no obligation review.

How much does fleet insurance cost for a small business?

There is no single price. Costs depend on the factors already discussed, including vehicles, drivers, use, and claims history.

That said, many small businesses are surprised to find that fleet insurance is competitively priced compared to multiple individual policies, especially once admin time and flexibility are taken into account.

The only reliable way to know is to get a quote that reflects your real operation.

Request a fleet insurance quote from Aldium Insurance and get clear pricing based on your actual vehicles and drivers.

Why work with a specialist broker like Aldium Insurance?

Fleet insurance is not just about ticking a legal box. It is about keeping your business moving after an accident, theft, or claim.

A specialist broker can:

• Access insurers that understand small business fleets
• Structure cover correctly from day one
• Help you avoid gaps that invalidate claims
• Support you through claims and changes mid-term
• Review your fleet as it grows or changes

Aldium Insurance focuses on practical, commercial insurance advice. That means clear explanations, honest pricing, and cover that fits how your business actually operates.

If you run a small business with vehicles on the road, do not leave your fleet insurance to chance. Get a fleet insurance quote from Aldium Insurance today and take the first step toward simpler, stronger cover that supports your business, not slows it down.