Rules and eligibility · Guide
Motor Trade Insurance Certificate Explained
Your motor trade insurance certificate is the document that proves you are insured to drive vehicles for your business. Whether you run a dealership, a repair garage or trade part-time from home, here is what it shows, what it does not allow and when you will need it.
- By the JMG Motor Trade team
- Updated November 2026
- 3 min read
A motor trade insurance certificate is the official evidence that your motor trade policy is in force. It shows who is insured, the period of cover, who may drive and the uses the policy allows, such as driving customer and stock vehicles for trade purposes. It does not give unrestricted personal use or cover anyone who is not named. You receive it when the policy starts or renews, and you may need to produce it to the police, the DVLA or your insurer.
What is a motor trade insurance certificate?
It is the official document that proves you hold motor trade insurance. Insurers issue it to businesses and individuals working in the motor trade, including dealerships, mechanics, valeters, bodyshops, recovery operators and collection and delivery drivers.
What the certificate shows
- Who is insured and the period of cover.
- Who can drive. Usually the policyholder and named employees, and sometimes named family members, depending on the insurer.
- Permitted use. Cover applies when vehicles are driven for purposes connected with your business, such as test drives after repair, collections and deliveries.
- Vehicles in your care. Cover can extend to customer vehicles left with you for repair, servicing or testing, as well as your stock.
The level of cover, whether third party only, third party fire and theft or comprehensive, is set out in your policy schedule.
What the certificate does not allow
A motor trade certificate does not permit unrestricted personal use of vehicles, and it does not cover anyone who is not named on the policy. If you need a new driver added, or your use changes, tell us first. You will receive an updated certificate.
Certificate, schedule and policy wording
| Document | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Certificate of motor insurance | Legal proof of cover: who is insured, who can drive and the permitted use. |
| Policy schedule | Your cover in detail: level of cover, limits, excesses and any extra sections. |
| Policy wording | The full terms, conditions and exclusions that apply. |
How you get your certificate
Your certificate is issued when your policy starts and each time it renews, usually by email or through an online account. If you lose it, we can arrange a replacement. If you change something, such as adding a driver, you will receive an updated certificate.
When you may need to show it
- If the police ask for it, for example after an accident or at a roadside check. If you do not have it with you, you can usually be asked to produce it at a police station within seven days.
- When applying to the DVLA for a trade licence (trade plates) on form VTL301. You normally need to send a copy of your certificate, and the name on it must match the application.
- When making an insurance claim.
Keep a copy where you can reach it quickly, on your phone and in your business records.
Frequently asked questions
Does my certificate let me use trade vehicles privately?
Not without restriction. Motor trade cover is for business use, and any private use must be clearly set out in your policy.
Can someone not named on the certificate drive?
No. Only the drivers listed are covered. Tell us before anyone new drives.
Is my certificate the same as being on the MID?
No. The certificate is your proof of cover. The MID is a database used to check vehicles on the road, and motor traders often need to keep it up to date themselves. See our MID updates page.
Related cover
Reviews
What motor traders say
Real reviews from motor trade customers, including many left for Nash Warren, now JMG Motor Trade.
I'd been busy all week at work and I knew I had my renewal on my list and then got a courtesy call and did the renewal there and then excellent service
Really good been with them for years. I always look around before I renew but they are always competitive. Friendly and straightforward to deal with.
Excellent service so easy to use. Made easy by clear and precise and friendly staff so YES i would recommend and use them again….
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