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4x4 insurance

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Insure your 4x4 for how you use it 

The description ‘4x4’ covers a broad range of vehicles including Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Toyota Land Cruisers and even some family SUVs.

The type of policy you need for your 4x4 depends on how you intend to use it.

If you only drive your 4x4 on the road, a standard car insurance policy will be enough to cover the vehicle.

But if you intend to use your vehicle off-road you might need specialist cover.

And while some 4x4 vehicles require a car insurance policy, others (including pick-ups) will be classed as commercial vehicles needing van insurance.

Small children climbing to the backseat of a 4x4 car

Types of car insurance policies for a 4x4

Like all car insurance policies, there are three different levels of cover you can choose from.

Third party only

Third party only (TPO) is the minimum insurance level required by law.

With TPO insurance, you won’t be covered for damage to your own vehicle or damage by fire or theft. It only covers damage to someone else’s vehicle or property.

Third party, fire and theft

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) will cover you for damage or injury to third parties, as well as cover for your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.

You won’t be covered if your vehicle is a write-off or damaged as a result of your driving.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance is the highest level of cover you can get for your vehicle.

It covers everything that TPO and TPFT policies do, but also any repairs to your car or replacement if it’s written-off in an accident that you caused.

Off-road cover for 4x4s

The AA does more than just car insurance.

You should be able to find cover for off-road use easily. Make sure you check your policy’s terms and conditions though, as some will exclude off-roading.

If you intend to enter competitions, you’re likely to need specialist insurance.

A 4x4 owners’ club might be able to help you with this, or you could try a specialist broker.

4x4 insurance and towing

If you use your 4x4 for towing trailers and caravans, keep in mind that not all insurance policies will include cover as a standard feature, or even as an optional extra.

If a policy does, check exclusions for the size and weight of vehicle you intend to tow.

Insurers consider a tow bar a modification so check with your provider whether you need to declare that you have a tow bar fitted before towing.

Modified 4x4s and classics

If you’ve lavished time and money on your 4x4 - modifying it or adding high-specification parts - consider an agreed value policy.

This is suitable for a 4x4 that’s worth more than most vehicles of its type and age as - in the event of a total loss - a policy can pay out a pre-agreed sum rather than the market value.

It’s worth considering if your 4x4 is a classic too.

You’re likely to pay more for an agreed value policy and you’ll need to provide additional evidence about your 4x4. For example, it’s condition and value.

Optional extras

You may want to consider adding extras to your 4x4 insurance policy if it doesn’t already include them as standard:

  1. Legal expenses cover

    If you get sued for damages after an accident, this can cover the cost of any legal bills

  2. Breakdown cover

    Cover may also include the use of a courtesy car if your 4x4 can’t be repaired there and then

  3. Personal accident cover

    Pays out if you’re injured, disabled or die as the result of a car accident that was your fault

  4. Key care

    Pays out for lost, damaged keys and for reprogramming replacement keys

Are 4x4s more expensive to insure?

4x4s are placed in higher insurance groups than other cars for a few reasons:

  1. Size

    The size and weight of many four-wheel drive cars means that they can do a lot of damage to vehicles, people or property if involved in an accident

  2. Parts

    They’re likely to have high-grade components, meaning they’re expensive to buy, replace and repair

  3. Theft

    Costly components and modifications make them attractive to thieves, which can increase insurance premiums

  4. Usage

    You’re more likely to go on an off-roading adventure which increases the risk of having an accident

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Do I need specialist car insurance for a 4x4?

It depends on the car and how you intend to use it. For driving on UK roads, a standard policy should be enough. But you may need to purchase policy extras or get specialist insurance if it’s modified, or if you intend to use your 4x4 for a different purpose.

Off-road and green laning cover

If you take your 4x4 off the beaten track - whether green laning (driving on unsurfaced tracks) or off-roading (driving through fields, shallow waterways and bumpy terrain) you’ll need the right insurance.

And if you enter timed, off-road racing competitions, you’ll need specialist insurance. A 4x4 owners’ club might be able to help you with this, or you could try a specialist broker.

Towing

If you use your 4x4 for towing trailers and caravans, keep in mind that not all insurance policies will include towing cover as a standard feature, or even as an optional extra.

If a policy does, check exclusions for the size and weight of vehicle you intend to tow.

Insurers consider a towbar a modification, so check with your provider whether you need to declare that you have a tow bar fitted before you use it.

Modifications

If you’ve modified or added high-specification parts like suspension upgrades and roll cages to your 4x4, you’ll need to let your insurer know in case it affects your premium. Failing to disclose modifications can mean any claim you make will be invalid.

Agreed value cover for modified 4x4s

If you’ve lavished time and money on your 4x4 or if it’s a classic car, consider an agreed value policy.

This is suitable for a 4x4 that’s worth more than most vehicles of its type and age.

It’s where you and your insurer negotiate to determine an agreed valuation for your car when you take out the policy. In the event of a total loss, it will pay out the pre-agreed sum rather than the market value.

You’re likely to pay more for an agreed value policy than standard car insurance and you’ll need to provide additional evidence about your 4x4. For example, its condition, parts and modifications.

Business use

If you use your 4x4 for work - for example if you work in agriculture, gardening, tree cutting services or similar - you’ll need a policy that covers business use.

Classic car insurance

If you have a classic 4x4, for instance a Jeep, Land Rover or ex-military vehicle, then a classic car insurance policy may suit you better and could even work out cheaper, especially if you only drive your 4x4 occasionally for leisure.

Because insurers know classic cars tend to be well looked after and are driven less than regular cars, they often pose less risk of being damaged in an accident, so premiums can reflect this.

A classic car policy can offer discounts for low-mileage and if you belong to a classic car enthusiast club.

How can I get cheaper 4x4 insurance?

There are a few things that can help lower the cost of insurance premiums for 4x4s including:

  • Security: Alarms and immobilisers reduce theft risk. Ask your insurer whether they offer discounts for installing certain security features
  • Keep it safe: Parking overnight in a garage or on a driveway off the main road helps keep your 4x4 safe from theft and damage
  • Pay upfront: If you can pay the full annual premium in one go, rather than in monthly instalments, you won’t be charged interest
  • Increase your voluntary excess: This usually lowers premiums but be sure you’ll be able to afford it in the event of a claim
  • Limit modifications: Modifying your 4x4 can mean it’s more expensive to repair and a prime target for thieves, so premiums could be higher
  • Join an owners’ club: Being a member can mean discounts on 4x4 insurance

What do I need to get a quote?

We’ll need some general information including:

  • Your name, age and address
  • Make and model of your 4x4
  • How you use your 4x4 - for leisure or business purposes
  • Your job
  • Annual mileage
  • Driving history including any accidents and driving convictions
  • Claims history and whether you have a no-claims discount (NCD)
  • Where you keep your 4x4 overnight

Frequently asked questions

You’ll need to check with your insurer if you’re covered for off-roading as not all policies will allow it because of the risks involved.

Don’t forget you must get the landowner’s permission before driving on private land.

A green lane, a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) or an Unclassified Road (UCR) are just different names for a byway - an unpaved rural road. If you want to drive your 4x4 on them, your car insurance policy needs to include green lane cover.

Your green lane policy should cover you for non-competitive driving along byways that are open to all traffic. But read your policy carefully for any exclusions.

Take care with restricted byways, as these don't allow motorised vehicular access and would almost certainly be excluded from your cover.

The Green Lane Association (GLASS) is a good place to find out more about where to access green lanes around the UK.

Short-term, or temporary car insurance, can cover you for a couple of hours up to a few months, depending on the policy. It can offer instant cover and is useful if, for example, you’ve just bought a new 4x4 and need to drive it home before you sort out an annual insurance policy. It can also be suitable if you’re taking a car for a test drive or are sharing the driving of a friend’s 4x4 on a trip.

Not all insurers offer short-term cover and you may have to be over a certain age to be accepted by some insurers.

If you modify your 4x4, perhaps for off-road or green lane driving, adding things like bigger tyres, a suspension upgrade, snorkels or rock sliders, then you can expect to be charged more for insurance.

Modifications can mean repairs will cost more if your 4x4 gets damaged. And certain types of modifications make your car an increased target for theft.

You’ll need specialist insurance if you take part in off-road 4x4 races and competitions. Look for specialist companies or use a broker. You could also ask a 4x4 owners’ club for recommendations.

Yes, you can find 4x4 cover as a young or inexperienced driver, though some providers won’t cover drivers under 21 as they regard them as high risk.

Generally, the younger you are, the fewer insurers you’ll have to choose from. Less choice can mean higher prices. So you’ll need to shop around to make sure you get the best deal possible.

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Page last reviewed: 21 February 2023

Page reviewed by: Jasmine Hembury

[1]Up to £250 refunded after claim settled. Car insurance purchases only. Excludes breakdown, windscreen and glass repair/replacement. Full T&Cs apply.