Employers' Liability Insurance Requirements for Garages
Almost all UK employers, including garages, are legally required to hold employers' liability insurance.
Why this requirement may appear
This requirement applies to all garages with employees, as employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement in almost all cases.
What to do
Legal requirement: The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires most employers to hold at least £5 million of cover, and to make the certificate available to staff.
Good practice: Review your cover annually to ensure it reflects your current number of employees and activities.
Motor Trade Ready suggests: Keep a copy of your current certificate on file with the renewal date recorded.
Evidence to retain
Current employers' liability insurance certificate showing the policy period and level of cover.
Keep this evidence organised
Motor Trade Ready can help you record the relevant date and keep supporting evidence alongside the rest of your garage compliance records.
Typical review timing
Renews annually — review at each renewal to confirm cover still matches your business.
Practical next steps
If a current certificate is not on file, contact your insurance broker or provider to obtain one.
When specialist help may be appropriate
An insurance broker can confirm your current cover meets legal requirements.
Put this into practice
Related garage compliance guidance
Official guidance and references
This guidance provides general information for UK garages and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements can vary by premises, activity and local authority — check current official guidance or seek professional advice for your specific circumstances.
Free Garage Compliance Health Check
Find out which compliance areas may apply to your workshop and create a practical roadmap of records, dates and actions to review.