Fleet Insurance: Mini Fleet vs Full Fleet Policies

What is Fleet Insurance?

Fleet insurance is a single policy that covers multiple vehicles under one arrangement. Instead of managing separate policies for each vehicle—each with different renewal dates and potentially different insurers—fleet insurance consolidates everything into one policy.

The main benefits include:

Single renewal date for all vehicles
One premium payment
Simplified administration
Potential cost savings through volume discounts
Easier to add or remove vehicles

Key Point: Fleet insurance is typically available for businesses with 3 or more vehicles. Below this threshold, individual policies are usually the only option.

Mini Fleet Policies

Mini fleet insurance is designed for smaller fleets, typically 3 to 10 vehicles. These policies are often more accessible and have simpler underwriting requirements.

Characteristics of Mini Fleet

Covers 3-10 vehicles (varies by insurer)
Each vehicle and driver is individually rated
Named driver policies are common
Simpler application process
Often available through standard insurance markets
Premiums based on individual vehicle and driver risk

Pros of Mini Fleet

Easier to obtain than full fleet policies
Good for businesses just starting to build a fleet
Individual vehicle ratings can benefit low-risk vehicles
More insurers offer mini fleet products

Cons of Mini Fleet

Less flexibility than full fleet policies
May not cover all vehicle types
Driver restrictions can be limiting
Premium increases if individual drivers have claims

Full Fleet Policies

Full fleet insurance is designed for larger operations, typically 10+ vehicles. These policies offer more flexibility and are rated on the fleet as a whole rather than individual vehicles.

Characteristics of Full Fleet

Covers 10+ vehicles (some start at 5)
Fleet-rated rather than individually rated
Any driver policies available
More comprehensive cover options
Bespoke underwriting based on fleet profile
Claims experience affects overall premium

Pros of Full Fleet

Greater flexibility in driver arrangements
Volume discounts for larger fleets
Easier to add/remove vehicles mid-term
Can cover mixed vehicle types
Better suited to complex operations

Cons of Full Fleet

Higher minimum vehicle requirements
More detailed underwriting process
Claims affect the whole fleet premium
May require more documentation

Key Differences

The main differences between mini fleet and full fleet policies are:

Feature	Mini Fleet	Full Fleet
Fleet Size	3-10 vehicles	10+ vehicles
Rating Basis	Individual vehicles	Fleet as a whole
Driver Options	Usually named drivers	Any driver available
Flexibility	Limited	High
Underwriting	Standard	Bespoke

Transition Point: Many businesses start with mini fleet and transition to full fleet as they grow. Your broker can advise when it makes sense to switch.

Which is Right for You?

The right choice depends on several factors:

Choose Mini Fleet If:

You have 3-10 vehicles
Your drivers are consistent and named
Your vehicles are similar types
You want a straightforward policy
You're building your fleet gradually

Choose Full Fleet If:

You have 10+ vehicles
You need flexibility with drivers
You have mixed vehicle types
You frequently add/remove vehicles
You want bespoke cover options

Getting a Quote

To obtain a fleet insurance quote, you'll typically need:

Vehicle schedule (registration, make, model, value)
Driver details (names, dates of birth, licence info)
Business description and vehicle use
Claims history (typically 3-5 years)
Current insurance details
Any specific cover requirements

Working with a specialist fleet broker gives you access to a wider market and expert advice on structuring your policy. Fleet insurance has many options, and the right broker can often find significant savings.