Short answer: there’s no single “best” HGV insurer for everyone — the right policy depends on vehicle size (3.5–44+ t), whether you need single-vehicle or fleet cover, goods-in-transit/public-liability limits, driver ages/CPCs and your claims history. That said, the insurers and specialist brokers most often recommended for UK HGV/truck cover are below, plus practical tips on choosing the cheapest, most suitable policy.

Insurers commonly used for HGVs (good to ask about)

• Aviva — large specialist truck/HGV propositions. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• RSA — haulage/haulier solutions for small fleets with RHA/CMR options. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• QBE — flexible motor/fleet policies, strong for fleet claims handling. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• NFU Mutual — specific truck/HGV policies, breakdown/public-liability options. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• HDI, Markel, Ageas, Zurich, Chubb — used for larger or specialist fleets; Markel scores highly in broker surveys for commercial lines. (insurancetimes.co.uk, smallbusinessprices.co.uk)

Specialist brokers / comparison routes to get quotes

• Specialist HGV brokers (CompareHGVInsurance, Isis Insurance, Anthony Jones, Nova Insurance, Adrian Flux and other HGV specialists) — they often access underwriters and schemes that general motor sites don’t. Check Trustpilot/reviews for service. (uk.trustpilot.com, isisinsurance.co.uk, anthonyjones.com, nova-insurance.com, en.wikipedia.org)
• Comparison/quote sites for fleet quotes (e.g., SimplyQuote) can give quick price checks but use a specialist broker for complex or high-value cover. (simplyquote.co.uk)

What affects price / cover you should check

• Type of cover: Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, or Third Party Only. If carrying goods you don’t own, you’ll likely need Goods in Transit cover and appropriate limits. (staveleyhead.co.uk, simplyquote.co.uk)
• Driver factors: age, experience, CPC and how long they’ve held a licence; some insurers require drivers 25+. (staveleyhead.co.uk)
• Vehicle details: weight/tonnage, vehicle value, trailer cover, use (haulage, courier, refrigerated, ADR/hazardous). (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• Fleet size, telematics, driver training programmes and secure parking can cut premiums; some underwriters require telematics for larger fleets. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
• Typical costs vary widely (examples quoted ~£1,500–£3,000 per HGV annually as a broad range) — get tailored quotes. (simplyquote.co.uk)

Practical steps to get the best deal

1. Use a specialist HGV broker (not a general car site) — they know haulage wordings, RHA/CMR requirements and which underwriters will quote. (isisinsurance.co.uk, anthonyjones.com)
2. Get at least 3 tailored quotes (including one from a broker that deals only with HGVs). (simplyquote.co.uk)
3. Check policy wordings: goods-in-transit limits, public & employers’ liability limits, trailer cover, geographical cover (UK / Europe), excesses and penalties for changing drivers. (staveleyhead.co.uk)
4. Ask about claims handling and repair network / 24/7 claims helpline — these materially affect downtime. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)
5. Reduce premium where safe/possible: telematics, secure parking, restrict drivers to named experienced drivers, formal driver training. (smallbusinessprices.co.uk)

If you want, I can:

• give a tailored shortlist if you tell me whether it’s a single HGV or a fleet, vehicle tonnage, drivers’ experience and whether you carry goods for hire/reward; or
• provide contact links and one or two top specialist brokers to call for quotes.

Sources: industry lists and insurer pages (SmallBusinessPrices/Specialist insurer summaries), broker/comparison sites and industry broker rankings (Insurance Times broker survey), and specialist HGV guidance (Staveley Head / SimplyQuote / specialist brokers). (smallbusinessprices.co.uk, insurancetimes.co.uk, simplyquote.co.uk, staveleyhead.co.uk)