Goods in transit insurance

Do I need goods in transit insurance?

It’s not a legal requirement, but if you regularly drive a van, pickup or lorry to transport goods it’s sensible to have. As you’re on the road more, and sometimes with expensive cargo, you’re exposed to more risks.

Although you are required by law to have commercial van insurance, that doesn’t cover the goods in the back.

There is a range of van insurance policy types available and you need to pick the right one. Depending on the type of goods and how often you carry cargo, you’ll fall into one of the following categories:

Own goods means you use your van or pickup to carry work-related goods, tools and equipment. Tradespeople, builders and florists will fall into this category. For this use you’ll need a commercial van insurance policy.

Haulage is where you use your vehicle to transport other people’s goods or get paid to move cargo. This could be building materials, removals, food, parcels or electrical items. To be covered for haulage, you’ll need a courier or goods in transit insurance policy.

What should I look for in a goods in transit insurance policy?

Because goods in transit insurance policies could cover a wide range of circumstances, its important to get the right cover for your needs:

• Consider what you are carrying - it’s important to check terms for high value items, livestock and refrigerated goods
• Check where cover starts and finishes - particularly around the loading and unloading of goods.
• Driver’s personal possessions - are they included?
• Establish whether items used to tether and protect goods are covered like ropes, straps and tarpaulins.
• If you have a contract with a large company, you’ll have to fulfil conditions of carriage. Make sure the policy you get accommodates these to suit your contract.
• Employer liability and public liability - are they included or do you need to add them?

What does goods in transit insurance cover?

Depending on the type of policy you take out, you can get cover for:

• Your cargo
• Employer's liability
• Public liability
• Damage to your van and other vehicles

We have a specialist goods in transit partner, Quote Me Today, who can help you tailor your insurance policy for your needs, and to make sure you’re not paying over the odds.