Goods in transit insurance

Do I need goods in transit insurance?

If you regularly drive a van, pickup or lorry to transport goods you’ll need insurance for goods in transit. As you’re on the road more, and sometimes with expensive cargo, you’re exposed to more risks.

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, food, parcels or electrical items. To be covered for haulage, you’ll need a courier or goods in transit policy.

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

Because goods in transit 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?