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Goods in transit insurance

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What is goods in transit insurance?

Goods in transit insurance (GIT insurance) protects the contents that you’re carrying in your van, truck or lorry as part of your work. If you’re a courier or in the haulage industry, it can help you recover costs if your or your customer’s goods are lost, stolen or damaged in transit.

It only covers the contents of your vehicle. It doesn’t replace any van insurance or HGV insurance you have for the vehicle itself. Goods are also only covered in transit and not while they're in the vehicle at a depot.

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 it. As you’re on the road more, sometimes with expensive cargo, you’re exposed to more risks.

Commercial van insurance is required by law, but it doesn’t cover the goods in the back of your vehicle.

There's a range of van insurance policy types available. The policy type you choose depends on the type of goods you carry.

If you use your vehicle to transport your own goods, meaning any work-related goods, tools and equipment, you'll need a commercial van insurance policy. For example, if you're a tradesperson, builder or florist.

If you use your vehicle for haulage, you'll need courier or goods in transit insurance as you're paid to transport other people’s goods or move cargo. This could be building materials, removals, food, parcels or electrical items.

How can I get the cheapest goods in transit quote?

You could get cheaper insurance if you:

  • Change to a black box policy
  • Pay annually for your policy rather than monthly
  • Improve your van’s security
  • Use a dashcam while you drive
  • Increase your voluntary excess
  • Accurately value the goods you carry
  • Don’t auto-renew

Change to a black box policy, which uses a telematics device to monitor your driving. If you prove to be a good driver your insurer might offer discounts. Some black box policies also include vehicle tracking, which could be useful if your van is stolen.

Improve your van’s security to make the goods you carry less prone to theft.

Use a dashcam while you drive. If there’s an incident, it’s easier to find which driver was at fault. Some insurers offer savings for this extra transparency.

Increase your voluntary excess, but remember you’ll probably have to pay more upfront if you make a claim.

Accurately value the goods you carry as the value of what you are transporting will affect the price you pay. Ensuring they are packed properly will also reduce the risk of damage.

Don’t auto-renew to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Insurers don't always reward loyalty with cheaper prices, so compare quotes before your renewal is due.

Find other ways to reduce the cost of your van insurance.

How much is goods in transit insurance?

The cost of GIT insurance depends on the:

  • Driver's age and experience
  • Type of vehicle and its age
  • Location of the vehicle
  • Type of job being completed (and what goods are included)
  • Level of cover
  • Security of the vehicle

Visit our specialist partner Quote Me Today for a goods in transit quote

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

Goods in transit insurance policies could cover a wide range of circumstances, so it’s important to get the right cover for your needs. You should consider:

  • What you're carrying – always check terms and conditions for high-value items, livestock and refrigerated goods.
  • Where the cover starts and finishes – particularly with the loading and unloading of goods.
  • Employer liability and public liability cover
  • Cover for the driver’s personal possessions
  • Cover for items used to tether and protect goods like ropes, straps and tarpaulins.
  • Contractual obligations. With a large company, you’ll need to fulfil conditions of carriage. Make sure the policy you get accommodates these to suit your contract.

Do I need to buy other types of insurance as well?

Goods in transit insurance covers only the contents of your van.

To cover the vehicle itself, you’ll need a courier van insurance policy or a commercial van insurance policy.

Some policies include public liability cover. But if you do choose goods in transit and public liability insurance, always check what's included and the levels of cover.

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. They can help you tailor your insurance policy to your needs, and make sure you’re not paying too much.

What our van insurance expert says

Before you get a quote, be clear about the type of cover you need. Goods in transit insurance is better suited to drivers in the haulage industry. If you use your van for carriage of own goods, then a commercial van insurance policy might be better suited.

Need more help?

How much cover can I get on a goods in transit policy?

If you work for a big courier company we can provide cover to fulfil most conditions of carriage. You can always check the wording of your policy or talk to the insurer direct to get a clearer idea of value if needs be.

Is public liability and employer’s liability insurance included?

What is included in a goods in transit policy varies between providers. Public liability and employer liability are often included but if they’re not, you may need to arrange additional cover.

Does goods in transit insurance cover items left in the vehicle overnight?

Insurance for goods in transit may cover you for items left in a vehicle overnight, but you will need to check the insurance policy. If they are covered, the insurer will usually require you to keep the vehicle locked and in a safe location.

Do I need goods in transit insurance to move home?

Yes, you will need to think about insuring your belongings with goods in transit insurance when you move home. But your home insurance policy may cover this already. If you're hiring a removal company, they may also have cover.

Can goods in transit insurance cover me to move business premises?

Yes, it can cover your business equipment if you're moving premises. If you're hiring a removal company, they may already offer this cover. You'll still need to check what level of cover the company has to make sure it meets your needs.

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