Compare courier insurance quotes

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Do I need courier insurance?

If you deliver or transport goods or packages for work then you might want to consider having courier insurance. If you don’t have suitable insurance that reflects the way you use your van, your policy could be classed as invalid. Driving with inappropriate insurance could be viewed as the same as not having any at all and can leave you facing a hefty fine and penalty points. In the worst-case scenario, you could even be disqualified from driving.

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Why do I need van courier insurance?

Courier van insurance covers specific risks unique to delivery vehicles. For example, courier vans often cover numerous miles and are left in busy areas while deliveries are being made. Van contents can also be temptation for opportunistic thieves. All this puts courier vans at greater risk of being involved in an accident, vandalised, or stolen, which is reflected in the policy and its premium.

What are the different levels of courier van insurance?

Like other types of van and car insurance, there are three levels of cover to choose from:

Third party only – the UK’s minimum legal requirement of insurance you must hold for your vehicle. It only covers you for damage or injury to another person or their property if you cause an accident. However, you and your own vehicle will not be covered, and you will not be able to claim with your insurance. Damaged cause by theft or fire is also not covered by a Third party only policy.
Third party, fire and theft– in addition to third party only cover, insurers will indemnify you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive – provides everything included under third party, fire and theft and will also indemnify you if your car is damaged or destroyed in an accident.

Does courier insurance cover the goods being transported?

Generally, courier insurance only covers the van, not the contents being transported. If you want to cover the items you’re delivering, you may wish to explore goods in transit insurance too. Most insurers typically give you the option of adding goods in transit insurance to your policy which will cover items for damage, theft, and loss. If you’re transporting particularly valuable goods like art, jewellery, or antiques, let your insurer know so they can help provide a policy to suit your needs.

Why compare courier insurance?

Appropriate courier insurance isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a safety net that can provide you with compensation if your van is damaged or stolen. With that in mind, it’s crucial to make sure the policy you choose covers your needs and enables you to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Comparing van insurance quotes for couriers means you can see at a glance who’s offering what and for how much – helping to ensure you get the best value for money.

Courier van insurance FAQs

What insurance do I need to be a self-employed courier?

If you’re a self-employed courier, it’s up to you to arrange suitable business insurance which may include courier van cover and goods in transit insurance. On top of these insurance products, it’s worth considering a range of other features that can be added on for an additional cost to your premium, for example:

Breakdown cover
Public liability insurance
Employers’ liability insurance
Legal expenses cover

It seems like a lot to think about, but the majority of business insurance packages will bundle together these products – giving you robust and comprehensive protection against various risks.

What type of insurance does a courier need?

If you’re employed by a delivery company and use their vehicles, check what they cover under their own business insurance policy. Often, if you’re an employee you won’t need to worry about arranging your own insurance.

If you’re self-employed, it’ll be down to you to organise your own courier insurance and goods in transit cover.

How much is courier insurance?

Courier insurance premiums are based on a number of factors so cost can vary depending on what you need and your circumstances. For instance, insurers will consider:

Your age – younger drivers generally pay more for vehicle insurance as they’re statistically more likely to be involved in an accident.
The type of van you drive – smaller vans tend to be cheaper to insure as they cost less to repair or replace.
The type of goods you deliver – high value goods usually require higher levels of cover which can push up premiums.

Where and when you drive – driving in busy areas with high crime rates typically means pricier premiums, you could also end up paying more if you drive predominately at night (for instance if you’re a takeaway delivery driver).

Is courier van insurance the same as haulage insurance?

No, as a rule, courier van insurance is for drivers delivering packages to multiple different locations. Whereas haulage insurance covers long-distance delivery drivers making one or two pre-planned stops (like lorry drivers).

Bear in mind the definitions can vary slightly depending on the insurer, so it’s important to check your policy to make sure you’ve got the right level of cover for your specific needs.

Can I get courier insurance for a car?

Yes, you should be able to buy courier insurance for your car. You may wish to consider adding on goods in transit cover too if it’s not included within the policy.

How many vehicles does courier van insurance cover?

Policies only cover the vehicle listed on the policy document. If you’ve got more than one van you want to insure, consider commercial fleet insurance instead.

Can I get courier van insurance if I’m under 25?

Some insurers will only offer courier insurance to drivers aged 21 and over but it very much depends on the terms set out by the individual provider. If you’re under 21 (or whatever the specified age restriction is) you may still be able to find courier insurance, but your options could be limited.

Is short-term insurance for couriers available?

Yes, you can also buy short-term or temporary courier insurance if you don’t need an annual policy. Short-term policies are essentially the same but instead of lasting 12 months, you can choose how long the policy lasts.