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Why do you need courier insurance?

Everyone who drives a vehicle on the roads needs to make sure they have insurance coverage in place. Driving can be a risky business, and in the event of an accident, costs can mount up. If you regularly drive to deliver goods, it could pay to have a specialist courier insurance policy.

It doesn’t matter if you drive a courier motorbike, van, or car or even work as part of a fleet of couriers, there are many additional risks involved.

A specialist courier policy will protect you and your business not just from standard driving-related claims. Courier insurance can also protect the goods in transit you are carrying. It may also include public liability cover. For firms who operate a number of couriers, employer’s liability cover might also be a good idea too. However, self-insured couriers should also make sure they have appropriate cover in place.

Who needs courier insurance?

If you operate any of the following types of business, you could benefit from courier insurance:

Types

Working as a courier involves travelling on public highways. You must make sure your policy covers your basic driving risks. There are also additional risks to consider when working as a courier.

Third-party

The most basic type of road cover. You are insured for damage to third parties in the event of an accident

Third-party, fire and theft

As above, in addition, your courier vehicle is covered against fire and theft.

Comprehensive

For peace of mind, most courier firms opt for comprehensive insurance. This means you are covered for all of the above, plus any legal or compensation claims arising from an incident you are liable for.

Goods in Transit

As a courier, you will be transporting things from one place to another. If any damage occurs to those goods, you will be liable. Goods in transit insurance policy cover the cost of the goods you are transporting in the event of loss, damage or theft.

Public liability cover

Working as a courier usually involves dealing with members of the public, or other business employees to make deliveries. Public liability insurance protects a courier or business against claims made by the public. For example, if an accident or injury occurs during the course of delivery. Usually, the lowest amount of public liability cover is £ 1 million. Policies are available with up to £ 10 million cover.

Employer’s liability

Businesses that operate a number of drivers might need employer liability insurance. This can protect your business in the event of a claim by a serving or ex-employee.

Motorbike or bicycle cover

Motorbikes and bikes are classed as higher risk than cars or vans. If a biker is injured due to an accident, injuries are likely to be severe, and compensation claims can be expensive. As such, you may need to take out additional cover if you or an employee drive a motorbike for courier work. Motorbike cover usually means a higher premium, so make sure you only include it on your policy if you really need it.

Breakdown cover

Even well-maintained vehicles can break down. Late deliveries can mean costly compensation for courier firms. Breakdown cover ensures a swift response to get you back on the road in the event of a breakdown.

How to save money on courier insurance?

The higher the risk, the more expensive the policy. The best way to reduce the cost of courier insurance is to reduce the overall risks involved.

  • Ensure all drivers are aware of health and safety policies
  • Employ courier drivers with a clean driving licence.
  • Drivers under the age of 25 can incur higher premium costs.
  • Make sure all vehicles are secured during every stage of delivery. This lowers the risk of theft.

As well as reducing the risks, there are other steps you can take which could bring down the cost of your premium

  • If you are able to, paying premium costs annually rather than monthly can mean a lower overall policy cost.
  • Consider increasing the excess on your policy. By improving the amount you would pay in the event of a claim, the overall policy costs can reduce.
  • Compare a range of quotes from different providers. Ensure that you are only paying for the cover you need and that each policy is tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Do I need specialist insurance to deliver parcels?

Even if you use your private car or van to deliver parcels part-time, you will need to make sure you have the right insurance. Private car policies will not protect you if you are working as a courier.

I am self-employed. Should I get courier insurance?

Being self-employed can offer great flexibility. However, the financial risks are increased if for any reason you are unable to work. Some insurers offer specialist courier policies for the self-employed. These may include cover for periods you are unable to work, so talk to your insurer to arrange the right cover for your needs.

Why do I need goods in transit insurance?

 If an item you are delivering is damaged whilst in your care, you are liable for the cost of repair or replacement. Goods in transit insurance can protect your business from expenses like this. Depending on the type of goods transported, costs could run into the thousands in the event of an accident, which could cripple your business. Having the right cover means your business is protected in case things go wrong.

Will courier insurance cover me when driving abroad?

There are so many different courier policies on offer. Some offer European travel as standard, others don’t. If your delivery work regularly takes you out of the country, it could be cost-effective to include this cover as part of your premium. If you don’t deliver outside the country, make sure you are not paying for cover you don’t need.

My courier firm uses vans, cars and motorbikes. Do I need a separate policy for each?

Most courier insurance policies can offer fleet insurance. This means that every vehicle in your fleet is covered at the same level. However, you will need to consider the types of delivery made by each. Van couriers are likely to be delivering much larger packages than motorbikes. This could mean greater risk when unloading or loading than for smaller parcels. Carefully weigh up the risks for each driver, and make sure your policy covers accordingly.

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