Courier
Courier insurance UK: what you need and how to compare quotes
A guide to courier insurance in the UK: why standard cover is not enough, the main types of cover, what affects the cost and tips on your premium.
If you deliver goods for payment, whether for a courier company, your own delivery business or a delivery app, you will usually need specialist courier insurance. Standard van or car insurance is not designed to cover you when you carry goods for hire or reward.
Why standard insurance does not cover you
Most personal and standard business motor policies exclude carrying goods for hire or reward. Once you are paid to carry goods, you may fall outside your policy. If you had an accident while making a delivery, your insurer could refuse to pay out, leaving you personally liable.
Types of courier insurance
- Hire and reward insurance: the core of any courier policy. It covers your liability while carrying goods for payment.
- Goods in transit cover: covers the goods you are carrying against loss, theft or damage.
- Comprehensive cover: also covers damage to your own vehicle. Many couriers choose it because of the high mileage they do.
- Fleet courier insurance: if you run several delivery vehicles, putting them on one policy can be simpler to manage. See fleet insurance.
What affects courier insurance costs?
Your premium depends on your vehicle type, what you carry, your annual mileage, your claims history and the number of drivers on the policy. Where you work and where the vehicle is kept overnight also count.
App-based delivery drivers
If you deliver through an app, the platform may provide some cover while you are actively making a delivery. This can be limited, and it may not cover every part of your working day. Check exactly what your platform provides and when, and consider whether you need your own hire and reward policy to fill any gaps.
Tips on your premium
- Shop around at renewal rather than renewing automatically.
- Keep the policy to named drivers only if that suits how you work.
- Fit a dashcam, which can help with disputed claims.
- Pay annually if you can, as monthly plans often include interest.
Getting courier insurance quotes through Kompare
Kompare works with specialist courier insurance brokers. You fill in a short form and a specialist, FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you about quotes. Find out more about courier insurance, van insurance or fleet insurance if you run several vehicles.