Is goods in transit the same as tools in transit?

Not quite. Goods in transit covers items and stock you carry, often for others, while tools cover protects your own working equipment.

Do couriers legally need goods in transit cover?

It is not always a legal requirement, but many clients and delivery contracts insist on it before you can take on work.

Does it cover goods left in the van overnight?

Often only with conditions. Many policies limit or exclude cover for goods left unattended, so check the overnight and security terms.

Van

What is goods in transit cover?

Goods in transit cover protects the items and stock you carry in your van against loss, theft or damage on the move. Here is how it works and who needs it.

Goods in transit cover protects the items, stock or materials you carry in your van against loss, theft or damage while they are being transported. It is separate from the motor insurance on the van itself, so it is worth knowing where one stops and the other starts.

What goods in transit cover protects

Your motor policy covers the van, not what is inside it. Goods in transit cover fills that gap for the items you carry.

Stock and products being delivered to customers.
Materials and supplies carried to a job.
Goods carried for others, which is especially important for couriers.

It typically covers loss, theft and accidental damage while the goods are in transit, up to an agreed limit per load. Some policies also include loading and unloading, while others only cover the goods once they are in the vehicle.

Who needs it

Goods in transit cover is most relevant if you deliver items, carry stock or move things on behalf of clients. Couriers and hire and reward drivers often need it, and some contracts will not let you start work without it.

Tradespeople carrying expensive materials to a site, retailers making their own deliveries and removal firms may also find it useful.

What to check

Before you choose a policy, you may want to look at:

The single-load limit: the most the policy will pay for one load. It should match the value you usually carry.
The total or annual limit, if there is one.
Unattended vehicle terms: many policies have rules about locking, alarms and leaving goods in the van overnight.
Excluded items: cash, jewellery, high-value electronics and hazardous goods are commonly excluded or limited.

Matching the cover limit to the value of the goods you regularly carry helps avoid being underinsured.

Getting a quote

With Kompare you fill in a short form, and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you about quotes for your van and any extras such as goods in transit. See van insurance, courier insurance or how we work.