If you work as a courier, delivering parcels and other goods using a van, then you really need to get some proper courier van insurance – as regular business van insurance or commercial van insurance probably won’t give you the level of protective cover you really need.
Working with our sister company and insurance comparison experts, mustard.co.uk, we’ve put this guide together to help you understand what courier van insurance is, what it covers, why you need it, and how to get it at the best price.
What is courier van insurance?
Courier van insurance covers not just the driver and the van but also the packages inside the vehicle.
It’s a specialist type of insurance policy specifically designed to suit couriers transporting goods and other items to multiple locations – what’s often known as ‘multi-drop’ work.
Why do I need courier insurance?
You need courier insurance if you transport or deliver goods for work. More important still, courier vans often have have-value contents, cover high mileage and get left in busy areas while deliveries are made. This makes them high-risk vehicles.
As a result, most business insurance policies won’t give you adequate cover should the worst happen.
What’s more, you also get goods-in-transit insurance with courier cover – something that does not come as standard with most ordinary business insurance policies. If you’re a courier this is essential for protecting the items inside your van.
Do I need hire and reward insurance?
If you use your van to transport or deliver goods for other people in exchange for money, then yes, you will need hire and reward insurance as part of you courier van policy.
Hire and reward insurance can protect you should the goods you’re transporting – or your vehicle – be damaged or stolen while you’re working.
Is there a difference between haulage insurance and courier insurance?
Haulage insurance usually differs from courier insurance because it is intended for drivers doing a small number (typically one or two) pre-planned, long-distance deliveries for larger or higher value goods.
Courier insurance focuses on multiple deliveries or drop-offs on multidrop routes, which are shorter and for smaller, usually less expensive items.
However, the definition does sometimes differ between insurance companies, so it is important that you check with your insurer to make sure your policy gives you the right level of cover for your business requirements.
How can I save money on courier insurance?
The best thing to do will be to compare policies using an insurance comparison service, such as mustard.co.uk.
This will not only allow you to check prices, but also compare cover, to make sure you get the courier van insurance policy that best suits your needs. Be realistic and don’t scrimp, though, as it’s vital that you are adequately covered should something unfortunate happen.
Also read:
>> Business van insurance – everything you need to know
>> Private van insurance – everything you need to know
>> More about mustard.co.uk and van insurance on Parkers
>> What is a car derived van? And which is best?
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