What is courier insurance and why do I need it?

Courier insurance is a must-have for any delivery business, whether you're using a car, van, scooter, or motorbike to make multiple deliveries. Let's leave aside for the moment the fact that it is legally essential; it can provide comprehensive protection for both your vehicle and the goods you're carrying, making sure that you're not left financially vulnerable in the event of an accident or theft.

What protection, exactly, does this insurance provide?

That's really up to you; once you have got the minimum cover required by law policies are usually very flexible. You could possibly benefit from a range of risks, including accidents involving your delivery vehicle, damage to goods in transit, theft of goods, liability for injury or damage caused to third parties, and loss of income due to unexpected events.

Most policies are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of delivery businesses, taking into account the additional mileage and areas you'll be driving through, as well as the value of the items you'll be transporting.

My van is already insured, do I really need to buy more?

It's important to note that standard vehicle insurance is not enough for courier work These insurance policies often have exclusions for commercial use, meaning that if you use your vehicle for business purposes, you won't be covered in the event of an accident. Attempting to make deliveries without the appropriate insurance can result in pretty horrendous financial losses (especially so, if the police catch you driving without it!), so it's essential to have the right insurance cover in place for your delivery business.

Which factors affect the premium?

When choosing the right courier insurance policy, it's important to understand the specific needs of your delivery business. Different policies are available to meet different needs, and we are all unique, so you really need to select the appropriate policy that meets the individual needs of your business.

Courier insurance covers a range of vehicles, including cars, vans, scooters, and motorbikes. It takes into account the additional risks associated with delivery work, such as the areas you'll be driving through (some of which can be 'exciting', to say the least!) and the value of the items you'll be transporting.

So to sum up ...

Courier insurance is like a bodyguard for your delivery business. It provides essential protection, ensuring that you're not left financially vulnerable in the event of an accident or theft. With the surge in demand for home deliveries following the Covid-19 pandemic, it's more important than ever to ensure that your delivery business is adequately protected.

By selecting the appropriate courier insurance policy, you can rest assured that your business is protected from potential risks whilst you're out on the road making deliveries for hire and reward. Oh, and the police are not likely to stop you, fine you heavily, and impound your vehicle like they done to many thousands of under-insured delivery drivers already!

How do I get a policy at the right price?

Well; forget about comparing quotes with one of the major price comparison sites; the insurers that are on their panels, and which will cover delivery usage, are as rare as hen's teeth! However; you could start by letting a panel of specialist delivery driver insurers compete for your business; naturally they are allAuthorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority so you can be confident that they will put your best interests first. Get quotes now: you may be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable they can be.