This may seem like the simple solution, especially as many couriers will already be insuring their own vehicle on a private van policy. However, this type of coverage will not be enough to cover your needs as a courier. In order to ensure that you are covered for every aspect of courier work, you need to purchase courier insurance cover. There are a host of risks that come with working as a courier that simply don’t exist when carrying out occasional deliveries using your own van.
Your van will be racking up the miles during your work as a courier, far more so than if you were using a van for personal use only. You will often be driving the length and breadth of the country, as well as travelling into Europe – which will require you to have EU use included on your insurance policy. Sadly, there is also more chance of an accident occurring due to the sheer number of hours you will be spending on the road while carrying out your courier duties. People will also be relying on you – both those that have despatched the goods and those who are receiving them – to ensure that the items are delivered safely and on-time.
Neither a private nor commercial van policy is capable of covering all of the above risks. A commercial van insurance policy is suitable for those carrying out a trade, such as plumbing or electrical work and who have an established base of clients and a regular patch to cover. Some people who use vans for commercial work may take on courier work too, however the commercial van policy will not cover this sort of extra work and it is essential to confirm with your insurance firm as to whether you are permitted to carry goods.
In order to get a courier insurance policy, there are a few things that will need to be demonstrated, including the distance of travel from where the vehicle is based, the type of customer that you’ll be working with and the type and amount of goods to be carried.
Other items to think about include goods in transit insurance, which, as a rule is sold on a separate basis to a vehicle insurance policy, but is key for couriers who make multi-drop deliveries. This type of cover can also make sure your public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance needs are met.
It’s just not worth taking the risk and being left exposed to claims – ensure that you have the correct insurance by calling Bollington on 01625 348779, or filling out the straightforward online form to receive a quotation. There is every chance the cover you need will cost less than you think, and it could well save you a huge amount if anyone were ever to claim against you in your line of work.