What is Courier Van Insurance?
Courier van insurance is a type of commercial vehicle insurance policy designed for individuals or businesses that operate vans for courier or delivery purposes. The policy is designed to cover the unique risks associated with those who spend more time on the road and provides protection for the van, the driver, and typically any goods or cargo being transported. Policies can often be known as ‘hire and reward’ or ‘carriage of goods for hire’.
Courier insurance cover starts by offering 1 of 3 levels of insurance:
- Third-party only is the minimum level of cover. It covers the cost of damages to third-party vehicles or property if you are involved in an accident.
- Third-party, fire, and theft cover adds protection for your van against fire and theft, as well as third-party damages.
- Comprehensive cover provides the most extensive protection and covers your van for damages, theft, fire, and accidents that are your fault.
In addition to these cover options, courier van insurance policies may also offer additional features, such as cover to protect against damage or loss of goods carried as well as breakdown assistance, and legal expenses cover.
How our process works
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Types of Coverage
Courier van insurance policies typically offer three levels of coverage: Comprehensive, Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT), and Third Party Only (TPO). Understanding the differences between these coverage options can help you choose the right policy for your business needs.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage is the highest level of protection available for courier van insurance. It covers damages to your vehicle, as well as damages to third-party vehicles or property. This type of coverage also includes protection against theft, fire, and vandalism. Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive option, but it provides the most extensive protection for your business.
Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)
TPFT coverage is a mid-level option that provides protection against damages to third-party vehicles or property, as well as coverage for fire and theft. This type of coverage does not include protection for damages to your own vehicle. TPFT coverage is a good option for businesses that want to balance cost and coverage.
Third Party Only (TPO)
TPO coverage is the most basic level of protection available for courier van insurance. It only covers damages to third-party vehicles or property and does not include protection for your own vehicle or against fire and theft. TPO coverage is usually the cheapest option, but it provides the least amount of protection for your business.
Do I Need Van Insurance As A Courier?
If you are delivering goods either as courier or self-employed courier from a van, then insurance is a legal requirement.
You will be required to have a minimum level of third party insurance in order to use the van on the roads. This won’t extend to cover your van itself though. Due to the level of risk involved in being a courier driver, it is highly suggested you take our fully comprehensive courier driver insurance.
We can help you with this process and connect you with brokers who can help you the most.
Can I Get Courier Insurance With A Driving Conviction?
Delivery drivers often pick up convictions and therefore, generally it is possible to get courier insurance with a driving conviction. However. it can depend on the severity of the conviction and the specifics of the individual policy from the insurance providers.
Some driving convictions, such as minor speeding offences, may not have a significant impact on your ability to obtain courier insurance. Others convictions such as those for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may make it more challenging to get a policy.
It is important to disclose any driving convictions to your insurance provider when applying for courier van insurance quotes. Failure to disclose this information could invalidate your policy or lead to a claim being rejected in the event of an accident. This can be costly for your business and even result in fines or further convictions.
Overall, whilst having a driving conviction can make it more challenging to obtain van courier insurance, it is still possible to find cover with the right research and approach.
What Is Public Liability Insurance And Do I Need It For My Courier Van?
Public liability insurance provides protection against claims made by third parties for injury or damage to their property through actions of yourself.
Although it is not a legal requirement, as couriers work in and around the public, it is highly recommended you include public liability insurance.
This added extra provides financial protection in such situations by covering the cost of legal fees and any compensation that may be awarded in the event of a successful claim. You can purchase this policy separately but most will benefit from including it as part of their courier van insurance policy.
It is important to note that public liability insurance does not cover damages to your own property or injuries to yourself or your employees. For these risks, you may need to consider other types of insurance such as employer’s liability insurance or courier fleet insurance
What Does Courier Van Insurance Cover?
Van insurance for couriers covers a range of risks and scenarios that drivers may face whilst out on the road or making deliveries.
The extent of the cover provided by an insurance policy will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the policy, as well as the level of cover chosen by the driver. Generally, courier insurance policies, including courier van insurance, can provide cover for:
It’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of your policy to understand the full extent of the cover provided.
Add Ons For Courier Insurance
Certain van insurance policies offer additional cover options for an increased premium, such as:
For businesses with employees, employers liability insurance is a crucial add-on to protect against claims related to employee injuries during work activities.
How Much Do Courier Van Policies Cost?
Typically it is a little more than standard van insurance due to the commercial aspect and carriage of goods in association with the van.
The average cost of your goods however is what will see your price fluctuate the most. The greater the average item value you carry, the greater your premium is likely to be. By comparing different providers and policies, you can find cheaper courier van insurance that still meets your coverage needs.
Can I Get Cheap Courier Van Insurance?
Your ability to get cheap courier van insurance will depend heavily on your own risk profile. Everything will be considered such as your driving history, courier experience, age, location and more.
If you maintain a good driving record with no claims, your chances of getting a cheap policy increase greatly. When you buy courier van insurance, consider customizing your policy with the necessary add-ons to ensure comprehensive coverage while keeping costs low.
Frequently Asked Questions
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