Third-party only
Third-party only courier van insurance is the minimum level of cover you need. It covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property – but offers no cover for your own van
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* Accurate as of May 2022
Courier van insurance is commercial motor insurance that covers you to make local deliveries of everyday items, such as takeaway food.
Generally speaking, it pays out if your van is lost, damaged or stolen, or if you cause any damage to a third party. In some cases, it also protects the goods you are transporting.
You will need courier van insurance if you charge money to transport goods or documents for your customers within a limited area. However, if you do long-distance deliveries, you will generally need a haulage business van insurance to be protected in the event of a claim. If you want to cover your own belongings in the van you’ll need carriage of own goods cover.
Either way, you are legally required to have at least third-party motor insurance to drive any vehicle on UK roads.
As with standard car insurance, you can choose between three different levels of courier van insurance:
Third-party only courier van insurance is the minimum level of cover you need. It covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property – but offers no cover for your own van
Third-party, fire and theft courier van insurance provides the same protection as third-party-only, but also covers damage caused by fire, lightning, explosion, theft or attempted theft
Comprehensive courier van insurance covers your vehicle if it’s accidentally damaged either by you or another driver. It also covers theft and fire, as well as third party damage
Whatever level of cover you choose, courier van insurance is only designed for certain activities
Deliveries within your local area
Multiple deliveries of low-value items
Long-distance deliveries to one destination
Transportation of high-risk or hazardous goods
A basic courier van insurance policy can often be enhanced with a range of add-ons, such as:
Available as standalone cover or a policy add-on, this protects the goods you transport
Public liability insurance covers you if you injure someone or damage their belongings while on the job
Employers’ liability insurance covers you for injuries to your employees should anything happen to them
If not included as standard, you can usually pay extra to add cover for windscreen claims
Covers the cost of claiming damages from a third party – or defending yourself against a claim
Means you can continue running your business if your van is damaged in an accident
"Having the right cover in place for your van is crucial if you use it for business. The protection you get from policies like courier, haulage or carriage of own goods is different, so it’s always good to check exactly what you’ll be covered for so you can use your van with freedom.
"
- Sara Newell, Motor and Van Insurance Lead
Comparing courier van insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket is quick and easy
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We’ll show you a list of policies that match your needs from a range of providers in the UK
Find the cover you want at the right price – then simply click through to buy your policy
If you’re being paid for delivering goods on a regular basis, then you need courier van insurance. Otherwise, any claims you need to make could end up being rejected.
If the police catch you doing deliveries without the correct insurance, you may also be fined, issued with penalty points, and potentially even given a driving ban.
With pay-as-you-go courier van insurance, you only pay for the miles – or hours – you do behind the wheel. It can therefore be a good way to reduce your costs if you only work part time as a courier, for example.
Yes, some van hire companies offer packages including comprehensive courier van insurance. Just remember to check what is covered; for example, whether the policy offers goods in transit cover or not.
Food delivery insurance generally falls under the category of courier insurance, but some insurers offer policies designed specifically for those delivering takeaway or fast food.
Van insurance quotes are available for drivers as young as 17 years old. However, some insurers impose higher minimum age limits, such as 21 or 25.
Yes, your job and employment status have an impact on the cost of all types of motor insurance, including van insurance.
Yes, you can take out insurance to cover you for making deliveries in your own car. As with courier van insurance, you’ll usually be covered to make multiple deliveries, but only within the local area.
As a general rule, couriers do multiple drop-offs in the same area, while haulers drive a long way for a single delivery. However, all insurers have their own definitions, so check the small print if you have any doubts.
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