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Tip: Think about the type of goods you will be taking. Some items may need special insurance.

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Goods in transit insurance protects the tools, materials, stock and equipment you carry inside your van while travelling for work. It is used by tradespeople, delivery drivers, small businesses, courier services, online retailers and removal services who transport items between business premises or customer locations. As part of your wider van insurance, it helps protect your business against loss, theft or damage to goods you are responsible for.

Transit insurance is not the same as standard van insurance. A van insurance policy protects the vehicle itself, while a goods in transit policy protects the goods you are carrying. Many van drivers combine both types of insurance to avoid the cost of a claim affecting their business. Drivers can compare transit cover based on the value of the goods, level of cover needed, type of business use and unique requirements of the goods being transported.

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What Is Goods in Transit Van Insurance?

Goods in transit insurance, also called transit cover or GIT insurance, protects items you transport inside your van. It covers goods that you own, goods you deliver for customers and goods collected for work purposes. If items are lost, damaged or stolen while being moved from one place to another, this type of insurance helps cover the cost of a claim.

This type of insurance is used alongside van insurance to give full protection. Van insurance protects the vehicle under third party or comprehensive cover, while goods in transit insurance protects the goods you carry. When combined, they give drivers financial protection for both the van and the property inside it.

A goods in transit policy is useful for:

  • Tradespeople carrying tools and materials
  • Delivery drivers transporting packages
  • Couriers delivering stock
  • Online retailers delivering customer orders
  • Removal services transporting furniture and personal items
  • Small businesses moving equipment between business premises

The type of insurance you choose depends on the level of cover, value of the goods and the needs of your business.

Who Needs Goods in Transit Insurance for Their Van?

Goods in transit insurance is used by van drivers who carry materials, equipment, stock or items belonging to others. Many professions rely on goods in transit cover because standard van insurance does not protect goods being carried.

Drivers who benefit most include:

  • Tradespeople carrying tools, building materials or parts
  • Delivery drivers working for courier services or local deliveries
  • Online retailers transporting stock
  • Self-employed workers transporting goods to customers
  • Removal services carrying furniture and personal belongings
  • Business owners transporting items between business premises
  • Van drivers using their van for commercial work

Goods in transit insurance is not a legal requirement under UK law. However, it is required by many courier contracts and business customers as part of their liability insurance terms. It also protects businesses from the cost of a claim if goods are damaged in transit.

What Does Goods in Transit Van Insurance Cover?

Transit insurance is designed to protect goods being carried inside a van. Cover varies by policy, but many goods in transit policies protect against:

  • Theft of goods
  • Accidental damage
  • Loss of goods
  • Damage during loading or unloading
  • Damage during an unexpected stop or incident
  • Damage caused by fire
  • Damage caused by flood or escape of water
What Does Goods in Transit Van Insurance Cover

Some goods in transit policies protect goods temporarily kept at business premises when collected for delivery. Others include cover for items stored overnight inside a locked van, as long as security conditions are met.

The right policy provides protection for the value of the goods being transported, the cost of replacing them and the financial loss caused by delayed delivery.

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What Is Not Covered by Goods in Transit Insurance?

Goods in transit insurance does not cover everything. Drivers should check the policy wording to understand what is excluded. Common exclusions include:

  • Loss of goods due to unsecured vans or open windows
  • Damage caused by wear and tear
  • Loss due to poor packaging
  • Theft without signs of forced entry
  • Loss caused by leaving the van unattended for long periods
  • High-value items not declared on the policy
  • Goods stored overnight without approved security

Some insurers exclude fragile goods, hazardous materials or valuable items unless the policy includes specific transit cover for these items.

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How Does Goods in Transit Insurance Work With Van Insurance?

Goods in transit cover is an add-on to your van insurance. Drivers can build a full insurance package that includes:

Van insurance protects the vehicle. Goods in transit protects items being carried for business. Liability insurance protects against claims involving third party injury or property damage.

Van drivers often hold these three policies together to protect themselves from multiple types of risk on the road.

How Much Goods in Transit Cover Do You Need?

The amount of cover you need depends on the value of the goods you transport. The policy should be high enough to cover the cost of a claim if all items are damaged in one incident.

Typical cover levels include:

Value of Goods Ideal Cover Level
Up to £1,000 Suitable for low-value materials
£1,000–£5,000 Suitable for tradespeople carrying tools
£5,000–£25,000 Suitable for courier drivers and online retailers
£25,000+ Suitable for removal services and high-value deliveries

Drivers should choose cover based on the highest value of goods carried at once, not the typical load level.

How Do Insurers Calculate the Cost of Transit Insurance?

Insurance companies use a number of factors to calculate the cost of a transit policy, including:

How Do Insurers Calculate the Cost of Transit Insurance
  • Type of goods transported
  • Value of the goods
  • Distance travelled
  • Number of deliveries per day
  • Courier services involved
  • Driver experience
  • Claims history
  • Business premises security
  • Van security features
  • Use of courier van insurance
  • Policy excess chosen

A higher excess usually reduces the cost of the policy. Higher-value goods, fragile items and frequent deliveries usually increase premiums.

Does Public Liability Insurance Work With Transit Insurance?

Goods in transit insurance protects the goods. Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes damage to someone else’s property or injures a third party.

For example:

  • A delivery driver knocks over a customer’s property while carrying goods
  • A tradesperson drops materials and damages flooring
  • A customer slips on equipment left during unloading

Public liability insurance covers the cost of a claim, legal fees and compensation payments.

Most businesses carrying goods also hold product liability insurance if they deliver manufactured or assembled items to customers.

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Is Goods in Transit Insurance Needed for Courier Work?

Yes. Couriers who move goods for people many times need transit cover. A lot of courier contracts say there must be a certain level of cover, and this is included in the deal.

Courier drivers may need:

Delivery drivers transporting parcels for online retailers, local businesses or same-day deliveries also rely on transit insurance to protect goods throughout the journey.

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What Types of Goods Can Be Covered in Transit?

A transit policy gives safety for many things that people move in vans. It helps you feel better if your stuff is on the way. The policy is good for anyone who needs to send things from one place to another and wants to feel safe about it.

Common items include:

  • Building materials
  • Electrical components
  • Tools and equipment
  • Stock for online retailers
  • Furniture and household items
  • Personal belongings
  • Clothing, textiles and packaged goods
  • Catering supplies
  • Replacement parts
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Event equipment and promotional materials

Some goods may need special handling when getting moved. These items might need transit cover that fits the unique requirements of the business.

How Do You Choose the Right Goods in Transit Policy?

Drivers should compare policies by looking at:

  • The value of the goods moved
  • The number of times items get delivered
  • The level of cover needed
  • The policy wording
  • Security terms
  • If overnight storage is part of it
  • If loading and unloading will be covered
  • If loss, theft or things getting damaged by accident will be included
  • If working like a courier is allowed

Choosing the right policy can help your business avoid the cost of a claim. It also makes sure you do not face extra bills when you deliver goods.

How Do You Choose the Right Goods in Transit Policy

How Does Goods in Transit Insurance Handle Theft Claims?

Theft is a big risk for goods that the people move in vans. Most of the time, when this happens, claims are taken care of by:

  • Evidence that someone broke in by force
  • Security features in the van
  • Where the van was kept overnight
  • What the driver says happened
  • Proof you own the van
  • How much the goods are worth
  • Pictures showing the damage
  • What people who saw it say

Drivers need to tell the police if there is a theft. They should get a case number after the report. Then, the drivers can send a claim to the insurer.

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Does Goods in Transit Insurance Cover Removal Services?

Yes, removal services use transit insurance a lot because they move things for their customers. The policy can cover furniture, things in boxes, appliances, and personal belongings.

Removal businesses may need:

  • You get higher levels of cover.
  • There be extra cover for loading and unloading.
  • There be cover for temporary storage.
  • You get cover just for fragile items or items that are worth a lot.

Policies can be changed to fit the needs of your business. They also match the type of items you carry.

How Does Goods in Transit Insurance Support Online Retailers?

Online retailers that send products to customers use transit cover. This helps protect against things getting lost or damaged during shipping. With this insurance, the products are safe while on their way to the customer.

  • Clothing
  • Electronics
  • Packaged goods
  • Tools
  • Home items
  • Retail products

Transit insurance helps your business keep a good name. If any goods get damaged when they are being delivered, this insurance will make sure they get replaced.

How Does Goods in Transit Insurance Work With Courier Van Insurance

How Does Goods in Transit Insurance Work With Courier Van Insurance?

Courier van insurance helps protect the van while you are running your business. It can also cover if you use the van for work. Transit insurance, often called goods in transit insurance, helps protect the goods inside the van. This makes sure you, your van, and what you carry are all kept safe with van insurance and transit insurance.

Both policies are used together for drivers who:

  • Deliver parcels
  • Move stock
  • Collect goods from suppliers
  • Transport items between businesses
  • Operate local courier services

Courier van insurance makes sure you follow the legal requirement for third party cover. Transit insurance keeps the things you carry safe while you travel. Public liability insurance helps protect you from issues that come up if someone gets hurt or there is damage to their things.

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How Do Security Features Affect Your Transit Insurance?

Strong security stops more problems and helps lower the risk. It can also help lower what you pay for a transit policy.

Useful security features include:

  • Slam locks
  • Deadlocks
  • Reinforced bulkheads
  • GPS tracking
  • Alarm systems
  • Secure overnight parking
  • CCTV at business premises

Vehicles that have better safety features can lower the cost of a claim. They may also get lower premiums.

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What Regulatory Requirements Affect Goods in Transit Insurance?

Drivers need to know the rules for van insurance and business insurance. These rules tell you what you have to do to follow the law.

These include:

  • UK insurance industry rules are in place for people and companies to follow.
  • There are requirements set by the Financial Conduct Authority that must be met.
  • When you handle customer goods, there are data responsibilities that you need to think about.
  • If you use courier services, you will have to meet certain contract requirements.
  • For business use, there are standard insurance conditions that you have to agree to.

Many courier contracts ask for proof of transit insurance before the work starts. This is to make sure the goods are covered while they are being moved.

Does Goods in Transit Insurance Cover Business Interruption?

Goods in transit does not cover business interruption insurance. Business interruption insurance is for when your business cannot run because of an insured event. This could happen if something major happens at a business premises and stops your regular work. It helps to protect the income you get from your business.

Businesses that use their van and goods often may join:

  • Van insurance
  • Goods in transit insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Liability insurance

This helps keep every area of the business safe from problems that can happen during day-to-day work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goods in Transit Van Insurance

No, it is not a rule. Many courier services and some business customers ask for it because it's in their contract.

Yes, this can happen if someone breaks in or if there are issues with security.

No, public liability insurance does not cover goods. It covers if a third party gets hurt or if their stuff is damaged. Goods in transit is made to protect the goods, not people or their property.

Yes, most courier and delivery contracts need transit cover.

You will only be covered if the van insurance policy wording says it includes accidental damage, and if you use proper packaging.

Pick cover that matches the most valuable goods you will carry at one time.

Yes, you can if the policy covers your own goods for trades.

No, it is not included by itself. You need to add it alone, or you can buy it with a business insurance package.

It depends on how much the goods cost. It also comes down to how many deliveries there are. The type of business and how risky it is can make a difference too.

Yes, it gives help if there is any loss or damage when the customer gets their delivery.

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Page last updated on: 12/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Tim Bailey

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