INSURANCE GUIDE
Goods in Transit Insurance UK
What GIT insurance covers for couriers, hauliers and owner-operators transporting goods in the UK and Europe.
TL;DR
- Goods in transit insurance covers goods you are transporting against loss, damage and theft during transit.
- Van insurance covers the vehicle - not the goods inside. GIT is a separate policy.
- CMR insurance is needed for international road haulage under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.
- GIT liability limits must match the value of goods carried - especially important for high-value loads.
What Goods in Transit Insurance Covers
Goods in transit (GIT) insurance covers loss or damage to goods while they are being transported. It covers the period from loading at the origin to unloading at the destination. Covered events include: theft of the load (including theft from an unattended vehicle); accidental damage during loading, transit, or unloading; road traffic accident damage to the load; and spillage or contamination during transit. Van and vehicle insurance covers the vehicle but provides no cover for the goods it is carrying.
Courier GIT Insurance
Couriers - particularly those using parcel delivery platforms and gig economy delivery services - need GIT insurance as a condition of working with most delivery operators. The limit required depends on the type and value of goods carried. Couriers delivering standard parcels need lower limits than those transporting high-value goods. GIT for couriers is typically sold on an annual basis with limits per consignment and per vehicle load.
Haulier and Owner-Operator GIT
Hauliers and owner-operators carrying goods under contract for clients need GIT cover that matches the value of loads carried. Standard GIT policies set liability limits per consignment (typically £20,000 to £100,000) and per vehicle load. High-value loads - electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts - may require bespoke limits or declared value cover for individual consignments. Confirm that the per-consignment limit is sufficient for the most valuable loads you carry regularly.
CMR Insurance for European Haulage
The Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) governs liability for road haulage across international borders within signatory countries. CMR limits liability per kilogram of goods carried. CMR insurance provides cover in line with CMR liability limits for international haulage operations. Post-Brexit cross-channel haulage still operates under CMR for goods crossing the Channel into mainland Europe.
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Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Always read policy documents in full before purchasing cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does van insurance cover goods I am delivering?
No. Van insurance covers the vehicle - third-party liability, accidental damage to the van, and theft of the van. It does not cover the goods being transported inside the van. Goods in transit insurance is a separate policy that covers the cargo. Both van insurance and GIT are needed for a commercial delivery operation.
Do I need GIT insurance if I deliver for Amazon or similar platforms?
Most delivery platform agreements require drivers to hold their own goods in transit insurance. The platform's own liability to the merchant for lost parcels does not extend cover to the individual delivery driver for the value of parcels lost or damaged during their shift. Check the delivery platform agreement for the specific GIT requirements before beginning delivery work.
