There is a difference between courier insurance and light haulage insurance. Unfortunately there are some insurance companies who will tell you that light haulage or delivery driving insurance will cover you, until you make a claim or get caught by the authorities and then your insurance will be invalid. Invalid insurance is an offence which is liable to prosecution.
Operators of courier services of motorbikes, dispatch riders, cars and vans, irrespective of their size, will need insurance which is specifically designed and tailored to meet your needs.
The insurance companies will need to know whether you carry goods for others for which you are paid or rewarded for or whether you solely carry your own goods. There will be a difference in the insurance policy so it is vital to disclose information correctly. If at any time your needs alter and for example your business changes from carrying your own goods to carrying for other people then it is your responsibility to inform the insurance company.
Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance is required when you are carrying goods for other people. Many businesses will ask if you have such insurance cover and refuse to use your services if you do not. The insurance company will need to know the nature of the goods you are carrying and the destinations. Hazardous goods or deliveries to places which are deemed to be of a high risk such as oil or gas works will probably mean a higher insurance premium. However, without the correct courier insurance you may lose business opportunities. Public Liability cover is also often required by people wishing to engage your courier services.
Additional insurance cover for things such as tools or equipment, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover may also be required. It is worth looking at various insurance companies to see which of these extras are included within their policy and premium and which are payable extras.
There are a number of things that you can do to help reduce the costs of your insurance premiums.
1. Opt to increase the amount of voluntary excess. This means you are willing to pay more in the event of a claim. Insurers will take this into consideration and reduce the annual insurance premiums.
2. The size of your courier, be it car, van or motor bike will make a difference to the premium costs. The smaller the engine size the cheaper your insurance costs will be.
3. Using security measures such as alarms, immobilisers and trackers can be rewarded with discounts from the insurers.
4. Overnight parking in garages can also help to lower premiums, even parking your courier vehicle off road on a drive may help.
5. Restricting the number of additional drivers on the policy will provide you with cheaper insurance costs. Policies which have 'any driver' will be more expensive.
6. Consider whether any optional extras are really necessary.
7. Think about having a Third Party or Third Party Fire and Theft policy rather than Comprehensive if you own a vehicle which would cost less than the annual Comprehensive premium to replace.
The most important thing to remember is to have the right courier insurance policy for your individual needs and circumstances.
Author Resource:-
Paul Headley is a specialist insurance article writer. Staveley Head are a leading UK insurance broker for
courier insurance
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