Driving on today’s busy roads can be hazardous. As a courier driver you’ll often have to drive through tight spaces, be aware of other drivers’ road behaviour and navigate congested towns and cities, while you’re on a tight schedule and have deliveries to get through.
If you do get into a driving accident, there are 5 steps you can take to make sure you and those around you stay as safe as possible.
What we’ll cover
5-Step Process
1. Safety first
- Stop the vehicle immediately and switch on your hazard lights.
- If it’s safe, move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic
- Check for injuries to yourself, passengers, or others involved, and call 999 for UK emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) if needed
We also recommend putting on a high-vis vest as part of your courier PPE, especially if it’s dark.
2. Contact the police
Contact the police if:
- Anyone is injured
- There is damage to property or another vehicle.
- The accident is blocking the road
Report the accident to your employer or dispatch team as you can, to log the incident.
- Complete the accident report form as per company policy.
- Provide copies of photos, police reports, and witness statements.
- Follow up on any vehicle inspections, insurance claims, or required retraining.
3. Exchange and gather information
- Swap details with the other driver(s):
- Get their name, address, phone number.
- Make a note of their vehicle registration and insurance details
Take photographs of:
- Vehicle positions, damage, and the surrounding area
- The registration number of the other vehicle
- Any road signs, skid marks, or hazards.
4. Avoid admitting the accident was your fault, even if you are pressured
- Do not make statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
- Stick to factual information when talking to police, witnesses, or others involved
5. Contact your insurance company
Your insurance company could ask you for the following information after a driving accident:
- Date and time of accident
- Location & weather/road conditions
- Description of events
- Your details: policy number & vehicle registration
- Other party’s details: their vehicle’s registration
- Witness contacts
- Police reference number
- Photos of damage & scene of the accident
- Injury details & emergency services attended
- Statements from witnesses
- Description of damage & relevant dashcam footage
Actioning the above steps once you are safe and staying calm throughout the whole process are key to potentially resolving the situation.
Some insurers also offer reduced excesses if claims reported in 24 hours so don’t delay.
Can you be personally liable for damages after an accident while working as a courier?
If you are an employee, your employer’s insurance should cover claims, but you may face disciplinary action if you are responsible for the accident.
If you’re a self-employed courier, you must have the correct insurance, or you risk personal liability.
Do you need to report minor accidents?
Even minor accidents should be reported in case damage or injury claims arise later. Your courier company should have strict reporting timelines for insurance purposes. If you’re not sure about accident reporting procedures, ask your courier company to provide you with this.
If you’re a self-employed courier driver, you should report even minor accidents to your insurance. Most insurers and insurance brokers require you to notify them, even if you don’t make a claim.
How can courier insurance protect you?
Driving accidents are covered under motor vehicle insurance (e.g., commercial vehicle insurance, courier insurance, or fleet insurance). This type of policy is specifically designed to handle road traffic incidents and will generally cover:
- Damage to other vehicles and property
- Injury to third parties caused while driving
- Sometimes damage to your own vehicle (if you have a fully comprehensive policy)
- Some policies insure your delivery items (Goods-in-Transit cover)
If you have an accident while driving for work, you need the appropriate courier insurance that allows for business or courier use. Public liability insurance would not apply to road use or traffic collisions. If you drive for a courier company, they should have the correct insurance in place to cover you and other road users. If you are a self-employed courier driver, you’ll need a specialised insurance policy.
What to look for in courier insurance
Whether you’re self-employed or work for a courier company, you should have the appropriate coverage in place. At BCD, we can provide courier insurance with the following:
- Cover for all the goods you carry, no matter how big, small or strange!
- Flexible payment plans
- Cover for the correct number of drops you do
- Cover for you to work in Europe
- Unlimited mileage
- Choice between car or van cover
- Fully comprehensive, third-party fire & theft, or third party only
- Bespoke policies to fit your needs
Protect your business on the road with BCD Courier Insurance. Get comprehensive cover for vehicles, goods in transit, and public liability – tailored for courier drivers. Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep delivering with confidence. Call us today for a free quote and drive with total peace of mind.
To learn more or get a quote, visit their Courier Insurance page or speak to their team today on 0344 776 5301
Driving accidents: FAQs
Can public liability insurance cover road accidents?
No. Public liability covers non-driving incidents involving the public. Road accidents are only covered under the correct motor insurance for courier work.
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance provider?
Most insurers require notification immediately or within 24 hours, even if you do not intend to claim. Delays can result in rejected claims.
What happens if I’m found at fault for the accident?
Your insurer will pay third-party damages (and possibly your own, if comprehensive). You may have to pay an excess, and your driving record may be affected. Employers might also require additional driver training.
Will my personal car insurance cover me if I’m working as a courier?
Usually no. Most personal policies exclude business or courier use. You’ll need Courier Insurance to be covered while working.
Business Choice Direct Insurance Services® is a trading name of Specialist Broking Retail Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Specialist Broking Retail Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 10301653. Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.
