If you’re a courier, you know that delivering parcels safely and on time is your top priority. But what happens when things go wrong? What if a package gets lost, damaged, or stolen during transit?
That’s where Goods in Transit (GIT) Insurance comes in. It’s your safety net, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
What we’ll cover
What Is Goods in Transit Insurance?
Goods in Transit Insurance (GIT) is a type of cover that protects goods while they’re being transported. Whether you’re using your own van or a third-party service, this insurance covers:
- Loss: If a parcel goes missing during transit.
- Damage: If goods are damaged due to an accident or mishandling.
- Theft: If goods are stolen from your vehicle or during the delivery process.
It’s essential for anyone involved in transporting goods, as it helps relieve financial risks associated with lost or damaged items.
Why do couriers need it?
Imagine this – you’re driving along, and suddenly, another vehicle swerves into your lane, causing you to brake sharply. A parcel shifts and gets damaged. Without GIT insurance, you’re liable for the cost of that item. But with the right cover, your insurance can help cover the replacement or repair costs.
Moreover, GIT insurance isn’t just about protecting goods; it’s also about protecting your reputation. If a client receives a damaged item or a parcel goes missing altogether, it reflects poorly on you. Having insurance shows you’re professional and prepared for such situations.
How does it differ from other insurance?
You might wonder, “I already have van insurance; isn’t that enough?” While van insurance covers your vehicle and any damage you cause to others, it doesn’t cover the goods you’re transporting. That’s where Goods in Transit insurance comes in – it specifically covers the items in transit.
Plus, GIT insurance can be tailored to your specific needs. For instance, if you’re transporting high-value items, you can opt for a policy that provides higher coverage limits. Some policies also offer tools and equipment cover, which is handy if you’re carrying expensive scanning devices or other gear.
The stats: How big is the problem?
In the UK, parcel delivery issues are more common than you’d think. According to Citizens Advice, nearly 15 million people experienced a problem with a parcel delivery in just one month. That’s a staggering number!
One of the major players in the delivery industry, Evri, reported losing approximately 8 million parcels in 2025 alone. While they handle around 800 million parcels annually, this still means a 1% failure rate, which is a significant figure when dealing with millions of items.
Overall, 7.4 million people in the UK have fears that the parcels they send and receive are at risk of being stolen.
These statistics highlight the importance of having GIT insurance. With so many deliveries going missing or getting damaged, being covered ensures you’re not left financially exposed.
What does GIT Insurance typically cover?
A standard GIT insurance policy covers:
- Accidental Damage: If goods are damaged due to an accident or mishandling.
- Theft: If goods are stolen during transit.
- Loss: If goods go missing and cannot be recovered.
However, it’s important to note that not all items are covered. Common exclusions include:
- Poor packaging: If goods are inadequately packed, they might not be covered.
- High-Risk items: Some policies exclude high-risk items like cash, jewellery, or hazardous materials.
- Unattended vehicles: Theft from an unattended vehicle might not be covered unless specific security measures are in place.
Always read the policy details to understand what’s included and excluded. If you speak to our partners Business Choice Direct (BCD), they will explain everything to you to simplify the process.
How do I choose the right level of cover?
Getting the right level of GIT Insurance is all about understanding what you’re carrying, how often you’re working, and what risks you’re exposed to. Consider the value of the goods you transport and the risks involved.
For high-value courier items (electronics, jewellery, designer goods), you’ll need a higher level of cover, possibly with extra conditions like tracking or signed delivery. For low-value or bulk items (clothing, books, food) a basic level of cover might be enough.
If you do ADR courier work, including hazardous or perishable items, you may need specialist GIT insurance.
Make sure you consider special risks as well. For example, if you need overnight storage in vehicle or regularly do overnight courier jobs, you may need a clause to cover cargo theft when goods are left in the van. If you undertake multiple drops per day, because more stops means higher risk of theft or loss, this will affect your premiums. If you do long-distance hauls or Europe delivery, make sure the policy covers long-range and international courier work.
Make sure your policy includes theft, accidental damage, loss in transit and loading and unloading incidents. Also check the excess (how much you pay if you make a claim) and claim limits per item. Some insurers limit payout to a certain amount per parcel.
It’s better to have slightly more cover than you think you’ll need than to be underinsured. This is where it is valuable talking to a knowledgeable broker like BCD, who can advise you of appropriate cover to meet your needs and explain the policy in a straightforward way.
So to summarise, here are some things to consider when buying cover.
- Does this cover multiple drops a day?
- Am I covered if goods are stolen from a locked van?
- Are there any restrictions on what I can carry?
- Will this policy meet platform requirements (like Courier Exchange, Amazon, Evri, DPD)?
While this might seem like an additional expense, consider it an investment in your business’s protection and professionalism.
What happens if a parcel goes missing?
If a parcel goes missing or is damaged, stay calm. Accidents and issues happen in this job. The key is how you handle them.
Note the time, location, and any unusual circumstances (e.g. bad weather, vehicle break-in, etc.). Check your vehicle tracking system or delivery app. Double-check your route and delivery location.
Report it immediately
Let your employer, dispatcher, or delivery platform know what’s happened ASAP. If you’re self-employed, contact the client or shipper directly. Use the appropriate internal reporting system or email. Some delivery platforms (like Amazon Flex, DPD, etc.) have specific loss/damage reporting tools.
- Gather evidence: take photos and write down any details that might support your case:
- If damaged: photograph the item and packaging.
- If stolen: check for vehicle or depot break-in evidence. Look around for CCTV or witnesses if the loss happened at a public location.
Check your insurance
If you have GIT Insurance, now’s the time to check your policy and start the claims process. If you don’t have GIT cover – now’s the time to call the helpful team at BCD!
Note that if you don’t have GIT insurance and the load or parcel is valuable, you might be liable for the cost of the item depending on your contract.
How can you avoid issues in the future?
Scan items at every point, get signatures or photo evidence and avoid risky “safe places”, and always keep your van locked and secure.
Could you have improved security? Did something about the drop-off point seem unsafe? Do you need better courier insurance or tracking procedures?
Most delivery apps show proof of delivery and that you followed the delivery instructions exactly. If you did, you’re usually not held responsible, but always check your company’s policy.
You’re human, and things occasionally go wrong in this line of work. What matters is that you act quickly, communicate clearly, and protect yourself with the right cover and good delivery habits.
Goods in Transit Insurance is a vital safety net for couriers. It protects you financially and helps maintain your professional reputation. With parcel delivery issues on the rise, having the right insurance in place is more important than ever. Stay protected, stay professional, and drive with confidence.
Why use Business Choice Direct?
The experience team at BCD make getting insurance quick, simple, and cost-effective.
They understand the everyday challenges couriers face. With years of experience in reliable, competitive courier insurance, BCD can help you save time, money, and avoid costly mistakes.
Their cover isn’t off-the-shelf – it’s tailor-made to suit your specific needs. What may not be your top priority is always theirs!
Contact the helpful team at BCD on 0330 043 0098, or submit your details here.
GIT insurance FAQs
Am I automatically liable for lost or damaged goods?
Not always. It depends on your contract and whether you have GIT insurance. Some companies/platforms will cover you if you followed procedures.
What if the customer claims it never arrived but I delivered it?
Use your delivery records, tracking info, and photo evidence. If your process was correct, you’re unlikely to be held liable.
Is GIT insurance mandatory?
No, Goods in Transit insurance it’s not legally required. However, many clients and delivery platforms, like Courier Exchange and Amazon, require it before you can transport goods for them or their members.
Does GIT insurance cover damage caused by my own negligence?
It depends on the policy. Some insurers may cover such incidents, while others might exclude them. Always check your policy details.
Can I get GIT insurance if I’m a part-time courier?
Yes, GIT insurance is available for both full-time and part-time couriers. Policies can be tailored to suit your needs.
Does GIT insurance cover goods stored overnight in my vehicle?
Typically, no. Most policies exclude cover for goods left unattended overnight. However, some insurers offer optional add-ons for this scenario.
