insurance Archives - Courier Exchange

If you’re moving loads for payment, standard van insurance won’t cover you. That’s where courier insurance comes in.

Whether you’re an owner-driver working independently or a courier business with a small fleet, having the right insurance in place isn’t just about staying legal—it also helps protect your income and reputation.

In this guide, we’ll cover what courier insurance involves, who needs it, and how it ties into working on platforms like Courier Exchange.

What is courier insurance?

Courier insurance is a collection of policies designed to protect those transporting goods for hire or reward. It’s not a single product, but a group of cover types that reflect the real-world risks involved in the courier industry.

Unlike standard vehicle insurance, which only covers personal or business driving, courier insurance considers the added exposure that comes with moving third-party goods professionally—often over long distances, to tight delivery windows.

If you’re working through platforms like Courier Exchange (CX), you’ll be expected to hold the correct insurance before taking on any work.

What does courier insurance typically include?

Because no two courier jobs are quite the same, policies are often modular. Most couriers will need at least two or three of the following types of cover.

1) Hire and reward insurance

This is the core policy every courier needs. It allows you to carry goods in exchange for payment.

Without it, any courier job you take on could invalidate your van insurance—even if you have comprehensive cover.

2) Goods in transit (GIT) insurance

If the load is stolen, damaged, or lost in transit, this policy covers the cost up to the declared value.

3) Public liability insurance

If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while making a delivery—say, by scratching a customer’s car or slipping on their driveway—public liability insurance can protect you from legal costs and compensation claims.

4) CMR insurance (for international work)

CMR insurance is usually required for cross-border loads covered by the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road.

Do you need courier insurance?

If you’re carrying goods for money, hire and reward insurance is a legal requirement. Other cover types depend on the nature of your work, the value of the goods, and what your clients require.

Most shippers and freight forwarders will ask to see proof of cover before they award a job. If you’re on Courier Exchange, your insurance must be valid, verifiable, and up to date.

Choosing the right level of cover

Courier insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cover you need depends on your vehicle, the types of loads you carry, and the contracts you’re bidding for.

Vehicle type and usage

Nature of the goods

Contract requirements

It’s worth discussing these factors with a specialist broker: someone who understands courier work and can tailor a policy to suit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even experienced couriers can run into trouble if they’re not careful with insurance. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Where to get courier insurance

We recommend getting courier insurance through Business Choice Direct (BCD), our trusted insurance partner for all courier-related cover.

BCD understands the industry and works directly with couriers and logistics professionals. They also offer policies designed specifically for those using Courier Exchange.

You can request a quote quickly online or speak with a specialist advisor who can tailor a policy to your work, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your courier business.

Courier insurance and the Courier Exchange

Courier Exchange is the UK’s leading platform for finding and managing A-to-B courier work. Whether you’re working with shippers directly or subcontracting for freight forwarders, having the right insurance is non-negotiable.

Your insurance details are verified as part of the onboarding process. Keeping them updated ensures you remain eligible for jobsand gives shippers peace of mind.

Tip: Members with verified insurance and good feedback often win more repeat work.

Conclusion

Hire and Reward and Goods in Transit insurance are both essential for working in the UK. Couriers operating in and out of Europe also need CMR insurance and an Operator Licence.

Having these protects you from financial loss and ensures you comply with legal requirements. And if you’re running a mixed fleet that includes HGVs, you’ll need to consider haulage insurance as well.

Courier insurance FAQs

What’s the difference between courier insurance and haulage insurance?

Courier insurance is designed for multi-stop or urgent A-to-B deliveries (common in same-day work). Haulage insurance, on the other hand, typically applies to single-drop, long-distance HGV work. If you’re working through Courier Exchange, courier insurance is usually the right fit.

Can I use standard van insurance for courier work?

No. Most standard van policies exclude hire and reward use, which is what courier work falls under. If you take on paid deliveries without the correct cover, your insurance could be void.

Do I need courier insurance for part-time work?

Yes. Even if you only take jobs occasionally, you still need hire and reward insurance. Many policies are flexible, with short-term or usage-based options. A specialist broker can advise on the best fit.

How much does courier insurance cost?

The cost of courier insurance varies based on your vehicle, location, experience, and cover levels. Policies can start from a few hundred pounds a year, but expect higher premiums for high-value goods or international work.

What proof of insurance do I need to join Courier Exchange?

You’ll need valid documents showing you have hire and reward, GIT, and (where applicable) public liability insurance. These are checked before your profile is approved and must be kept up to date.

In the world of shipping and logistics, smooth operations and secure deliveries are essential for success.

If you’re a UK courier and want to start taking loads to and from the EU and beyond, CMR insurance is key to safeguarding loads during transit, offering peace of mind and financial protection for both you and your customers.

In this guide, we’ll explain what CMR insurance is, its significance for UK couriers, how it’s different to Goods in Transit insurance, and how it’s usually priced.

So what is CMR insurance?

CMR, or International Carriage of Goods by Road insurance, is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect goods being transported across international borders by road.

It’s named after the CMR Convention, an international agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in road transportation.

This insurance is essential to ensure that goods are covered against damage, loss, or cargo theft during their journey, providing financial support when unfortunate incidents occur.

Why UK drivers need it

Since Brexit, UK-based couriers working across the Channel face stricter rules on cross-border freight. This includes having the right documentation and insurance cover before you set off.

If you’re delivering to the EU—even as a subcontractor—it’s likely CMR insurance will be expected.

CMR insurance vs. Goods in Transit insurance

While both CMR insurance and Goods in Transit insurance focus on protecting goods during transportation, they have distinct differences.

On the other hand, Goods in Transit insurance provides coverage for goods transported within a country’s borders, covering various modes of transportation such as road, rail, and air.

Therefore, CMR insurance is a subset of Goods in Transit insurance, tailored for international journeys by road.

Here’s a quick comparison to help UK couriers understand when each policy applies.

Feature	Goods in Transit insurance	CMR insurance
Covers UK domestic deliveries	✅ Yes	❌ No
Covers EU/international journeys	❌ No	✅ Yes
Follows UK legal requirements	✅ Yes	❌ Not recognised under UK law
Follows the CMR Convention	❌ No	✅ Yes
Applies to air/rail/sea freight	✅ Sometimes	❌ Road-only (international)
Required for cross-border work	❌ Not always	✅ Often required by EU-based shippers
Works as standalone cover	✅ Yes	✅ Yes, but usually used with GIT

If you’re transporting goods outside the UK by road, you’ll usually need both policies to stay covered from start to finish.

How premiums are calculated

Checklist: finding the right CMR policy

Where to get CMR insurance

Not all providers understand courier-specific risks—especially when it comes to international road transport. That’s why it’s worth speaking to a broker who specialises in courier insurance.

Our trusted partners at Business Choice Direct offer CMR and Goods in Transit insurance policies built for self-employed couriers and small fleets.

Once they know your setup, they’ll recommend a policy that ticks the boxes without overcharging you for cover you don’t need.

CMR insurance FAQs

What is CMR insurance and who needs it?

CMR insurance is a type of cover that protects goods transported by road across international borders, in line with the CMR Convention. If you’re a UK courier taking loads into the EU or beyond, you’ll usually need this cover to stay compliant and protect yourself in case of loss, damage or theft during transit.

Is CMR insurance the same as Goods in Transit insurance?

No—they cover different parts of the journey. Goods in Transit insurance applies to UK-based deliveries, while CMR insurance is required for international road work under the CMR Convention. Most cross-border couriers will need both to stay fully protected.

What happens if I don’t have CMR insurance for an EU delivery?

Without CMR insurance, you may not meet the legal or contractual requirements for international courier work. Shippers can refuse to load you, and if something goes wrong in transit, you could be held liable without any cover in place.

Can I get one policy that covers both UK and international courier work?

You’ll typically need two separate policies: one for Goods in Transit insurance, and one for CMR insurance. However, some brokers—like Business Choice Direct—offer both as part of a courier insurance package tailored to your routes and job types.

How much does CMR insurance cost?

The cost depends on what you carry, where you’re going, how often you work abroad, and your previous claims history. Carriers moving high-value or fragile goods over long distances may pay more. A specialist courier insurance broker can help you get a policy that suits your needs.

We’re proud to announce that the winner of the 2021 Commercial Lines Broker of the Year was none other than our very own partner, Business Choice Direct.

In July of this year, Business Choice Direct (BCD) was shortlisted for the 2021 National Insurance Awards. Judged rigorously by a panel that reviewed numerous other entries, BCD came out on top.

The significance of this award

The National Insurance Awards showcases the best in the industry and celebrates excellence in general provision and management. The awards took place at the Grosvenor House in London where BCD faced fierce competition, but ultimately conquered all and claimed the title of ‘Commercial Lines Broker of the year’.

Hard work and dedication pays off

The past twelve months have posed significant challenges for all businesses, BCD included. This award is a huge milestone for them and a reflection of their team’s hard work, dedication and excellence. Those of you who are customers of BCD must have already experienced this dedication first hand.

BCD has set the bar high for other insurance contenders and is making a conscientious effort to face any challenges that lie ahead with tenacity.

The recognition from the National Insurance Awards also highlights that we are getting it right for our clients and customers. Here at BCD, we pride ourselves on the high level of service that we provide. We see our customers as real people, not just calls and emails and we know that every request for advice or assistance has come from somebody running a business or wanting to protect something important in their life. That is why we are constantly developing and growing; making sure our customers are getting the outcome they desire.

If you’re interested in what an award-winning insurance team can do for your courier business, get in touch today.

If you do courier work, you need insurance. Fact. Now stay with me folks, because while the subject may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, CX is very proud to announce a new partnership that’s set to benefit our members. And yes, it’s about insurance.

Of all the aspects of running a successful courier work business, ensuring you have the correct insurances in place is one of the most important. You can land in a world of trouble if you don’t make sure you’re covered with the appropriate insurance policies. Meet Business Choice Direct.

Everyone loves an easy life and, on a topic as serious as this, we think it’s a case of letting the experts (BCD) do their job so you can get on with yours – which is getting the courier work done.

Our new partnership with BCD means that all our members will now be able to get access to their exclusive products at a very special price. In other words, we’ve negotiated some pretty good mates’ rates for you. You’re welcome!

The company not only price matches on any (like-for-like) van policy, they can also help you make sure that the cover you already have is fit for purpose and is exactly what you require to run your business. (You’d be surprised how many people unwittingly pay for things they don’t need and aren’t covered for things they do.) This includes insurance policies for things like:

How do you get on board? Well, firstly, you’ll need to be a member of the Exchange. Job done? Excellent.

Then you just have to get in touch with the good folks at BCD (via this link on our site).

The rest is up to them and they’ll do all the legwork to find you the best prices on the products you need. They guarantee to better any existing cover or offer an alternative quote, then price match and you’ll be instantly covered as soon as you sign up.

It couldn’t be easier and here at CX we couldn’t be prouder of our new partnership with BCD. Insurance really doesn’t have to be a dirty word…

Courier Exchange is the UK’s most trusted and fastest-growing managed freight exchange platform. Become a member and we’ll help your business run more efficiently and effectively, with access to valuable partnership programmes like this, the ability to buy and sell capacity in real-time and much more.

Which courier insurance do you need?

What we’ll cover