Compare goods in transit insurance

Discover how goods in transit insurance can support your business

Insure your property or goods in case they are lost, damaged or stolen in transit

Get goods in transit insurance

Find your ideal business insurance in just a few minutes
SuperscriptBoxguardNovas InsuranceSuperscriptBoxguardNovas Insurance
money.co.uk is rated Excellent | by 1,055 people
Fact checker
Last updated
November 15th, 2023

What is goods in transit (GIT) insurance?

Goods in transit (GIT) insurance offers protection for any goods that are being moved from one location to another. This type of business insurance covers the items in case there is theft, loss or damage during transportation

It can cover you or your customer’s property or goods, but only while the vehicle is being used. 

An example of when you might need goods in transit insurance is if you have stock delivered to customers from your online shop or equipment is being moved between business premises. Another might be if you run a delivery service, and need to leave your parcel-laden van while handing over a package at a customer’s address.

What’s the difference between goods in transit insurance and courier insurance?

While goods in transit insurance covers items you’re transporting, courier insurance doesn’t. Courier insurance only covers the vehicle you’re using to deliver items for work purposes.

Like other types of vehicle insurance, there are three levels of courier insurance to choose from:

  • Third-party only

  • Third-party, fire and theft

  • Comprehensive

You can choose to add goods in transit insurance to it.

Businesses offering some form of courier delivery or dispatch service have more chance of being in an accident than other types of professional drivers. This is because they spend most of their time on the road with goods in transit. As a result, they’ll need specific courier insurance.

Do I need goods in transit insurance?

GIT insurance is not a legal requirement, but it’s worth considering. When goods are in your possession, you’re responsible for them and you’ll need to cover any cost if the worst does happen. 

If your business offers a courier service, delivery of goods purchased or removal services then you should consider GIT insurance. 

Ignoring goods in transit insurance could be a costly mistake if something goes wrong.”

How does it work?

If you have goods in transit insurance and you realise that goods have been damaged while being transported, you’ll need to contact your insurer as soon as possible

You’ll need to submit a claim form and supply proof of the damage or loss, plus evidence that you owned or were responsible for the goods. Be sure to include any delivery orders that prove the goods were in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Goods in transit insurance providers

What's covered by goods in transit insurance?

Covered

Damage to your van and other vehicles
Your cargo
Employer’s liability
Public liability

Not covered

Theft from unattended vehicles
Damage or loss as a result of bad packaging
Dangerous or illegal goods
Goods confiscated by an authority

How to choose the best policy

It’s important to compare goods in transit insurance policies to find the right cover to suit your needs. Here are some of things to look for when you’re reviewing the different policies on offer:

Check what goods are covered

You’ll need a policy that covers the goods you’re transporting, so check the terms and conditions to see whether it meets your requirements.

Consider the type of vehicle

Are you carrying the goods in a car, van or lorry? This is an important question when considering different policies, as you’ll need to make sure the correct transportation is covered.

Review whether you need accidental damage

Mistakes can happen, a goods in transit insurance policy covers accidental damage could prove invaluable, particularly if you carry breakables.

Take a look at public and employers' liability

Some policies include employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance, which could give better value for money, as you’ll also be covered for any injury claims.

How much does goods in transit insurance cost?

The cost of goods in transit insurance will vary depending on your business as policies take into account various factors. These factors include: 

  • The type of business you run

  • The level of cover you need

  • Your business’ annual turnover

  • Whether you pay annual or monthly premiums

  • The number of employees you have 

It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare different quotes to find the best deal, but there are also some things you can do to lower the cost. 

For example, having a black box policy, increasing your voluntary excess, investing in your vehicle’s security and being accurate about the value of your goods can make the insurance cheaper. 

You might also consider taking out a package business insurance policy to cover the rest of your business activities. 

FAQs

Do I still need commercial vehicle insurance?

Yes, the appropriate motor insurance is a legal requirement. Goods in transit insurance doesn’t cover the vehicle itself. You can compare van insurance here.

Will it cover goods while they are at a depot?

No, it won’t cover goods while they are being held at a depot, rather than in your vehicle. GIT insurance only covers goods while they are in transit, so you’ll need separate insurance to cover them at the depot.

Does goods in transit insurance cover goods left in a vehicle overnight?

Yes, GIT insurance should cover goods left in a vehicle overnight if it’s locked and parked in a secure site. Check your policy documents for further details.

Can I cover goods being transported abroad?

Yes, you can find cover that includes goods being transported to Europe as well as policies that  have full international shipping cover.

Will my goods be insured in any type of vehicle?

Some policies are specifically designed for certain types of vehicles. Check your vehicle is included in the policy before you sign the contract.

What exclusions does goods in transit insurance typically have?

Every policy is different so check yours carefully so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. Items not covered by your policy may include hazardous goods, money and animals. Damage or loss due to poor packing and wrapping, goods confiscated by local or international authorities, unattended vehicles and climate or atmospheric conditions may all be excluded.

Do I need public liability insurance as well as goods in transit insurance?

You should have public liability insurance if your business interacts with members of the public. This type of policy covers legal costs if a member of the public’s injured or their property is damaged in the course of your work. 

Goods in transit insurance only covers you if items you’re transporting are lost, stolen or damaged.

Can I get a goods in transit insurance policy for a fleet?

Yes, but there may be limits to how many vehicles you can cover and maximum cover limits. For this reason, make sure you shop around to find a policy that suits your needs and business. 

You can also take out goods in transit insurance as an add-on to your general fleet insurance.

Related business insurance guides

Find out more about how business insurance works and what you might need
How to register a business?
How do I register a business?
People considering a business loss
How to claim on your business insurance
Confident woman smiling as her male colleagues panic about what to do
What is business interruption insurance?

About the author

Lucinda O'Brien
Lucinda O'Brien has spent the past 10 years writing and editing content for regional and national titles. She applies her industry knowledge to ensure readers can make confident financial decisions.

Customer Reviews

Rated 4.1 out of 5
by 1,055 people