In this guide
Any vehicle used to carry other people's goods for a fee needs hire and reward cover, because standard social, domestic and commuting policies exclude it.
Why Exclusions Matter
Having a courier policy in place is essential, but no insurance covers every possible scenario. Understanding what is excluded helps you avoid surprises if you ever need to make a claim. Many drivers assume their policy is watertight, only to find certain risks are specifically left out.
Leaving Your Vehicle Unattended
One of the most common exclusions relates to theft. If parcels are stolen from your vehicle while it is left unlocked or unattended, insurers may refuse the claim. Even if the vehicle was locked, some policies only cover theft when reasonable precautions have been taken, such as parking in secure areas.
Wear and Tear
Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unexpected events, not gradual damage. General wear and tear to your vehicle, tyres, brakes or clutch will not be covered, even if caused by delivery work. These costs are part of ongoing maintenance and are your responsibility as a driver.
Unauthorised Use
If someone else uses your vehicle for deliveries without being named on your policy, you will not be covered. Similarly, if you use a vehicle in ways not declared to your insurer, any claims may be rejected. Always make sure your use is accurately described in your policy documents.
Incorrect Load or Overloading
Carrying loads heavier than your vehicle’s legal limit or failing to secure goods properly may invalidate your cover. Insurers expect you to follow safety regulations. If damage or injury results from overloading, you could be left liable.
Driving Outside the Territorial Limit
Some courier policies only cover you within the UK. If you take on jobs that cross into Europe without checking your cover, you may not be insured once you leave the country. Always confirm the territorial scope of your policy before accepting work.
The Importance of Reading Your Policy
The details of exclusions vary between insurers, but they are always listed in the policy wording. Taking the time to read and understand these can prevent major financial risks later on.
Next Steps
Knowing what is not covered is just as important as knowing what is. If you want to ensure you are set up correctly, review your options for courier insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Are parcels stolen from my van covered by courier insurance?
Not always. If parcels are taken while the vehicle is unlocked or unattended insurers may refuse the claim, and some policies only cover theft when reasonable precautions such as parking in secure areas have been taken.
Does courier insurance cover wear and tear on my vehicle?
No. Insurance covers sudden and unexpected events, so gradual wear to tyres, brakes or the clutch is not covered even if delivery work caused it. These are maintenance costs you must meet yourself.
Am I covered if someone else drives my van for deliveries?
Only if they are named on your policy. Letting an unnamed driver use the vehicle, or using it in a way not declared to your insurer, can lead to claims being rejected.
Can overloading my van invalidate my insurance?
Yes. Carrying more than the vehicle's legal limit or failing to secure goods properly may invalidate cover, and you could be left liable for any resulting damage or injury.
Does my courier insurance cover deliveries in Europe?
Not necessarily. Some courier policies only cover you within the UK, so check the territorial limits before accepting jobs that cross into Europe.
Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
