Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Courier Van Insurance For Adequate Cover

By Simon Normski

Low cost insurance is offered by many different insurance companies. However, low cost does not always mean that your van courier service will be adequately or legally covered. Courier vans driving on public roads in the UK have to be covered by appropriate van courier insurance; this usually means it has to include Goods In Transit cover.

Any goods which are transported or carried for payment or reward need to be insured. There are three different types of Goods In Transit insurance which are offered by the majority of insurance companies. The basic level is a 'single package' cover. Meaning exactly what it says, only one packet is covered for the time it is onboard the van.

Obtaining more than one quote will provide you with a comparison. It will then be possible to see what level of cover is being offered and what additional costs may be needed. Using an online courier insurance broker is a great way to save time. They will carry out the searches on your behalf and provide you with a number of different quotes from different insurance companies who specialise in courier van insurance. Checking to see whether the insurance company is regulated by the Financial Services Authority will help you find legitimate insurance companies who work to the FSA requirements and regulations, providing peace of mind when you chose which company to use. Comparison websites may also be a good way to begin your search for courier insurance. However, not all long established insurance companies are included on comparison sites.

A further option of having each consignment is also available from many insurance companies. The cover can be short term to provide insurance cover for the duration which the consignment is onboard. Check with the insurers to see whether they offer this option.

Short term courier insurance is also offered by some insurers, who will arrange policies for three months only. There are huge variations is this type of cover between insurers. If short term cover is what you are after speak with the insurers to discuss whether this option is available.

Goods In Transit insurance is available for goods which you are carrying for someone else and receiving payment or reward or if you carry your own goods which need to be insured. Many customers will require you to have suitable Goods In Transit insurance and may refuse to you use your courier services unless this is in place.

Many customers will also require you to have appropriate Public Liability insurance as well as Goods In Transit. There are different levels of each type of additional insurance, therefore it is advisable to speak with the insurers who will arrange for these to be included in the policy.

Failure to do so may make your insurance invalid or may mean that should you need to make a claim goods which are considered 'target goods', those which are a greater risk of being stolen such as electrical goods and computer parts, you will only receive 50% of their value.



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