Public liability insurance for couriers

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Guide To Public Liability Insurance For Couriers

Courier insurance is an insurance protect aimed to cover the associated risk for those that provide a drop and pickup service at multiple locations. The term courier insurance is associated with the vehicle insurance category required to carry out this type of business service. Because of the higher risk associated with a multi drop deliveries, standard car or van insurance is not adequate cover. A courier driver needs specific courier insurance, which is a form of "hire and reward insurance" commonly associated with taxi and private hire drivers.

Whilst courier van or car insurance is a legal requirement, public liability insurance for courier is not legally required. Whilst optional, it is a product that provides a courier with financial protection against claims made by a third party. Unfortunately, these claims may sometime be false, a ploy to get easy money, similar to a fake whip lash injury. These fake claims tend to be more frequent in Norther Ireland, one of the reasons why we pay more for our insurance in NI.  

Claims of this nature often need representation in court to defend against fraudulent claims and reduce damage awards in valid claims. From a financial standpoint, costs start mounting up when lawyers get involved and if the judge rules in favour of the complainant, expect a substantial rewards to be made to compensate the claimant. This is why public liability for couriers or indeed anyone that works with the public should be considered as a necessary insurance product.     

In summary, PL cover will protect you against injury to persons or damage to property caused by you whilst carrying out your business activities. Some example situations include:

Insurance Requirements Breakdown For Couriers

If you work as a self employed courier, the following insurance elements should be considered to protect you and your business.  

Hire and Reward Van Insurance

Most couriers use a van to provide the courier service.  To use a van for your courier business, you need a special type of road insurance referred to as hire and reward van insurance. This is not the same as van business insurance. The natured of a couriers job, being on the road constantly meeting delivery deadlines, increase the risk to the insurance company. This risk is not covered in standard van insurance and to operate legally you will need courier van insurance.

How Much Does Liability Insurance For Couriers Cost?

The cost for this type of cover will vary depending upon your perceived risk profile and the level of cover requested. Public liability NI is typically available at different levels ranging from £1,000,000 to £10,000,000. Obviously the £1,000,000 will be cheaper than the £10,000,000 option, but do not let that be a deciding factor. Speak with your broker, if you are delivering materials that pose a health risk for example you most likely will need the highest level available.

Whilst public liability insurance for courier workers is not a legal requirement, you may find it easier to secure contracts if you have this type of cover in place. Some contracts may actually making having this type of cover a requirement to apply. 

Find out how much you’ll pay by comparing prices from a range of specialist and trusted insurers. You pick and choose what goes into your tailored policy, so you only pay for what you need.

Types of Courier insurance

Most courier workers need to consider a courier insurance package that includes the following:

Self-Employed vs Employed Couriers

If you are a self employed courier, you will typically be contracted by local business or local authorities to deliver goods on a contractual basis, but not directly employed by them. This key advantage is that you have control over your time and can choose how much or how little to work. The disadvantages are that you will be responsible for set up costs and make sure if you have all the necessary insurance in place, so you operate uninterrupted and without worry of claims that could impact you negatively.

Is liability Cover The Same As Goods In Transit?

PL cover is not the same as goods in transit insurance. Good in transit insurance is cover for the goods being transported, whereas PL insurance is financial cover for claims made against you for injury or damage to property,

Do I need Employers Liability Insurance?

If you have employees, by law you will need to take out employers liability insurance. This cover will cover the cost of claims for injury or illness as a result of employers' negligence

Is Courier Insurance A legal requirement?

By law, couriers need courier insurance for the vehicle that is providing the courier service. Like car insurance, have the minium of third party insurance is a legal requirement. Public liability for couriers and GIT are both optional.  

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