You’re doing an overnight delivery and stop at a service station, where you've locked your vehicle and secured the stock properly while you grab a coffee. In your absence, your van is broken into and the stock is stolen.
- >
- Business>
- Business insurance>
- Compare goods in transit insurance quotes March 2026
Compare goods in transit insurance
Protect your business with goods in transit insurance
Secure your goods against loss, damage, or theft while they're on the move
Find the right business insurance for you
Answer some simple questions about your business.
Pick the covers you need, leave the ones you don’t.
Get insured within minutes.
Why Superscript?
Pick the covers you need, leave the ones you don’t.
Get instant proof of cover.
Hassle-free claims and UK-based customer support.
Rated 'excellent' on Trustpilot.
Business insurance, sorted in minutes
Share some business details and unlock tailored insurance choices in just a couple of minutes.
Tell us about your business
Answer a few quick questions so we can match you with the right cover.
Explore your insurance options
Get cover options tailored to you. Choose what fits, leave what doesn’t.
Choose with confidence
Get insured in minutes, so you can get back to running your business.
What is goods in transit insurance?
Goods in transit insurance can cover your business if items are lost, stolen, or damaged while being transported by road, rail, air or sea. It’s ideal for businesses that regularly move valuable goods, offering protection during the journey and peace of mind along the way, whether you or a third party such as Royal Mail, UPS or Evri, is the carrier.
Clear coverage terms are essential for businesses to mitigate risks and maintain smooth operations during the shipping process. Unfortunately, data reveals that four-in-five small to medium enterprises are underinsured, potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to these types of risks.
Do I need goods in transit insurance?
Cover for goods in transit insurance might be useful for the likes of courier services and removal companies.
It is not a legal requirement like employers' liability insurance typically is if you employ people, but not having it might lead to significant disruption to your business. This includes:
Financial loss: If you don't have goods in transit insurance then your business is entirely responsible to pay for the loss, damage or theft that may occur while goods are in transit
Operational disruption: If goods are lost or damaged this could lead to delays in being able to fulfil customer or client demands
Reputational risks: If lost or damaged goods becomes a consistent issue, it can damage your business' reputation and relationships you might have with customers or clients
How much does goods in transit insurance cost?
The cost of goods in transit insurance will vary depending on your business.
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, streamlining the costs
Goods in transit policies will take into account various factors, all of which may have an influence on the premium you'll pay for the policy. 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 volume of deliveries your company makes
What does goods in transit cover?
Goods in transit cover protects your business against loss or damage to goods while they’re being transported. Whether it's due to bad weather, infestation, or items falling from a vehicle, this insurance covers a range of risks. It typically applies to goods, stock or products that are:
Damaged during loading and unloading
Goods are often at their most vulnerable when being moved on or off a vehicle. Whether it’s due to human error, poor handling, faulty equipment, or accidents on-site, loading and unloading can lead to costly damage. Goods in transit insurance can help cover these losses, giving you peace of mind during one of the riskiest stages of transport.
Lost
Items can sometimes go missing during transport, whether through misplacement, delivery to the wrong location, or theft. Goods in transit insurance can cover the cost of lost stock, helping to protect your business from financial setbacks if your goods don’t reach their destination.
Damaged during transit
Even with careful packing, goods can be damaged on the road. Rough handling, bumpy surfaces, sharp turns, and sudden braking can all cause stock to shift or break. Goods in transit insurance can cover these risks, helping you recover the cost of damaged items.
Stolen
Goods in transit are vulnerable to theft, especially when left unattended or during stops. Thieves may target valuable shipments, leading to significant losses. Goods in transit insurance can help cover the financial impact of stolen items, giving your business protection against theft during transport.
How does it work?
If you have goods in transit insurance and you realise that goods have been damaged while being transported, there are a few steps you should take:
Contact your insurer as soon as possible: Any delay may impact the outcome of the claim
Report any stolen items to the police: The insurer may require a police report number to process the claim
Submit a claim form: Be sure to supply proof of the damage or loss. You can usually find this form online via your insurer
Submit evidence: You'll need to show that you owned or were responsible for the goods you're claiming for - for example delivery orders can prove the goods were in the vehicle at the time of the incident
When won’t you be covered with goods in transit insurance
While goods in transit insurance helps safeguard a wide range of business activities, there are some circumstances where your insurance won’t cover you. It's really important to understand any exclusions and limitations of a policy so your business doesn't get caught out.
Here are some examples of what won't be covered:
The items being transported are confiscated or requisitioned, for example by customs or the police.
Theft of, or damage to, your items or stock happens while stored at a rental.
The vehicle (or vehicles) used to transport goods is a road tanker or exceeds 7,500kg (gross vehicle weight).
You are transporting items that an insurer won't cover, like banned substances, controlled drugs, dangerous goods, vehicles or livestock.
If your vehicle is damaged as a result of fire or accidental damage, goods in transit insurance does not cover the vehicle itself but the cost for hiring a replacement vehicle can be covered.
Goods in transit claim examples
A vehicle break-in
You’re doing an overnight delivery and stop at a service station, where you've locked your vehicle and secured the stock properly while you grab a coffee. In your absence, your van is broken into and the stock is stolen.
Lost cargo
When you’re making multiple transfers or moving large quantities, things sometimes go astray. When this happens, your goods in transit policy is designed to cover the cost of the missing items.
A dropped item
From time-to-time, things get dropped. It’s that simple. Your insurance could help, provided that you can demonstrate it was an accident rather than negligence.
Goods in transit claim examples
A vehicle break-in
Lost cargo
When you’re making multiple transfers or moving large quantities, things sometimes go astray. When this happens, your goods in transit policy is designed to cover the cost of the missing items.
A dropped item
From time-to-time, things get dropped. It’s that simple. Your insurance could help, provided that you can demonstrate it was an accident rather than negligence.
What’s the difference between goods in transit insurance and courier insurance?
Goods in transit cover and courier insurance each have a different purpose, despite appealing to similar businesses.
Courier insurance is usually made up of a number of different covers to protect against the risks faced by a courier business, whereas goods in transit cover is typically bought as an add-on to an existing policy.
Goods in transit vs courier insurance
| Goods in transit insurance | Courier insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Is my cargo protected during transit? | Yes | No |
| Is the carrier, driver and vehicle protected? | No | Yes |
| Is it a legal requirement? | No | Yes, if you're a courier |
What are the different types of business insurance?
Public liability insurance
This covers damage caused by your business to a third party or their property. A third party is typically anyone not employed by your business.
Professional indemnity insurance
This covers claims made due to failings in the advice or services provided by you or your company.
Employers' liability insurance
Employers' liability insurance provides cover to UK employers against legal liabilities and costs if staff become ill or injured due to their work. It's typically a legal requirement if you employ anyone other than immediate family members.
Tradesman insurance
Tradesman insurance lets you build the right cover for your trade - with insurance available for everything from tools to injuries, accidents and more all in one package.
Self-employed insurance
Self-employed insurance helps you protect yourself from being out of pocket from legal action, data breaches or personal injury - whether you work from home or head out to visit clients.
What are the different types of business insurance?
Public liability insurance
This covers damage caused by your business to a third party or their property. A third party is typically anyone not employed by your business.
Professional indemnity insurance
This covers claims made due to failings in the advice or services provided by you or your company.
Employers' liability insurance
Employers' liability insurance provides cover to UK employers against legal liabilities and costs if staff become ill or injured due to their work. It's typically a legal requirement if you employ anyone other than immediate family members.
Tradesman insurance
Tradesman insurance lets you build the right cover for your trade - with insurance available for everything from tools to injuries, accidents and more all in one package.
Self-employed insurance
Self-employed insurance helps you protect yourself from being out of pocket from legal action, data breaches or personal injury - whether you work from home or head out to visit clients.
FAQs
Do I still need commercial vehicle insurance?
Yes, 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.
Can goods left in a vehicle overnight be insured?
Goods stored in a vehicle overnight can be covered as long as everything is secured properly. Full details can be found in your policy documents.
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?
Not all policies cover goods in every type of vehicle. Some insurance plans are tailored to specific vehicles, such as vans, trucks, or lorries. It's important to check that the vehicle you're using is covered under your goods in transit policy before finalising your contract. Always confirm with your insurer to ensure your vehicle and the goods you're transporting are fully protected.
Do I need public liability insurance as well as goods in transit insurance?
It's often a good idea to have both types of insurance, as they cover different risks. Public liability insurance is essential if your business interacts with the public. It covers legal costs if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities. On the other hand, goods in transit insurance specifically covers your goods while they’re being transported, protecting against loss, theft, or damage. Having both policies ensures you're fully protected from a range of potential risks.
Can I get a goods in transit insurance policy for a fleet?
Yes, you can purchase goods in transit insurance for a fleet of vehicles. Many insurance providers offer tailored policies for businesses with multiple vehicles, allowing you to cover all your fleet’s transportation needs. However, there may be limits on the number of vehicles and coverage amounts per vehicle, so it's essential to shop around for the best policy. Additionally, you can often add goods in transit coverage as an optional extra to your general fleet insurance.
What’s the cost of goods in transit insurance?
The cost of goods in transit insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the number of vehicles in use, the level of coverage required, your business turnover, and the types of goods you transport. Additionally, the frequency and distance of your deliveries, as well as the value of the goods being transported, can impact the cost. It's important to compare policies and providers to find the best coverage at the most competitive price for your business needs.
What level of cover do I need?
The right level of cover for your business depends on the specific risks you face. Consider factors such as the type of goods you’re transporting, the distance and frequency of shipments, and the value of the items in transit. It's important to review the details of your policy carefully or consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate level of cover to protect your business against potential losses.
What happens if the goods are lost due to a driver error?
If goods are lost due to driver error, coverage depends on the specific terms of your goods in transit insurance policy. Some policies may cover accidental losses caused by mistakes like misrouting or failure to secure items properly.
However, negligence or non-compliance with safety guidelines might void the claim.
It's essential to check the policy details and speak with your insurer to understand the extent of coverage in such situations.
About the author
Customer Reviews
by 1,080 people
Everything you need to gain credit for…
Everything you need to gain credit for your business
Michael Ver-yard
Very fast and efficient. From start to finish it was easy to follow the application.
Very fast and efficient.
SAL
Great website
Great website, very easy to use and compare options. Clear information and really helpful for making decisions quickly.
customer
Didn't find what you're looking for?
See what other sorts of insurance could be right for your business
Business insuranceProfessional indemnity insurancePublic liability insuranceEmployer's liability insuranceGoods in transit insuranceMotor trade insuranceSelf employed insuranceLimited company insuranceBuilder insuranceTool insuranceTradesman insuranceShop insuranceContents business insuranceDog walking insuranceFleet Insurance
Other business products you might need
We’ve been featured in
