Protects goods being transported by road against loss, theft or damage — whether you're moving your own stock or carrying goods for other people for payment. Here's the difference that matters, and what insurers expect you to do to keep cover valid.
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Goods in transit cover protects the value of goods while they're being carried by road — from the moment of loading to final delivery.
Two different sets of standard terms typically govern how much a haulier is liable for if goods are lost or damaged.
For international road haulage across Europe, the CMR Convention caps a carrier's liability at a set rate per kilogram of gross weight (measured in Special Drawing Rights), regardless of the goods' actual value — a limit worth understanding if you carry high-value, low-weight goods internationally.
Within the UK, many hauliers trade under the Road Haulage Association's standard Conditions of Carriage, which similarly cap liability per tonne — again, often well below the actual value of valuable or fragile cargo.
Insurers frequently impose specific security requirements — tracking devices, approved overnight parking, or a rule against leaving a loaded vehicle unattended in a public place — and can decline a claim if these weren't followed.
Standard policies typically exclude inherent vice (natural deterioration of the goods themselves), inadequate or faulty packing, and sometimes losses from an unattended, unlocked vehicle.
The right limit depends on the value of goods you typically carry at any one time, per vehicle.
A common starting point for small vans carrying modest-value stock or parcels.
Typical for small hauliers and removal firms carrying higher-value or bulkier loads.
Often needed for larger vehicles or valuable specialist cargo.
Common for larger logistics operators or those regularly carrying high-value consignments.
A few things worth checking before you buy, whichever UK insurer or broker you compare.
Confirm the policy explicitly includes hire and reward cover if you carry goods belonging to clients or customers — not just your own stock.
Read the security conditions carefully — a breach (e.g. leaving a loaded vehicle unattended overnight against policy terms) can void a claim entirely.
Check whether cover applies to any authorised driver or only specifically named drivers, particularly relevant if you use casual or agency drivers.
Before buying, confirm any insurer or broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — check the register at register.fca.org.uk.
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Explore related cover types in our commercial insurance knowledge base.
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