Why Compare Goods in Transit Insurance Quotes?
What Is Goods in Transit Insurance and Why Does It Matter?
Key Takeaways
- Standard truck insurance doesn’t cover the cargo you’re carrying – just the vehicle itself.
- Goods in Transit (GIT) cover protects goods from theft, damage, and loss during transport, loading, and unloading.
- Claims can be rejected if goods are left unattended without proper security measures in place.
- You’ll need to choose a sum insured that matches your typical load value to avoid being underinsured.
Courier stops for a 30-second drop. Leaves the van unlocked. Van and all goods stolen. Claim? Rejected.
This happens more often than many drivers expect. UK cargo theft often occurs at unattended vehicles. Standard vehicle insurance covers the truck, not what’s in it. Goods in Transit insurance fills that gap.
Clean Green Cars is an FCA-regulated introducer. This guide gives you the information to make an informed decision. When you’re ready, you get passed through to specialist brokers. Courier carrying client goods or tradesperson moving your own stock? You can compare policies built for your trade.
This page digs into GIT cover in detail, and the main truck insurance guide covers broader HGV cover options.
What Does Goods in Transit Insurance Actually Cover?
GIT cover isn’t like car insurance tiers. It’s standalone cargo protection. You can buy it as a separate policy or bundle it with your truck cover. Here’s how those options compare.
| Feature | Standalone GIT | Bundled With Truck Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Sum insured | Set your load value | Often lower limits |
| Cross-border | Available as add-on | Rarely included |
| Claims process | Direct to GIT insurer | Through truck policy |
- Theft – Locked vehicle, alarm on, secure parking.
- Damage – In transit, with proper packaging and loading.
- Fire – If a vehicle fire affects cargo.
- Loading and Unloading – Often included, with manual handling limits.
- Overnight – Secure garage or compound only.
- Hire and Reward – Client goods declared. The courier insurance guide explains this in detail.
- Own Goods – Your stock and business materials.
What GIT typically covers (standalone):
Tip: Always get the Unattended Vehicle Clause explained. Most claims fail here.
Cover varies by insurer and policy type. What’s included as standard in one policy might be an extra in another.
What the writer says…
Many drivers assume their truck insurance covers the cargo inside. It doesn't. That's where GIT cover comes in.
One detail that's often overlooked is the Unattended Vehicle Clause. If your van isn't locked and alarmed when left, your claim could be refused. Check the Gov.uk security guidance for commercial vehicles.
– Ian Beevis, Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Optional Extras You Might Need
The base policy might not cover every scenario you face. These add-ons can plug the gaps.
Add-ons push the price up, so only buy what you genuinely need. Some brokers bundle legal expenses as standard.
Insight: If you carry high-value items even occasionally, budget for the higher sum insured option. Being underinsured means a partial payout at best.
Extends protection beyond the UK for cross-border haulage work across the EU.
If you sometimes carry higher-value loads, you can increase the maximum payout limit temporarily or permanently.
Covers spoilage if your fridge unit breaks down and perishable goods are ruined.
Pays for legal costs if a client sues over damaged or lost goods, even if you weren’t at fault.
If your truck breaks down mid-route, this covers the cost of moving goods to another vehicle. Deliveries don’t get delayed. Operators needing broader roadside cover may also want dedicated recovery truck insurance.
What Goods in Transit Insurance Doesn't Cover
Top reason claims get refused: unlocked van during delivery stops. Even 30 seconds with the door open could void your theft cover.
Overnight storage risk: goods left in a van on a driveway without a secure garage or empty vehicle could mean a rejected claim.
A tradesperson stores tools in their van overnight on a driveway. The van is broken into and tools worth thousands are stolen. The claim could be refused. The policy required the vehicle to be garaged or emptied overnight.
- Theft From Unattended, Unlocked Vehicles – If you leave the van unlocked, even for a minute, theft claims are often void.
- Poor Packaging – Goods damaged because they weren’t packed properly won’t be covered. You’re expected to use appropriate materials.
- Wear and Tear – Gradual wear or goods that spoil naturally over time aren’t covered.
- Goods Left Unattended in Public Overnight – Many policies require goods to be stored in a secure location like a locked garage if left overnight.
- High-Value Single Items – Some policies cap payouts for individual items (for example, £500 per item). Check if you carry expensive equipment.
- Delayed Delivery – Most GIT policies don’t cover financial losses from late deliveries, only physical loss or damage to the goods themselves.
- Indirect Losses – Lost business, penalty charges from clients, or loss of reputation aren’t often covered. You’d need separate business interruption insurance for that.
Standard Exclusions
Important Limitations
Who Needs Goods in Transit Insurance?
If goods are part of your operation, GIT cover protects your livelihood.
Insight: Many tradespeople only find out they’re not covered when a claim is refused. Through Clean Green Cars, you can connect with brokers who ask the right questions about your setup.
This cover is for anyone who moves goods as part of their work. That includes client cargo or your own stock.
How To Compare Goods in Transit Insurance Quotes
Getting quotes is quick if you know your load details. When you request quotes, you’ll be connected to a comparison service that specialises in this sector.
What Affects the Price of Goods in Transit Cover?
Freight crime is estimated to cost the UK economy over £400 million a year, according to NaVCIS. Insurers price GIT cover based on how likely your goods are to be stolen or damaged. The quotes you get will depend on your own details.
| Key Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Load value | Higher sum insured means higher premiums. Be honest about your typical cargo worth. |
| Type of goods | High-theft items like electronics or tools could push the price up compared to bulk goods. |
| Security measures | Alarms, trackers, and secure parking could bring your price down. |
| Vehicle type | Larger trucks or refrigerated units might cost more due to higher risk or specialist cargo. |
| Area you operate in | High-crime areas could mean higher quotes. Rural routes might be cheaper. |
- Overnight Storage Location – Parking in a locked garage or gated yard could lower the price compared to on-street parking.
- Claims History – A clean record helps. Even one theft claim could push your renewal price up.
- Mileage – More miles on the road means more exposure to risk, which could increase the cost.
- Driver Experience – Newer drivers or those under 25 might see higher quotes due to perceived risk.
- European Travel – If you cross borders regularly, expect to pay more for extended cover. Larger operations may benefit from a fleet policy that bundles multiple vehicles.
Every detail you provide affects the final quote. Be accurate so you’re not caught out later.
Price Insight: Some brokers offer discounts if you can prove regular security audits or staff training. It’s worth asking.
How To Bring Your Goods in Transit Insurance Price Down
Small changes to your setup or policy structure could make a noticeable difference to your quote.
None of these guarantees a lower quote, but they all help.
Top Tip: Don’t auto-renew. Even 10 minutes comparing could get you a better deal.
Common Goods in Transit Insurance Questions
Does Standard Truck Insurance Cover My Cargo?
No. Standard truck insurance only covers the vehicle itself, not the goods inside. You’ll need separate Goods in Transit cover for that.
What's the Difference Between Own Goods and Hire and Reward Cover?
Own Goods covers stock or equipment you own and are moving for your own business. Hire and Reward covers goods you’re paid to transport for clients. If you’re a courier or haulier, you’ll need Hire and Reward. Tradespeople usually need Own Goods.
Can I Leave Goods in My Van Overnight?
It depends on your policy’s Unattended Vehicle Clause. Many policies require the van to be parked in a locked garage or secure yard overnight. Check your policy wording carefully.
What Happens if My Goods Are Damaged Due to Poor Packaging?
Claims are often rejected if goods weren’t packed properly. You’re expected to use suitable materials and secure items correctly. The Health and Safety Executive has guidance on safe loading practices.
Does Goods in Transit Insurance Cover Delayed Deliveries?
No. GIT cover protects against physical loss or damage to goods, not financial losses from late deliveries. You’d need business interruption insurance for that.
What's CMR Liability and Do I Need It?
CMR is an international convention setting liability limits for hauliers (around 8.33 SDR per kg (roughly £9 per kg at current exchange rates)). If you do European work, you might need CMR cover as well as full value GIT. Operators who tow regularly may also want trailer cover.
Can I Increase My Sum Insured for One-Off High-Value Loads?
Yes. Many insurers let you temporarily increase your sum insured for specific trips. Just notify your broker in advance so the extra value is covered.
Will My Claim Be Refused if I Left the Van Unlocked for a Minute?
Possibly. If theft occurs while the vehicle is unattended and unlocked, most policies could reject the claim. Even a 30-second stop to drop a parcel can void your cover if the van isn’t secured.
Search & compare quotes from UK Goods in Transit Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
These official sources provide extra guidance on cargo safety, driver licensing, and legal rules for hauliers and couriers.
- Gov.uk – Official guidance on commercial vehicle regulations and licensing for goods transport.
- Health and Safety Executive – Advice on safe loading, packaging standards, and workplace transport safety.
- Road Haulage Association – Industry body for UK hauliers with resources on insurance, meeting the rules, and best practices.
- Logistics UK – Guidance for freight operators on legal responsibilities, CMR liability, and cross-border transport.
