What Kind Of Deliveries Do You Make?
Food Delivery Apps
Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat? See insurance for food delivery drivers. Certificate rejected by Uber Eats? Here's what to check before you re-upload.
Parcel Rounds And Networks
Parcels from a van? See insurance for parcel rounds. Driving for a network? DPD driver cover, cover for Evri couriers or cover for Amazon Flex work.
Your Own Clients Or Several Vans
Your own customers? See self-employed courier insurance. More than one vehicle? Courier fleet cover puts them on one policy.
Motorbikes And Mopeds
Delivering on two wheels? See motorbike courier cover.
Short Shifts And Trial Weeks
Just a few days? Short-term cover isn't in the form above. See temporary courier car cover, short-term courier van cover, temporary food delivery van cover or temporary hire and reward van cover.
Courier Insurance At A Glance
- Paid deliveries need a motor policy that covers that use, called hire and reward cover.
- Comprehensive is a cover level. Paid delivery use is a separate part of the policy.
- Goods in transit covers the goods you carry, as separate cover or an optional section.
- One policy can cover several delivery apps and firms, as long as each is named.
What Does Courier Insurance Cover?
Start with how you use the vehicle, then choose the cover level. A comprehensive private policy is not the same as comprehensive courier cover.
Check that your motor policy permits carrying other people's goods for payment. Check goods in transit and public liability separately, rather than assuming they are included in the motor quote.
The table compares motor cover levels. Please note that policy features, benefits, terms and conditions vary among insurance providers, so always check the policy wording.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third party injury and damage | Designed to cover | Designed to cover | Designed to cover |
| Hire and reward use | Designed to cover | Designed to cover | Designed to cover |
| Fire and theft of your vehicle | Designed to cover | Designed to cover | Not included |
| Accidental damage to your vehicle | Designed to cover | Not included | Not included |
| Goods in transit for parcels carried | Separate cover or optional section. Check availability. | Separate cover or optional section. Check availability. | Separate cover or optional section. Check availability. |
Before You Buy: Confirm that the quote includes paid delivery use. Then check what it would pay towards damage to your own vehicle.
Extras such as windscreen cover, a courtesy car and motor legal protection vary by insurer and policy, so check what's included in each quote.
Where Could You Have A Gap In Cover?
A policy may cover your vehicle but not every part of your working day. Check these points before you start a round or accept a new type of delivery.
If your policy doesn't list hire and reward, read what happens without hire and reward before your next shift.
Standard Exclusions
- Delivery Use Missing - Ordinary business use may not cover paid deliveries. Confirm that the quote permits carrying goods for payment.
- A Platform Or Job Not Declared - A policy may limit the work it accepts. Include every app, delivery firm and direct client when describing your work.
- Goods Cover Not Included - Do not treat vehicle cover as cover for parcels. Check whether a separate goods policy or an added section is required.
- An Unattended Load - Goods cover may have locking, parking or overnight storage rules. Check those terms against how you make your deliveries.
- Repairs From Everyday Use - Motor insurance generally excludes wear and tear. Budget separately for tyres, servicing and worn parts.
Important Limitations
- An Excess You Cannot Afford - You may have to pay more than one type of excess. Check the full amount due on a claim before buying.
- Work Outside The Policy Limits - Check mileage, delivery area and goods restrictions. A new contract may change whether your cover is suitable.
Add-Ons To Think About
Your motor policy covers the vehicle. These extras cover other risks, so check what each quote already includes before you pay for them separately.
Cover for the parcels or food you carry, which a motor policy may not include. See how goods in transit insurance works.
May pay compensation if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your work. It isn't motor cover, but some clients ask for it. The courier van insurance guide explains where it fits alongside your van policy.
May pay for roadside help or recovery, subject to terms. Confirm that the service accepts courier use and your vehicle size.
May repay an eligible excess after a claim, subject to terms. Check the annual limit and exclusions against the extra premium.
What Do You Need To Get A Quote?
A quote asks for the details below. Clean Green Cars is an introducer, not the insurer. CGC receives commission if you buy through the service, at no extra cost to you.
These arrangements describe options to check, not a promise that every type is available through this quote form. Ask the provider to confirm the policy duration, payment arrangement and delivery use offered for your details before buying.
Your Vehicle
Have the registration, vehicle type, value and overnight parking details ready. Include any changes to the vehicle.
You And Other Drivers
Gather licence details and the claims or convictions the form asks about. Include all drivers who need cover.
Your Delivery Work
List the goods you carry, each platform and any direct clients. Estimate mileage and describe whether work is regular or occasional.
The Cover You Want
Choose a motor cover level and an excess you could afford. Note any goods or liability limits your contracts require.
Check Before You Buy
Read the quote and policy terms. Confirm the delivery use, start date and total price before accepting an offer.
What Our Expert Says
Check three parts of the policy separately: permission to make paid deliveries, cover for the goods carried and the times when cover applies. A comprehensive label alone does not answer all three.
Describe every platform and direct client, then check collection trips, waiting time and journeys home. If separate top-up cover is involved, confirm that the underlying motor insurer accepts it.
A package may contain both motor and goods cover, but each section can have different limits, excesses and exclusions. Read both before relying on the policy. GOV.UK explains the requirement for motor insurance.
Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Questions Before Your First Delivery
Can One Policy Cover Several Delivery Platforms?
Yes, some policies may accept several platforms. List all your work and confirm that each type is included. Declaring an app does not guarantee a provider will accept it.
Can Young Or New Drivers Get Courier Insurance?
Yes, some providers quote younger and newly qualified drivers for delivery work, though your age and licence history often affect the price and which providers quote. Enter your exact licence date, and check any minimum age your app or client sets. For food delivery, see food delivery insurance at 18.
Can I Get Courier Insurance With Points Or A Conviction?
Yes, some providers quote drivers with points or a conviction, though it may narrow the choice and raise the price, so answer the form's conviction questions accurately. For van work, see van insurance with a conviction.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
- Quotezone processes the details you enter through its quote service.
- Providers may contact you about available cover.
- You check the price and terms before deciding whether to buy.
Search & Compare Quotes From UK Courier Insurance Providers
Useful Courier Insurance Resources
- GOV.UK - Vehicle Insurance - The legal minimum cover and the penalties for driving uninsured.
- GOV.UK - Working for Yourself - Registering as self-employed, tax and National Insurance basics for couriers.
- GOV.UK - Self-Employed Expenses - What you can claim, including insurance and motor costs.
- GOV.UK - Employers Liability Insurance - When you legally need cover and the penalties for not holding it.
- Financial Conduct Authority - Consumer guidance on insurance and how to raise a complaint.
- Legislation.gov.uk - Road Traffic Act 1988 - The primary law on compulsory motor insurance and hire and reward use.
