Hire and reward vs courier insurance — what is the difference?
Hire and reward is one specific cover that legally lets you carry goods for payment. Courier insurance is a wider package that usually includes hire and reward plus goods in transit and public liability.
One cover versus a full package
Hire and reward is the motor element that makes it lawful to transport other people's goods for a fee. Without it, your insurer can refuse a claim and you risk driving illegally for work.
Courier insurance is the complete bundle most delivery drivers actually need. It builds hire and reward into a policy that also protects the parcels you carry and your liability to others.
- Hire and reward alone covers the vehicle and the legal right to deliver for pay.
- Courier insurance adds goods in transit and public liability on top.
If you only ever carry your own goods, hire and reward may suffice, but most paid couriers benefit from the broader package. Compare both options side by side to see which suits your work.
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Is hire and reward included in every courier policy?
Almost always. Courier insurance is built around hire and reward, then layered with goods in transit and liability cover.
Can I buy hire and reward on its own?
Yes, you can take hire and reward as a standalone motor cover, but it will not protect the goods you carry or third parties.
Which do delivery platforms ask for?
Most platforms require hire and reward as a minimum, and many also expect goods in transit and public liability cover.