What insurance do couriers need?
Couriers need hire and reward motor insurance to carry goods for payment, usually bundled with goods in transit and public liability cover. Standard car or van policies do not cover paid delivery work.
The three core covers
A typical UK courier insurance policy brings together the protections delivery work demands. Driving for payment changes how insurers view your risk, so an ordinary van policy is not enough.
- Hire and reward — the legal basis for carrying other people's goods for a fee.
- Goods in transit — covers the parcels and cargo you carry against loss or damage.
- Public liability — protects you if you injure someone or damage property while working.
Many couriers also add breakdown cover and tools or equipment protection. Cover can be arranged annually or on a flexible pay-as-you-go basis depending on how often you work. Compare quotes from regulated brokers to find a policy matched to your routes and vehicle.
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Can I use my normal car insurance for delivery work?
No. Standard social, domestic and pleasure or commuting cover excludes carrying goods for payment, so you need a hire and reward policy.
Do I need courier insurance for occasional weekend work?
Yes, any paid delivery work requires hire and reward cover, but pay-as-you-go policies let part-time couriers pay only for the hours they work.
Is public liability a legal requirement for couriers?
It is not legally required, but most delivery platforms and many clients insist on it, and it protects you from costly third-party claims.