Whether you are carrying your own good or other peoples, these are assets that have value. If these assets are lost, damaged or stolen then you could be faced with the need to replace them at short notice, which can potentially involve large costs. This is where Goods in Transit insurance can protect you.
Goods in transit insurance will only cover the contents of your insurance and isn’t a replacement for car, van or HGV insurance which will protect the vehicle.
Own goods insurance:
As the name suggests own goods insurance covers you for transporting your own work-related goods, tools, and equipment. In the construction industry own goods may include plant, tools, and materials. These assets are essential to any construction business, more often than not are expensive and require a quick replacement.
Things to be aware of with your own Goods in Transit policy
Insurers will always want policyholders to look after and protect their property and for this reason there are quite often restrictions on the policy for the hours in which cover is provided. So, cover for a loaded van may be excluded between 9pm to 6am the next day unless the van is in a garage or locked compound.
Like your personal car insurance premiums will be gaged on previous claims history, security of vehicle, sums insured, geographical area and the nature of business.
Other people’s goods:
This will apply to hauliers and couriers who are carrying other people’s assets from one place to another. Many companies employing courier services will insist on goods in transit cover, to provide protection should claims arise while their goods are in your possession. You may need to provide evidence of a policy before you start work for them.
Things to be aware of with an other people’s Goods in Transit policy
The same security requirement as own goods in transit may apply. Quite often the amount that is being carried can be limited to a certain value per ton and this will depend on the hauliers’ conditions. In these cases, premiums may be calculated by the number of vehicles, or the annual haulage charges.
Contact our team
The team at Bruce Burke have comprehensive knowledge of both types of goods in transit policies and can help you get the right type of insurance for your business. To discuss your needs with us simply call 020 8597 2515 or fill out the short form on our contact page.
