What is goods in transit insurance?
Goods in transit insurance — sometimes called transit or carrier's cargo insurance — covers goods while they're being moved from one place to another by road or rail. It protects the owner of the goods, or the business responsible for them, against loss or damage on the journey.
It's built for the realities of the road: a truck overturning on a highway, a load stolen from a lay-by, a fire in the trailer, or goods damaged while they're loaded and unloaded. Terms can be set per vehicle, per load or on the total value you carry in a year.
Ways to structure your cover
- 01
Own-goods cover
For businesses moving their own stock or equipment in their own vehicles.
- 02
Carrier's liability cover
For hauliers and couriers responsible for other people's goods under contract.
- 03
Per-load limits
A maximum value for any single vehicle or consignment, sized to your most valuable loads.
- 04
Annual carryings basis
One premium based on the total value you expect to move in a year, adjusted at year end.
For anyone who sends or carries goods regularly, transit cover protects both the stock and the cash flow behind it — and gives sender and receiver confidence that a lost load won't become a lost customer.
Who it’s for
- Transporters & hauliers
- Distributors & wholesalers
- Couriers & last-mile fleets
- Manufacturers with delivery fleets
- Retailers & e-commerce brands
Typically not covered
- Goods left in an unattended, unlocked vehicle
- Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
- Unsuitable packing or overloading
- Consequential losses such as missed sales
Exact terms vary by insurer. Your broker will walk you through every exclusion before you buy.