How to Get the Cheapest Courier Van Insurance in the UK Without Sacrificing Cover

Courier work in the UK is booming from food delivery to parcel services, more drivers are hitting the road than ever before. If you use a van for deliveries, you must have courier van insurance. But how do you make sure you’re fully protected without paying too much?

In this complete guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to get affordable courier van insurance in the UK while still keeping all the cover you need.

What Is Courier Van Insurance?

Courier van insurance is a special type of van insurance for people who deliver goods or packages for work. It’s different from standard van insurance or car insurance because courier drivers:

• Spend more time on the road

• Make frequent stops

• Carry items that can be lost, damaged, or stolen

• Are at higher risk of accidents

Because of this, normal van insurance won’t cover you if you’re using your van for deliveries. That’s why you need courier-specific insurance.

Who Needs Courier Van Insurance?

You need courier van insurance if you:

• Work as a self-employed courier or delivery driver

• Deliver parcels for companies like Amazon, DPD, Hermes, Evri, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, etc.

• Transport goods for multiple clients or companies

• Use your van to deliver items to customers regularly

Even if you only do part-time delivery, your personal or business van policy might not be valid — and that could mean trouble if you have an accident.

What Does Courier Van Insurance Cover?

There are different levels of cover, depending on your needs and budget:

1. Third Party Only (TPO)

• This is the minimum legal requirement.

• It covers damage to other people and their property, but not your own van.

• It’s the cheapest option, but offers the least protection.

2. Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)

• Includes everything from TPO.

• Also covers your van if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.

3. Comprehensive Cover

• This is the most complete cover.

• Covers damage to your own van, even if the accident is your fault.

• Also covers windscreen repair, theft, fire, and more.

4. Goods in Transit Insurance (GIT)

• This protects the items or parcels you’re delivering.

• Important if you’re handling expensive or sensitive goods.

5. Public Liability Insurance

• Covers legal costs if a customer or member of the public gets injured because of your delivery work.

• Essential for protecting yourself from lawsuits.

How to Get the Cheapest Courier Van Insurance in the UK

Now that you know what’s included, let’s look at smart ways to save money on your policy without losing important cover.

1. Compare Quotes from Specialist Insurers

Don’t just go with the first offer you see. Use comparison sites that include courier-specific insurance like:

• QuoteZone.co.uk

• GoCompare

• Comparethemarket

• VanInsurance.co.uk

Also check directly with specialist courier insurers like:

• Acorn Insurance

• Gladiator

• Staveley Head

• Adrian Flux

2. Increase Your Voluntary Excess

This is the amount you agree to pay if you make a claim.

• A higher excess usually means lower monthly premiums.

• Just make sure you can actually afford to pay it if something happens.

3. Drive a Low-Risk Van

Insurance prices depend on your van’s size, engine, and value.

• Choose a smaller engine van (less than 2.0L).

• Avoid performance vans or ones with expensive modifications.

• Vans with good safety ratings and alarms cost less to insure.

4. Improve Your Van’s Security

The safer your van, the lower the risk to insurers.
Add security features like:

• GPS tracker

• Alarm or immobiliser

• Steering wheel lock

• CCTV/dashcam

Some insurers offer discounts for these upgrades.

5. Limit Your Annual Mileage

If you only drive a limited number of miles, tell your insurer.
Lower mileage = lower risk = lower premium.

6. Pay for the Year in Full

Paying annually is often cheaper than monthly payments, which usually come with added interest.

7. Build a No Claims Bonus (NCB)

The longer you drive without claiming on your insurance, the bigger your discount will be.

• A good NCB can save you hundreds of pounds over time.

• Ask if your insurer offers NCB protection so you don’t lose your discount after one claim.

❌ Things You Should Never Do

To stay fully protected, avoid these common mistakes:

• Lying about your vehicle use: If you say it’s a personal van but use it for deliveries, your policy could be cancelled.

• Skipping Goods in Transit cover: You’ll be left to pay out-of-pocket if the items you deliver are lost or damaged.

• Choosing the cheapest policy without checking what’s included: You might find yourself uninsured when something goes wrong.

Final Checklist