Understanding Goods-in-Transit Insurance

When you hand your goods to a courier, you're trusting them to get your consignment from A to B safely. But what happens if something goes wrong? What if the goods are damaged in transit, lost, or stolen?

This is where Goods-in-Transit (GIT) insurance comes in — and understanding what it covers, what it doesn't, and what to look for can save your business from a costly and frustrating situation.

What Is Goods-in-Transit Insurance?

Goods-in-Transit insurance is a specialist policy that covers goods while they're being transported from one location to another. It protects the value of the consignment against loss, damage, or theft during the transit period — from the moment of collection to the point of delivery.

For courier companies, GIT insurance is a fundamental part of operating professionally. It protects both the courier and the customer, providing a financial safety net if something goes wrong.

Why Does It Matter to You as a Customer?

If you're sending valuable goods — whether that's precision-engineered components, medical equipment, legal documents, or high-value products — you need to know that they're covered while in transit.

Without GIT insurance, the courier's liability may be limited to a basic statutory level that's far below the actual value of your goods. In practical terms, this means:

• If your £5,000 consignment is damaged in transit, you could receive minimal compensation
• The cost of replacement goods, lost orders, and production delays falls entirely on you
• Disputes over liability become more complex and harder to resolve

A courier with proper GIT insurance gives you confidence that your goods are protected — and that there's a clear process for resolution if something goes wrong.

What Does GIT Insurance Typically Cover?

A standard Goods-in-Transit policy typically covers:

• Accidental damage — goods damaged during loading, transit, or unloading
• Theft — goods stolen from the vehicle during transit
• Vehicle accidents — damage resulting from road traffic incidents
• Fire and flood — damage from environmental events during transit

The specifics vary between policies and insurers, so it's always worth asking your courier about the details of their cover.

What Isn't Usually Covered?

GIT insurance has limitations, and understanding them is important:

• Inadequate packaging. If goods are damaged because they weren't properly packaged by the sender, the claim may be rejected. This is why proper preparation matters.
• Consequential losses. The policy covers the value of the goods themselves, not the knock-on effects of their loss — such as lost sales, production downtime, or contract penalties.
• Prohibited items. Items that the courier isn't licensed to carry (hazardous materials, for example) typically aren't covered.
• Inherent defects. If goods were already damaged or defective before collection, this isn't covered by transit insurance.
• Undeclared high-value items. If you don't declare that a consignment is particularly valuable, the standard cover limit may apply — which could be below the actual value.

What Should You Ask Your Courier About Insurance?

Before booking a courier — especially for valuable consignments — ask these questions:

1. Do you carry Goods-in-Transit insurance? This should be a simple yes. If a courier doesn't carry GIT insurance, think carefully before using them.
2. What is the maximum cover per consignment? Typical limits range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more. Make sure it's adequate for what you're sending.
3. Are there any exclusions? Some policies exclude certain types of goods — electronics, antiques, or perishables, for example.
4. Can I see proof of insurance? A reputable courier will happily provide a copy of their certificate of insurance on request.
5. What's the claims process? If something does go wrong, how do you make a claim? How long does it take to resolve?

Do You Need Your Own Insurance as Well?

It depends on the value and nature of what you're sending. For most standard business consignments, a courier's GIT insurance provides adequate cover. However, you might want to consider additional cover if:

• You're sending items worth more than the courier's maximum cover limit
• You need cover for consequential losses (business interruption, lost contracts)
• You're sending irreplaceable items (original artwork, one-of-a-kind prototypes)
• Your own business insurance requires you to use insured carriers

Many business insurance policies include a goods-in-transit element, or it can be added as an extension. Check with your broker if you're unsure.

How Roebuck Handles Insurance

At Roebuck, Goods-in-Transit insurance is standard on every job. It's not an optional extra or an add-on — it's part of the service. We carry comprehensive cover that protects our customers' consignments from collection to delivery.

We're happy to provide proof of insurance on request and to discuss cover levels for high-value consignments. Transparency about insurance is a sign of a professional courier — if a company is evasive about their cover, that tells you something.

Get in Touch

At Roebuck Courier Service, we're fully insured for every delivery — providing peace of mind alongside reliable, dedicated courier services across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, and the wider East Midlands.

Call us on 07412 554169 or visit our Get a Quote page.