Personal auto and delivery work
Personal auto policies often exclude or limit coverage while delivering goods for a fee. Some insurers offer endorsements for occasional delivery driving in a personal car, but a dedicated cargo van doing courier work full time usually needs a commercial policy.
Cargo coverage
Customers and courier networks may require cargo coverage for loss or damage to packages in your van. Check the limit per shipment and per vehicle, how theft from an unattended van is handled, and whether high-value items such as electronics or pharmaceuticals are excluded.
Contract requirements
- Minimum auto liability limits
- Cargo limits per vehicle
- General liability for work at customer locations
- Additional insured status for the customer
- Workers compensation if you have employees
Medical and specialty courier work
Medical couriers moving specimens or pharmaceuticals may face extra contract terms, including temperature control and chain-of-custody procedures. Tell the agent what you carry so the cargo policy and any professional liability fit.
Independent contractors
Many couriers work as independent contractors for networks or brokers. Read the contract for the insurance you must carry and whether the network's own policies cover you. A network's coverage, if any, usually applies only while you are on its jobs.
Theft from the van
Package theft from parked vans is a common courier loss. Many cargo policies have conditions for unattended vehicles, such as requiring the van to be locked with windows closed. Read those conditions and follow them on every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Do delivery apps insure my van?
Some app platforms provide limited coverage during active deliveries. Read the platform's terms; it may not replace a commercial policy for a dedicated van.