Find insurance quotes for couriers
Save money by comparing insurance quotes from multiple carriers.
Choose from the nation's best insurance providers
Why do couriers need insurance?
Business insurance protects your employees, your vehicles, and the items you transport. It covers financial losses in the event of an auto accident, or if a data breach exposes sensitive customer information. Some policies, such as auto insurance and workers' comp, may be required by law.
Find the right insurance
Insureon helps couriers compare insurance quotes from top-rated U.S. providers, with help from a licensed agent.
Get peace of mind knowing you have the right coverage at an affordable price.
What kinds of insurance does a courier need?
These insurance products protect against common risks faced by couriers.
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic third-party risks, such as a client who slips and suffers a bodily injury in the office of your courier business. It's often required for a commercial lease.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Accidental damage to a client's property
- Libel and slander lawsuits
Business owner's policy
A BOP is a cost-effective way to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together. It covers the most common types of liability and property claims.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that harm clients
- Stolen or damaged business property
- Business interruption insurance
Commercial auto insurance
This policy helps pay for legal expenses and other costs from an accident involving your van or other vehicle used for courier work. Most states require auto insurance for courier vans.
BEST FOR
- Injuries caused by your courier van
- Property damaged by your van
- Vehicle vandalism and theft
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for courier businesses that have employees. It also covers work-related medical bills for the self-employed, which personal health insurance could deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
Cyber insurance
This policy helps courier companies recover financially from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's sometimes called cyber liability insurance or cybersecurity insurance.
BEST FOR
- Ransomware attacks
- Data breach investigations
- Customer notification costs
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does courier insurance cost?
Insurance companies look at different aspects of your courier business to determine your insurance premiums, including:
- Business revenue
- Type of business, such as food delivery or parcel delivery
- Number of employees
- Type of vehicle, such as van or box truck
- Employee driving records and experience
- Types of coverage purchased, such as comprehensive coverage
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Claims history
How do I get courier van insurance?
It's easy to get insurance coverage for your courier van and business operations. To get started, you'll need to provide some basic information about your company.
Our application will ask you for your annual revenue, payroll, and other business details. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare free quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate for proof of insurance.
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the best coverage for your courier business, whether you work as an owner operator or hire employees.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
FAQs about insurance for couriers
Review answers to frequently asked questions about courier insurance.
Do I need commercial auto insurance to cover my courier business?
Yes, commercial auto insurance is a necessity for couriers and other delivery companies. There are a few reasons you may need this coverage:
- It's required by your state. Almost every state requires commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a business.
- Federal laws require it. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has auto insurance requirements for couriers and motor carriers, depending on the type of vehicle you own and the items that you transport.
- Your clients require it. Some clients may require you to be insured before they will sign a contract with your delivery service.
- It provides financial protection. Perhaps most important, car insurance pays for your legal fees and damages if a courier gets into an accident.
You may only need minimal coverage to comply with the law or the terms of a contract. However, it's important to carry enough courier truck insurance or delivery van insurance to avoid paying a fortune out of pocket in the event of an accident.
What are other courier insurance requirements?
Couriers deliver a wide range of items, from legal documents to Amazon packages, pizza, and prescriptions. You might drive a car, van, truck—or even a bike or moped.
That's why you need a customized insurance plan for your courier service. Other policies you may need include:
- General liability insurance can help you fulfill the terms of a contract, rent an office, or meet the FMCSA's requirements for public liability insurance. This policy covers accidents that harm a customer or damage their property.
- Workers' compensation insurance is typically required by state law as soon as you hire your first employee. It covers work-related lifting injuries, sprains, and dog bites, which won't be covered by personal health insurance.
- Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) covers couriers who make deliveries using their own vehicle, or a rented or leased vehicle. It's needed because personal auto insurance won't cover work-related accidents.
Consult an insurance expert to find the right delivery insurance for your business.
What other insurance policies are recommended for a courier?
In addition to the policies mentioned above, couriers should consider the following types of insurance and bonds:
- Bobtail insurance provides auto liability coverage while your truck is being used for non-delivery purposes, such as when it's driven without a trailer.
- Motor truck cargo insurance, also called cargo coverage, protects items that are transported by your courier company. It helps pay for cargo that's lost or damaged due to causes like fire, collision, or striking of a load.
- Commercial property insurance covers property owned by your delivery business, such as computers, furnishings, and office supplies.
- Surety bonds act as a guarantee that your business will fulfill the terms of a contract. It reimburses the client directly for a breach of contract, such as undelivered goods.
How can I find the best rates for courier insurance?
Courier businesses can save money by comparing rates from different insurance companies. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated providers by filling out our easy application.
There are several other ways to find cheap courier insurance policies, such as:
- Bundle your policies. A popular option for transportation businesses is a business auto policy or BAP. This policy bundles auto liability insurance and physical damage insurance, with the option to include additional coverage. It's often cheaper than getting these policies individually.
- Customize your policies. You can choose lower limits, a higher deductible, or certain exclusions to save on your premium.
- Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer liability claims, which helps lower your insurance costs. For example, keep your delivery drivers safe by not texting or calling while they're on the road.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.