6 Jan
Taking Advantage of Online Courier Van Insurance
Looking for a competitive insurance quote is a relatively simple process if you take advantage of the Internet.
The search engines will provide you with pages of different insurance companies and insurance brokers. By completing the online application form competitive quotes can be estimated and offered within a very short time.
There are some key facts which will help you decide which insurance company is offering the best deals to suit your courier service needs:
1. Obtaining more than one quote will provide you with a comparison. It will then be possible to see what level of cover is being offered and what additional costs may be needed. Using an online courier insurance broker is a great way to save time. They will carry out the searches on your behalf and provide you with a number of different quotes from different insurance companies who specialise in courier van insurance. Checking to see whether the insurance company is regulated by the Financial Services Authority will help you find legitimate insurance companies who work to the FSA requirements and regulations, providing peace of mind when you chose which company to use. Comparison websites may also be a good way to begin your search for courier insurance. However, not all long established insurance companies are included on comparison sites.
2. It is important to make sure you get the right type of insurance. For example courier van insurance is different from courier car or motorbike insurance. Although van insurance may seem a cheaper option it will not be appropriate for courier services.
3. If your courier service includes carrying goods for reward or payment you will need to have Goods in Transit included in the policy. Goods in Transit provides cover for the goods you will be carrying, however there are restrictions and limits on the value of the goods. Dangerous goods such as flammable liquids are considered to be a higher risk and will therefore cost more to insure. Collecting or delivering to places such as oil refineries is also considered to be a greater risk; this will also incur higher premiums.
4. Business owners and employers have a legal responsibility and a duty of care to help protect employees, customers and members of the public. A Public Liability and/or an Employer’s Liability insurance may be needed. These are usually optional extras which can be included on the insurance.
5. See what levels of insurance the companies are offering. The legal minimum level is Third Party Only. This level of insurance is the least expensive; however it will not cover any damage to your vehicle if an accident was your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft provides the same cover as Third Party with additional cover should your vehicle be stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive insurance includes the same as Third Party Fire and Theft as well as cover for your vehicle even if the accident was caused by you.
Remembering these few key points will help you find the most completive courier van insurance to meet your business needs. Be sure to read all quotes thoroughly and phone the insurance companies to speak with a consultant who specializes in courier insurance to give you peace of mind that you have the most appropriate level of insurance cover.
Paul Headley is a specialist insurance article writer. Staveley Head are a leading UK insurance broker for courier van insurance.
