The single most common insurance mistake new owner-drivers make is assuming standard van insurance covers courier or delivery work. It doesn't — and driving uninsured for the work you're doing can void a claim entirely, on top of being illegal.
Hire and reward, explained simply
"Hire and reward" is the insurance term for carrying goods, passengers, or providing a service in exchange for payment. If you're paid to move something from A to B — parcels, furniture, pallets — you need this as standard on your policy, not as an add-on you forgot to tick.
Goods in transit (GIT)
GIT cover protects the value of what you're carrying if it's lost, stolen, or damaged while in your van. Courier networks typically specify a minimum GIT limit in their contracts — carrying pallets or high-value electronics needs a higher limit than small parcels. Check your contract's required minimum before buying a policy, not after.
Public liability
If you're doing removals or man-and-van work and might cause damage to a customer's property while loading or carrying items, public liability cover is worth having even where it isn't contractually required.
Named driver vs any driver
If you ever need a substitute driver — genuinely important for real self-employed status with some networks — check whether your policy allows any driver or only you by name. Any-driver cover costs more but may be required by your contract.
What actually moves your premium
- Postcode and where the van is kept overnight
- No-claims history, and whether it transfers from car insurance (usually it doesn't, fully)
- Van value and how it's modified (racking, shelving)
- Annual mileage — be accurate, underestimating can void a claim
- Excess level chosen