60% of London-based couriers and food delivery drivers say they do not feel safe when on London roads1, with 25% of the Worker Info Exchange’s survey participants stating that they had been involved in a road traffic accident while carrying out deliveries for their work platform2.
To many, this won’t come as a surprise. With the rapid rise of e-commerce and demand for fast delivery, couriers are under constant pressure. The risks are real, and the consequences of being unprotected can cripple a business.
With this in mind, here are the top five risks couriers face on the road and how insurance plays a crucial role in protection:
1. Accidents and vehicle damage
Congested streets, long hours, and tight delivery windows increase the likelihood of accidents. A 2022 survey by the Courier Exchange revealed that 51% of courier companies reported delivering more parcels than they did before the Covid-19 pandemic, with a quarter of the couriers surveyed admitting to routinely working six-day weeks in recent years to cope with the demanding workload3.
Even minor collisions can take a vehicle off the road for days, disrupting schedules, reducing revenue and increasing stress.
Comprehensive Fleet or Courier Van insurance ensures that repair costs, replacement vehicles, and liability claims are covered, keeping operations moving. Specialist Risk Group’s award-winning claims service will also ensure that any repairs and vehicle replacements are expediently addressed to minimise any interruption.
2. Theft of goods or vehicles
Delivery vans are prime targets for theft, especially when transporting high-value goods or making frequent stops. A single stolen van can mean loss of cargo, downtime, and expensive claims. The RAC reported that since 2016, van theft has affected over 43,000 vehicles - roughly 30 each day - with a further 117,000 vans subjected to break-ins over the same timeframe4.
Having Goods-In-Transit insurance and Theft cover can protect you and your livelihood against losses, while robust fleet policies help recover or replace your stolen vehicles quickly.
3. Weather hazards
Rain, snow, and ice make roads unpredictable, can damage road surfaces and increase the risk of skids or delays. Severe weather can also damage goods and lead to missed deadlines, which may incur penalties. Pegasus Couriers reported that 42% of their survey respondents view extreme weather as a major disruptor5, a figure likely to rise as the Met Office predicts rainfall intensity in the UK could increase by up to 25% by 2070, resulting in more severe flooding6.
Policies that include Downtime Protection or Delay cover can cushion financial shocks when conditions prevent timely delivery.
4. Injury to drivers or third parties
Couriers spend hours behind the wheel and on their feet, making them vulnerable to road accidents and manual handling/lifting injuries. When third parties are involved, legal and medical costs can skyrocket. In the UK, roughly 2,000 are injured every year in work-related vehicle incidents, with a large percentage of these injuries occurring during delivery or collection7.
Employer’s Liability, Public Liability, and Personal Accident cover protect drivers and shield businesses from potentially crippling lawsuits.
5. Incorrect or insufficient insurance
Having the wrong policy, or no commercial cover at all, can turn an incident into a financial disaster. Personal Car or Van insurance usually excludes business deliveries, leaving drivers completely exposed.
Tailored Courier or Fleet insurance policies ensure vehicles, goods, and drivers are fully protected for commercial use.
Couriers and courier companies can’t avoid every hazard, but they can control how well they’re prepared. The right insurance strategy doesn’t just manage the risks; it helps businesses stay resilient and competitive in a high-pressure industry.
Our specialist Motor team are on hand to provide support and tailored advice to suit your business. Contact our specialists today to find out more about how you can minimise risk and protect your livelihood on the road.