International Courier Insurance

Hello all, myself and a friend looking into starting a new business as an EU wide courier. The main stumbling block I've come across so far is trying to find an insurer that will cover goods in transit EU wide. Anyone have any pointers? Appreciate all help.

Jasmine

Interesting thought... Will be keep watch on this thread

Have you tried contacting the various advertisers of insurance on mtvan? There's bound to be one who will cover international.

Many of them have a phone number, or you can just click on the ad to go to the appropriate page for courier insurance on the insurance provider's website.

Hello, yes I've tried a few. Most are going to get back to me on Monday (being it's Saturday). It seems a lot are limited to 90 days European cover.

Think you will find that most do NOT offer Europe Wide insurance!

Italy usually is NOT covered or has exclusions and certain other countries like Serbia are not covered.

Ask the Insurers, who will then ask their underwriters what or if their are any exclusions.

Isn't Switzerland a bit of a minefield as well?

Switzerland is not a problem as far a I know for getting Insurance cover. It is however not part of the EEC. Transportation of goods have their own restrictions and require Carnets and Customs checks.

As I have discovered a few times you can spend [waste] many hours waiting for customs posts to open as not 24 hours, and usually worth avoiding transit through the country if loaded. If delivering into the country it is advisable to use an agent to sort out paperwork and duties etc.

Norway is another destination where correct paperwork is essential for that countries needs as again they are non EEC

So what happens when a courier/haulier from Switzerland and Norway bring goods into the UK?

EEC regulations would apply I guess. Like if bringing goods to UK the correct VAT and duties would apply, transit through EEC member countries ok if proper TIR paperwork could be produced.

It used to be a time consuming process at the borders just a simple job via France Belgium Holland Germany could be a pain with customs checks and paperwork, and of course the Nightmare at Frankfurt de Oder border when entering Poland! Much easier now

Thanks. That's helpfull about Switzerland

Peak insurance matlock and you want axa hauliers choice (i think thats what its called)

You have 2 sides to euro insurance western europe ex italy then you have easten europe which includes italy, this is the expensive one

Thanks mate, I'll look into them.

We have cmr cover brokered by swinton the policy is provided by royal sun alliance, also we have previously used the rha for this level of cover, this service is provided to rha memebers so you would probably have to join. Hope this helps.

Yates & Sons said:

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Hello, yes I've tried a few. Most are going to get back to me on Monday (being it's Saturday). It seems a lot are limited to 90 days European cover.

The 90 days cover is per trip not as a total and is in regard to vehicle cover not goods.

I have goods in transit and CMR from cornish insurance. Be worth giving them a call.

Just thought I'd update this thread with what I'd found out. It seems that as a new venture the international insurance is extremely expensive if you want fully comp (upwards of 4 grand). A lot of insurance firms will insure me fully comp but only third party in Europe which brings down the cost significantly with the obvious risks involved. Thanks to everyone for there help.

Just to add, this does not affect my goods in transit insurance in Europe which is fully covered and seperate.