With the advent of courier services, anything from an important document to a car can be delivered anywhere in the world. With the kind of job a courier company undertakes, there is a high level of risk involved; therefore it is essential for courier companies to purchase a courier insurance policy to minimise the risk factor.

Courier insurance is a kind of auto insurance with some extra added regulations. Unlike auto insurance, along with the vehicle it also covers the parcels in transit. This may be an added cost to the company, but it can save the company from many hassles in the case of a damaged or lost parcel. Moreover, companies should look at courier insurance as a strategic investment, as the customer does not feel any trepidation in handing over their important or priceless items.

Courier insurance consists of three types of insurance policies:

• Vehicle + goods insurance: This is the most sought after insurance policy that provides cover for both the vehicle and goods it carries. It is the most basic type of courier insurance policy that companies opt for.

• Insurance for goods in transit: This type of insurance policy covers only the goods to be transported. This type of insurance policy is affective if the transport used is public, such as train or buses.

• Public Liability: This insurance policy is a kind of third party insurance that protects against any kind of property damage caused by the courier company vehicles.

Though courier insurance is an expensive investment, it gives a professional touch to the company. The basic problem faced by most courier carriers is to choose the right courier insurance company. With many insurance companies providing courier insurance, one should keep some basic points in mind before choosing one. Firstly, the experience the company has in providing courier insurance policies. Secondly, if they are financially sound enough to cover its claim in case of any mishap. Thirdly, the claiming procedures should be hassle free. Lastly, the companies should be capable of making customised polices according to their clients' needs.

The cost of getting a courier insurance policy is relatively high, and this cannot be afforded by small and medium sized companies. Therefore a cheap courier insurance policy is required so that your courier business still enjoys maximum benefits without reducing the amount of protection for the business.

Some insurance companies provide discounts as introductory offers to courier businesses that are new to the industry. Discounts are even provided to companies who maintain a good record of driving.

Other options to obtain cheap courier insurance is to let the insurance company know your budget for insurance, accordingly the insurance company could quote you some affordable rates, and they may even guide you through the whole process of selecting the schemes required by the company.

Another option is to approach a new insurance player for courier insurance covers. A new entrant may be there in the market with the sole purpose of giving some competition to old players, and gain some market ground; it may work hard along side you, to seek out the solutions to your problems.