If your company transports stock, materials or customer goods, business insurance shouldn’t stop at your premises or vehicles. The real financial risk often sits in the back of your van or truck. Goods in Transit cover helps protect your business when goods are lost, stolen or damaged while being transported — so one incident doesn’t turn into a major financial setback.
Whether you’re delivering appliances, moving stock between branches, transporting construction materials or running a courier service, your reputation and revenue depend on safe delivery. Goods in Transit insurance forms a critical part of a well-structured Miway Business Insurance portfolio.
Goods in Transit cover (also known as goods-in-transit insurance or transit insurance) protects goods that you own — or goods you are legally responsible for — while they are being transported from one location to another.
It typically applies while goods are:
This cover is particularly relevant in South Africa, where transport-related risks remain significant. SAPS crime statistics for October to December 2024 recorded 413 truck hijackings in that quarter alone, reinforcing the importance of structured transport risk management.
You may need this cover if your business:
Even smaller businesses — such as online retailers doing their own deliveries — face exposure if goods are damaged or stolen before reaching the customer.
If your customers ever ask, “Are the goods insured while they’re on the road?” this is the cover they are referring to.
A common misconception is that insuring the vehicle automatically insures the load.
A delivery van may be fully insured — but the R200,000 worth of stock inside it may not be covered unless you specifically include transit insurance.
For businesses operating delivery fleets, combining this cover with Miway Truck Insurance or business vehicle cover can create a more complete protection structure.
Cover depends on your specific policy wording, but may include protection against:
Accidental damage
Goods damaged in a collision or rollover.
Fire or explosion
Loss of goods caused by a vehicle fire or similar event.
Theft and hijacking (where insured)
Loss of goods due to theft, including incidents involving force or violence, subject to policy terms and security requirements.
Loading and unloading risks
Damage that occurs while goods are being handled, if included in your policy.
Optional extensions
Miway offers optional extensions that may include:
These extensions are especially important for businesses transporting perishable goods or operating across borders.
While policy details differ, common exclusions across the market may include:
This is why it’s essential to ensure your cover matches the real risks your business faces.
Choosing the correct insured amount is critical. Underinsurance can leave you exposed.
1. Calculate your maximum load value
What is the highest value of goods you transport in a single trip — not your average, but your peak exposure?
2. Understand your responsibility
Are you transporting your own stock, or goods belonging to customers? If you are responsible for them, you may need sufficient cover to protect against liability.
3. Identify high-risk goods
Electronics, pharmaceuticals, liquor, temperature-controlled items and high-value materials may require specific consideration.
4. Align with your security practices
If vehicles park overnight or make multiple stops, ensure your security controls meet policy conditions.
Miway allows Goods in Transit cover to be:
Linking the cover to insured vehicles can simplify administration and may help optimise premiums. Stand-alone options may suit businesses using multiple vehicles or subcontractors.
For a broader protection approach, businesses should consider reviewing their full Business Insurance portfolio, including property, liability and vehicle cover.
Insurance is essential — but risk management is equally important.
Consider implementing:
International cargo theft research continues to show that a significant proportion of supply chain theft occurs during transit, not just at storage facilities. Strong operational controls not only reduce losses — they also support smoother claims processing.
If an incident occurs, early reporting and proper documentation are key.
When claiming, you may need:
Miway’s 24-hour emergency assistance team, MiHelp, is available to support policyholders during incidents. A clear and efficient claims process helps reduce operational disruption and financial strain.
For more details on claims procedures, visit the Miway Claims page.
