Carriage of own goods cover usually means using your van to carry items that belong to you or your business, rather than delivering goods for someone else.
If you use your van for work, you may have come across the term carriage of own goods cover when getting a quote or reviewing your van insurance.
Whether you need it depends on how you use your van day to day. It’s important to get this right, as using your vehicle differently from what your policy allows could affect your cover.
What Is Carriage of Own Goods Cover?
A simple definition
Carriage of own goods typically means you’re using your van to transport items connected to your own work or business.
This might include:
- Tools and equipment
- Materials for a job
- Stock you plan to sell
- Supplies you need to carry out your work
You’re not being paid specifically to deliver these items; they’re part of your own business activity.
Why the term can be confusing
The phrase itself isn’t always clearly explained in policy documents or quote journeys. It can also be easy to confuse with:
- General business use
- Goods in transit cover
- Courier or delivery insurance
That’s why it’s important to understand what it does (and doesn’t) mean before choosing your cover.
Do You Need Carriage of Own Goods Cover for Your Van?
The answer depends on how you use your van.
You may need it if…
You’re using your van as part of your work and carrying your own items, for example:
- A builder transporting tools and materials to a job
- A plumber carrying tools and parts between jobs
- A florist taking arrangements to an event
- A caterer moving equipment and supplies
- A sole trader carrying stock between locations
In these cases, your van isn’t just for personal use: it’s supporting your business.
You may not need it if…
- You only use your van for personal or social use
- You use it for commuting only
- You deliver goods or parcels for customers and are paid specifically to do so
In the last case, your use may fall into a different category, often referred to as hire and reward or courier van use.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking how your insurer defines different types of use.
Carriage of Own Goods vs Hire and Reward: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand.
Carriage of own goods
- You’re carrying items that belong to you or your business
- The transport is part of your work, not the service you’re being paid for
Hire and reward
- You’re being paid to transport goods or passengers
- This includes many delivery and courier roles
Why the difference matters
Choosing the wrong type of use could mean your policy doesn’t reflect how you actually use your van.
For example, delivering parcels for a company is very different from carrying your own tools to a job. Each type of use may require different insurance arrangements.
Read more about what hire and reward insurance is and who needs it in our guide.
GOV.UK guidance also distinguishes between carrying your own goods and carrying goods for hire or reward, particularly in relation to operator licensing and commercial use.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide
Does Carriage of Own Goods Cover Protect the Goods Themselves?
This is a common misunderstanding.
Usually, not necessarily
Carriage of own goods often relates to how your van is used, rather than automatically covering the items inside it.
That means:
- Your tools, stock, or materials may not be insured against theft, loss, or damage under your standard policy
- Cover for those items may depend on your insurer and the specific policy you have
What about tools, stock, or materials?
If the items you carry are valuable or essential to your work, you may want to check whether additional cover is needed.
This could include options designed to protect:
- Tools
- Equipment
- Business stock
Always check your policy wording carefully so you understand what is and isn’t included.
Common Jobs That Might Need This Type of Cover
Carriage of own goods is often relevant for people whose van supports their day-to-day work.
Examples include:
- Tradespeople such as builders, electricians, and plumbers
- Sole traders and self-employed professionals
- Mobile service providers (for example, cleaners or repair services)
- Small business owners transporting their own products
- Event-based businesses carrying supplies or equipment
These examples aren’t exhaustive, but they reflect how commonly this type of use appears in real-world situations.
How to Check Whether Your Van Insurance Matches How You Use Your Van
If you’re unsure whether your current cover is suitable, a few simple checks can help.
Review how you actually use your van
Ask yourself:
- What do I carry in my van?
- Who owns those items?
- Am I being paid specifically to transport them?
- Do I travel between multiple work sites?
Check your policy wording
Look for how your insurer describes permitted use, such as:
- Social, domestic and pleasure
- Commuting
- Business use
- Carriage of own goods
- Hire and reward or courier use
Ask if you’re unsure
If anything isn’t clear, it’s always worth asking your insurer or broker.
Insurance policies can vary, and confirming your usage upfront can help avoid problems later.
For a broader overview of how different types of van insurance work, you may also find it helpful to read our guide to what insurance van drivers need and how business use differs from personal use.
Quick Comparison: Different Van Uses
| Situation | Carriage of Own Goods? | Different Cover May Be Needed? |
| Carrying your own tools to a job | Usually yes | Possibly |
| Taking your own stock to a market | Usually yes | Possibly |
| Delivering parcels for a courier company | Usually no | Yes |
| Transporting customer goods for payment | Usually no | Yes |
| Using your van only for personal errands | Usually no | Possibly not |
These are general examples—your insurer’s definitions and policy terms will always be the final reference point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carriage of own goods the same as business use?
Not always. It often sits within business-related use, but it’s more specific. It focuses on carrying your own items rather than just using your van for work broadly.
Is it the same as goods in transit insurance?
No. Carriage of own goods usually relates to how you use your vehicle, while goods in transit cover may relate to protecting the items you carry.
Can I use this type of cover for delivery work?
If you’re delivering goods for payment, this may fall under hire and reward or courier use instead. It’s important to check with your insurer.
Do sole traders need carriage of own goods cover?
Some do, especially if they regularly carry tools, equipment, or stock for their business.
What happens if I choose the wrong type of cover?
If your policy doesn’t reflect how you actually use your van, it could affect how your cover applies. That’s why it’s important to be accurate when describing your usage.
Final Thoughts
Carriage of own goods cover is essentially about using your van to carry items that belong to you or your business, rather than transporting goods for others as a paid service.
If your van plays a role in your work, taking the time to check how your policy defines and covers that use can help you feel more confident that everything is set up correctly. If you’re ever unsure, asking for clarification is always a sensible next step.