Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
What insurance do Evri drivers need?
Evri couriers work as self-employed contractors, which means arranging your own insurance is entirely your responsibility. Evri does not provide cover on your behalf.
If you’re delivering for Evri, you need specialist courier insurance that includes hire and reward cover. Standard personal or social, domestic and pleasure (SDP) policies will not cover you when delivering parcels for payment. Using the wrong insurance invalidates your cover completely, leaving you personally liable for accidents, damage or injury.
Does Evri provide insurance for drivers?
No. Evri does not provide or pay for insurance on behalf of its couriers. As a self-employed contractor, you must arrange and pay for your own cover before you start work.
Evri will ask you to provide proof of insurance when you register and again at renewal. If your cover lapses or is cancelled, Evri may terminate your contract.
What Evri requires from its couriers
When you join Evri’s network, you must provide:
- Valid motor insurance with hire and reward or courier cover
- Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million)
- Employer’s liability insurance if you employ anyone to help with deliveries
Evri may also require you to add them as an interested party on your policy. This allows them to receive notification if your insurance is cancelled or lapses.
Do you need business insurance for Evri?
Yes. Delivering parcels for payment is classed as business use, and your motor insurance must reflect this. Specifically, you need:
- Hire and reward cover: This is the key extension that allows you to carry goods for payment. Without it, your policy is invalid the moment you start delivering.
- Business use extension: Some insurers describe this as courier or commercial use. It confirms your vehicle is insured for paid delivery work.
Your personal van or car insurance will not cover you, even if it includes business use for commuting or travelling between sites. What happens if you deliver parcels without the right insurance?
Evri Flex insurance requirements
Evri Flex is the app-based platform that allows couriers to pick up shifts flexibly. The insurance requirements are the same as for standard Evri couriers:
- Motor insurance with hire and reward cover
- Public liability insurance (£2 million minimum)
- Goods in transit cover (recommended)
Even if you only work occasional shifts through Evri Flex, you still need full courier insurance. There is no exemption for part-time or casual work. Do part-time parcel couriers still need full cover?
Goods in transit cover for Evri parcels
Goods in transit (GIT) insurance protects you if parcels are lost, stolen or damaged while in your care. While not always legally required, it’s strongly recommended and may be a condition of your Evri contract.
Evri parcels vary widely in value. Standard GIT policies typically cover between £1,000 and £10,000 per load, but check what level Evri expects you to carry.
Without GIT cover, you could be personally liable if a customer claims for a lost or damaged parcel, especially high-value items like electronics or jewellery. Do delivery drivers need extra cover for the goods they carry?
Public liability insurance for Evri couriers
Public liability insurance covers you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your work. For example:
- A parcel falls from your trolley and injures someone
- You damage a customer’s fence while reversing
- A delivery causes a trip hazard and someone is hurt
Evri requires at least £2 million in public liability cover. Some insurers include this as standard with courier policies, while others offer it as an add-on.
Can you use a car or do you need a van?
Evri offers both car and van delivery routes. The insurance you need depends on the vehicle you use, but both require courier cover.
If you’re using a car, you still need courier or hire and reward cover. Personal car insurance will not cover you for paid delivery work, regardless of vehicle size.
Van drivers typically face higher premiums due to increased risk and the value of goods carried. Multi-drop delivery work, which Evri routes typically involve, is considered higher risk than single-drop courier work.
What to check before buying Evri courier insurance
Before purchasing courier insurance for Evri work, verify:
- The policy explicitly states hire and reward or courier cover is included
- Public liability insurance meets Evri’s minimum requirements (£2 million)
- Goods in transit cover is included or available as an add-on
- You’ve declared the correct vehicle use and mileage
- Evri can be added as an interested party if required
- The policy covers multi-drop delivery work
- You understand any excess amounts and claim procedures
- The insurer is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
How much does Evri courier insurance cost?
Courier insurance costs more than standard personal cover due to increased accident and claim risk. Typical costs for Evri couriers range from £1,200 to £3,000 per year, depending on:
- Your age and driving experience
- Your claims and conviction history
- The type and value of your vehicle
- Your postcode and overnight parking location
- The level of cover (third party, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive)
- Annual mileage and delivery days per week
Younger drivers and those with less experience pay more. Drivers under 25 can expect premiums at the higher end or above this range.
What happens if you deliver without the right insurance?
Delivering parcels without valid courier insurance is illegal and has serious consequences:
- Your insurance is invalid, leaving you personally liable for all costs in an accident
- You could be prosecuted for driving without insurance (6 to 8 penalty points, unlimited fine, possible ban)
- Your vehicle could be seized by police
- Evri will terminate your contract immediately
- You may struggle to get affordable insurance in future
Even if you believe you’re covered, always check your policy documents to confirm courier or hire and reward use is included.
Do you need employer’s liability insurance?
If you employ anyone to help with your Evri deliveries, even a family member or friend who you pay, you legally need employer’s liability insurance.
This covers you if your employee is injured or becomes ill because of their work. It’s a legal requirement if you employ anyone, with fines of up to £2,500 per day for non-compliance.
Most Evri couriers work alone and won’t need this, but if your round grows and you take on help, you must arrange cover.
Get a quote for Evri courier insurance
If you’re planning to deliver for Evri or already working as a courier, make sure your insurance meets the requirements. Use the button on screen to compare quotes from specialist courier insurers and get the cover you need to start work legally and safely.