Goods carrying vehicles ply regularly on highways and public roads transporting goods from one place to another. Smooth and punctual operations are imperative to the business. However, obstacles are a part of life and any accident or damage can hinder the functioning of the operations. In such cases, insurance can feel like a godsend.

" Good carrying vehicle insurance is a type of coverage that offers protection to vehicles against any damages and losses like theft, fire, accidental damages, earthquakes, floods, etc. It ensures smooth operation of your vehicle without any hindrances.

Any commercial vehicle that transports goods from one place to another is called a goods carrying vehicle. The different types of vehicles that can be categorized as goods carrying vehicles are:

Large goods-carrying vehicles : Trucks of all sizes – from small to large, supplying items from daily essential goods to appliances and furniture, trailers, tippers – large and heavy motor vehicles usually transporting material for construction.

Small goods-carrying vehicles : All tempos transporting goods within the city or town as well as between them; vehicles with three wheels like cargo auto rickshaws.

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Being prepared is the best and most logical thing to do. With a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy, you can be rest assured that such unforeseen circumstances do not put a dent in your finances.

• Coverage offered for goods carrying vehicles can be for third-party liability or a comprehensive cover. Third-party liability protects against legal liability arising when a third party – property, vehicle, or person – is involved. Comprehensive coverage protects against third-party liability as well as expenses arising from damage to or loss of the policyholder’s own vehicle.
• Having an insurance policy for your goods carrying vehicle complies with the law of the land. It is mandatory for vehicles using public roads in India to have at least third-party liability cover.
• Insurance for good-carrying vehicles protects against financial losses that may be incurred due to the incapacity of the vehicle.
• Personal accident covers for the owner-driver compensates for losses incurred due to injury or death of the covered individual.

The Motor Vehicles Act passed in 1988 in India makes it compulsory for any vehicles using Indian roads to be protected by at the very least a third-party liability cover. Any company or individual that owns goods-carrying vehicles must be insured. So, if you own one, you will need to buy insurance for your goods carrying vehicle.

Companies providing insurance for goods carrying vehicles offer a host of benefits for their policyholders.

Coverage : Coverage offered for third-party liability; comprehensive coverage protects against expenses from damage to own vehicles as well as liability involving a third party.

Add-ons : Enhance protection by choosing from a range of add-ons

Online purchase : Easily purchase an insurance policy online and save on the hassle of physical paperwork

Easy claims process : Streamlined claims process enables policyholders to easily file a claim and avail of quick disbursement of funds

Cashless facility : The use of network garages provides an added benefit of cashless claims procedure

Goods carrying insurance providers offer some standard coverage.

• Accidents : If the vehicle meets with an accident, the cost of damage and loss incurred is covered by the insurance policy.
• Theft : Any expenses arising from loss or theft of the goods carrying vehicle is covered under the insurance policy.
• Fire : Fire can be quite destructive. If the vehicle is damaged or lost in the fire, the policy covers the expenses as per the agreement.
• Natural Disasters : Any loss or damage due to natural disasters is covered under the goods carrying vehicle insurance policy.
• Personal Accident Cover : If the owner-driver is injured or dies in the accident, the personal accident cover affords up to INR 15 lakh to the insured.
• Third-party Liability : All vehicles insured with a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy are protected against legal liability when a third person, vehicle, or property is involved in the accident.
• Man-made Calamities : Some goods carrying insurance policies also protect against damage to or loss of vehicles arising from riots and strikes.

Some of the standard exclusions for insurance policies for goods carrying vehicles are:

• Own-damage for only third-party liability cover : If your vehicle is insured against third-party liability only, then damages to the policyholder’s vehicle are not covered.


• General wear and tear : All vehicles are prone to wear and tear from regular use. Expenses for such circumstances will not be covered under the policy.


• Consequential damages : Cost of repairs for any damage that is a result of previous damage is not covered by a goods carrying vehicle insurance policy.


• Compulsory deductible : The compulsory deductible amount that the policyholder is required to pay at the time of a claim is not covered by the policy.


• Breach of contract : If the agreement between the insurance provider and policyholder is breached during the accident, then the claim is not covered by the company. For e.g. using the goods carrying vehicle for purposes other than that outlined in the policy.


• Negligence : If the goods carrying vehicle sustains damage due to negligence, the costs arising are not covered under the policy.


• Driving under the influence : If the vehicle is being driven while the driver is intoxicated, any claim arising from damage due to this circumstance will not be covered.


• Driving without a valid license : Any damage or loss arising from an accident where the driver does not hold a valid license is not covered under the policy.


• Violating traffic rules : Damage arising from an accident where traffic rules are broken is not covered under the goods carrying vehicle insurance policy.


• Damage from war or war-like conditions : Any damage or loss due to war or war-like conditions and nuclear radiation is not covered under the policy.

Insurance providers offer mainly two different types of policies for goods carrying vehicles. These can be tailored with the use of add-ons.

• Third-party Liability Only :This type of policy is mandatory under the law. It protects the policyholder against liabilities that arise when a third person, property, or vehicle is involved in the claim.


• Comprehensive Cover :This type of coverage includes third-party liability and own-damage cover. It not only provides coverage in the event of the involvement of a third party, but it also covers the expenses that may arise due to damage to or loss of the policyholder’s vehicle.

Add-ons Coverage : Insurance companies offer add-ons to policyholders as a way of customizing a policy to include more coverage if required by the policyholder. These add-ons range from nil depreciation cover to cover for the cost of consumables and everything in between.