Insurance for Couriers In Florida

Whether you are an independent contractor, a small business with employees, or a large fleet operator, having the right insurance as a courier in Florida is essential. Standard personal auto policies and general business policies are not designed for the specific risks of the courier industry.   

Here is a breakdown of the key types of insurance you need to consider as a courier in Florida.

1. Commercial Auto Insurance

This is the most critical coverage for any courier. Your personal auto policy will not cover you if you get into an accident while driving for business. Florida law requires all business vehicles to have commercial auto insurance.   

• What it covers:
  • Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for injuries to others if you cause an accident.   
  • Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage to other people’s property.   
  • Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection (PIP): In Florida, this is mandatory. It covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault.   
  • Collision: Covers damage to your own vehicle in a collision.
  • Comprehensive: Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or a fallen tree.   
• Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA): If you or your employees use personal vehicles for work, HNOA is a vital add-on. It provides liability coverage for your business in case of an accident involving a vehicle you don’t own.

2. Cargo Insurance (Goods in Transit)

Your commercial auto policy will not cover the packages you are transporting. Cargo insurance is a separate policy that protects the goods you are delivering.   

• What it covers:
  • Loss or damage to packages due to events like theft, fire, a vehicle accident, or a cargo spill.
  • It is not a legal requirement in Florida, but many clients, especially those with high-value goods, will require you to have it.

3. General Liability Insurance

This policy covers a range of risks that are not related to vehicle operation.

• What it covers:
  • Bodily Injury: If you cause a customer to trip and fall while making a delivery at their home.
  • Property Damage: If you accidentally break a customer’s valuable item while on their property.
  • Personal and Advertising Injury: Claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement.

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If you have employees, Florida law requires you to carry workers’ compensation insurance.   

• What it covers: Medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured on the job.   
• Independent Contractors: If you work as an independent contractor, you are not covered by the company you deliver for. You may need to purchase your own policy or a similar type of accident and sickness coverage to protect your income if you are injured and unable to work.   

5. Other Important Coverages

• Commercial Property Insurance: If you have an office, a warehouse, or a staging area, this policy protects the physical location and the equipment inside (computers, scanners, furniture) from events like fire and theft.
• Commercial Umbrella Insurance: A high-value policy that provides an extra layer of liability protection above the limits of your other policies (commercial auto, general liability). This is crucial for protecting your business from catastrophic lawsuits that exceed your primary policy limits.   

Getting the Right Insurance

The courier industry is highly specialized, so it’s essential to work with an independent insurance agent or broker in Florida who has experience with delivery and logistics businesses. They can help you:   

• Identify your specific risks: Whether you deliver food, medical supplies, or high-value documents.
• Build a comprehensive package: Bundling policies can often be more cost-effective.
• Ensure compliance: They can help you meet the legal requirements of the state of Florida and the contractual requirements of the companies you work for.

We Insure all counties Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, and Nassau.

Call Dorsal Insurance today for a quote (786) 601-2485