Business insurance

Goods-in-Transit Risk Checklist for South African Businesses

The custody, route, packaging, carrier and security questions that should be settled before goods are moved.

In brief: Transit risk is a supply-chain question as much as an insurance question. It changes according to who owns the goods, who carries them, the route, the vehicle, packaging and the contractual allocation of risk.

Education only•Published: 19 August 2026•Materially updated: 19 August 2026•Written by: Author pending verification•Reviewed by: Reviewer pending verification

Identify when risk transfers

A sale or carriage contract can determine when responsibility for goods changes. This should be understood before assuming a carrier or another party’s insurance protects your interest.

Match security to the goods and route

Goods value, route, storage stops, vehicle security, tracking and driver arrangements can all affect transport risk and information needed for a quote.

Plan the evidence trail

Invoices, dispatch records, photographs, delivery records and incident reports can be important after a loss. Claims requirements depend on the policy and circumstances.

A sensible next step

If you are reviewing a quote or existing cover, prepare the schedule and questions for an authorised adviser. Do not submit sensitive information through this first-contact website form.

Request an insurance review

Answer library

Common follow-up questions

Browse the full FAQ

Does a courier’s insurance protect my goods?

Not automatically. Carrier terms, liability limits and your own insurable interest should be assessed separately.

Are goods covered while stored overnight in a vehicle?

Conditions about unattended vehicles, security and overnight storage can be important. Check the actual transit policy wording.

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